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| Tiny Houses, according to proponents of the bill at the legislature, would provide affordable abodes for farmers to stay close to their crops and livestock and also make farm worker housing more affordable. Photo from Hawai`i Farmers Union United |
The Hawai`i State Legislature's description of the bill says it "Authorizes Authorizes tiny homes of less than 500 square feet for farm workers in agricultural districts in a county with a population of more than 180,000 but less than 250,000 (making it only applicable to Hawai`i County.) County council may adopt ordinances for the oversight of tiny homes, as defined in this act. (HB2 CD1)."
State Board of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright wrote that his department is concerned that "these 'tiny homes' do not
become de facto residential dwellings if the County is unable to adequately monitor and
enforce the farm worker/family occupancy requirement for these 'tiny homes.'”
Testimony can be submitted at www.capitol.gov. See HB1.
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A GROWING NATIVE HAWAIIAN, PACIFIC ISLANDER AND ASIAN AMERICAN POPULATION should be recorded and analyzed by the federal office of Management and Budget, according to Sen. Mazie K. Hirono. She, Sen. Brian Schatz and nine other U.S. Senate Democrats urged OMB to update its standards for the collection of racial and ethnic data, not been updated since 1997.
“A lack of disaggregated data on the AAPI community has led to the ‘model minority’ myth that—based on the current federal data—virtually all Asian American, Pacific Islanders are self-sufficient, well-educated, and upwardly mobile. However, in reality these metrics differ widely among different AAPI subcategories," wrote the Senators. “Better data collection will more accurately reflect the AAPI community’s realities and needs such as educational challenges, language access, poverty, and disability. Without access to better data, these disparities would remain concealed behind the model minority myth leaving our communities invisible to policymakers and our needs unmet.”
John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said,
FREE SUMMER JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAMS begin June 6 and June 13 at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Deadline to register is noon, Wednesday, May 17. Keiki from ages seven to 13 years old are invited to become Next Generation Stewards.
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL is accepting applications for the National Youth Advisory Council 2017-2018. The National YAC consists of ten high school students (15-18 years old) from diverse
backgrounds across the nation to participate selected to participate in this service-learning and leadership development initiative. Participants will contribute to and inform KAB on End Littering, Improve Recycling and Beautify Communities Impact Goals while acting as ambassadors and leaders for youth service in their communities. The National Youth Advisory Council, thanks to the generous support of the Wrigley Co. Foundation, creates a framework for youth engagement at the national, state and local level.
To review the application and instructions to prepare the application, visit the KAB website. Applications accepted through May 5, 2017 5:00 pm HT. Application must be submitted on-line and is available by clicking here.
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CYRIL PAHINUI AND LED KA`APANA, who have taught Hawaiian music in Ka`u and supported numerous concerts and programs here, are nominated for People's Choice Awards Favorite Entertainer of the Year by the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts for the 40th Annual Na Hoku Hanaohan Awards.
The other nominees are: Kupaoa Hoku Zuttermeister, Kawika Kahiapo, Eauhou, Josh Tatofi, Kalani Pe'a, Jeff Peterson, Amy Hananaiali`i and Ra`iatea Helm.
Deadline to vote online is May 13 at
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A GROWING NATIVE HAWAIIAN, PACIFIC ISLANDER AND ASIAN AMERICAN POPULATION should be recorded and analyzed by the federal office of Management and Budget, according to Sen. Mazie K. Hirono. She, Sen. Brian Schatz and nine other U.S. Senate Democrats urged OMB to update its standards for the collection of racial and ethnic data, not been updated since 1997.
Hirono made the announcement today, the first day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
“A lack of disaggregated data on the AAPI community has led to the ‘model minority’ myth that—based on the current federal data—virtually all Asian American, Pacific Islanders are self-sufficient, well-educated, and upwardly mobile. However, in reality these metrics differ widely among different AAPI subcategories," wrote the Senators. “Better data collection will more accurately reflect the AAPI community’s realities and needs such as educational challenges, language access, poverty, and disability. Without access to better data, these disparities would remain concealed behind the model minority myth leaving our communities invisible to policymakers and our needs unmet.”
The letter also requests OMB to require all federal departments and agencies to follow disaggregated classifications noted in a recently-released U.S. Census Bureau report titled 2015 National Content Test: Race and Ethnicity Analysis Report.
The letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), Al Franken (D-Minn.), Ben Cardin (D- Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D- Minn.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center support the letter.
Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, said, “Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders – communities that are incredibly diverse and trace their heritage to more than 50 different countries and speak more than 100 different languages – are acutely aware of the importance and need for strong federal data collection standards. These standards impact many aspects of health access, coverage and quality and produce data that the federal government and our communities rely upon.”
“The Asian American and Pacific Islander community represents more than 100 countries and 56 languages, but that rich heritage is essentially invisible without disaggregated data. Such data is critical to our ability to get the proper level of services and representation. Our community delivered a strong message to OMB that we demand to be counted.”
Christopher Kang, national director of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, said, "It is imperative for federal agencies to collect detailed data on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders so the government is able to determine the best ways to allocate resources that account for our community's economic, health and educational disparities, as well was our cultural and linguistic diversity. We are encouraged to have strong support from Members of Congress, hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals on the need to change federal data collection standards so that our communities are not misrepresented or left behind."
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Island youth listen as Ranger Noah explains how
shards of volcanic glass, called Pele's Hair, are formed.
NPS Photo/Janice Wei
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A fun-filled, three-day program for keiki ages seven to 10 is June 6-8, and a program for youngsters ages 11 to 13 is June 13-15.
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Each age group begins Tuesday and ends on Thursday. For the first two days, Next Generation Stewards begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. On the last day (Thursday), the program begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m. The programs will start and end at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai.
The summer junior ranger program is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for conservation by connecting the child with park resources and staff, and to inspire his or her appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i.
Participants must bring and be able to carry their own day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and raingear, and hike for age-appropriate distances over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace. All interested applicants must submit an application to register. Contact Education Specialist Gwen “Lanakila” Anderson at (808) 985-6020 or email gwen_anderson@nps.gov for information and an application.
Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, May 17, and selections will be made, and parents notified, on May 18.
The summer Next Generation Stewards junior ranger program is co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.
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KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL is accepting applications for the National Youth Advisory Council 2017-2018. The National YAC consists of ten high school students (15-18 years old) from diverse
To review the application and instructions to prepare the application, visit the KAB website. Applications accepted through May 5, 2017 5:00 pm HT. Application must be submitted on-line and is available by clicking here.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
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| Cyril Pahinui has taught many classes and performed often in Ka`u. |
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| Led Ka`apana, with roots in Ka`u. |
Deadline to vote online is May 13 at
The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards ceremony will be held in Honolulu at the Hawai`i Convention Center on Friday, May 19 as part of a Music Festival with workshops. See www.nahokuhanohano.org for workshop and show tickets.
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NOAA’S HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY is seeking to fill four primary and seven alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management.
NOAA’S HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY is seeking to fill four primary and seven alternate seats on its advisory council. The council ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management.
Ka`u residents may qualify to be selected for the following open seats: business/commerce (primary and alternate); conservation (alternate); Native Hawaiian (primary); ocean recreation (alternate); and tourism (primary).
Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as primary or alternate members should expect to serve a three-year term.
“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”
Applications are due by Wednesday, May 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, please contact Shannon Ruseborn via email at Shannon.Ruseborn@noaa.gov; by phone at 808-725-5905; or visit the sanctuary website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html. Completed applications should be submitted to: Inouye Regional Center, ATTN: NOS/HIHWNMS/ Shannon Ruseborn, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Join us on Facebook.
A statement from NOAA says its "mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources." See Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, May 1, 4
p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, May 2/3 & 16/17, 9 a.m.; Thu, May 18. The county has shut down the Na`alehu site for participating via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.
Dance Imagined, Tue, May 2, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Karen Masaki offers a five-session series that explores basic movement technique, building strength and flexibility. $50. 967-8222
Hula Pele, Tue, May 2, 4 – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Kumu Ab Valencia offers a four-session series that pays homage to Pelehonuamea and her home at Kīlauea. $200. 967-8222
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 2, 6 – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
Open Mic Night, Wed, May 3, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thu, May 4, 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015 An Evening of Hawaiian Languag
Candidates are selected based on their expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying, community and professional affiliations, and views regarding the protection and management of marine resources. Applicants who are chosen as primary or alternate members should expect to serve a three-year term.
“The members of our advisory council represent an extremely important element of our community,” said Malia Chow, sanctuary superintendent. “Their input, experience and expertise assist sanctuary managers in making informed and timely decisions on how best to protect and conserve our important cultural and natural resources.”
Applications are due by Wednesday, May 31. To receive an application kit or for further information, please contact Shannon Ruseborn via email at Shannon.Ruseborn@noaa.gov; by phone at 808-725-5905; or visit the sanctuary website at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/council/council_app_accepting.html. Completed applications should be submitted to: Inouye Regional Center, ATTN: NOS/HIHWNMS/ Shannon Ruseborn, 1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818.
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| Ka`u residents with expertise in Hawaiian culture, conservation, business, tourism or outdoor recreation can apply to become an advisor to the Hawaiian Humpback National Marine Sanctuary. Photo from NOAA |
The sanctuary is administered by a partnership of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i through the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The sanctuary works to protect humpback whales through research, education, conservation and stewardship. Join us on Facebook.
A statement from NOAA says its "mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources." See Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter
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| www.kaucalendar.com |
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, May 2/3 & 16/17, 9 a.m.; Thu, May 18. The county has shut down the Na`alehu site for participating via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See hawaiicounty.gov for agendas and live-streamed and archived meetings.
Dance Imagined, Tue, May 2, 10 – 11:30 a.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Karen Masaki offers a five-session series that explores basic movement technique, building strength and flexibility. $50. 967-8222
Hula Pele, Tue, May 2, 4 – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Kumu Ab Valencia offers a four-session series that pays homage to Pelehonuamea and her home at Kīlauea. $200. 967-8222
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 2, 6 – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
Open Mic Night, Wed, May 3, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch meeting, Thu, May 4, 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-2442 & 928-2015 An Evening of Hawaiian Languag