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Thursday, July 13, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, July 13, 2017

Thy Word Ministries was one of two winners in the Independence Day Parade last Saturday
in Na`alehu. There were two judges and each picked a winner. Photo by Ron Johnson
THE PROPOSED KA`U SUGAR MILL PARK in Pahala has more support in letters provided to the county  Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. Glenn Okumuara, of Pahala, wrote. "The sugar industry is a big part of Hawai`i history. Ka`u sugar was the last mill to close on Hawai`i Island, closing a chapter in the lives of the people in Ka`u, Hawai`i Isalnd, the State of Hawai`i and the nation. Please consider this acquisition."
     Gay Polido Scott wrote, "This is my request and stated interest that the Preservation Commission please purchase this land for community use."
Ka`u Auto Repair was one of two winning
entries in the annual Na`alehu Independence Day Parade
sponsored by O Ka`u Kakou. Photo by Ron Johnson
     The 60 plus acres are in foreclosure and are scheduled for a courthouse sale in Hilo on July 28. On the land are remains of the sugar mill and camp housing, as well as several commercial buildings, one of them housing Hawai`i Public Radio and emergency broadcasting. 
      For the county to purchase it, the owner of the property must be willing to sell it at an appraised price and the county must approve the purchase. 

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OPIOD-RELATED HOSPITALIZATIONS AND EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS have more than doubled in the last decade, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard told the U.S. House of Representatives today. She reported that more people are now dying from overdoses than motor vehicle accidents. This opioid epidemic is killing 91 Americans all across this country every single day.
Thy Word Ministry was co-winner of first place in the Independence 
Day Parade in Na`alehu last Saturday. Photo by Lee McIntosh
      She took on pharmaceutical companies: “For years, companies like Purdue Pharma, which is the maker of the commonly known drug, OxyContin, have profited off the suffering of millions of Americans who are dealing and struggling with opioid addiction. Now Purdue and others are going overseas, targeting foreign populations, using the very same shady marketing tactics, lies, and false advertising that helped them get rich at the expense of the American people.
     “This is absolutely unacceptable. We can't just keep wringing our hands about the opioid crisis without actually tackling the cause of it. Purdue and those responsible should be prosecuted for the deaths and lives that have been ruined as a result of their lies."
Ka`u Auto Repair was co-winner of first place in the annual Na`alehu 
Independence Day Parade last Saturday. Photo by Lee McIntosh
 Gabbard has cosponsored legislation like the STOP OD Act (H.R.664) to help state and local governments raise awareness of the dangers of opioids like fentanyl, oxycodone and heroin, expand educational efforts to prevent opiate abuse and promote treatment and prevention.  She also voted to pass a series of bipartisan measures in the 114th Congress to address some of the widespread problems that have caused and perpetuated the national opioid crisis, including the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (S.524) signed into law in July 2016, and has continued to call for drug companies perpetuating the crisis to be held accountable.  

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NEW FLOOD INSURANCE MAPS for Ka`u and the rest of the island were presented this week in Hilo at meetings sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Administration, the county and state. The new maps will go into effect an play a role in the cost of flood insurance starting Sept. 29. Department of Land and Natural Resources explained to residents the flood risks of their homes to show them how their area was rated for flood insurance. A FEMA representative said that flood maps change with development and changes in streams and the shoreline.
Local residents check out the FEMA flood insurance maps.
Photo from David Corrigan/Big island Video News
The flood maps can be viewed online at at gis.hawaiinfip.org/fhat. To learn how to view the preliminary maps using the FHAT, click on the tutorial link provided on the Hawai‘i NFIP Website dlnreng.hawaii.gov/nfip/.
    Areas that have a one percent chance of flooding every year are considered the highest at risk areaa with the highest insurance rates.

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FINIAN'S RAINBOW CONTINUES at Kilauea Military Camp's Kilauea Theater through July 23rd with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 general, $15 for seniors 60 plus and students and $12 for children 12 and under, and are available at Kilauea General Store, Kea’au Natural Foods, and the Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo and at the door. For more information or to make a reservation, contact KDEN at 982-7344 or kden73@aol.com.

Papa ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Fri, July 14, 6 – 7:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. This beginning Hawaiian language course continues for eight weeks. $90/$80 VAC members. 967-8222


Recycling at Nā‘ālehu School, Sat, July 15, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Nā‘ālehu School Gym. Redeem your HI-5 sorted by type; receive 5 cents per container and additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. 939-2413, ext. 230.Hula Performance, Sat, July 15, 10:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani. Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu & ‘ohana, 11a.m. – 1 p.m.

Mongolian BBQ, Sat, July 15, 5 – 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356 for more details.