Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, November 22, 2017


This overlook in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular visitor destinations on Hawai`i
island with arrivals increasing. The state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism reported
on Wednesday that the number of scheduled airline seats into Hawai`i will rise by 8.5 percent and the number
of interisland flights will increase by 20 percent next year. NPS Photo
A STABLE AND GROWING ECONOMY is what the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism predicted on Wednesday, noting that unemployment, at 2.2 percent, has been the lowest of any state in the country.
     In its Statistical and Economic Report for the fourth quarter of 2017, DEBEDT predicted economic growth around 1. 5 percent per year. It pointed to thriving tourism, with an 8.5 percent increase in scheduled airline seats coming into Hawai`i and an increase in neighbor island flights of more than 20 percent in 2018.  DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria said Hawai`i could receive more than 9.5 million visitors in 2018.
Luis Salaveria, Director of the state Department of Business, Economic
Development & Tourism, reports strong growth in tourism.
Photo by Wayne Yohioka/Hawai`i Public Radio
      The report concluded that tourism is growing faster than expected, with the number of arrivals through September 2017 increasing 4.9 percent over the same period last year and visitor spending increasing 7.1 percent. "In terms of visitor arrivals, it is on track towards another record level of visitors this year," said the report.
     DBEDT's report also addressed labor: "The labor market condition in Hawai`i has been one of the best in the nation in the last few years. In October 2017, unemployment rate registered a record low rate of 2.2 percent, seasonally adjusted rate, and was the lowest rate in the nation for October. Year-to-date, Hawaii`’s unemployment rate ranked the third lowest in terms of seasonally adjusted rate and ranked the lowest in terms of not seasonally adjusted rate.
     "Through October, the state gained 7,800 additional payroll jobs as compared with the same period last year. The increase in jobs mostly occurred in tourism-related industries. Retail trade and food services each added 2,500 jobs during the first 10 months, and accommodations added 1,100 hotel jobs, however, there are a few industries which lost jobs. Wholesale trade lost 600 jobs, financial activities and government sectors each lost 500 jobs, manufacturing and construction each lost 400 jobs during the first 10 months of the year.
     "There were 12,850 people looking for jobs in October, the lowest level since January 2007. During the first 10 months of 2017, average labor force and employment reached historic record high levels."
      See the entire report at dbedt.hawaii.gov/economic/qser.

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AN EXHIBIT RECOUNTING INTERNMENT OF JAPANESE AMERICANS AT KMC during World War II was dedicated Wednesday. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono joined Superintendent of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Cindy Orlando to open the new exhibit. More than 100 Japanese Americans were imprisoned at Kilauea Millitary Camp – the largest incarceration site in Hawai`i outside of O`ahu.
HVNP Superintendent Cindy Orlando with Sen. Mazie
Hirono and other officials at the KMC dedication of
the exhibit on Japanese American detention.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono
     Hirono said, "The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was based on discrimination and racism, and when our country goes down this path, the outcome is never good. At a time when the President and his allies have escalated their rhetoric against Muslims and other racial and ethnic minorities, exhibits like this provide a necessary reminder of the consequences of hatred and division. I commend the National Park Service for creating this new exhibit, and encourage future park visitors to take the opportunity to learn about this dark chapter in American history."

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HAWAI`I IS THE ONLY STATE WITH A 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY GOAL. Toward that end, on Tuesday, Hawaiian Electric Co. announced a new partnership with University of Hawai`i.
     The project is a test case for institutions that aim for net-zero energy. A joint statement from HECO and U.H. says the proposal is to establish a "green tariff" to encourage renewable energy generation, improve grid capacity for renewables and lower energy costs and would need approval from the Public Utilities Commission. The aim is to also reduce the cost of energy to consumers. Projects would be put out to bid.
     "Working collaboratively to reduce both our dependence on fossil fuels and our utility bills is an essential part of fulfilling our leadership responsibility and commitment to the future of our students, our university and Hawaii," said UH President David Lassner.
     HECO President Alan Oshima said, "The University of Hawai`i is a leading institution in our state and one of our largest customers. Our continuing collaboration over many years has benefited our community. This latest initiative will help the university, our community, and our customers as we strive for our common clean energy goals."
     Already established means of achieving energy efficiency, rooftop solar and demand response grid services will also be supported, according to the statement. An existing law bill requires all UH campuses to achieve the net-zero goal by Jan. 1, 2035.
Vocalist Jeannine Guillory will offer Christmas
music in Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel and other
traditions on Saturday, Dec. 9.

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A PRE CHRISTMAS JAZZ IN THE FOREST has been announced. It will come to Volcano Art Center campus on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. New arrangements of traditional carols will be presented in Latin, Swing, Bossa, Gospel, Salsa, along with romantic and operatic versions by Jeannine and The Jazztones. The group consists of Jeannine Guillory, Jean Pierre Thoma on saxes and flute, Loren Wilken on piano, Matt Spencer on bass and Steve Bader on drums.
      The dance floor will be open to move and swing.
Food and drink will be available.

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AN OPEN HOUSE FOR KA‘Ū COFFEE AND OTHER FARMERS will be held Thanksgiving Day, this Thursday, Nov. 23 at Pāhala Plantation House at 11 a.m. to meet representatives of the manufacturers of the Japanese Organic Plant Vitalizer called HB-101. Some Ka‘ū Coffee farmers are using HB-101. Dr. Tomoaki Kato, HB-101's Laboratory Manager and a Doctor of Engineering, will give a workshop and host a question and answer session. The Pāhala event is a potluck with turkey, ham and drinks provided. For more information, call Reggie Hasegawa at 960-6614 or Max Maemori at 756-4888.
See public Ka‘ū events for November including 
monthly meetings . See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, 

Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar, 

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

A FREE COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER is hosted at the Ocean View Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main hall. The dinner is open to all and boasts a full turkey dinner with "all the fixings." For more details, call 939-7033 or email ovcahawaii@gmail.com.

DENNIS AND CHRISTY SOARES PERFORM Thursday, Nov. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. No cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

A THANKSGIVING BUFFET takes place Thursday, Nov. 23, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at KMC’s Crater Rim Café in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu features Roast Turkey, Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham and all the fixings. $21.95/adult, $11.85/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI'S 31ST ART STUDIO TOUR & SALE is Friday, Nov. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., six artists studios in Volcano Village. Meet artists, view and purchase wide variety of artwork from local artists. Special drawing held at sales end. For more call 987-3472. Find a map of the six participating artists studios at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP. meet Friday, Nov. 24, at 5 p.m., in Hawaiian Ranchos' office.

THE ANNUAL DECORATED COTTAGES HOLIDAY CHALLENGE at Kīlauea Military Camp within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park takes place Friday, Nov. 24, through Friday, Jan. 1. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

THE TENTH ANNUAL KAMAHALO CRAFT FAIR has been announced for Cooper Center and is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 local artisans participate, offering unique gifts. See facebook.com/coopercentervolcano/
Email Linda Ugalde kilaueatutu@gmail.comThe event will be located at 19-4030 Wright Rd, Volcano.

THE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY AT PUNALU‘U to honor past, present and future generations will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, Medicine Pond.
      Taiko Drummers will join the celebration, as will hula dancers, local musicians and Gi Gong practitioners. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages will be provided to the first 50 registrants (registration has passed). Donations are tax deductible and will be used toward college scholarships through the events sponsor Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association. Call 928-0101 for more.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP ANNOUNCES AUGIE T IN CONCERT on Saturday, Nov. 25, at KMC’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Tickets on sale at Hirano Store or online at AugieT.com. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more call, 967-837, kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSERVEABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place Saturday, Nov. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. Visit nps.gov/havo for more.

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 Saturday, Nov. 25, 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, though park entrance fees apply. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Sunday, Nov. 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hike will also be offered on Dec. 3 and Dec. 23.
     Palm Trail is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traversing scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. Highlights include relics of the ranching era, sections of remnant native forest and amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruptive fissures.
     For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meets Tuesday, Nov. 28, at10 a.m., in the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office. For more, call 929-9910.

KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY offers free food to those in need on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY TUESDAY, NOV. 28, FOR A FELT WINTER HANGING CRAFT class that takes place Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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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