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| Alapaki Nahele-a, of Kamehameha Schools, asked for deferment of the purchase of 42.2 acres at the corner of Maile Street and Hwy 11 for a wastewater treatment plant. Public meetings in Pāhala are set for Dec. 12-14. See story below. Photo from Big Island Video News |
KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL LANDS, along the Norfolk Pine entrance from Hwy 11 to Pāhala on Maile Street, were deferred from consideration for purchasing for the $9 million Pāhala Wastewater Treatment Plant. The deferment came during County Council Finance Committee proceedings on Monday. The 42.5 acres, which include a macadamia orchard, are the chosen site by the County of Hawai`i, which will operate the facility.
Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David pointed to the site's appropriateness. She said it is "far from the community, it's all downhill and things flow well downhill." She said that other sites were considered that were closer to Pāhala homes. Other sites, however, could be reviewed and the process of choosing explained to the community, she said on Wednesday.
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| Ka`u's County Council member Maile David suggested that Kamehamehan and the County continue talks concerning the wastewater treatment site. Photo from Big Island Video News. |
Initial informal talk story sessions for the community will be held by the county and its consultants on:
Tuesday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room; and
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center;
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Conference Room; and
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
During the Finance Committee meeting on Monday, Kamehameha Schools representative Alapaki Nahale-a, Senior Director of Regional Strategies on Hawai`i Island, asked for the deferral “until such time we are able to obtain more information from the County on this action including the reasons for the selection of this property, which is currently leased to a farmer who is growing an orchard of macadamia nut trees.”He noted the Kamehameha Schools is restricted from selling land because of its fiduciary responsibilities. The county plans to use eminent domain to acquire it. “If this action goes through, a viable agricultural operation will be displaced and valuable `aina that currently provides financial support to educational programs will be lost forever,” Nahale-a said.
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| Bill Kucharski, Director of Environmental Management, said Kamehameha Schools and the County have talked about the land being used for the wastewater facility. Photo from Big Island Video News. |
According to a report from Big Island Video News, "Nahale-a noted that Kamehameha Schools and the County are aligned on many issues, including the desire to protect the environment, however he stated the last conversation regarding the lands was back in July when an appraiser called for information. 'The only notice we received about this resolution was Friday when a reporter called us seeking comment,'" Nahale-a said.
Bill Kucharski, Director of the county Department of Environmental Management, said that the county and Kamehameha Schools have been in talks to purchase the property and would resume discussions.
Finance Committee deferred the resolution. The county is required to come up with a location and proceed on building a sewage treatment plant to take the place of the old sugar plantation large capacity, gang cesspools that are now illegal, or face fines from the Environmental Protection Agency. See the film of the proceedings at www.bigislandvideonews.com.
A TAX-FOCUSED TELEPHONE TOWNHALL on Tuesday drew more than 4,100 Hawaiʻi residents. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard led the event as the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives go into conference committee to make final changes on the tax bill.
The Townhall provided local and national nonpartisan specialists, including: Molly Sherlock, Tax Policy Economist at the Congressional Research Service; Gayvial James, Local Taxpayer Advocate at IRS- Hawaiʻi and Pacific US Territories; and David Meisenheimer, Supervisory Special Agent, IRS-Criminal Investigations
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| Listen to discussion on proposed tax changes from a Telephone Townhall sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. |
Gabbard said, “Hawaiʻi families are rightfully concerned about the corporate-giveaway tax bills being rushed through Congress. There is no doubt that our tax code needs reform - but it should be done in a way that is bipartisan, and that strengthens working families. Both the House and Senate have passed tax reform proposals that would provide little to no relief through temporary cuts for some in the middle class, while corporations get huge permanent tax cuts and more handouts. Our telephone townhall was an important opportunity to share the facts about what is at stake for the people of Hawaiʻi under the Republican tax proposals, as well as to share critical information and resources for Hawaiʻi taxpayers ahead of the upcoming tax season. As Congress goes to conference committee on the current tax proposals and moves closer towards a final vote, I will continue to ensure my constituents’ concerns are heard and stand against this wrong-headed legislation.”
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CALLING FOR SEN. AL FRANKEN to resign from his post as U.S. Senator, both Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard came out with statements Wednesday: Said Hirono, “Today, I am calling on my colleague Al Franken to step aside. I’ve struggled with this decision because he’s been a good Senator and I consider him a friend. But that cannot excuse his behavior and his mistreatment of women.
“TIME Magazine, by naming ‘The Silence Breakers’ as their ‘Person of the Year,’ is recognizing what women have always known: there are men among us who use their positions of power and influence to manipulate, harass, and assault women. What is new here is the women. We are, all of us, speaking out, naming names and demanding that the harassers take responsibility for their behavior.
“I am proud of each of the women who has come forward, and heartened by the changing climate that has received their stories with acceptance and compassion.
“My hope is that this moment for a cultural change will result in women no longer being viewed as objects or toys, but recognized for their abilities and achievements. As regular human beings. Women have endured this behavior, which for too long has been ignored and tolerated. But no longer.
“We can only create a culture where women are respected as equals if we all step forward and be part of the change by holding everyone, especially our leaders, accountable.”
Gabbard tweeted: ".@alfranken should resign. As a society, we need to address the core problem of treating people as objects. We need to bring about real change by treating others with aloha - which means respect, care, & kindness no matter their gender, race, religion etc." She also commented on the TIME magazine selection: "Congratulations to the Silence Breakers of the #MeToo movement who TIME Magazine has honored as their Person of the Year. Your courage has inspired the country. #TIMEPOY."
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OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETS Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-703.
FIVE STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT events in which volunteers help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park take place this December. The first event is Thursday, Dec. 7, with remaining events taking place Dec. 15, 23, and 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
ALOHA FRIDAY: LEI MAKING WITH RANDY LEE is Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Volcano Art Center Gallery Porch in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Make lei from a variety of natural materials from the forest. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Soccer: Saturday, Dec. 9, Makua Lani @ Ka`u
Boys Basketball: Fri and Saturday, Dec. 8 and 9, Maui Tournament
Swimming: Sat, Dec. 9 at Konawaena
HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE ANNUAL MEETING IS Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Ocean View Community Association. For more, call 929-9910.
KEIKI CHRISTMAS PARTY AT ST. JUDE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN OCEAN VIEW is Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower parking lot. Each child receives two books at Rudolph’s Reading Room, a stocking from Santa, and a cookie and punch from Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen. All are welcome. For more, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER is Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more, call 939-7033.
EXPLORE THE RICH GEOLOGIC HISTORY OF KAHUKU on a easy-to-moderate guided hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, displaying different volcano features and formations in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The hike, titled Birth of Kahuku, also offers hikers the opportunity to learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. It will also take place on Dec. 30.
ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE starts at 1 p.m. at Pāhala Armory and ends at Holy Rosary Church on Sunday, Dec. 10. Contact Andrade family at 928-0808 to participate or for more details, no entry fees.
THE PRE CHRISTMAS JAZZ IN THE FOREST FEATURES holiday songs in many musical styles, including Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel and Salsa. It stars Jeannine Guillory and The Jazztones with Jean Pierre Thoma, Loren Wilken and Matt Spencer at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Volcano Art Center campus in Volcano village. Pupus from Ohelo cafe, Beer and Wine available for purchase. See www.volcanoartcenter.org.
SUNDAY WALK IN THE PARK is Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. All attendees must be current Friends Member, become a new member by registering online at fhvnp.org. For more, email admin@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373.
A MĀLAMA MARKET TOWN HALL MEETING is Monday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
PACIFIC ISLANDS AS MODELS FOR CULTURE, AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY is the After Dark in the Park announced for Tuesday, Dec. 12, starting at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn how the innovative agricultural systems of pre-contact Hawai‘i connect to Pacific societies in the past, present and future and how Hawai‘i and other Polynesian islands are used as models for living more sustainably. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more see nps.gov/HAVO.
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DISCOVERY HARBOUR/NĀ‘ĀLEHU COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Discovery Harbour Community Hall. The public is invited to come see what C.E.R.T. is about as well as participate in training scenarios. For more, contact Dina Shisler by emailing dinashisler24@yahoo.com or calling 410-935-8087.
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REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, UNTIL TUESDAY, Dec. 12, for a Hanging Santa Craft Class that takes place Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-5, UNTIL WEDNESDAY, Dec. 13, for the Annual Christmas Coloring Contest that takes place Thursday, Dec. 14, starting at 5 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. For more or to register, call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
