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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Jean Kailiawa, Myra Sumida and Wayne Kawachi hand over keys to a new van for Ka`u Hospital to Administrator Merilyn Harris.
Photo from Ka`u Hospital
KA`U HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION has been able to purchase a like-new 2013 Dodge van for Ka`u Hospital, reports Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris. “Thanks to some amazing donors from our community, this van will be used to transport hospital patients and long-term care residents who need to go to Hilo or Kona for diagnostic tests and specialist appointments,” she said.
      Harris observed that many Ka`u patients who are admitted to Hilo Medical Center would prefer to finish out their required hospital stay closer to home. “Ka`u Hospital has been working hard to make that possible, but often those patients need to return to Hilo for follow-up appointments or tests, so transportation has been a challenge.”
      While Ka`u Hospital has “a beautiful 14-seat wheelchair- and gurney-accessible bus that Ka`u Hospital Foundation provided in 2009, it is impractical to use the bus for only one person, so this van will be a tremendous help,” Harris said. The purchase has been made possible by generous donations from Pacific Quest, Myra and Cyrus Sumida, Naomi and Harold Yoshida, Ka`u Royal Hawaiian Coffee and Tea, Hawaiian Sunshine Farms and Ka`u Mahi. Harris also praised “the tremendous fundraising efforts of `O Ka`u Kakou.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Three panels will be installed at Na`alehu Park's
informational kiosk. Image from Ka`u
Scenic Byway Committee
KA`U SCENIC BYWAY COMMITTEE holds a blessing of a new informational kiosk sign at Na`alehu Park Monday, March 28 at 2 p.m. The kiosk is the committee’s second project. Funds to make the sign were provided by former County Council member Brenda Ford, and Hawai`i County Parks & Recreation Department installed the sign with assistance from `O Ka`u Kakou. 
      The three panels on the kiosk display maps and photos of the byway and the Na`alehu area; show some historical photos; give some history of Na`alehu, Wai`ohinu and Honu`apo; tell about the 1886 earthquake; discuss the agriculture of sugar and coffee; and more.
      The committee’s first project was placing two interpretive signs at the scenic overlook at mile marker 75, just outside of Ocean View. This marked the first time that there have been signs explaining to the public what they are seeing as they visit Ka`u. These signs include information on the history, geography and culture of the South Point area.
      The committee is a joint venture of local businesses and property owners, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, Hawai`i Department of Transportation, Hawai`i County government, Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u and various local organizations. Ka`u Scenic Byway, known as The Slopes of Mauna Kea, received designation as a Hawai`i Scenic Byway on Oct. 18, 2011. The byway covers the entire length of Hwy 11 through Ka`u.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Jon Garcia Photo from Hawai`i
Police Department
THE MOST RECENT EDITION of the Crime Stoppers television program Hawai`i Island’s Most Wanted highlights a Na`alehu man wanted on drug and weapons offenses. In it, police ask for help in locating 35-year-old Jon Garcia, who is wanted for promoting dangerous drugs, attempted meth trafficking, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of a firearm. He is also wanted for questioning in another investigation. He is described as six-feet tall, 250 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.
      Police ask anyone with information about him to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential. Crime Stoppers does not tape record phone calls or subscribe to caller ID.
      Hawai`i Island’s Most Wanted is a project of Crime Stoppers Hilo, Inc., a partnership of the business community, media and police. The program airs on Na Leo O Hawai`i Community Television Channel 54 on Sundays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. It also airs intermittently on Channel 53.
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

NINETY-FOUR LEADERS from Hawai`i’s Filipino-American community today announced their endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, Dr. Amy Agbayani and Jeff Acido joined Filipino-American leaders from across Hawai`i who are encouraging their friends, neighbors and community members to support Clinton in advance of the March 26 Hawai`i Democratic Party Presidential Preference Poll.
Several Hawai`i Filipino-American leaders endorse
Hillary Clinton for President.
      “Having access to a quality education can change a life, and Hillary Clinton is committed to making sure that every child has that chance to live up to their God-given potential,” Cayetano said. “She knows that America cannot truly succeed until every single person reaches his or her full potential, and that's why I am endorsing her for president. I urge Hawai`i to join me in supporting Hillary at the March 26 presidential preference poll so that together we can give all Hawai`i children the chance they need to succeed.”
     “Hillary has spent decades fighting for full equality for Filipinos and other underrepresented groups,” said Dr. Amy Agbayani, co-founder of Operation Manong. “She is committed to tackling the barriers of bigotry and systemic racism that hold too many of our families and communities back. Hawai`i can count on Hillary to deliver real results for us as president, and I hope you will join me in supporting her for president.”
      “Hillary Clinton’s life’s work has been about breaking down barriers for those who have been left out and left behind, and I am proud to endorse her for president,” said Jeff Acido, Emeritus Student Regent, University of Hawai`i. “In the United States Senate, Hillary championed efforts to reunite immigrant families and give Filipino veterans the benefits and the recognition they deserve.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

Justice Merrick B. Garland
U.S. SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ SUPPORTS President Obama’s nomination of Merrick B. Garland to the U.S. Supreme Court. Garland would replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. The President made his choice public this morning.
      “Chief Judge Merrick B. Garland has the legal expertise, independent mind, and extensive experience as a former top official in the Justice Department and as the current Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that would make him an excellent addition to the Supreme Court,” Schatz said. “Chief Judge Garland is widely respected by legal experts from across the political spectrum and has a real shot at earning bipartisan support in the Senate.
      “It’s time to end the political gamesmanship and do the job that the American people elected us to do. The president has nominated a well-qualified candidate for the Supreme Court; we now must get back to the business of governing, fulfill our constitutional obligation and restore the Supreme Court to its full strength. I look forward to an in-depth review of the nominee’s qualifications and a fair hearing and vote in the Senate.”
      To read comments, add your own and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL holds a meeting tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. at Ka`u High & Pahala Elementary School. Ka`u residents are invited to learn about successes, hear academic and financial plans and express concerns.
      For more information, email Angela_Miyashiro/KAUH/HIDOE@notes.k12.hi.us.

KILAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park celebrates St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow with a dinner buffet from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Crater Rim Café. Menu items include corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, shepherd’s pie and more. Cost for adults is $18; children 6-11, $9.
      Lava Lounge offers Irish cheer and green beer plus a free performance by the Whirlijigs Dance Troupe and the Stringmajigs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
      KMC is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests Call 967-8371 for more information.
      Park entrance fees apply.

A Ka`u meeting on Friday covers Rapid `Ohi`a Death.
Photo from UH_CTAHR
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER hosts a Rapid `Ohi`a Death informational meeting, Friday at 6 p.m. Dr. John Friday, PhD, of University of Hawai`i at Manoa and Komohana Research and Extension Center in Hilo, discusses the fungal disease that is devastating native forests across Hawai`i Island.
      Call 939-7033 for more information.

HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK offers a screening of The Soul of Kalaupapa: Voices of Exile, Friday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Fred E. Woods’ 52-minute film shows what life was like for Hansen’s disease patients and residents of Kalaupapa. 
      Free; park entrance fees apply.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.