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Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Kilauea Lodge owners have been waiting patiently for the right buyer to steward their legacy of gourmet
food and accommodations. See story below. Photo from Kilauea Lodge 
DRIVING TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISLAND from Ka‘ū is faster and safer on the just-finished Daniel K. Inouye Highway - the Saddle Road. Motoring from Pāhala to Waimea takes about two hours and 16 minutes on Inouye-Saddle, versus two hours and 21 minutes through Hilo and up the Hamakua Coast, and 2 hours and 35 minutes up the westside through Kona, according to Google estimates. The distances of the three routes are within two miles of one another.
Three routes to Waimea, only a two mile difference,
according to Google distance and drive time map. 
       On Tuesday, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Gov. David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim and other stakeholders dedicated the new phase of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, marking completion of the Saddle Road Improvement Project. Construction on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway began in 2004, and completion creates the shortest route between East and West Hawai‘i Island.
      “This project has been in the making for decades, and it’s only through coordination between federal, state, and local governments, and the Hawai‘i Island community that we were able to complete the Daniel K. Inouye Highway,” said Hirono. “Saddle Road was one of the most dangerous roads in the state, but now we have a roadway that will reduce accidents, save lives, and fulfill Senator Inouye's vision to connect East and West Hawai‘i.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono, Gov. David Ige, Mayor Harry Kim
and other stakeholders dedicated the faster, safer new
phase of Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Tuesday.
     From Nā‘ālehu, it takes ten additional minutes to drive via Inouye-Saddle rather than heading up the Kona Coast from Nā‘ālehu to Hawi, giving Ka‘ū residents options when heading north.

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BANNING THE MANUFACTURE, SALE AND USE OF BUMP STOCKS, is the aim of a bill that Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard supported today in bipartisan legislation. Gabbard co-sponsored the legislation, to make bump stocks and similar devices a felony and to allow for increased penalties for offenders through a review of federal sentencing guidelines.
     "In the aftermath of the Las Vegas tragedy, this bill is an important bipartisan measure that will ban devices that exploit loopholes in existing laws prohibiting automatic weapons. I urge my
A bill co-sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard would make it a felony to
use, buy or sell bump stocks which make semi-automatic weapons
into rapid fire, fully automatic weapons. Photo from PBS
colleagues to take action and support this bipartisan, commonsense legislation. There is clearly more that Congress can and should do, like passing legislation that will require background checks to those seeking to purchase a gun, which the majority of Americans support. Bills like the one we are introducing today are an important first step to bringing people together around issues that best serve the safety and wellbeing of the American people," said Gabbard.
     Bump stocks are devices that use a semi-automatic weapon's recoil to allow rapid fire at a rate mirroring that of a fully automatic weapon — 400 to 800 rounds a minute. These devices are legal, unregulated, widely available, and can be purchased online for as little as $100. Their sole purpose is to exacerbate the rate of fire, said a statement from Gabbard's Office.

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Kilauea Lodge International Fireplace
of Friendship.
Photo from Kilauea Lodge
KILAUEA LODGE & RESTAURANT MAY HAVE A BUYER IN THE NEAR FUTURE, according to a story in Hawai‘i Tribune Herald on Tuesday. Owned and operated by Lorna and Albert Jeyte, who purchased the former YMCA camp in 1986 and renovated it to become a restaurant and accommodations, the property has been on and off the market over the last three years.
Kilauea Lodge is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,
daily and Sunday Brunch.  Photo from Kilauea Lodge
    The Jeytes said they were looking for the right buyer to fit the operation and community. Kilauea Lodge is listed on the Hawai‘i Register of Historic Places. It is known for its architecture and stonework, its International Fireplace of Friendship with embedded stones and coins from around the world, including many with the names of Rotary Clubs.
Art by Margaret Barnaby
at Volcano Artist Hui.
It is known for its long serving staff and its food designed by Chef Albert Jeyte. The restaurant is open for breakfast daily from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; lunch daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner nightly starting at 5 p.m. and Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is also known as a site for many community meetings. For reservations, call 967-7367.
     Kilauea Lodge was most recently listed for $5.2 million with MacAurthur Sotheby's International Realty. Rebecca Keliihoomalu, real estate agent for MacArthur Sotheby’s told Tribune Herald writer Michael Bretovansky that undisclosed buyers are seriously considering the purchase.
    
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VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI has announced its 31st annual Art Studio Tour & Sale over Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 26. Meet the artists in their studios, and see artwork in a wide variety of media including hand blown art glass, wood & metal sculpture, pottery, jewelry and fiber art as well as paintings, prints, photography and more. The artwork will be on display and available for purchase at six studios and galleries in the heart of the Village.
    Participating Hui members this year include Erik Wold, Ira Ono, Misato & Michael Mortara, Elizabeth Miller, Zeke Israel, Emily Herb, Pam Barton, Margaret Barnaby and Lisa Louise Adams, along with guest artists Joan Yoshioka, Randy Sutton, Ricia Shema, Scott Pincus, Tim Freeman, Charlotte Forbes Perry and Nash Adams-Pruitt.
     A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the sale. Sale hours are Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., each day. For more information, call 987-3472. Maps to the artists' studios will be available at local businesses and galleries in Volcano Village and at: VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.

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THE NATIONAL CLEAN POWER PLAN will be repealed, according to an announcement Monday by Pres. Donald Trump's Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt. The Clean Power Plan set the first-ever limits on carbon pollution from existing power plants. It was an initiative of Pres. Barack Obama.
    Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz was quick to respond today: "Scott Pruitt’s decision to withdraw from the Clean Power Plan sends an unmistakable message that this administration is eager to disown its responsibility to control greenhouse gases and instead promote big oil, coal, and fossil fuels.
     "Here’s the truth: Donald Trump and Republicans lost the Affordable Care Act fight twice, and they are running up against the clock on tax reform, so now they are trying to win back some political points by rolling back our efforts to combat climate change. And we know they’re not finished attacking our progress on climate. Scott Pruitt’s announcement to withdraw from the Clean Power Plan was first. Confirming more climate change deniers to hold key positions in Trump’s cabinet is next. And what happens now depends on how relentlessly we resist and fight back."
     Former EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said, "Instead of fulfilling their mission to keep our air and water clean, this administration is using stall tactics to defer their legal and moral obligation to reduce pollutants that threaten American families and fuel climate change," said McCarthy. "They want to replace our plan with a weaker standard sometime in the future, if they replace it at all.
Former EPA administrator Gina
McCarthy.
   "Their proposal does nothing to protect public health and the natural resources we need to survive and thrive. It's not smart or economically sound. It ignores the investment opportunities and health benefits of our country's transition to cleaner energy. And it ignores climate change solutions that are plentiful, less expensive than traditional fossil fuels and producing jobs 12 times faster than the rest of the economy.
     "Despite the misleading rhetoric of a vocal minority, the scientific consensus on climate is clear as day. Families, communities and businesses are seeing it firsthand. They have suffered the devastating loss of life and property from the extreme hurricanes, droughts and forest fires that will only get increasingly dangerous if these pollutants go unchecked."
     McCarthy pointed to Obama's notion that "we're the first generation to feel the effects of climate change and we may be the last generation with the ability to do something about it. That's why the Obama administration took our responsibility to protect the health and futures of our children seriously. We met our legal and moral obligation to take action on climate when we finalized the Clean Power Plan -- which was based on extensive outreach and input from millions of Americans, states, utilities, energy regulators, environmental groups, communities, tribes, and the public.
     "Our plan reinforced where energy markets were heading so we could maintain a reliable and affordable energy supply, while sending a clear signal that unlocked the clean energy revolution. And time has proven us right. Utilities, states, cities and towns are
investing in clean energy, consumers are seeing lower energy costs and all of us are benefiting from clean energy jobs."

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OPPOSITION TO THE NASA CHIEF NOMINATION by Pres. Donald Trump is called for by Sen. Brian Schatz. He released a statement this week, saying the Trump nominated "yet another non-scientist climate-denier, Rep. Jim Bridenstine to lead NASA."
     Stated Schatz, "Bridenstine has no scientific background and a history of being a climate denier, which should be automatically disqualifying for this vital role. While serving in the House of Representatives, Bridenstine attempted to limit NASA funding for climate research. Even worse, he actually spoke on the floor of the House and demanded that President Obama apologize for spending money investigating climate change.
     "We need to stand up and let President Trump know that we will not quietly stand by and allow him to nominate climate deniers like Bridenstine and Sam Clovis for Head Scientist at USDA.
      Schatz asked constituents to lend their names to a letter asking the Senate to reject non-scientist and climate denier Jim Bridenstine as head of NASA.
     "NASA has an essential role to play in helping us understand our changing climate. It was a NASA climatologist who first raised public awareness about climate change while testifying before Congress nearly 30 years ago. Now, the data NASA collects is crucial to our knowledge of our past and present climate as well as helping us predict the future. We simply cannot allow someone with such hostility toward science to lead our nation’s space agency," pleaded Schatz.

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Pick up the October edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered
free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli'i 
through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout
the district. See it online now at kaucalendar.com 

UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:

Girls Volleyball 
Friday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. Honoka'a, home.

Eight-Man Football
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, home.

Cross Country
Saturday, Oct. 13, Ka'ū vs. BIIF, away.

Cheerleading
Wednesday, Oct. 18, at Kamehameha.

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INPUT FOR THE FUTURE OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, including the Hele On Bus that takes many Ka‘ū residents to work, school and shopping, is invited at five meetings outside of Ka‘ū. Those unable to attend may contact Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David at maile.david@hawaiicounty.
gov or email consultants directly at heleonsuggestions@ssfm.com.
     Meetings are 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 12, at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility (15-2910 Kauhale St.); Thursday, Oct. 19, at Waimea Elementary School; and Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu‘au Hale in Hilo. Contact Jo-Anna Herkes, SSFM International at 808-356-1260.

Boone Morrison will present the
history of the hula platform at
Volcano Art Center on Thursday.
Photo by James Hawkins
A HISTORY OF THE KAHUA HULA, will be given at the Volcano Art Center tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. Photographer and VAC founder Boone Morrison discusses the construction, history, and dedication of the hula platform near VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Attendance is free, though $5 donations are appreciated. For more, call 967-8222.

RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS and those interested in becoming volunteers are invited to meet tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

MOLD CERAMICS CLASS REGISTRATION ENDS FRIDAY, OCT. 13. Classes are 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Oct. 16 through Dec. 4. at Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

VOLUNTEERS REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANT SPECIES  in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National at Stewardship at the Summit on Fridays, Oct. 13 and 27, and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 9 a.m.
    Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, but park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

THE HISTORY OF DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT will be presented at a dinner this Saturday, Oct. 14, at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 5 p.m. Veteran and current volunteer firefighters will be honored.
     A wall of photos, with two original helmets used in 1988, and an album with facts and photos from past to present will be unveiled. For more information call Dina Shisler at 410-935-8087 or email dinashisler24@yahoo.com. Read the Ka‘ū News Briefs from Tuesday, Oct. 10, for more details.

FAR FROM THE TREE is a Volcano Art Center  exhibit featuring Linda Peterson and Gregg Smith open to the public Saturday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.   
Gregg Smith's segmented turned, lidded vessel in
a show at Volcano Art Center Gallery starting Saturday.
Photo from Volcano Art Center
      An opening reception with both artists is Saturday, Oct. 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The mixed media exhibition showcases Petersons detailed acrylic paintings and Smiths segmented, wood turned vessels made mostly of Hawaiian hardwoods. The exhibit features a collaborative collection of hand painted wooden bowls that combine both artists talents.
      For more information, visit volcanoartcenter.org or contact VAC Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss by calling (808) 967-8222 or emailing gallery@volcanoartcenter.org.

ATLAS RECYCLING ACCEPTS RECYCLABLES AT SOUTH POINT U-CART again on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TWO EVENTS WILL BE HOSTED BY KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Oct. 14. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café offers a Mongolian BBQ. Call 967-8356 for more details. Starting at 8 p.m.: Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge offers Comedy Night with comedian Tom Clark. Call 967-8371 for more.
     Both events are open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

KANIKAPILA welcomes acoustic instrumentalists, drummers, singers and dancers on Saturdays, Oct. 14 and 28, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.

EXPLORE THE HUMAN HISTORY OF KAHUKU, on a three-hour guided moderate two-mile hike, People and Land of Kahuku, that loops through varied landscapes in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people have lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands– from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work here and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land. The guided hike is also offered on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.

LEARN ABOUT KA‘Ū DESERT’S FOOTPRINTS IN THE ASH with Park Ranger Jay Robinson during Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s After Dark in the Park on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
     Hawaiians once traversed Kīlauea on foot to travel between Puna and Ka‘ū, and during the 18th century, explosions from the volcano rained volcanic ash down on the people, preserving their footprints in the sands of “Keonehelelei.” Robinson will discuss new interpretive displays in the Ka‘ū Desert and explain what is known today about the impact of these explosive eruptions on native society. The event is free, park entrance fees apply.

REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR PAPER PLATE SILHOUETTE CRAFT, until Tuesday, Oct. 17, for the class that takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102.

REGISTER KEIKI AGES 5-12 FOR A HALLOWEEN MASK MAKING CLASS that takes place Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Register through Friday, Oct. 20. For more, call 939-2510.

CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING 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.