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| Ka`u residents can join Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and participate in a hike of Kilauea Iki Trail tomorrow. Photo by Elizabeth Fien |
IN WHAT COULD BE THE FIRST of multiple bills authorizing public-private partnerships to help Hawai`i’s state-operated hospitals deal with budget deficits, Gov. David Ige last week signed into law House Bill 1075. The bill authorizes the Maui Region of the Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation to enter into negotiations for a public-private operational and management agreement. HHSC also operates Ka`u Hospital in its East Hawai`i region.
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| Maui Memorial Medical Center is Maui's only full-service, acute medical care facility. Photo from HHSC |
“This bill gives us an historic opportunity to transform the delivery of healthcare to the people of Maui. We have a lot of work to do to ensure the successful implementation of this new law,” Ige said.
The governor said the state will work collaboratively with the Maui Region Board and HHSC to select a private partner and finalize the terms and conditions of this partnership by the end of the year so that implementation can begin in 2016.
“We are committed to working with our dedicated public employees who are key to the successful implementation of this policy and central to a smooth transition that is focused on patient care and quality service to the people of Hawai`i,” Ige said.
HHSC chief executive officer Linda Rosen, M.D., said, “With the enactment of HB 1075, we look forward to eventually reducing the amount of taxpayer moneys subsidizing healthcare delivery in Hawai`i. Through the assistance of a private partner, the Maui County community can look forward to the stabilization of available health services and the eventual growth of new services.”
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The governor said the state will work collaboratively with the Maui Region Board and HHSC to select a private partner and finalize the terms and conditions of this partnership by the end of the year so that implementation can begin in 2016.
“We are committed to working with our dedicated public employees who are key to the successful implementation of this policy and central to a smooth transition that is focused on patient care and quality service to the people of Hawai`i,” Ige said.
HHSC chief executive officer Linda Rosen, M.D., said, “With the enactment of HB 1075, we look forward to eventually reducing the amount of taxpayer moneys subsidizing healthcare delivery in Hawai`i. Through the assistance of a private partner, the Maui County community can look forward to the stabilization of available health services and the eventual growth of new services.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard spoke on the House floor, celebrating King Kamehameha Day. Image from C-SPAN |
U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD SPOKE in celebration of King Kamehameha Day Thursday on the floor of the House of Representatives.
“Today in my home state of Hawai`i we are celebrating King Kamehameha Day to honor the legacy of King Kamehameha I, who established the kingdom of Hawai`i in 1810,” Gabbard said.
“King Kamehameha knew that for a nation to be vibrant, it is fell safe and secure. He proclaimed the Kanawai Mamalohoi, the law of the splintered paddle, as the law of the land. This law still enshrined in the Hawai`i State Constitution today, protects the inalienable rights of all men and women to be safe and secure in their home.
“Kamehameha also knew that to ensure the health, safety and welfare of his people, it was imperative to create economic opportunities. He invested resources to maintain viable fish ponds and taro patches, protect freshwater streams, fertile soils and forest lands. He built schools and trained an entire new generation of leaders.
“As we observe Kamehameha Day, it’s a true day of Aloha for the people of Hawai`i. Those who are visiting the Capitol this week may have seen the many fragrant and beautiful flower lei draped on the statue of King Kamehameha in Emancipation Hall.
“All this week in Hawai`i, across the state, there will be further lei-draping ceremonies taking place to pay homage to the legacy of Hawai`i’s first king. As legislators we’re called upon to embody the servant leadership and humility of leaders like King Kamehameha I.”
“King Kamehameha knew that for a nation to be vibrant, it is fell safe and secure. He proclaimed the Kanawai Mamalohoi, the law of the splintered paddle, as the law of the land. This law still enshrined in the Hawai`i State Constitution today, protects the inalienable rights of all men and women to be safe and secure in their home.
“Kamehameha also knew that to ensure the health, safety and welfare of his people, it was imperative to create economic opportunities. He invested resources to maintain viable fish ponds and taro patches, protect freshwater streams, fertile soils and forest lands. He built schools and trained an entire new generation of leaders.
“As we observe Kamehameha Day, it’s a true day of Aloha for the people of Hawai`i. Those who are visiting the Capitol this week may have seen the many fragrant and beautiful flower lei draped on the statue of King Kamehameha in Emancipation Hall.
“All this week in Hawai`i, across the state, there will be further lei-draping ceremonies taking place to pay homage to the legacy of Hawai`i’s first king. As legislators we’re called upon to embody the servant leadership and humility of leaders like King Kamehameha I.”
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| Filipino veterans of World War II. |
FILIPINO VETERANS OF WORLD WAR II may receive the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal under legislation introduced by Hawai`i’s congressional delegation. The legislation acknowledges over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II.
“The Filipino veterans of World War II have faced many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification and verification of wartime service. Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal would go a long way toward making sure that their stories are never forgotten,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono, who in March introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act, a bill that would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. “I have been an advocate for Filipino veterans since I first learned their stories — fighting to reunify Filipino veterans with their families and to ensure that every Filipino veteran who sacrificed for us during World War II can receive the benefits they have earned. Time is running out for the diminishing number of Filipino World War II veterans, and I call on my colleagues in the Senate to award these brave soldiers the Congressional Gold Medal, giving them the honor and recognition they earned.”
“More than 200,000 Filipinos who fought alongside American soldiers during World War II have still not been properly recognized for their courageous service,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Today, far too many have not received the basic veterans’ rights they earned. While we continue to work in Congress to give Filipino veterans and their families the benefits they deserve, awarding them with the Congressional Gold Medal will honor them for their heroic service and patriotism.”
“Filipino veterans fought bravely alongside American forces during World War II, and our recognition of their service and sacrifice is long overdue,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “Our nation owes these individuals our deepest and sincere gratitude. I am pleased to join my colleagues in a bipartisan and bicameral effort to honor these veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal, a well-earned tribute for their service.”
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SEVENTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE continues today until 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
SEVENTH ANNUAL VOLCANO POTTERY SALE continues today until 3 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village.
The public is invited to bid for new work by each potter in a silent auction. Demonstrations of throwing on the potter’s wheel take place today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call 985-8530 or email ron@ryhpottery.com for more information.
HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND AND FRIENDS host their first-ever underwater cleanup event on Hawai`i Island tomorrow at South Point. Divers are coming from as far away as Japan and Canada for the cleanup.
Email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or meet at the hoists at 10 a.m. with dive gear. The one-tank dive should be pau around lunchtime.
CHERYL GANSECKI LEADS A FOUR-MILE Sunday Walk in the Park exploring Kilauea Iki Crater tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This monthly program, offered on second Sundays, brings together members of Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to share in the park’s trails. Participants should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop along the walk.
Call 985-8530 or email ron@ryhpottery.com for more information.
HAWAI`I WILDLIFE FUND AND FRIENDS host their first-ever underwater cleanup event on Hawai`i Island tomorrow at South Point. Divers are coming from as far away as Japan and Canada for the cleanup.
Email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or meet at the hoists at 10 a.m. with dive gear. The one-tank dive should be pau around lunchtime.
CHERYL GANSECKI LEADS A FOUR-MILE Sunday Walk in the Park exploring Kilauea Iki Crater tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This monthly program, offered on second Sundays, brings together members of Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to share in the park’s trails. Participants should bring a bag lunch for a rest stop along the walk.
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| Cheryl Gansecki |
Kilauea Iki Trail begins on the crater’s forested rim. The trail descends 400 feet through the rain forest, with native birds flitting through the canopy, onto the crater floor. Hikers cross the still-steaming crater past the gaping throat of the vent that built Pu`u Pua`i cinder cone and ascend the far rim. Of interest on the hike are forest plants, birds, insects, the 1959 lava lake, steam vents and cinder and spatter cones.
This hike, rated moderately difficult, traverses pahoehoe lava and forested trails. Participants should be prepared for the 4,000-foot elevation as well as for variable weather conditions, including sunny, windy, chilly and/or rainy.
Sunday Walks in the Park are free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend. Annual memberships, $30 for individuals and $45 for families, come with a variety of benefits.
To register, contact FHVNP at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.
KA`U RANCHERS CAN LEARN about a Mobile Slaughter Unit tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hawai`i Island Meat presents this informational workshop for producers interested in accessing the service. For more information, see hawaiiislandmeat.com or email hawaiiislandmeat@gmail.com.
Sunday Walks in the Park are free for Friends members, and non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to attend. Annual memberships, $30 for individuals and $45 for families, come with a variety of benefits.
To register, contact FHVNP at 985-7373 or admin@fhvnp.org. For more information, visit www.fhvnp.org. Park entrance fees apply.
KA`U RANCHERS CAN LEARN about a Mobile Slaughter Unit tomorrow from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pahala Community Center. Hawai`i Island Meat presents this informational workshop for producers interested in accessing the service. For more information, see hawaiiislandmeat.com or email hawaiiislandmeat@gmail.com.
REGISTRATION CONTINUES for the sixth annual Volcano Rain Forest Runs taking place in Volcano Village on Saturday, Aug. 22. “Whether it’s the Half Marathon, 10K or 5K participants are guaranteed of being in one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, the enchanting native rain forests of Hawai`i,” said race director Sharron Faff.
The Half Marathon begins at 7 a.m. followed by the 10K at 7:45 a.m. with the 5K at 8 a.m. All runs start and finish at Cooper Center on Wright Road.
Keiki ages 1-7 can register for the free 100- or 200-yard dash on race morning until 9:30 a.m. The Keiki runs sponsored by Kilauea Lodge begin at 10 a.m. All entrants will receive a ribbon and other goodies after coming through the finish line. Everyone is a winner.
Volcano Rotary Club will be serving a BBQ Grill Lunch from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for $9.
There will be entertainment for everyone with juggling, face painting and balloon animals, plus other craft booths, food booths, music and much, much more. A great family fun day.
Volcano Half Marathon is also the final event for the Big Island Half Marathon Triple Crown Series. All participants will have completed the Hilo, Kona and Volcano Half Marathons.
For more information, maps, FAQ’s, and registration information, see volcanorainforestruns.com or call 967-8240.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
Keiki ages 1-7 can register for the free 100- or 200-yard dash on race morning until 9:30 a.m. The Keiki runs sponsored by Kilauea Lodge begin at 10 a.m. All entrants will receive a ribbon and other goodies after coming through the finish line. Everyone is a winner.
Volcano Rotary Club will be serving a BBQ Grill Lunch from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. for $9.
There will be entertainment for everyone with juggling, face painting and balloon animals, plus other craft booths, food booths, music and much, much more. A great family fun day.
Volcano Half Marathon is also the final event for the Big Island Half Marathon Triple Crown Series. All participants will have completed the Hilo, Kona and Volcano Half Marathons.
For more information, maps, FAQ’s, and registration information, see volcanorainforestruns.com or call 967-8240.
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/Directory2015.pdf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf. |
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| See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_June2015.pdf. |
