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| Drake Fujimoto hosts the eleventh Hana Hou Christmas party for keiki in Na`alehu last night, giving away bikes, feeding families and offering music and photographing for keiki IDs. Photo by Julia Neal |
ROBERT LINDSEY IS THE NEW CHAIR of the nine-member board of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, which is tasked with managing almost 30,000 acres, including urban real estate, farm and forest lands statewide. Lindsey, elected to represent Hawai`i Island, takes over from Collette Machado, who represents Lana`i and Moloka`i.
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| Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees elected new leadership yesterday. From left, in front row: Chair Robert Lindsey, Colette Machado, Haunani Apoliona, Peter Apo, Hulu Lindsey and Rowena Akana. Back row: Ka Pouhana Kamana`opono Crabbe, John Waihe`e IV, Kawika Burgess, Lei Ahu Isa and Vice Chair Dan Ahuna. Photo from OHA |
A Big Island trustee since April 2007, Lindsey is a former Kamehameha Schools land manager. He was also a partner in the purchase of the old sugar factory site in Pahala, where the now abandoned community radio station is located, but said he has separated from the real estate venture. He is also involved with native Hawaiian educational initiatives of the Kohala Center.
During the investiture where he took his new post yesterday at Central Union Church in Honolulu, Lindsey promised that trustees of OHA will act as “servant leaders at our people’s table.” OHA is a quasi-state agency overseeing native Hawaiian lands and programs. Its assets top more than $600 million.
“I welcome this new opportunity to play a more significant role in helping to push for the best results for our beneficiaries as well as to ensure that our organization is being responsive to their needs,” said Lindsey.
Lindsey’s appointment came during a reorganization meeting where OHA’s Board of Trustees also selected a vice chairman and leaders for its three subcommittees.
During the investiture where he took his new post yesterday at Central Union Church in Honolulu, Lindsey promised that trustees of OHA will act as “servant leaders at our people’s table.” OHA is a quasi-state agency overseeing native Hawaiian lands and programs. Its assets top more than $600 million.
“I welcome this new opportunity to play a more significant role in helping to push for the best results for our beneficiaries as well as to ensure that our organization is being responsive to their needs,” said Lindsey.
Lindsey’s appointment came during a reorganization meeting where OHA’s Board of Trustees also selected a vice chairman and leaders for its three subcommittees.
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| Many volunteers prepared and served a Christmas meal for families at Hana Hou. Photo by Julia Neal |
Dan Ahuna, the trustee for Native Hawaiians on Kaua`i and Ni`ihau, is the board’s new vice chair, replacing Oswald Stender, who retired in November.
Three subcommittee leaders were re-elected to four-year terms, taking their oaths of office just prior to being selected to be chairpersons.
Trustee Rowena Akana leads the Committee on Asset and Resource Management; her vice chair is Trustee John Waihe`e IV.
Waihe`e also leads the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment; his vice chair is Trustee Peter Apo.
Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey continues to lead the Committee on Land and Property; her vice chair is Ahuna.
According to a report in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald by Nancy Cook Lauer, “Hawai`i Island has the highest percentage of pure Hawaiians and residents reporting some Hawaiian blood in the state, according to the 2010 census. Some 8.5 percent of the island’s population is pure Hawaiian, compared to 5.9 percent statewide. In addition, 29.7 percent of residents on Hawai`i Island say they have some Hawaiian blood, compared to 21.3 percent statewide.”
Three subcommittee leaders were re-elected to four-year terms, taking their oaths of office just prior to being selected to be chairpersons.
Trustee Rowena Akana leads the Committee on Asset and Resource Management; her vice chair is Trustee John Waihe`e IV.
Waihe`e also leads the Committee on Beneficiary Advocacy and Empowerment; his vice chair is Trustee Peter Apo.
Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey continues to lead the Committee on Land and Property; her vice chair is Ahuna.
According to a report in this morning’s Hawai`i Tribune Herald by Nancy Cook Lauer, “Hawai`i Island has the highest percentage of pure Hawaiians and residents reporting some Hawaiian blood in the state, according to the 2010 census. Some 8.5 percent of the island’s population is pure Hawaiian, compared to 5.9 percent statewide. In addition, 29.7 percent of residents on Hawai`i Island say they have some Hawaiian blood, compared to 21.3 percent statewide.”
See hawaiitribune-herald.com.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY PRESIDED over a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing examining President Obama’s executive order that will bring five million undocumented people in the U.S. out of the shadows, including an estimated 7,000 individuals in Hawai`i. The committee hearing highlighted the executive order’s impact on families, businesses, and American workers.
HAWAI`I HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE a Preschool Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $2,074,059 to support communities in providing high-quality preschool programs. The grant will advance the Hawai`i Department of Education’s efforts over the next four years by setting up preschool programs in public charter schools, expanding access to large populations of Native Hawaiian families and high-need communities on Hawai`i Island, and providing culturally responsive professional development and quality improvement activities for early education providers.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will conduct aerial operations Dec. 15, 16 and 18 between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. to transport fencing material, camp supplies and crew near the Kahuku Unit/Ka`u Forest Reserve Boundary.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.
FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADERS PRESENT FREE performances during Volcano Middle School Theater Night today at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.
SUPPORTING KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY, Gilligan’s Café holds its one-year anniversary celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainers include Solomon & Tiger, Lucky Lizardz, `Ukulele Boyz, Mark Chopot and surprise musical guests throughout the day.
The event also includes food, local vendors and a silent auction.
See bigislandgilligans.com.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Santa Bobby Gomes and Mrs. Claus, Phoebe Gomes, listen to Christmas wishes of Ka`u keiki and pose for photographs with families. Photo by Julia Neal |
HANA HOU RESTAURANT and many volunteers including members of `O Ka`u Kakou, Drake Fujimoto’s poker friends, the Edmund C. Olson Trust and many more put on a community Christmas dinner and party on the grounds of Hana Hou restaurant last night in Na`alehu. The eleventh annual Keiki Christmas party was hosted by Fujimoto and wife Patty at their popular eatery. Many bicycles were given to children. Families enjoyed a free Christmas dinner. Hawai`i Police Department photographed children to make I.D. cards. Keoki Kahumoku and friends sang and played Christmas music throughout the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, Bobby and Phoebe Gomes, posed for photographs with keiki and their families.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO YESTERDAY PRESIDED over a full Senate Judiciary Committee hearing examining President Obama’s executive order that will bring five million undocumented people in the U.S. out of the shadows, including an estimated 7,000 individuals in Hawai`i. The committee hearing highlighted the executive order’s impact on families, businesses, and American workers.
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| Hawai`i County Police Department photograph children to make I.D. cards for them to carry. Photo by Julia Neal |
“This is not just some abstract discussion about legal theory,” Hirono said. “It is about real people and real families. It is about taking concrete steps toward making our families and our economy stronger. It is about who we are as a country.”
As an immigrant who came to America as a small child with her family, Hirono drew on her own experiences and shared her unique perspective at the hearing. “My story is the story of millions. My mother brought me to this country when I was a young girl. While we had very little as immigrants, Mom had a dream to provide a better life for our family. Many of these families come to the U.S. to pursue similar dreams, perhaps starting their own business or working to provide for their family in a safe community. Regardless of education or background or financial means, immigrants do best with their families around them,” said Hirono. “Family is the cornerstone of our immigration system, and the President’s commonsense plan helps keep families together.”
As an immigrant who came to America as a small child with her family, Hirono drew on her own experiences and shared her unique perspective at the hearing. “My story is the story of millions. My mother brought me to this country when I was a young girl. While we had very little as immigrants, Mom had a dream to provide a better life for our family. Many of these families come to the U.S. to pursue similar dreams, perhaps starting their own business or working to provide for their family in a safe community. Regardless of education or background or financial means, immigrants do best with their families around them,” said Hirono. “Family is the cornerstone of our immigration system, and the President’s commonsense plan helps keep families together.”
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| Boy and his bike became reality for many children at last night's Hana Hou party. Photo by Julia Neal |
According to Hirono, the President’s executive order will tighten border security, strengthen enforcement and focus taxpayer dollars on getting violent criminals off of streets rather than deporting families. The action will help drive economic growth, cut the deficit and support American businesses and workers. Individuals who qualify to stay in the U.S. will be required to pass tough background checks and pay taxes.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I HAS BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE a Preschool Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Education for $2,074,059 to support communities in providing high-quality preschool programs. The grant will advance the Hawai`i Department of Education’s efforts over the next four years by setting up preschool programs in public charter schools, expanding access to large populations of Native Hawaiian families and high-need communities on Hawai`i Island, and providing culturally responsive professional development and quality improvement activities for early education providers.
“I’ve had the privilege of visiting many of the preschools and Head Start programs across the state, and it’s clear that investing in early education opportunities for our keiki will help to provide the opportunity for a bright future for them, their families and Hawai`i,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “This Preschool Development Grant will support the great work of Hawai`i educators and expand early education opportunities for families who are most in need of assistance.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| The path of steepest descent that lava is currently following takes it toward Pahoa Marketplace, Map from Hawai`i County Civil Defense |
LAVA FLOWING IN PUNA is currently following a path of steepest descent toward Pahoa Marketplace at the intersection of Pahoa Village Road and Hwy 130. The flow front, which was in an area where it could have gone in different directions, has advanced 340 yards since yesterday and 1.9 miles from the intersection, according to Hawai`i County Civil Defense.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will conduct aerial operations Dec. 15, 16 and 18 between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. to transport fencing material, camp supplies and crew near the Kahuku Unit/Ka`u Forest Reserve Boundary.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED to Ka`u Scenic Byway Committee meeting today at 5 p.m. at Na`alehu Methodist Church. For more information, email richmorrow@alohabroadband.net.
FIFTH- AND SIXTH-GRADERS PRESENT FREE performances during Volcano Middle School Theater Night today at 6 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com for more information.
KA`U CHAPTER OF HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED holds a holiday party and meeting tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The potluck features a drawing for prizes, including a Christmas turkey, heirloom tomato and squash seeds, a 12-pack of mason jars for canning and more.
For more information, email malian@kauspecialtycoffee.com.
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES presents HAPA’s Barry Flanagan in an acoustic holiday performance Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $50 tickets are available at Lava Rock Store.
KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS Saturday at 10 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The committee continues its discussion of the first comprehensive draft. The public is invited.
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT takes place tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawa`i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers meet at Kilauea Visitor Center to help remove invasive Himalayan ginger from park trails. Free; park entrance fees apply.
VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES presents HAPA’s Barry Flanagan in an acoustic holiday performance Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. $50 tickets are available at Lava Rock Store.
KA`U CDP STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS Saturday at 10 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. The committee continues its discussion of the first comprehensive draft. The public is invited.
The document is available at kaucdp.info and at local libraries and community center.
For more information, call Ron Whitmore at 961-8137.
SUPPORTING KA`U LEARNING ACADEMY, Gilligan’s Café holds its one-year anniversary celebration Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entertainers include Solomon & Tiger, Lucky Lizardz, `Ukulele Boyz, Mark Chopot and surprise musical guests throughout the day.
The event also includes food, local vendors and a silent auction.
See bigislandgilligans.com.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. |