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| Dr. Josh Green is the man behind Gov. David Ige's ʻOhana Zone homeless plan. See the video of today's press conference. |
HELP FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE, promoted by Dr. Josh Green who recently transferred from west Kaʻū and Kona's state senate seat to Lieutenant Governor, received a big push today with an announcement from Gov. David Ige. Green and Ige held a press conference.
Called the ʻOhana Zone project, the program will operate under an emergency declaration, and fast track past regular state procurement and some permitting regulations. The ʻOhana Zone infrastructure must be located on state and county land, and must provide services to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless. The state plans to partner with such organizations as Catholic Charities.
Said the governor, "We want to work with service providers with proven track records who have been successful in moving homeless into permanent housing."
The governor said that the homeless will receive services. When being moved from public spaces, like along streets and in parks, homeless people will receive help from social workers and others involved to encourage them to move into shelter, a program, and permanent housing.
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| Families at Ulu Wini, where 23 units will be converted to residences for homeless people and an emergency shelter on Hawaiʻi Island. Photo from Hope Services |
Green said there are many new tools to help the homeless. The ʻOhana Zone is not the same as a tent city or safe zone. Tent cities are not effective in protecting people from homelessness.
The state plans to partner with all four counties and homeless service providers. On this island, the County of Hawaiʻi plans to convert 13 units at Na Kahua Hale O Ulu Wini Housing Project in West Hawai‘i to permanent supportive housing, and another 10 units at the same property to an emergency shelter. The county will use the new housing and shelter beds to support chronically homeless individuals in Kona.
Ige pointed out that Hawaiʻi County has been the most successful in dealing with the biggest reduction in the homeless count in the last two years.
He said the new Lieutenant Governor will take up the challenge of homelessness. Green noted that $17 million is already funded, of proposed $30 million ʻOhana Zone projects.
Green also talked about an 1115 Waiver that allows federal Department of Human Services Medicaid dollars to be used for services for the homeless with drug addiction and mental illness. Green said the state will be able to hire additional people to navigate those who are homeless into programs. It will help take care of the hardest cases of homeless people, said Green.
Green said a study shows a 43 percent drop in use of medical services when the homeless are guided from the streets into housing, alleviating an often desperate situation.
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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| U.S. Sec. Ag Sonny Perdue met with local farmers. Photo from Big Island Video News |
AN ON ISLAND MEETING WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE Sonny Perdue brought diverse farming and ranching representatives to a table for talk story this week. Big Island Video News filmed the session. Floriculture leader Eric Tanouye, of Green Point Nurseries, said it was probably the first time a Secretary of Agriculture visited with Hawaiʻi Island farmers. Perdue said, "Sorry it took a volcano to bring me here."
Randy Cabral, who managed a large macadamia operation in Kaʻū and worked in the sugar industry, operates a small cattle operation here, is President of the statewide Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, has worked in ag for 47 years, and also grows taro and orchids.
He mentioned Hawaiʻi's serious farm labor shortage and said the macadamia operation he operated in Kaʻū tried hiring a company that provided labor. He said Global Horizons was shady and was prosecuted by the federal government for its practices. Cabral also talked about the "adverse wage rate" applied to imported foreign labor. He said local farms can end up paying imported workers more than local unionized workers who have worked for the farm a long time. Cabral also called the cost of housing farm workers "huge."
Perdue said federal agencies involved in bringing in labor include Homeland Security, Department of Labor, the State Department, and USDA, which he runs. He said he is working to make it easier to bring in labor under the H2A permitting system. He mentioned a saying, "You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to hire a worker."
Suzie Shriner of SHAC, Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council, and a former Kaʻū resident, pointed out that "Our labor has to fly to us from the mainland." Even green card holders are afraid to go through the airports, she contended. With two percent unemployment in Hawaiʻi, coffee labor can cost $25 an hour, she said. She also talked about the tight rental market to house workers. "There are "lots of old houses" and some farmers' own houses don't meet federal standards for housing farm workers, said Shriner.
Cabral also pointed to invasive species, such as the little fire ant, coqui frog, macadamia felted coccid, and coffee berry borer. He said the pests are especially problematic because in Hawaiʻi, there is "no winter to pull back the population, no natural predators."
Perdue said his agency is working on it, and mentioned "airport dogs sniffing out things."
Cabral noted some colliding interests between conservationists and farmers. He said taro farmers
are not allowed to chase nēnē geese out of their taro ponds or build fences to restrict them. Feral hogs also have an impact "on almost every farmer," said Cabral.
Several speakers praised the USDA for its support of research and University of Hawaiʻi extension programs that serve agriculture.
Tanouye said that GMO work in the floral industry is important, particularly in solving bacterial blight and a nematode problem with anthuriums. He said transgenic anthuriums, resistant to bacterial and nematode blight, are being developed. "We are at cusp for applying for permits" from USDA to grow them, he said. He noted that Nemacure, a pesticide to fight nematodes, has been outlawed for five to six years, putting the anthurium industry into "a slide."
Tanouye noted that there are about 1,000 growers of flowers and plants in Hawaiʻi. He said they are "all small." He said the farmers need continued help from USDA with research to create new anthuriums, new tropical flowers, and new foliage. He said the industry is "very fashion oriented," with designers always looking for something new.
Concerning budget cuts in research, Perdue said he "threw a hissy fit" to avoid reduction in research funding.
Shriner said federal funding helped reduce coffee berry borer infestation from 40 percent to 12 percent. Federal grants launched education programs and provided for technical assistance to coffee farmers, she said.
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright noted that university agriculture extension services nationwide have declined over time. He said there is more money needed in the university system in Hawaiʻi to be used for agriculture.
Perdue said that for years, there was a closure list on extension services, but not now. "I continue to harp on China and the EU outpacing us in agriculture investment and research." The Secretary of Agriculture told Hawaiʻi Island farmers that "It's the basic research, applied research and that extension delivery system that have caused us to be as successful as we have been."
See the entire meeting on Big Island Video News.
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.
He mentioned Hawaiʻi's serious farm labor shortage and said the macadamia operation he operated in Kaʻū tried hiring a company that provided labor. He said Global Horizons was shady and was prosecuted by the federal government for its practices. Cabral also talked about the "adverse wage rate" applied to imported foreign labor. He said local farms can end up paying imported workers more than local unionized workers who have worked for the farm a long time. Cabral also called the cost of housing farm workers "huge."
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| Eric Tanouye of Green Point Nurseries. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Suzie Shriner of SHAC, Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council, and a former Kaʻū resident, pointed out that "Our labor has to fly to us from the mainland." Even green card holders are afraid to go through the airports, she contended. With two percent unemployment in Hawaiʻi, coffee labor can cost $25 an hour, she said. She also talked about the tight rental market to house workers. "There are "lots of old houses" and some farmers' own houses don't meet federal standards for housing farm workers, said Shriner.
Cabral also pointed to invasive species, such as the little fire ant, coqui frog, macadamia felted coccid, and coffee berry borer. He said the pests are especially problematic because in Hawaiʻi, there is "no winter to pull back the population, no natural predators."
Perdue said his agency is working on it, and mentioned "airport dogs sniffing out things."
Cabral noted some colliding interests between conservationists and farmers. He said taro farmers
are not allowed to chase nēnē geese out of their taro ponds or build fences to restrict them. Feral hogs also have an impact "on almost every farmer," said Cabral.
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| Randy Cabral, President of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Tanouye said that GMO work in the floral industry is important, particularly in solving bacterial blight and a nematode problem with anthuriums. He said transgenic anthuriums, resistant to bacterial and nematode blight, are being developed. "We are at cusp for applying for permits" from USDA to grow them, he said. He noted that Nemacure, a pesticide to fight nematodes, has been outlawed for five to six years, putting the anthurium industry into "a slide."
Tanouye noted that there are about 1,000 growers of flowers and plants in Hawaiʻi. He said they are "all small." He said the farmers need continued help from USDA with research to create new anthuriums, new tropical flowers, and new foliage. He said the industry is "very fashion oriented," with designers always looking for something new.
Concerning budget cuts in research, Perdue said he "threw a hissy fit" to avoid reduction in research funding.
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| Susie Shriner of Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Chair Scott Enright noted that university agriculture extension services nationwide have declined over time. He said there is more money needed in the university system in Hawaiʻi to be used for agriculture.
Perdue said that for years, there was a closure list on extension services, but not now. "I continue to harp on China and the EU outpacing us in agriculture investment and research." The Secretary of Agriculture told Hawaiʻi Island farmers that "It's the basic research, applied research and that extension delivery system that have caused us to be as successful as we have been."
See the entire meeting on Big Island Video News.
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.
INVESTIGATING TREATMENT OF CHILDREN "who have crossed the U.S. - Mexico border, fleeing persecution and danger abroad" is the mission of Hawaiʻi Sen. Mazie Hirono in Texas Friday and Saturday, on a congressional oversight trip. Texas congressman Beto O'Rourke, of El Paso, traveled to Juarez, Mexico today to visit asylum seekers on the Mexican side of the border. He plans to join the Hirono delegation on Saturday at Tornillo. Senators Jeff Merkley, of Oregon, and Tina Smith, of Minnesota, along with Congresswoman Judy Chu, of California, are traveling with Hirono.
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| Sen Mazie Hirono at a rally in Hawaiʻi, supporting asylum seekers. Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono |
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| Rep. Beto O'Rourke, protesting in front of Tornillo earlier this year. Photo from O'Rourke's Facebook |
Hirono tweeted today, "Immigrant families, especially children, deserve compassion, not fear and suffering. I know because I came to this country when I was seven. That's why I'm in Texas this weekend to conduct oversight over the treatment of detained immigrant children & families at the border." She also relayed the news that a seven year old girl from Guatemala died in Border Patrol custody.
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.
HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ʻŌIWI GROWS WITH A MEDICAL TEAM. Hui Mālama announced yesterday its expansion of health services to include medical and behavioral health programs on Hawaiʻi Island. With mobile trips across the island to begin next year, the medical team will bring health screenings and services to underserved and remote areas like Kaʻū, with focus on Native Hawaiian communities. A medical site is planned to open in Hilo in spring.
Joining the Hui Mālama staff are: Kaʻohimanu Dang Akiona, MD;Gaku Yamaguchi , MD
Joining the Hui Mālama staff are: Kaʻohimanu Dang Akiona, MD;
Executive Director Louis Hao said, "We are in a time of hoʻihoʻi, a time to replenish, restore, renew, and rebuild. It has been a vision of ours to reestablish medical services. There is a need in the community for these services. We strive to help make the community healthier and appreciate the opportunity to serve our people."
Hui Mālama is one of five Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems in the state of Hawaiʻi established under the federal Native Hawaiian Healthcare Improvement Act of 1988. Hui Mālama aims to address health disparities of the Native Hawaiian population and also services the public. "We are open, we are here. We are open to everybody. This is just the beginning of something bigger; more services to expand and offer more comprehensive health care," said Hao.
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Louis Hao; Gaku Yamaguchi, MD; Kaʻohimanu Dang Akiona, MD; Noelani Scott; Donna Dennerlein, LCSW;
Stacy Haumea, RD, CDE; Ikaika Moreno, MSN, NP-C. Photo from Hui Mālama |
Noelani Scott, Medical Program Manager for Hui Mālama, explained the vision. "Our health education programs have existed for 27 years with a major focus on diabetes and hypertension. Expanding the services offered to include medical services, behavioral health, nutrition, and health education classes will allow us to complete the circle of care for our patients."
The medical program is rolling out in phases. For the months of December and January, free medical and behavioral health screenings are offered at the Hui Mālama office at 1438 Kilauea Ave. in Hilo, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, from 8:30 a.m. to noon . Adults 18 years and older can schedule an appointment to see a medical professional. Screenings are offered for both medical and behavioral health services; insurance not required. Health screenings are free, donations accepted. To make an appointment, call (808) 969-9220. For more information, visit hmono.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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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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Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
NEW and UPCOMING
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| Artists of all levels are welcome to join Margaret Peggy Stanton's three hour acrylic painting sessions at Volcano Art Center. Image from volcanoartcenter.org |
PAINTING WITH PEGGY, an ongoing series of three hour acrylic painting sessions led by Margaret "Peggy" Stanton for artists of all levels, takes place on Monday, Dec. 17, from noon to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Students will learn about Peggy's Perfect Pallet and paint with "gorgeous, harmonious color every time!" states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
Participants begin their first session with a 16″x 20″ canvas and a subject or place that is dear to them.
Students will learn about Peggy's Perfect Pallet and paint with "gorgeous, harmonious color every time!" states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
Participants begin their first session with a 16″x 20″ canvas and a subject or place that is dear to them.
"Margaret helps artists to heighten and accentuate their own unique vision while guiding the individual’s artistic journey. With important tips on Color and Acrylic Paints and Mediums, artists can create a painting on canvas using a fun, intuitive painting process. She guides artists on "painterly" ways to put on the finishing strokes or even plan a large project," adds the description. Stanton also offers individual instruction for artists during each session. No previous experience needed.
Students bring their own supplies and easels. Find a suggested material list at margaretstantonart.com. Click the Painting With Peggy Page for information and class handouts. Address questions via email to Peggy Stanton at peggystanton007@yahoo.com.
The class fee is $15 per Volcano Art Center member or $20 per non-member. See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
The class fee is $15 per Volcano Art Center member or $20 per non-member. See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo
Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15,9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo
Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15,
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15,
Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15,
Zentangle: Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Sat., Dec. 15,
Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15,
Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15,
A Christmas Lighting Parade in Na`alehu, Sat., Dec. 15, sponsored by Kaʻū Roping and Riding. starting at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade, with marching units, floats, trucks and ATVs, begins at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, travels along Highway 11, and ends at Nā‘ālehu Community Ball Park where chili and rice will be offered for free to all. Parade line-up starts at 5:30 p.m. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to sign a waiver and meet at the school by 5 p.m. For more info or to sign-up, contact Tammy Ka‘apana at 929-8079.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holidays @ Kahuku, Sun., Dec.16,
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Dec. 18, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Wed., Dec. 19, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘
Ocean View Community Association Special Membership Meeting, Wed., Dec. 19,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Dec. 20, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center
Cookie Decorating Party, Thu., Dec. 20, 3pm , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free for all ages. 939-2442
Family Reading Night, Thu., Dec. 20,
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up w/Hawai‘i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Fri., Dec. 21, Contact for meet up details. No seats available; BYO-4WD welcome to all current HWF volunteers. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.
Youth Group, Fri., Dec. 21,
ONGOING
Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘iVolcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs thro ugh Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i
The Wreath Exhibition is availabl
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.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.
