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Thursday, October 26, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, October 26, 2017

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard co-authored the OFF ACT, cosponsored by 14 members of Congress and supported by
hundreds of environmental and social justice groups. Photo from Office of Tulsi Gabbard




OFF FOSSIL FUELS FOR A BETTER FUTURE was a message to Congress Thursday. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard Barbara Lee, and Nanette Diaz Barragán joined Food & Water Watch, first responders, non-profit organizations, and local government officials to urge Members of Congress to pass the OFF Act to Combat Climate Change. H.R. 3671 would help transition the United States to a 100 percent clean energy economy by 2035.
     “Our country cannot passively standby while we watch the climate crisis devastate our planet and the livelihoods of working families across the country and the world. It is our obligation to protect the most vulnerable in our society, to protect our planet, to grow the economy and rebuild America’s infrastructure with a stable, domestic clean energy economy. Congress must pass the OFF Act to end our addiction to fossil fuels and transition the country to a clean energy economy by 2035,” said Gabbard.
    She said her bill "prioritizes the health and wellbeing of the country and the future of the planet by tackling the climate change crisis head on and building on the progress of states like Hawai‘i." The OFF Act sets an ambitious timeline to end America’s reliance on fossil fuels by 2035 "to avert the catastrophic effects of climate change that have exacerbated natural disasters like the recent hurricanes that devastated Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and deadly wildfires in California," said Gabbard.
      "Without urgent action, climate change will continue to intensify and accelerate the pace of extreme weather events that devastate coastal and low-lying communities causing widespread unemployment, wage stagnation, and deadly health problems, which disproportionately affect low-income, minority, Native Hawaiian and Native American families. This legislation protects the country’s most vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of carbon emissions and toxic chemicals that pollute America’s air, land and waterways by strengthening civil rights protections, creating clean energy jobs, and prioritizing the safety and security of the planet above profits for major corporations and the fossil fuels industry," she said.
    Gabbard contended that passing the OFF Act to transition the country away from fossil fuels to a clean energy economy, "will increase America’s global competitiveness by creating domestic clean technologies, jobs, and training programs. In addition, this legislation will improve the health and wellbeing of the American people and our planet from toxic pollutants, asthma and respiratory illnesses, and environmental degradation."
     The OFF Act is cosponsored by 14 Members of Congress and has been endorsed by nearly four hundred clean energy, climate change, and environmental justice organizations.

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THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM AT THE STATE CAPITOL is offering citizens training to help them interact with government, especially leading up to the 2018 Hawai‘i Legislature.
     A statement from Hawai‘i Public Access Room asks, "Are you interested in learning how laws are made in Hawai‘i? Do you have an idea for a law, or just want to let your legislators know what you’d like them to focus on next session?" Several opportunities to learn learn about the legislative process and how to participate will be provided at the Your Voice workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i training room near the Kona Airport, and on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hawai‘i Community College Manoa Campus Building 379, Room 1 in Hilo. Both events are free to attend.
     The presentation provides information on the State Legislature and legislative process, and includes tips and tools that citizens can use to effectively communicate with lawmakers. The workshop is designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike. It features:
· Tips and techniques on effective lobbying, testimony, and communicating with State Senators and Representatives
· Understanding the legislative process, deadlines, and power dynamics at the Capitol
· An opportunity to learn more about easy to use tools available on the Legislature’s website
· Helpful handouts, guides, and resources
     For additional information, contact the Public Access Room (PAR):
phone (808)587-0478, email par@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit LRBhawaii.org/PAR.
    PAR is a division of the Hawai‘i State Legislature’s non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau.

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A FUNDRAISER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, which is in production for A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol was announced Thursday. The fundraiser will be held at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant in Waiakea Villas on Friday. Nov. 3, starting at 6 p.m. The featured menu includes a pasta dish, eggplant parmesan, lasagna, pizza, and an Italian salad. Ice tea is included in the meal. The cost is $20. Diners are welcome to bring a bottle of wine or other beverages to consume.
Kīlauea Drama and Entertainment Network involves all ages and cultures in the community for
theater and music productions including The King & I (above) and currently in production for
A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol. A fundraiser will be held Nov. 3. Photo from KDEN
     KDEN is a 501(c)3 non-profit community theater company that has been presenting productions at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater for the past 15 years. The mission is to promote quality community theater in East Hawai‘i by involving the community in all aspects of the production process.
     A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol is another look at the Christmas classic with the bonus of Gilbert & Sullivan music. The show uses songs from many of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas. Three ghosts will sing Three Little Maids from School from The Mikado but with lyrics that suit the show.
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 
    The story is by Charles Dickens, music by Arthur Sullivan, and words by Gayden Wren (inspired by W.S. Gilbert).
      Reservations for the fundraiser are not necessary, but suggested. Call KDEN at 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com to make a reservation or for more information on A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol.

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COFFEE TALK in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National park takes place Friday, Oct. 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Join rangers and other community members in an informal conversation on a wide variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea and pastries available for purchase. Free.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE PLANTS in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit event is Friday, Oct. 27, at 9 a.m.
     To join the effort, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a 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.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meets Friday, Oct. 27, at 5 p.m. in Hawaiian Ranchos office.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, OCT. 27, for community members interested in hosting a booth at the Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Pāhala Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event is sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
     There are openings for craft vendors, food vendors, informational booths, and game vendors for children. Craft vendors fee is $50.00. Food vendors fee is $75.00. Game Vendors fee is $50.00. Informational booths are free. Call 649-9334 for an application.

A HALLOWEEN PARTY FOR ADULTS is offered at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attendees must be 21 years and older and must pay a cover charge of $5 per person. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8365 after 4 p.m.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for a volunteer day at the Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is necessary. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
     The following volunteer workday will be Saturday, Nov. 18, at TNC's Kona Hema Preserve from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.

KEIKI STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS takes place at the Volcano Art Center Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is geared towards keiki ages 11 to 13.
    Class fee is $50 for VAC members, $55 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Space limited, pre-registration necessary. For more info or to register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org. Read more about the event on Ka‘ū News Briefs published Wed, Oct. 25.

JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.

NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS A FALL COSTUME PIZZA PARTY on Halloween Day, Tuesday, Oct. 31, starting at 3 p.m.
     A Hawai‘i State Public Library System issued flyer states, "join us for fun, food and prizes at our annual Fall Costume Party - and this year it's a pizza party! Come in costume for an extra chance to win a prize!" The prize drawing will take place at 4 p.m.
    The event is free and open to all, though young children should be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
    For more details, call 939-2442.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY gives food to those in need on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1, and Thursday, Nov. 2. Participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY'S CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
     Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 
     See kilaueamilitarycamp.com for more.

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.