Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Crater Rim Drive at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is now closed to vehicles, but open to bikes and hikers. A huge crack is covered by a steel plate to allow hikers and bikers to travel to Keanakākoʻi Crater. See story, below. Photo by Ann Bosted


PETITIONING THE WHITE HOUSE TO WITHDRAW ITS NOMINATION to the U.S. Supreme Court is the plan of U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono who launched a petition drive today. The petition says that "a third woman just stepped
Julie Swetnick
forward to credibly accuse Brett Kavanaugh of sexual misconduct. Yet, Republicans still want to rush forward with his confirmation. That’s not right."
     The third accuser, Julie Swetnick, identified herself Wednesday and alleged that Kavanaugh and others in the early 1980s spiked girls' drinks at high school parties to make it easier to gang rape them. The accusation follows an accusation by Deborah Ramirez, who said she was inappropriately forced to touch Kavanaugh during a party when they were both students at Yale. The first accuser, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, said that during a high school party, he held her down in an attempt to remove her clothes and prevent her from screaming. Kavanaugh said that all three accusations are false.
Dr. Christine Blasey
Ford
     Said Hirono, "These survivors who have the courage to step forward and tell their stories at great personal risk to their lives and their families need to be heard and believed. That's why I'm formally demanding Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court be withdrawn." See the petition.
     Hirono said, "We can't allow Republicans to rush this nomination. Women, survivors of sexual assault, and all Americans deserve a better Supreme Court nominee."
Deborah Ramirez
     A hearing before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled in Washington, D.C., tomorrow, Thursday, 4 a.m. Hawaiʻi time. Hirono said she is prepared to question the nominee and the first accuser, who was invited to testify.
     A vote by the committee on Kavanaugh's confirmation to the Supreme Court could come as early as Friday, said the chair of the committee.

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Bomb fragments kill, injure, disable and disfigure Yemeni civilians,
according to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard who is calling for the U.S.
military to stop supporting Saudi Arabia in its "genocidal war."
Photo from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
INVOKING THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers today in introducing a privileged resolution to the U.S. House of Representatives "to stop U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen," said a statement from her office. "U.S. support of this war continues to fuel the world's worst humanitarian crisis, killing thousands of civilians, with millions suffering from mass starvation, famine, and cholera."
     According to Gabbard, "For too long, the United States has supported Saudi Arabia, turning a blind eye to the horrifying atrocities committed against millions of Yemeni civilians since the start of this genocidal war in 2015. Even after Saudi Arabia dropped a bomb on a school bus that killed 40 children last month, the Trump Administration reaffirmed its support for this illegal war—reportedly to avoid jeopardizing a $2 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is long overdue time for
Congress to reassert its role and responsibility provided within the Constitution and end our illegal support for Saudi Arabia's war now."
Cracks and holes in Crater Rim Drive have made it
unsafe for cars, but steel plates accommodate hikers
and cyclists. Photo by Ann Bosted
     Gabbard and Walter Jones also introduced H.Res 922, which would reclaim Congress's constitutional right to declare war by: Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable "high crimes and misdemeanors;" and by prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause, without first receiving congressional authorization.

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NEW WAYS TO SEE KĪLAUEA SUMMIT AND ITS CRATERS allow for venturing by foot and bicycle in some areas no longer safe for vehicular traffic at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. With Crater Rim Drive closed to cars, trucks, buses, and vans, hikers, and cyclists can move along, traversing cracks in the road on metal plates recently put in place. Some overlooks are less crowded than when previously accessible by motor vehicles.
     The Park posted this alert to Facebook: "Nēnē are out and about, please give them space and do not feed them. Our endemic geese are preparing for nesting season and can often be seen foraging in the park along roadsides."
Chief Geologist in Charge of Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, Tina Neal,
in orange, helps visitors understand the changes at Kīlauea summit.
Photo by Ann Bosted.
     When Hawaiʻi Volcanoes reopened on Saturday, Sept. 22, the entrance station admitted 2,016 vehicles, an extreme change for the birds, who endured the eruptive activity without accompanying humans.
     The summit and ocean access areas of the Park are open 24 hours a day, and require an entrance fee. Kahuku Unit is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and does not require an entrance fee. See nps.gov/havo for information on visiting, parking, programs, events, guided hikes, a map of open areas, recovery updates, and more.
     Some businesses and some accommodations in the Park, such as Volcano House, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Kīlauea Military Camp, and more are open to visitors. Visitors are allowed to drive down Chain of Craters Road to the Holei sea arch and ocean areas.

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QUEEN LILIʻUOKALANI was remembered in song by performer Allison Leialoha Milham, a songwriter and book artist. She played ʻukulele and sang two of the many songs written by Liliʻuokalani at her Artist in Residence performance at the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Sept. 21.
Alison Leialoha Milham.
Photo by Ann Bosted
     Liliʻuokalani was an accomplished musician, composing at least 165 songs and chants, many of which are regularly sung and played by musicians.
     Milham sang The Queen's Prayer - Ke Aloha O Ka Haku. It is a famous mele composed by the Queen in 1895, while she was under house arrest at the ‘Iolani Palace. The hymn was dedicated to her niece, Victoria Kaʻiulani.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 6, 12pm, host Kohala
   Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
   Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Girls Volleyball:
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Tues, Oct 2, 6pm, @ Kealakehe
   Fri, Oct 5, 6pm, host Keaʻau
   Wed, Oct 10, 6pm, @ Parker
   Fri, Oct 12, 6pm, host St. Joseph
   Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
   Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
   Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Cross Country:
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Sat, Oct 6, 2pm, @ Kealakehe
   Sat, Oct 13, BYE
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA
   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
TWO FUNDRAISERS FOR KĪLAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT will happen this weekend. Pedro Kaʻawaloa – actor, singer, and musician extraordinaire – is home for a limited time. Before he returns to the mainland to start rehearsals for "The King and I" national tour, he will be doing what he can for KDEN.
     A release from the theatrical group says, "The eruption in lower Puna and the collapse of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater from May to August disrupted the lives of many of KDEN's casts, crews, orchestras, and audience members. Due to the closure of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, KDEN was without its beautiful theater home. A move to Hilo for the summer musical proved to be a financial challenge for the group and they are trying to recoup losses incurred over the summer."
     The first opportunity to hear Pedro perform will be on Friday, Sept. 28, starting at 6 p.m. at Amalfatano's Italian Restaurant. Admission is $20 for an Italian buffet. Pedjioke – sort of like karaoke, but with a live piano – will be the performing format. To sing while Pedro accompanies, or to request that he sing something, a small donation will be requested.
     On Sunday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m., Pedro will present a concert at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center/HMOCA at 141 Kalakaua Street in Hilo. Joining him will be KDEN's own King, Norman Arancon, Rachel Edwards, KDEN's Lady Thiang and Cinderella, and Pedro's recent castmate, Page Mason. "Spend an afternoon as they sing a variety of songs. Hear material from KDEN's past shows as well as a few of the performers' personal favorites," says the release Admission is $10 at the door.
     For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com. To donate to KDEN, go to KDEN.org and click on the donate button.

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 27
Kaʻū Community Children's Council, Thu., Sept. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punaluʻu Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Sept. 27, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, SEPT. 28
Coffee Talk - The 1868 Eruption in Kaʻū: Disruption and Destruction, Fri., Sept. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join the discussion with rangers and other park visitors. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Park Beautification Day, Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 19-26. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29
Volunteer Day, The Nature Conservancy, Sat., Sept. 29, 8-3pm, either Kona Hema or Kaʻū Preserve, contact for confirmation. Tools, gloves, and stories provided. Space is limited. Reserve a space in a 4wd TNC truck in advance. Sponsored in part by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Contact Mel Johansen at or Shalan Crysdale at scrysdale@tnc.org. tnc.org

Paths and Trails, Sat., Sept. 29, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike with some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. Discover the ways people, animals, and plants got to Kahuku and the paths they follow. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Oct. 1, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Oct. 1, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Oct. 2 (Committees)/3 (Council), Hilo, Tue./Wed., Oct. 16 (Committees)/17 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 4-6pm, Oct. 16, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Oct. 2, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Wonderful way to embody connection. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Open Mic Night, Wed., Oct. 3, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. For patrons 21+. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Saturday, Sept. 29. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. Survivors who have left the area, call 800-621-3362.

One Lucid Dream: A Retrospective of Art Works by Ken Charon. Exhibit open Mon.-Sat., through Oct. 6, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Original paintings, drawings, and other objects. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii

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