Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, August 29, 2013

Ka`u `Ohana Band, under the leadership of Cynthia Decker, is one of many programs offered by Ka`u School of the Arts, which is rolling
 out its fall schedule. Photo by Julia Neal

NO IMMEDIATE SPECIAL SESSION on considering the legalization of gay marriage in Hawai`i is likely at the Hawai`I Legislature, according to a report in this morning’s Honolulu Star Advertiser. The article says that state House Speaker Joseph Souki said yesterday “that Gov. Neil Abercrombie informed him that he was not ready to call a special session on gay marriage. Souki would not say whether the House had the votes for a gay marriage bill after House Democrats met in private caucus to discuss a special session. The governor had been waiting for a House vote count before making his decision on a special session. The state Senate has the votes for a gay marriage bill,” the Advertiser story says. The governor, however, is working on his draft bill to the legislature to legalize gay marriage.

Ha`ao Springs is one of the sources for water being
developed for agriculture. Photo by Elaine Klitgaard

HA`AO SPRINGS & MOUNTAIN HOUSE AGRICULTURAL WATER COOPERATIVE is moving forward, after its meeting yesterday. The cooperative plans to provide ag water to areas in the watershed. Workdays to prepare the pipeline path from the source to areas makai take place this Friday and Saturday. Meet at Wai`ohinu Park at 9 a.m., prepared for three hours of work. Participants should bring a machete, food and water.
     The state Department of Agriculture is providing funding to renovate old plantation tunnels and establish water lines to farms and ranches between Kapapala Ranch, to Wood Valley, above Pahala, to Na`alehu and Wai`ohinu.

ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP for Community School Council leaders at Na`alehu School. The first meeting of the Na`alehu SCC is Thursday, Sept. 5 at 3 p.m. in Room 35. Two candidates have launched campaigns and submitted statements to The Ka`u Calendar newspaper:
      Kathryn Tydlacka is running for Student Community Council parent representative. Her statement says: “Kathryn Tydlacka has been a highly effective teacher for the past 15 years. She holds a masters degree in education administration and specializes in classroom turnaround focusing on helping traditionally low-achieving children. Her success in dramatically increasing students' academic achievement has been well documented for over a decade. She has received high praise from numerous principals,

Kathryn Tydlacka

superintendents, and most importantly--students. 
As the SCC parent representative, Kathryn will assist with developing the academic/financial plan by introducing proven strategies that will greatly increase academic achievement as proven by her students' unprecedented performance in the 2012-2013 school year. 
Voting for Kathryn will put in place a highly-qualified, passionate educator who is not afraid to advocate for the children and families of Ka'u. 
Thank you for your vote!”

Vanessa Ott

   Vanessa Ott is running for Student Community Council community representative. Her statement says:  “I have lived in Na‘alehu since 2006, and was a teacher at Na‘alehu Elementary School for four and a half years. Prior to becoming a school teacher for high need schools, I had a long career in audio/video technology, publishing, computer technical support and training.

      “I am the product of a public education system that matured in only 21 years from a simple, country school system with no indoor plumbing, to one of the best in my childhood home state in 1972. Research has shown that successful schools are those with high parent and community involvement. The elders in my family were actively involved in the local School Board and PTA, and I had the opportunity to see firsthand how an active school community can make a school great.
      “I would like the opportunity, as the Na‘alehu SCC Community Representative, to try to create the kind of school community that fosters success for all its students. The first step will be to provide greater information sharing to parents by improving the school web site. Wouldn’t you like to have access to the weekly newsletter online? I’d also like to explore the possibility of local fund raising to finance more interpreters as well as Gifted and Talented programs for our students.
      “Having worked at NES (Na`alehu Elementary School), and attended SCC meetings for many years, I am intimately aware of the obstacles parents and community members face in building a strong and involved school community. Therefore I ask for your support and your vote. If you have any questions, contact me at: msvott@gmail.com.” 

KA`U SCHOOL OF THE ARTS introduces a Hawaiian Kahiko Program at Discovery Harbour Community Hall and a year round Ka'ū Community Chorus program at Pahala Plantation House, Old Pahala Clubhouse and Discovery Harbour Hall this fall. Ka`u School of the Arts President Bradley Grohs said, “Our programs are all about 'Ohana and are open to people of all ages and abilities. We aim to provide comprehensive programs and learning opportunities for beginners and challenging content for advanced students.”
    More than learning Hula Kahiko, the new program, led by Kumu Hula Marcia Laimana Bulosan, offers an opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian culture, dance, chant, and spiritual beliefs, through preparing costumes, making hula implements and spiritual practices, Grohs said. “It can be said in order to create the art you need to understand the culture.” The program takes place on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Hall.
     Ka'ū Community Chorus, led by Bradley Grohs, will prepare music for Christmas performances as well as learn about vocal music production, reading music, sight singing, and ear training. ‘We are taking a holistic approach to singing,” Gross said. “We will be learning all genres of music from classical to current pop tunes. The chorus meets on Mondays at 6:30-8:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall and on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., starting Sept. 4 at Pahala Plantation House, with the alternative location at Old Pahala Clubhouse.
      Ka`u School of the Arts’ Creative Exploration Program plans a Creativity Day later this fall. “We hope that our vendors from our past Spring and Fall Fling events will participate and use Creative Day as an opportunity to recruit people into their business or inspire others to start their own businesses. Economic growth and development is essential to Ka'u's future,” said Grohs.
     Country Line Dancing, led by Suzanne Brady, continues in November, meeting Thursdays at 6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall.
     Ka'ū Ohana Band, led by Cynthia Decker, practices twice a week on Wednesday and Thursdays at 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center.
     Ka`u School of the Art’s Hawaiian Language Program, led by Zachary DeBernardi is on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m at St. Judes Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
      Those interested in these programs can call 854-1540, email info@kauarts.org, or visit www.kauarts.org.

Last year's Trojan volleyball star Marley
Strand-Nicholaisen and rising star Toni Beck.

KA`U HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS volleyball team won the Trojan’s season opener against Laupahoehoe on Tuesday at Laupahoehoe gym. Ka`u defeated Laupahoehoe 25-21, 25-11, 25-13. The next match will be played tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 30, at Hawai`I Prepatory Academy at 6 p.m.
    Meanwhile last year’s Trojan girls volleyball star, Marley Strand-Nicholaisen is working out in her new position on the UH-Hilo Vulcans women’s volleyball team.

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