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| The Hawaiʻi Constitution, last updated in 1978, helped ensure access makai and mauka for the public, including access to the Kāwā surfing beach in Kaʻū. Surfers took the landowner to court and won in 1980, based, in part, on the state of Hawaiʻi's Constitution. Kāwā is now preserved in public hands. Photo by Julia Neal |
OPPOSE CONCON is the message from a new organization called
Preserve Our Hawaiʻi. It is comprised of at least one union, along with
environmental, law, social welfare, and business groups. Their leaders say they
fear that outside interests could put up money to lobby to change the Hawaiʻi
Constitution, which was last updated in 1978 with many protections for the
environment and Hawaiian culture. One of those protections helped ensure that Kāwā
beach in Kaʻū would remain open to the public when local surfers took a
landowner to court for attempting to keep them out.
The Sierra Club and Hawaiʻi Chamber of
Commerce both oppose approval of a new Constitutional Convention on the Nov. 6
election ballot.
Every ten years, citizens are asked in
the General Election to approve or reject a Constitutional Convention. It could
cost as much as $56 million, with election of delegates from around the state
followed by the Constitutional Convention in Honolulu
to study and decide whether to amend and change the Hawaiʻi Constitution.
Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association
union also opposes ConCon. Randy Perreira, the union's Executive Director, said
in a press release that "we all recognize that Hawaiʻi's Constitution is
one of the best in the country and a ConCon could very well weaken the rights
and the protections that we have today."
The Hawaiʻi
Democratic Party and Hawaiʻi Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
support Preserve Our Hawaiʻi and its campaign to stop ConCon on Election Day.
The 1978 ConCon established both English
and Hawaiian as the official languages of Hawaiʻi. It created the Office of
Hawaiian Affairs and gave the state the duty to protect all rights
customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural, and religious
purposes, possessed by ahupuaʻa tenants. It provided a legal basis to ensure
public access to ocean and mountain resources, helped to usher in Kupuna in the
Schools programs, and the added use of Hawaiian punctuation in street and other
signage and government documents. It says, "The State shall promote
the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language."
Article XI Section 1 says,
"For the benefit of present and future generations, the State and its
political subdivisions shall conserve and protect Hawaii's natural beauty and
all natural resources, including land, water, air, minerals, and energy sources…
All public natural resources are held in trust by the State for the benefit of
the people."
Article
IX, Section 8 says, "The State shall have the power to promote and
maintain a healthful environment, including the prevention of any excessive
demands upon the environment and the State's resources."
Article
XI, Section 9 says that "Each person has the right to a clean and
healthful environment, as defined by laws relating to environmental quality,
including control of pollution and conservation, protection, and enhancement of
natural resources. Any person may enforce this right against any party, public
or private."
Article
IX, Section 6 says, "The State and its political subdivisions... shall
plan and manage the growth of the population to protect and preserve the public
health and welfare."
Article XI, Section 3 says, "The State shall conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands."
The question on the Nov. 6 General
Election ballot is: "Shall there be a convention to propose a
revision of or amendments to the Constitution?"
Those opposing a new ConCon also include
League of Women Voters, KAHEA - the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, and
Hawaiʻi's Thousand Friends. For letters and testimonies see noconcon.org.
Hawaiʻi state Senator Sen. Laura
Thielen supports ConCon, saying, "A State Constitutional Convention
is the time for citizens to discuss big ideas that create a brighter future for
Hawaiʻi. The opportunity for citizens to make sure government is working for
all, not just a favored few. The only way citizens can require government to
address chronic, difficult issues it ignores, pays lip service to, or seems
incapable of resolving on its own."
Thielen points to government defining
affordable housing as "for a single person earning up to $114,380 or a
family earning up to $163,240." She says that government officials give variances to
build luxury condominiums with only a fraction of "affordable"
units, which revert to market price in a short time.
"Will developments displacing
lower- and median-income residents march down the Rail line? What happens to
all the people living in those low-rise, actually affordable, units that get
displaced? Are the 'market-priced' new units mostly for outside investors? Why
aren't government decision-makers looking at how the overall change affects
affordable housing?" asks Thielen.
See more of her support for ConCon
at senatorlaurathielen.com/we-need-a-hawaii-constitutional-convention.
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THERE WILL BE NO SPECIAL SESSION OF THE HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE to assess Kīlauea eruption recovery needs. Money needed is estimated to be some $854 million for Hawaiʻi
County. The Legislature will take up the funding proposals in January with the opening of the 2019 session, according to an announcement issued yesterday by the sate House of Representatives.
Hawaiʻi County officials asked the legislature to convene a special session to consider an early approval of funding. House Majority Leader Della Belatti said, "House legislators are generally supportive of the County's recovery efforts, but there are still many questions about specific funding requests and legislative proposals. In addition, several natural disasters have affected communities statewide and decisions about funding for recovery can occur during the regular session.
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This comparison shows
the area of Kapoho before and after the eruption. Kapoho Crater is in the left
portion of the image. Lava filled much of the crater, including the
small nested crater that contained
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Hawaiʻi County officials asked the legislature to convene a special session to consider an early approval of funding. House Majority Leader Della Belatti said, "House legislators are generally supportive of the County's recovery efforts, but there are still many questions about specific funding requests and legislative proposals. In addition, several natural disasters have affected communities statewide and decisions about funding for recovery can occur during the regular session.
"It is
important for the Legislature to assess the statewide impact of natural
disasters affecting the State and not to view the volcanic eruption on Hawaiʻi
island in isolation of the recovery needs on all islands."
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This year's eruption, which mainly impacted Volcano Village and Puna,
destroyed land and severely impacted the economy of the whole
island, with the Volcano Village and Puna economies
impacted the most. USGS image
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The volcanic
eruption destroyed land, homes, businesses, farms, livelihoods, and natural
features, and caused the Hawaiʻi Island economy to plummet – especially in the
areas near Volcano, where loses to businesses are estimated at above 50
percent, and Puna. The state was hit by Tropical Storm Lane ,
flooding from Tropical Storm Olivia, and wildfires on Hawaiʻi and Maui .
Hawaiʻi County's
latest estimate includes $335 million, This estimate includes $22 million for emergency response operational support
up to 2020. The overall estimate of $854 million also includes emergency response operational support through 2023, infrastructure projects,
recovery planning and implementation studies.
Belatti said,
"House members have been meeting with Hawaiʻi County officials on their
recovery plans and funding requests. The ongoing dialogue has been productive,
but many of the legislative proposals and funding requests need further discussion."
House legislators have "encouraged Hawai‘i County to further refine its
recovery plans to identify specific needs, to work with the Governor to
identify funds that can be used for immediate recovery needs, and to work with Hawai‘i's
federal delegation to apply for anticipated federal disaster relief,"
according to the statement from the House.
according to the statement from the House.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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Football:
Sat, Oct 27, 1 pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū
Girls Volleyball:
Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
Sat, Oct 20,9am , BIIF @ HPA
8:30am , HHSAA
Girls Volleyball:
Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Sat, Oct 20,
NEW and UPCOMING
A VOLUNTEER FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT: FAYA TREE REMOVAL is hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Friday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park grounds. Volunteers are required to be 12 years of age or older, with those under the age of 18 needing adult co-signatures on all release forms. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 15.
"This month we will be doing invasive Faya tree removal in an area where we have been helping the park for the past several years. This will provide hands-on learning about invasive weed control and native plant restoration and how these fit in the park's broader vegetation management program. Volunteers play an important role in protecting important and threatened native ecosystems," states the event description on fhvnp.org.
Those interested in volunteering, are asked to contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Monday evening, Oct. 15. Include first & last name, email address, and a phone number, in case of last minute cancellation due to air quality or other factors.
Volunteers should be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven ground. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions; be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, plus drinking water and lunch.
The description adds that it is imperative to scrub the "soles of one's shoes prior to arrival on site, in order to ensure outside dirt/soil and invasive species aren't tracked in. Clothing, tools, and gloves, should be clean before entering the park to protect against seeds, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death fungus, and other invasives."
Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park requires all participants to sign a Friends release and a park volunteer form. A Forest Restoration Project event is also planned for Friday, Nov. 16. For more, call 985-7373 or email forest@fhvnp.org.
Those interested in volunteering, are asked to contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Monday evening, Oct. 15. Include first & last name, email address, and a phone number, in case of last minute cancellation due to air quality or other factors.Volunteers should be able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven ground. Sturdy walking shoes and long pants are required, along with gear for variable weather conditions; be prepared for sun or rain with a hat, raincoat, sunscreen, plus drinking water and lunch.
The description adds that it is imperative to scrub the "soles of one's shoes prior to arrival on site, in order to ensure outside dirt/soil and invasive species aren't tracked in. Clothing, tools, and gloves, should be clean before entering the park to protect against seeds, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death fungus, and other invasives."Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park requires all participants to sign a Friends release and a park volunteer form. A Forest Restoration Project event is also planned for Friday, Nov. 16. For more, call 985-7373 or email forest@fhvnp.org.
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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| Hoʻaikāne |
The festival features hula performed by hālau from
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Mon., Oct. 15, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
‘Ai Pono with Aunty Edna Baldado - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 17, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discuss eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Ocean View Community Association Board Meeting, Wed., Oct. 17, 12:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
‘Ai Pono with Aunty Edna Baldado - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 17, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discuss eating and living healthier with native Hawaiian foods like kalo (taro), ‘uala (sweet potato), and ulu (breadfruit). Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Oct. 20, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-Up with Ke Ala Kai Foundation, Sun., Oct. 21, call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Canoe paddlers from any Hawai‘i Island canoe club welcome. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Oct. 21, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
ONGOING
Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services ends tomorrow, Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, the program 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
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.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.
CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies. CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-Up with Ke Ala Kai Foundation, Sun., Oct. 21, call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Canoe paddlers from any Hawai‘i Island canoe club welcome. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
ONGOING
Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services ends tomorrow, Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, the program 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
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.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.
