Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at the 2017 Hawai‘i Farmers Union United Convention. On Wednesday, Gabbard, Rep. Colleen
Hanabusa and Sen. Mazie Hirono were named top advocates for improving the nation's food system.
See story below.

SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES were questioned by Sen. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday, during a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing in the U.S. Senate regarding Extremist Content and Russian Disinformation Online: Working with Tech to Find Solutions. Hirono told executives from Google, Facebook and Twitter that she couldn't understand if they couldn't understand that misuse of their social media platforms affected the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.

       Hirono pressed them on whether authenticity of content is a commitment in their business practices. She asked, could they prevent the "use of your platforms from fomenting of discord?"

Sen. Mazie Hirono questioned Twitter, Google and Facebook.
Image form Big Island Video News

      Colin Stretch, Facebook's general counsel, replied, "Our mission, is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Our policies prohibit hate speech, as well as all kinds of bullying and harassment." He said that the company wants "to make sure that people, when they come to Facebook, they can trust the content they see and it is our responsibility to make sure we are enforcing that by policing bad actors who are using unauthentic accounts."

     Sean Edgett, acting general counsel for Twitter, said one of Twitter's missions is "to unite - a forum." He said the Russian activity "is intended to divide." He said Twitter has "a policy around anonymity, to allow free speech and expression to enable political dissidents or embedded journalists or human rights activists to take on a different persona to speak truth to powerful individuals. We are always trying to balance that with the ability to make sure that we are not trying to divide through state sponsored acts."

Colin Stretch, Facebook's general counsel, responding to Sen.
Mazie Hirono's questions on authenticity.
Image from Big Island Video News

     Richard Salgado, information security director from Google, said that Google has thousands of people who look at content reported as inappropriate and that the company "is wanting to do better in this area."

     Hirono said that aside from terrorists using the platforms to bring in supporters, the meddling with elections and democracy "is a whole new area of misuse of your platform."

     See a film of the hearing at bigislandvideonews.com.

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FOOD POLICY ACTION named Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, on Wednesday, as top advocates for improving the nation’s food system. The release of its 2017 National Food Policy Scorecard recognized all three with scores of 100 percent.
     Hirono was commended for voting no on the Scott Pruitt selection to head the EPA and for cosponsoring the Raise the Wage Act, Agricultural Worker Program Act of 2017 and the Healthy Families Act and more. See more on the analysis of Hirono.
     Gabbard was commended for co-sponsoring the Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2017, the Raise the Wage Act, and the Healthy Families Act and more. See more on the analysis of Gabbard.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard points out that

Hawai‘i's Congressional delegation is diverse,

herself a Hindu, Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. 

Colleen Hanabusa are Buddhist and Sen. Brian

Schatz is Jewish. Photo by Marco Garcia of Gabbard's

Hindu wedding to Abraham Williams.

     Hanabusa was commended for co-sponsoring the Pesticide Proteciton Act of 2017, Closing the Meal Gap Acto of 2017, the Miliary Hunger Prevention Act and more. See more on the analysis of Hanabusa.

     Said Gabbard, “Food security is a critical issue for the American people, and especially the people of Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi can serve as a shining example for the country with strong food policy. We must continue the progress we’ve made to strengthen our food security, increase sustainable, traditional and organic farming practices, and empower our local farmers and communities through locally grown agriculture.”

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THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLE OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN THE U.S. is the focus of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's essay released this week. Called My Spiritiual Journey, it recounts her thoughts and feelings about religion and community service from her time growing up in Hawai‘i, through her county and state political career, the military and serving in Congress. Sharing details of her multi-faith upbringing, Gabbard ties the U.S. commitment to religious liberty to the aloha spirit that "makes Hawai‘i and our country strong," she says. Her essay

in part:

Sen. Brian Schatz is Jewish, speaking
at Temple Emanu-El in Honolulu.
Photo from Temple Emanu-El

      "At a time of growing divisiveness in America, where too many are “other-izing” those who may look different, worship different, or hold different political views, it is more important than ever to live aloha, to love and treat all others with respect, to be inclusive rather than exclusive. The divisiveness that threatens the fabric of our nation — whether due to race, religion, political ideology, gender, sexual orientation, or other — must end," writes Gabbard.
     "One reason I’m grateful to call Hawaiʻi home is that the people of these islands embrace diversity and celebrate the colorful fabric of race, ethnicity, and religion that make up our people, place, and culture."
     Gabbard points out that Hawai‘i has elected the most diverse congressional delegation in the country. She is a Vaishnava Hindu. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is Buddhist. Sen. Mazie Hirono is Buddhist and Sen. Brian Schatz is of the Jewish faith. Writes Gabbard, "This speaks volumes about
the people of Hawaiʻi, where people live aloha and the dream of Martin Luther King — where a person is judged not by the color of her skin, ethnicity, or religion, but by her character."
      She writes that she grew up in a multi-faith household, "happily oblivious to sectarianism or the idea of having to choose one religious 'team' over another. Her father, state Senator Mike Gabbard, was a Catholic who practiced yoga meditation and karma yoga. Her mother was a practicing Hindu. "My earliest memories are of the bright colors, beautiful sounds, and fragrant aromas of both Christian and Hindu celebrations. My siblings and I grew up studying from both the Bhagavad-Gita and the Bible; going to Mass, and then coming home to a yoga kirtan."

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa at a Buddhist Temple in
Bon Dance attire. Photo from Rep. Hanabusa

     Gabbard writes that her upbringing taught her that "true happiness can only be found in dedicating one’s life in the loving service of God and His children. She said this view inspired her environmental activism as a teenager, as well as my service in the military, in local, state, and now federal office, and pursuit of peace, equality, and justice.
     "Our nation was founded by people fleeing religious persecution, risking everything for the freedoms that form our foundation and seeking a place to be free to worship as they chose or to not worship at all. It is a freedom enshrined in our Constitution, and that every member of Congress takes an oath to protect — a freedom that many heroes have given their lives to defend. Nothing is more important to our democracy than this freedom.
     "Our history has been shaped by leaders like James Madison, a faithful Episcopalian, John F. Kennedy, a practicing Catholic, and many others shaped and motivated by their personal faith and spirituality, but equally vigilant to uphold the constitutional separation between church and state.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, (left), a Buddhist, attending ceremonies
dedicating a Japanese internment camp from WWII, with
a Native Hawaiian blessing. Photo from Hawai‘i Herald

     "Today the United States is home to more than five million Jews, three million Muslims, and three million Hindus. Nearly 23% of Americans don’t identify with any spiritual path or religion. At a time when some Americans are fueling extreme divisions of “us vs. them” hate-filled rhetoric, bigotry, and even violence, we cannot afford to stay silent. We must push back against those who perpetrate such bigotry and embrace the freedom
and diversity that makes our country great.

         "It’s up to each of us to change the narrative, to speak out against those who are trying to worsen the fear and divisiveness that is pervading our country. It is up to each of us to treat all people with aloha and respect, to protect the freedoms in this country that ensure people can live their lives as they please without fear that their religion or spiritual path, or lack thereof, will be held against them," said Gabbard. Read the entire essay. 

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REGISTER KEIKI GRADE K-8 FOR PAPER FALL FLOWER CRAFT by Tuesday, Nov. 7, for the class which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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

HULA VOICES, moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz is this Thursday. Nov. 2 fro 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kumu hula Iwalani Kalmia, of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E, presents her hula experiences. The event takes place at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

THE NEXT OCEAN VIEW BLOCK WATCH MEETING will be Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. All are invited and the organization will entertain nominations and elect officers. For more, call 939-7033.

Pick up the November 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 

NATURE WORKS EVERYWHERE GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE is Friday, Nov. 3. Applications are open for public/charter schools to build or maintain a Nature Works Everywhere school garden, greenspace or green infrastructure project. For more, visit NatureWorksEverywhere.org/#grants.
     See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Thursday, Sept. 14.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANTS that prevent native plans from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit event is Friday, Nov. 3, at 8:45 a.m.
     To join the effort, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. 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. More events are planned for Nov. 11 (fee-free day), 18 and 25.

A FUNDRAISER FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, which is in production for A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol,  will be at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant in Waiakea Villas in Hilo this Friday, Nov. 3, starting at 6 p.m. 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.

      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.
     See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Thursday, Oct. 26.

A THREE-DAY WORKSHOP, MANDALA MOSAIC, teaches basic glass cutting techniques as well as specialized pattern-cutting skills with Volcano Art Center guest artist Mark Brody. The program takes place Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village.
     Class limited to 10 people, 15 years +. $225/$200 VAC members, plus $25 material fee. All students receive free $25 valued substrate at workshops end. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

BIRTH OF KAHUKU, a guided easy-to-moderate hike, traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations as hikers explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. The free hike is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

A HOLIDAY AFFAIR is set for Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. The art sale also offers maps to Ka‘ū galleries for attendees to continue their Ka‘ū art exploration. Gift wrapping and/or boxing for easy mailing will be available for items sold. To reserve a booth or space call Mars Cavers at 938-9760 or email starmars@mac.com. For more about the event, see Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 22.

A HEALTH FAIR will take place at Discovery Harbour Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along with exercise demonstration - Yoga, hula, pilates, Tai Chi, and Qigong - the fair will also offer healthy cooking demonstrations, flu shots, massages and health presentations from various organizations, including Unsafe at Any Meal author Dr. Renee Dufault. For more, visit discoveryharbor.net or call 929-9576. See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 1.

JOIN RAIATEA HELM WITH HULA AND MUSIC ARTISTS FOR THE Ho‘okupu Hula No Ka‘ū Cultural Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Enjoy free music and entertainment and visit vendor booths offering crafts, food, games and information. For more details see Ka‘ū News Briefs published Wednesday, Oct. 18, or contact Kumu Debbie Ryder at 649-9334.

A GILLIGAN'S NIGHT to raise funds for Ka‘ū Learning Academy is Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Gilligan's Restaurant former site in Discovery Harbour, which is now KLA.
      It is the first in a series of charter school fundraisers with music and food.

      Foggy will play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Solomon and Tiger will play from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. The food will feature pizza, pasta, lasagna, salads, desserts and chicken parmesan.
     See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Monday, Oct. 23.

FREE HEPATITIS C TESTING IS AVAILABLE on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.,  at Volcano Farmers Market on Wright Rd in Volcano. Volcano Community Association, the organization hosting the event, says that one in 30 baby boomers have Hep. C and most don’t event know it. For more details visit Ka‘ū News Briefs from Thursday, Oct. 12, or email vcainfo@yahoo.com. 

HAM RADIO OPERATORS HOST A POTLUCK PICNIC Sunday, Nov. 5, at Manukā Park. All American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families are invited to attend. For more, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.

PU‘U O LOKUANA, a free moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike, takes visitors to the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is offered Sunday, Nov. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of lower Ka‘ū.

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.

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