Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Mats Fogelvik's entry to the Invitational Masters Show of the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild. 
See story, below. Photo from fogelvik.com
THE CHRISTMAS EVE STOCK MARKET PLUNGE that worried Sen. Brian Schatz and people relying on retirement funds - see yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs - wildly reversed today, with the largest single-day gain in history. Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by more than 1,000 points – 4.98 percent; the S&P rose 500 - 4.96 percent - and Nasdaq 5.8 percent. That left the stock market down 7.4 percent for the year.
     According to a National Public Radio story today, the extreme rise and fall could be attributed to the partial federal government shutdown, resignation of Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, rumors of Pres. Donald Trump wanting to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powellover, a recent U.S. Central Bank interest rate hike, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin's response to the unsteady market numbers of last week.
     Mnuchin, who spoke with CEOs of the six largest U.S. banks on Sunday, made public comments via social media: "The banks all confirmed ample liquidity is available for lending to consumer and business markets." NPR reported that his statements may have encouraged the market drop on Monday.

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GRANTS IN AID APPLICATIONS for 2019 are available from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature for funds to operate programs and Capital Improvement Projects, such as constructing and repairing buildings and other facilities.
     Grants in 2018 included funding to build early learning center classrooms for Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; building funds for Miloliʻi Community Enrichment and Historical Center; and affordable housing funds for Habitat for Humanity in West Hawaiʻi.
     Operating funds in 2018 included $280K for Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaiʻi, $100K for Family Support Services of West Hawaiʻi, and $100K for After-School All-Stars Hawaiʻi.
     Deadline to submit applications is Friday, Jan. 18, at 4:30 p.m. The grants are funded by the state, under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, Chapter 42F, capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol01_Ch0001-0042F/HRS0042F/. Get an application at capitol.hawaii.gov/GIA/2019GIAInstructionsApplicationandFAQ.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2EATdyAIFTm9rUAgdSpRRaDAjlr_uiA_H1eJmqQXRl2dZUeTH9ycU0yEM. Learn more at labor.hawaii.gov/ocs/service-programs-index/gia/.

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Sen. Russell Ruderman
STATE SEN. RUSSELL RUDERMAN'S SERVICE ANIMAL LAW goes into effect Jan. 1. It sets up fines for those who falsely claim that an ordinary pet or emotional support animal is a service animal with special privileges in public places. Misrepresentation of a service animal will be punishable by a fine of between $100 and $250 for the first offense, and at least $500 for subsequent offenses.
     Ruderman told Michael Brestovansky of Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald that the law "will be very difficult to enforce and will instead largely serve as a deterrent." The story, carried today, quoted Ruderman saying it's "like a littering law. I don't know if we've charged anyone with littering all year. It doesn't get used a lot, but it still changes people's perceptions... It's just another one of the tools that businesses can now use."
     The law was created to try to curb people taking pets into public places with "No Animals" policies. A service dog, for instance, assisting a person in managing a disability, is trained to behave differently from a normal pet or emotional support animal. This can lead to untrained animals causing problems in public places, and exposing service animals and their users to unnecessary interactions with untrained animals.
     Ruderman told the Tribune-Herald the law "likely will only be enforced if the offending behavior raises complaints from other people," or if the offender is charged with other offenses. "Say there's someone who refuses to leave," posited Ruderman to Brestovansky. "That way, the person could be charged with trespassing, and while they're at it, they could be charged for misrepresenting a service animal."
     Executive director of Hawaiʻi Fi-Do - an Oʻahu nonprofit that provides people with service dogs - Jim Kennedy, told Brestovansky he hopes the law will serve to remind animal owners that even a seemingly harmless act, such as bringing a dog to a public place under the guise of a service animal, has harmful consequences.
     Kennedy told Tribune-Herald that due to people bringing untrained animals into public places, businesses might "not trust any purported service animal," and legitimate service dogs and their owners might be "placed under unfair scrutiny." He also said untrained animals might cause service animals to lose focus, interfering with their work, or might behave aggressively toward a service dog – even attack them – and that "the trauma of an attack might force the dog to retire from service."
     Kennedy told Brestovansky that service animals and emotional support animals are not the same. "I'm not naïve - people will try to fake it anyway. But if people realize that it's wrong, then I think some people might decide not to do it." See the story at Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald.

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Mats Fogelvik's signature, logo table, designed after a bridge. See his entry to the Invitational Masters Show 
of the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild (above). Photo from fogelvik.com
KAʻŪ WOODWORKER MATS FOGELVIK is chosen to present his art in the 2019 Invitational Masters Show of the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild. Fogelvik, who lives and works in Hawaiian Ocean View Ranchos, completed his new creation this week, a koa table. See photo, at top.
Mats Fogelvik of Hawaiian Ranchos is
chosen to participate in the Invitational
Masters Show of Hawai`i Wood Guild.
     Hawaiʻi Wood Guild's show runs Saturday, Jan. 12, through Friday, Feb. 22, at Isaacs Art Center, 64-1268 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela. The opening reception is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Jan. 12. The show is viewable Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 885-5884 for more.
     Fogelvik, a custom woodworker and artist, has won many prizes, including the Marian Yasuda Award for First Place Furniture at the 2018 Hawaiʻi's Woodshow.
     Fogelvik, originally from Sweden, moved to Maui in 1991 and then to Hawaiʻi Island in 2010. On his website, he says, "My goal is to create pieces with a 'one of a kind quality,' and at the same time the customer will be able to recognize and connect with the piece, on a very emotional level. I believe wood is a living material, and I am excited about bringing out the soul within, to make the wood express itself to you. Listen carefully, and you will hear my furniture speak to you!"
      See his creations on his website at fogelvik.com and his Facebook. Also see his work at Volcano Art Center Gallery.
  
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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 High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo, 6pm
Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm
Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Wrestling:
Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Soccer:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona
Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA
Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe
Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo
Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
A FREE LECTURE AND CONCERT FROM GLENN MCCLURE, A CELEBRATED COMPOSER and Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's next Artist in Residence, is offered on Friday, Jan. 11, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
McClure is also an educator and data scientist.
     Originally from rural upstate New York, McClure was influenced by a wide array of musical styles, including gospel, merengue, salsa, and choir. He studied music as a child and in college, and traveled the world as a professional composer. He currently teaches Music and Humanities at Paul Smiths College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York.
     The event is sponsored by National Parks Arts Foundation, Art Works, and Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply. For more, email info@nationalparksartsfoundation.org or visit nationalparksartsfoundation.org or nps.gov/havo.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27
Craft Class, Thu., Dec. 27, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Dec. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u 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., Dec. 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, DECEMBER 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Dec. 29, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through Monday, Dec. 31 at midnight.
     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.
     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Permits are available at:
     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28
     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30
     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:
     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown
     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St., Hilo
     •TNT Tent Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St., Hilo
     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.
     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona
     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 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.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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