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| The Old Office of Economic Opportunity Building, in front of the mango trees and old plantation camp housing, is on the 60 acres where the foreclosure auction scheduled for Wednesday has been cancelled. Photo by Julia Neal |
The defendants planned to put a water bottling plant and retail center on the 60 acres in Pāhala with parking for tourist vehicles. They received a preliminary approval from the former county planning director. The owner of the mortgage on the property foreclosed on them but the matter has apparently been resolved.
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| Ka‘ū sugar mill site where owners have planned a water bottling plant sourcing the water from a tunnel there. Photo by Julia Neal |
Surfriders Foundation, the Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund and others opposed the idea of taking water from Ka‘ū to bottle and export it. Whether owners plan to proceed with the bottling plant remains unclear.
The site is next to the proposed Pāhala wastewater treatment plant.
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The site is next to the proposed Pāhala wastewater treatment plant.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
MAJOR TAX GIVEAWAYS to corporations and the top one percent "on the backs of lower-income and middle-class Americans" is how Rep. Tulsi Gabbard described the tax bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. She said that it would add $1.4 trillion to the nation's debt.
After resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the tax reform legislation in a conference committee, H.R. 1 was passed by the House by a vote of 227-203 Tuesday, but will require a re-vote Wednesday due to technical change requirements recently discovered by the Senate. The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 51 to 48 after midnight in Washington, D.C.
After resolving the differences between the House and Senate versions of the tax reform legislation in a conference committee, H.R. 1 was passed by the House by a vote of 227-203 Tuesday, but will require a re-vote Wednesday due to technical change requirements recently discovered by the Senate. The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 51 to 48 after midnight in Washington, D.C.
Gabbard, who voted "No," said, “There's no doubt the American people need and want real tax reform. But rather than passing a strong, inclusive, and bipartisan bill focused on helping hardworking middle-class families, today Republicans passed a bill filled with massive corporate giveaways and loopholes for the ultra-wealthy. For example, the top one percent in our country will receive over 82 percent of the entire tax benefit in the bill they passed today.
“As long as Congress continues to pass legislation for partisan, political reasons that serve special corporate interests instead of the families that are struggling just to get by every day, where lobbyists have more input in the writing of this legislation than many Members of Congress, the American people lose. I oppose this legislation today. It's a disappointment and a huge lost opportunity to actually help so many struggling families all across the country.” See the Video of Gabbard’s Speech on the House floor on Tuesday.
“As long as Congress continues to pass legislation for partisan, political reasons that serve special corporate interests instead of the families that are struggling just to get by every day, where lobbyists have more input in the writing of this legislation than many Members of Congress, the American people lose. I oppose this legislation today. It's a disappointment and a huge lost opportunity to actually help so many struggling families all across the country.” See the Video of Gabbard’s Speech on the House floor on Tuesday.
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard speaks against the tax bill making its way through congress. See her speech. |
Gabbard objected to the following provisions in the tax bill:
· Dismantling the State and Local Tax Deduction, which will effectively raise taxes on those who will no longer benefit from the deduction. Under current law, the SALT deduction is unlimited, but this legislation limits the deductions of both individuals and couples up to only $10,000, while allowing corporations and pass-through entities to continue claiming the unlimited deduction.
· Making billions of dollars in environmentally harmful fossil fuel subsidies permanent while putting incentives for clean energy in jeopardy.
· Permanently lowering corporate taxes rates to 21 percent-- the largest one-time corporate tax cut in U.S. history--while making tax cuts for some middle class families temporary. By 2026, over 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes than they do today.
· Cutting taxes for America’s top wage earners by nearly three percent and raising the threshold at which that tax rate kicks in to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples.
· Laying the foundation for a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 alone—including a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicare—to cover the offset of the $1.46 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawai‘i, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare.
· Reducing the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawai‘i.
Gabbard said that she has fought to protect the hard-earned paychecks of low and middle income Americans and against corporate tax breaks throughout her time in Congress. She said she voted against the "Republicans’ corporate giveaway tax bill" in the House and called on the conference committee "to serve and protect hardworking American families."
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"THE TAX CODE IS AN EXPRESSION OF WHAT AMERICA CARES ABOUT and what America Values," Sen. Brian Schatz said on Tuesday. "In this bill we are telling people that we value work less than we value already being rich. There's nothing with somebody who has been successful but to the extent that passive income now is taxed at a lower rate than people who actually earn their money the old fashioned way by working it, that's a reflection of values and I think that's why people are so concerned about us entering into a new gilded age."
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"#GOPTAXSCAM-DONALD TR4UMP'S BIG, FAT LIE" is what Sen. Mazie Hirono called the tax bill that is making its way through Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday. She recommended remembering when Pres. Trump said, "This tax bill is not going to help me and my rich friends are kind of upset with me." She called it the biggest lie from a President who has a hard time telling the truth. She pointed to Forbes magazine estimating that the tax bill could save Donald Trump $11 million a year.
"The rest of us, the people who actually have to work for a living, get hardly anything."
She said that what little the middle class will get is "written in invisible ink," and will expire, while "85 percent of the goodies, those cuts to the richest 1 percent and the biggest corporations - those cuts will go on forever, written in indelible ink."
She predicted that the addition of over a trillion dollars in debt will lead to mandatory cuts to Medicare to the tune of $25 million. Some 13 million people will no longer have health care and that premiums for others will see premiums rise by at least 10 percent, said Hirono. She predicted that the jobs that will be created will be for lawyers and accountants who will figure out the loopholes for the wealthy and the corporations too keep their tax payments lower than the the amount the new tax bill requires. She called the bill "a fraud on the American people."
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A BELL CHOIR, MUSIC AND SINGING WITH GUITARS are a highlight of the Christmas Eve celebration on Sunday, Dec. 24, at Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church on Hwy. 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ ANNOUNCES A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET for Monday, Dec. 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.
· Making billions of dollars in environmentally harmful fossil fuel subsidies permanent while putting incentives for clean energy in jeopardy.
· Permanently lowering corporate taxes rates to 21 percent-- the largest one-time corporate tax cut in U.S. history--while making tax cuts for some middle class families temporary. By 2026, over 86 million low and middle class families will pay higher taxes than they do today.
· Cutting taxes for America’s top wage earners by nearly three percent and raising the threshold at which that tax rate kicks in to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples.
· Laying the foundation for a $136 billion cut to mandatory programs in FY2018 alone—including a mandatory $25 billion cut to Medicare—to cover the offset of the $1.46 trillion dollar increase to our national deficit. In Hawai‘i, 245,000 people receive healthcare through Medicare.
· Reducing the limit on the mortgage interest deduction, further exacerbating the affordable housing crisis in Hawai‘i.
Gabbard said that she has fought to protect the hard-earned paychecks of low and middle income Americans and against corporate tax breaks throughout her time in Congress. She said she voted against the "Republicans’ corporate giveaway tax bill" in the House and called on the conference committee "to serve and protect hardworking American families."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Hear Brian Schatz comment on tax bill. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
"#GOPTAXSCAM-DONALD TR4UMP'S BIG, FAT LIE" is what Sen. Mazie Hirono called the tax bill that is making its way through Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday. She recommended remembering when Pres. Trump said, "This tax bill is not going to help me and my rich friends are kind of upset with me." She called it the biggest lie from a President who has a hard time telling the truth. She pointed to Forbes magazine estimating that the tax bill could save Donald Trump $11 million a year.
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| Sen. Maize Hirono points to a Forbes magazine article on Monday that estimated that Pres. Donald Trump will save $11 million a year through the the tax bill making its way through Congress. See her talk about it. |
She said that what little the middle class will get is "written in invisible ink," and will expire, while "85 percent of the goodies, those cuts to the richest 1 percent and the biggest corporations - those cuts will go on forever, written in indelible ink."
She predicted that the addition of over a trillion dollars in debt will lead to mandatory cuts to Medicare to the tune of $25 million. Some 13 million people will no longer have health care and that premiums for others will see premiums rise by at least 10 percent, said Hirono. She predicted that the jobs that will be created will be for lawyers and accountants who will figure out the loopholes for the wealthy and the corporations too keep their tax payments lower than the the amount the new tax bill requires. She called the bill "a fraud on the American people."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S CRATER RIM CAFÉ ANNOUNCES A CHRISTMAS DAY BUFFET for Monday, Dec. 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The café is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The menu includes Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, Holiday Lamb Stew and much more. Entry fees are $27.95 per adult, and $14.50 per child (age 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8356.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.
MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
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.
A CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE IS OFFERED TO ALL on Sunday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The schedule includes carols and bells at 5 p.m., main service at 6:15 p.m., with a potluck after. For more details, visit stjudeshawaii.org or call 939-7000.
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the U.H. Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
C.U. HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION OFFERS EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. C.U. 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. C.U. 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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| See public Ka‘ū events, meetings entertainment at kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decemberevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/decembercommunity.html. December print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com. |
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
Girls Basketball: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū.
Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.
Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
Boys Soccer: Wednesday, Dec. 20, Honoka‘a.
Boys Basketball: Saturday, Dec. 30, Konawaena.
Swimming: Saturday, Dec. 23, @ Hilo.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8, FOR A MINI GINGERBREAD HOUSE craft class that has been announced for Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. Register until Tuesday, Dec. 19. For more, call Nona Makuakāne or Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20, from noon to 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS Wednesday, Dec. 20. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. See agendas and more at hawaiicounty.gov.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HOST A FREE CONCERT featuring award-winning musical artist Ken Makuakāne on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Makuakāne has won 15 Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Award, and six Big Island Music Awards. Park entrance fees apply.
HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB OF KA‘Ū meets Thursday, Dec. 21, at 6:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Nā‘ālehu. For more, call Pres. Berkley Yoshida at 747-0197.A CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER will be held on Friday, Dec. 22. Sponsored by Lamb of God Baptist Church, it begins at 7 p.m. The event is free to all and highlights include refreshments and gifts for children in attendance.
MAKE LEI WITH TROPICAL AG FARMER KAIPO AHCHONG at Aloha Friday, Dec. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center. AhChong's experience marries the science of agriculture with Hawaiian lei and hula traditions. For more visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-7565.
VOLUNTEER WITH HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK to help remove invasive non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in at two remaining Stewardship at the Park events that take place this December. The upcoming event is Saturday, Dec. 23, with the event also taking place Dec. 30. Volunteers should meet leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at 8:45 a.m. Free; park entrance fees apply. Fore more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
JOIN A GUIDED HIKE ALONG THE PALM TRAIL in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.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.
REGISTER BY SUNDAY, DEC. 31, FOR THE 2018 MASTER GARDENER VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM 2018 which begins Saturday, Jan. 23 and continued for 13 weeks. The program is open to Ka‘ū applicants through the U.H. Cooperative Extension Office.
Each person enrolling in the Master Gardener Program commits to completing 39 hours of instruction plus nine field trip hours, an open-book Midterm and Final Exam, plus 40 hours of volunteer service within 12 months of completing the Master Gardener instruction. To continue being Certified as a Master Gardener, on-going service of 30 hours of volunteer time is required every year.
Classes are held at The Kona Cooperative Extension Service office in Kainaliu, with field trips and workshops in the area. The next program will be held for three hours every Tuesday morning through April 17. Classes will be involved with current Master Gardener projects and will include hands-on orientation to the Helpline and Outreach programs.
Apply online by googling West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners. For more information, call the UH Cooperative Ext. Office at 322-4884.
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.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
