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Sunday, November 26, 2017

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017

Six Hawaiian sea turtles, the Honu, gathered at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach during the Floating
Lantern Ceremony to honor those who have passed away and others to be remembered.
Photo by Peter Anderson
HELPING TO END GUN VIOLENCE is the way Sen. Mazie Hirono is wrapping up the Thanksgiving weekend. She is calling for constituents to sign a petition, stating, "This year, two of the deadliest mass shootings in our country’s history occurred just weeks apart, taking innocent lives and devastating the communities of Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas. Enough is enough. Thousands of Americans are killed by guns each year. The victims and their loved ones deserve more than our thoughts, prayers and empty promises: They deserve concrete action to get military-style assault weapons off our streets and save lives.
     "Last week, I introduced a bill to close the dangerous loophole that allows convicted abusers – like the Texas shooter – to buy guns, and I’m co-sponsoring a bill to ban deadly assault weapons. I’m fighting every day in the Senate to end the gun violence epidemic. But I need you with me: Will you sign the petition to call on Congress to take action?
     "Click here to add your name and demand Congress act now to prevent gun violence and save lives," requests the Senator.

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Keiki decorated the sails for the floating
lantern ceremony at Punalu`u Saturday.
Photo by Peter Anderson
HELPING PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND PREDIABETES is the facebook post from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend: "One in three people has diabetes or prediabetes in Hawai‘i. Our kūpuna, minorities, Native Hawaiian population, and those with a family history are most at risk for diabetes, and we can do more to help. I’m working to pass HR 3124, the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act, to increase resources for our most vulnerable and help identify and treat diabetes earlier and more effectively."     
     She also talked about Community Health Centers: "Across the country, Community Health Centers (CHCs) provide essential healthcare for more than 27 million people. In Hawai‘i, our 12 CHCs serve about 150,000 people, including those in low-income, rural, and underserved communities. I’ve visited several Community Health Centers throughout the state and heard firsthand challenges like lack of funding, and staff shortages. We must provide adequate funding for our Community Health Centers and pass the bipartisan CHIME Act to extend their funding."

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Families bring their art and their memories
to the Floating Lantern Ceremony at
Punalu`u. Photo by Peter Anderson
THE MEDICINE POND was the site of the annual Floating Lantern Ceremony sponsored by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association on Saturday at Punalu`u Black Sand Beach.
     Keiki to kupuna applied their art and wrote messages on the paper sails that they attached to the floating boats with their lanterns. A stiff wind pushed the floating lanterns across the Medicine Pond as participants remembered their loved ones.
     Taiko drumming started the ceremony, along with hula and tai chi, followed by a potluck feast.
     
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THE ANNUAL DECORATED COTTAGES HOLIDAY CHALLENGE at Kīlauea Military Camp within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park began this weekend and continues through Friday, Jan. 1. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests, the KMC Cottages are adorned with lighting and decorations for evening strolls. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8371 or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS is preparing for its 23rd The Wonder of Christmas concert for Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 pm at KMC's Kilauea Theater. The 25-member chorus is under the direction of Roch Jones with accompaniment by Walter Greenwood. Also joining the chorus will be Cheryl Shine on flute and piccolo, and Gillen Kauakahi on recorder.
     Now sponsored by the Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network, the chorus was founded in 1994 by renowned music director Camille Almy. For 23 years the concert has been a gift to the Volcano community as a mahalo for its support.
     This year's concert features sacred and secular music. Many chorus' favorites will be performed. The Carols of Gathering by Joseph Martin will open the show and a medley of White Christmas and Happy Holiday by Irving Berlin will close the show. The program is varied and includes a spiritual Have You Heard the News?, an African Alleluia, an Irish Carol, and madrigals, All The Town Be Merry and Throw Open The Shutters. Popular carols Do You Hear What I Hear?Ring, Christmas Bells and Pie Jesu are also featured. Admission is free; however, donations will be accepted.

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THE ANNUAL PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE is accepting entries. It is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 10, with participants touring the streets of Pāhala and winding up at the Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street for treats and more entertainment. Produced by Eddie Andrade and family along with Mary Jane Balio for 39 years, the parade features Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus greeting parade goers with a Ho Ho Ho and throwing candies to the keiki. It features  community groups, musicians,
Rudolph greets one of the Pāhala  Christmas Parade's regular
sponsors, Edmund C. Olson. Photo by Julia Neal
churches, businesses and
schools, along with the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee court, walking and riding on floats, trucks and classic vehicles.
     The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the old Pāhala Armory and stops at houses throughout the village, making a stop for the staff and long-term care residents at Ka‘ū Hospital before arriving at the Catholic Church.
     Parade participants should start lining up by 12:30 p.m. To be involved - there are no entry fees for participants - call the Andrades at 928-0808.
     Sponsors of the parade also include the Edmund C. Olson Trust II.

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HOVE ROAD MAINTENANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS meets Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 10 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.

FAMOUS TAIKO DRUMMER KENNY ENDO COMES TO NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY on Thursday, Nov. 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. The Master and his Taiko Center of the Pacific ensemble will demonstrate and discuss taiko group and festival drumming.
     Recommended for ages five and older. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. For more information, contact 939-2442.
     For a schedule of other upcoming library programs visit librarieshawaii.org/events.

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.