Ka`u Calendar News Briefs, Monday, Oct. 24, 2016

June Domondon is a frequent election worker at Pahala polling sites, including the early voting location opening tomorrow at Pahala Community Center, offering late registration and an opportunity to vote, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. until election week. Photo by Julia Neal

EARLY VOTING, EVEN FOR THOSE STILL NOT REGISTERED, begins tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 25. The Ka`u location is Pahala Community Center. Hours will be Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ka`u and Volcano residents can also register and vote at Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo, Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; West Hawai`i Civic Center Community Room, Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Waimea Community Center, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
     Local precinct locations for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 General Election, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., are: Cooper Center in Volcano at 19-4030 Wright Rd; Ka`u High School Cafeteria at 96-3150 Pikake St. - turn into the school grounds; Na`alehu Elementary School Cafeteria at 95-5545 Hwy 11; Ocean View Community Center at 92-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy; and Miloli`i Halau.

ONE HAWAI`I COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT MADE THE BALLOT for the General Election, Tuesday, Nov. 8 and for early voting that starts tomorrow. The Charter Amendment title is Expanding Scope of the County of Hawai`i General Plan and here is the wording:
     “Shall the County Charter be amended to change the scope of the County of Hawai`i General Plan, which currently sets forth policy for 'the long-range comprehensive physical development of the county,' to include long-range policy for matters related to the economic, environmental and socio-cultural wellbeing of the County; and, additionally, expand those matters which the General Plan promotes to include the health of the people of the County?” Those agreeing with the proposal, vote Yes. Those disagreeing, vote No.
     Existing language in the County Charter says the General Plan “shall contain a statement of development objectives standards and principles with respect to the most desirable use of land within the county for residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial, industrial and other purposes which shall be consistent with proper conservation of natural resources and the preservation of our natural beauty and historical sites; the most desirable density of population in the several parts of the county; a system of principle thoroughfares, highways, streets, public access to shorelines and other open spaces; the general locations, relocations and improvement of public buildings; the general location and extent of public utilities and terminals, whether publicly or privately owned, for water, sewers, light, power, transit, and other purposes; the extent and location of public housing projects; adequate drainage facilities and control; air pollution; and such matters as may, in the (county) council’s judgment, promote the general welfare, health and prosperity of its people.”
    The County Charter directs the County Council to “enact zoning, subdivision, and such other ordinances which shall contain the necessary provisions to carry out the purpose of the general plan.
   “No public improvement or project, or subdivision or zoning ordinance, shall be initiated or adopted unless the same conforms to and implements the general plan.”
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THE GENERAL ELECTION SAMPLE BALLOT is out with national and local candidates and other measures.  The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8 with early walk-in starting tomorrow. In the local elections, former Mayor Harry Kim and County Council member Maile David both earned enough votes in the primary to win their seats and will not be seen on the ballots.

       Ka`u residents can vote for U.S. Senator. Candidates are Constitution Party member Joy Allison; Republican John Carroll, American Shopping Party member John M. Giuffre, Libertarian Michael A. Kokoski and incumbent Democrat Brian Schatz.

      Ka`u's member in congress is also up for reelection. Democrat Tulsi Gabbard is challenged by Republican Angela Kaaihue.

      On the East Ka`u ballots, Sen. Russell Ruderman is challenged by Libertarian Fredrick Fogel. East Ka`u state Rep. Richard Onishi is challenged by Libertarian Gregory Arianoff and Green Party Candidate Kealoha Pisciotta. On the West Ka`u ballots, West Ka`u state Rep. Richard Creagan, a Democrat, is challenged by Libertarian Michael Last. West Ka`u state Sen. Josh Green is not up for reelection this year.

       Office of Hawaiian Affairs voting is open to people of all races and cultural backgrounds. On the ballot, incumbent Robert Lindsey is challenged by Millilani Trask. The At-Large Trustee contest is between Keli`i Akina and Haunani Apoliona. 

      Listed in alphabetical order, for United States Presidency, are the following candidates: Constitution Party member Daniel L. Castle (who withdrew but still on ballot) with vice presidential running mate Scott Bradley; Democrat Hillary Clinton with Tim Kaine; Libertarian Gary Johnson with Bill Weld; Green Party candidate Jill Stein with Ajamu Baraka and Republican Donald Trump, with Michael Pence.
      A proposed County Charter Amendment would add health into the language of the General Plan.(See story above) A state Constitution Amendment would hike up the minimum value of an expected outcome to $10,000 for allowing civil cases to be heard by a jury. The current value is $5,000. Another proposed state Constitutional Amendment would allow the state to distribute excess funds in its coffers - when they reach more than 5 percent of revenues for two consecutive year s- to be used for debt service for state bonds or pensions and other post-employemnt benefit liabilities for state employees.
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KA`U FOOD PANTRY, INC. OFFERS FREE FOOD IN OCEAN VIEW is available through the Ka`u Food Pantry, tomorrow Tuesday, October 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the food runs out. The pick-up will be at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Paradise Circle. Participants are encouraged to be there at least one hour before doors open in order to register and sign in. Those new to the program, bring picture ID's.

Light Detection and Ranging will be discussed at After Dark in the Park
tomorrow at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium.

AFTER DARK IN THE PARK on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium features archaeologist Dusten Robbins discussing ways that Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park uses Light Detection and Ranging to manage cultural resources. $2 donation supports park program; park entrance fees apply.

KTA RAISES FUNDS FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS through October. Ka`u supporters can donate at any KTA checkout stand throughout the Big Island. One hundred percent of donations taken at KTA food stores supports Boys & Girls Clubs. Many Ka`u children spend the afternoons after school at the Boys & Girls Clubs.

HOVE Road Maintenance board of directors meeting is Tuesday at 10 a.m., St. Jude's Church in Ocean View.

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