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| Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo holds a Father's Day event Sunday at Honu`apo Park. While the barbecue contest has been postponed due to lack of participation, musicians will still be performing, and food, beverages and shave ice will be available for purchase. Photo from KOOH |
THE CONFIRMATION HEARING FOR THE AUCTION of some 5,800 Ka`u acres, including Moa`ula and Pear Tree coffee lands, is scheduled for Thursday, June 27 at the First Circuit Court Building in Honolulu on the fourth floor. Presiding judge is Bert Ayabe. Additional bids will be allowed for the property in foreclosure on land where the famous Ka`u coffee grows under the care of more than 30 farmers. It also includes pasture lands mauka of Hwy 11, above Honu`apo, and lands along the Ka`u Coast including Waikapuna.
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| Waikapuna lands south of Honu`apo are in the bundle of properties being auctioned off. |
The foreclosure is against WWW Hawai`i Holdings, which borrowed more than $45 million from Lehman Brothers. At the auction on May 21, Lehman Brothers Holdings bid higher than the only other bidder, Edmund C. Olson, who bid $12 million. Lehman is allowed to use money owed to the financial company as credit to bid on the property it financed. Whether Lehman becomes the owner and sells off sections of the land or keeps it, or whether another party buys the property, which is bundled as one sale for oceanfront, pasture and coffee parcels, will be determined at the confirmation hearing.
THE SENATE VETERANS’ AFFAIRS COMMITTEE held a hearing Wednesday to consider the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2013, introduced earlier this year by Sen. Brian Schatz. The act would provide Filipino soldiers who fought for the United States with the same benefits afforded to other veterans who defended the U.S. during World War II. Schatz considers movement on this issue to be critical, as many Filipino veterans are in their 90s and passing away without the benefits.
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| Induction of these Philippine Army troops took place in 1941. Photo from pinoyhistory.proboards.com |
“It has been more than 50 years, and yet, many Filipino veterans have not been properly recognized for their service and have been denied their basic veterans’ rights,” said Schatz. “It is critical that we pass this legislation to ensure that the Filipino soldiers who fought for our country – and their families – receive full benefits. This bill would finally allow thousands of eligible veterans to receive the compensation that they deserve, and send a clear message to all veterans that Americans will not forget their service once they return from combat.”
During World War II, President Roosevelt issued an Executive Order that inducted all military forces of the Philippines under a newly created command called the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE). For the duration of the war, Filipino soldiers fought side-by-side with American soldiers in the Pacific Theatre protecting American military bases and installations. Their efforts directly contributed to American victory in the Pacific.
Currently, the widows and children of Filipino veterans do not qualify for compensation. This bill would also ensure the dependents of World War II Filipino veterans are included as beneficiaries.
A number of organizations have also voiced support for this legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans, the Japanese American Citizens League, the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, and the Lao Veterans of America.
Currently, the widows and children of Filipino veterans do not qualify for compensation. This bill would also ensure the dependents of World War II Filipino veterans are included as beneficiaries.
A number of organizations have also voiced support for this legislation, including the Military Officers Association of America, the Justice for Filipino American Veterans, the Japanese American Citizens League, the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans, and the Lao Veterans of America.
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| Burt Shimabukuro |
HAWAI`I COUNTY POLICE CHIEF HARRY KUBOJIRI has announced the promotion of Burt Shimabukuro to the rank of captain of the Ka`u District.
Now the Vice Section lieutenant in East Hawai`i, Shimabukuro joined the Police Department in June 1987 and worked as a patrol officer in Kona and Puna and a Vice Section detective in East Hawai`i. After being promoted to lieutenant in 2008, he was assigned first to South Hilo Patrol, then to the Special Response Team, and, most recently, to the Vice Section.
The promotion takes effect Sunday, June 16.
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS increases in public bus fares at its meeting next week. At the last Council meeting, Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford voted against the proposal to hike fares from $1 to $2 as well as end free rides for students, the elderly and disabled. Ford said she wants to keep the fare low to encourage more ridership.
The meeting takes place Tuesday, June 18 at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate in the meeting via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
HAWAI`I COUNTY COUNCIL CONSIDERS increases in public bus fares at its meeting next week. At the last Council meeting, Ka`u’s County Council member Brenda Ford voted against the proposal to hike fares from $1 to $2 as well as end free rides for students, the elderly and disabled. Ford said she wants to keep the fare low to encourage more ridership.
The meeting takes place Tuesday, June 18 at 9 a.m. at West Hawai`i Civic Center in Kona. Ka`u residents can participate in the meeting via videoconferencing at Ocean View Community Center.
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| Grant Galimba shows his lamb at 4-H Livestock Show & Sale. Photo from Becky Settlage |
YOUNG KA`U FARMERS AND RANCHERS are heading to Waimea for the 56th Annual 4-H Livestock Show & Sale today and Saturday at Mealani Research Station. Sponsored by Hawai`i County 4-H Livestock Association and University of Hawai`i’s College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, the weekend event begins today with the Rabbit, Poultry & Goat Show from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Saturday at 8 a.m. is the Large Animal Show for Market Lambs, Hogs & Steers. At 2 p.m. the annual live auction of 4-H animals takes place. Anyone interested in being a buyer may register at the Buyer’s Luncheon at noon Saturday.
All proceeds from the sale go directly to the 4-H member who raised the animals. Participants are between the ages of 5 and 18.
For more information on donating, buying at the auction and 4-H programs, contact Becky Settlage, county extension agent, at 430-0499 or settlage@hawaii.edu. Among the Ka`u participants are `Ua Alencastre-Galimba; Gavin, Grant and Kealia Galimba; Kaile Aiken and Nainoa Sales.
Sheep, hogs and steers raised by the Ka`u youth will be auctioned. Sponsors from Ka`u who will be bidding on animals include Pacific Quest, Edmund C. Olson, Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm and Kuahiwi Ranch.
THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE takes place today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The sale features newly created work by twelve ceramic artists of East Hawai`i. Samples of Volcano-grown teas are available courtesy of Tea Hawai`i, with sushi and bentos for purchase from Volcano Hanabi. For more information, see ryhpottery.com/volcano_pottery_sale or call 985-8530.
A LABOR LAW WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE TODAY from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Ted Hong and Warren Chong discuss how to maintain good employment practices. Hong is an attorney who practices labor and employment law out of his firm in Hilo, and Chong is a partner with Legal Shield, a company that provides legal services to small business owners. Topics include government-relations agencies, payment of wages, child labor laws and independent contractors.
For more information on donating, buying at the auction and 4-H programs, contact Becky Settlage, county extension agent, at 430-0499 or settlage@hawaii.edu. Among the Ka`u participants are `Ua Alencastre-Galimba; Gavin, Grant and Kealia Galimba; Kaile Aiken and Nainoa Sales.
Sheep, hogs and steers raised by the Ka`u youth will be auctioned. Sponsors from Ka`u who will be bidding on animals include Pacific Quest, Edmund C. Olson, Aikane Plantation Coffee Farm and Kuahiwi Ranch.
THE FIFTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE takes place today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Ni`aulani Campus in Volcano Village. The sale features newly created work by twelve ceramic artists of East Hawai`i. Samples of Volcano-grown teas are available courtesy of Tea Hawai`i, with sushi and bentos for purchase from Volcano Hanabi. For more information, see ryhpottery.com/volcano_pottery_sale or call 985-8530.
A LABOR LAW WORKSHOP TAKES PLACE TODAY from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Ted Hong and Warren Chong discuss how to maintain good employment practices. Hong is an attorney who practices labor and employment law out of his firm in Hilo, and Chong is a partner with Legal Shield, a company that provides legal services to small business owners. Topics include government-relations agencies, payment of wages, child labor laws and independent contractors.
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| A hike along Kahuku's Palm Trail takes place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. NPS Photo by David Boyle |
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK’S Kahuku Unit offers events this weekend. Palm Trail Hike takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This relatively easy, guided, 2.6-mile loop crosses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
Lunch with a Ranger is Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants bring a bag lunch and join Park Ranger Kiko on Father’s Day in an open discussion on park resources including significant geological events and features of Mauna Loa and the natural and cultural history of the Kahuku Unit.
KUMU LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH present a 50-minute narrated demonstration of preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on VAC Gallery’s porch. Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts its monthly pancake breakfast tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 939-7033 for more information.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.
KUMU LEILEHUA YUEN AND MANU JOSIAH present a 50-minute narrated demonstration of preparation, protocol and offering of traditional hula and chant at the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Hands-on cultural demonstrations take place from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on VAC Gallery’s porch. Free (donations welcome); park entrance fees apply.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts its monthly pancake breakfast tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 939-7033 for more information.
KA `OHANA O HONU`APO’S FATHER’S DAY EVENT on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., includes musicians on stage, sales of food, beverages and shave ice, and a shady tent to enjoy Honu`apo Park on Father’s Day. The Pork in the Park barbecue contest has been postponed due to lack of participation. For more information, call Lehua Lopez-Mau at 929-9891.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
ALSO SEE KAUCALENDAR.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/KAUCALENDAR.