Ka‘ū News Briefs Sunday, February 4, 2018

Kaʻū Learning Academy students on a field trip to Kilauea Volcano with their Every Kid in a Park passes. 
The public is invited to the school's board meeting on Monday, 4 p.m., at its campus, the old
Discovery Harbour Golf Course, concerning KLA's future. Photo from NPS

PUBLIC RESPONSE TO SHUTTING DOWN A MEETING LAST WEEK about the future of Ka‘ū Learning Academy public charter school is flowing onto the school's and The Ka‘ū Calendar's web and social media sites. KLA invites more public comment Monday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m., during a gathering at the school campus at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle, in the old Discovery Golf Course Clubhouse. The event is a KLA board meeting, with public invited to give opinions on video, to be provided to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission, and possibly the State Board of Education.

     KLA Executive Director and founder Kathryn Tydlacka wrote, "This is a meeting with our own KLA board, so this will be a friendly environment. Negative or positive - we want to hear from everyone. We are running out of time." She requested that those who cannot attend the meeting make a two-minute recording of themselves and email it to kaulearning@gmail.com.

     Tydlacka is responding to Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission's public meeting of the future of the school, held last Monday at the Discovery Harbour Community Association Assembly Hall. Only three community members were allowed to testify before the Commission's Executive Director, Sione Thompson, shut down the meeting, when KLA supporters asked him to give the school administration more time to talk.

     At risk is Hawai‘i State Charter School Commission possibly shutting down the school. The commission put KLA on notice that its charter could be rescinded, pointing to accounting practices that the school administration promises to repair.

     On The Ka‘ū Calendar Facebook, regarding shutting down last Monday's meeting, Sel Danslard commented, "Shameful, let the parents be heard!" Cherub Akin posted, "Let the residents be heard!" Peggy Souza said, "I've attended many public hearings/meetings and this did not remotely resemble any of them... shameful."

     Regarding a comment during last Monday's Commission meeting - when Tommy Akin objected to the school being located in Discovery Harbour, which he described as a retirement community - Melissa Ann Swinsen posted on The Ka‘ū Calendar: "I live in DH. I’m not retired; my 23 year old daughter isn't retired nor are my grand kids." David DeMello posted that Discovery Harbour "is not a retirement community; never has been. I grew up in Ka‘ū. I remember back when Mister Lum ran the golf course." Brucke M. Sene wrote, "I was under the impression that Discovery Harbor was just a beautiful subdivision, not anything specifically catering to any one demographic."

Community member Rachel Ballesteros Velez defended Discovery
Harbour as a family community, not just a place for retirees. 

     Rachel Ballesteros Velez posted, “I was born and raised in Ka‘ū and as far as I remembered Discovery Harbor never was a retirement community. It used to be a place where mostly elderly couples lived because they usually were the ones that could afford it; but since then there have been tons of families who have raised their kids there. Discovery Harbor has stricter rules than the surrounding areas like Mark Twain, but it's never been known as a retirement community. And as far as the school being and eyes sore(sic), it looked way worse before the school started. It was a clubhouse for the golf course, but sat vacant for years. At least it's not there rotting."

     Rachel Fitzner posted statistics about Discovery Harbour to show that it is not a retirement community.

     Part of a comment left by Marcia Duncan on the KLA comment site read, "Some parents were sporadically vocal about their displeasure but in no way was the meeting 'out of control' or needing to be shut down." and that the meeting was "bizarre". Other comments described the meeting as "absolutely infuriating" -Andy Charles, "completely outrageous" -A. Bradford, and "a joke and an insult" –Mike. Priscilla H., Nicholas Bordonaro, and Shirley M. referred to the Hawai‘i State Charter School Executive Director as a "bully". Bonnie and Harold S. wrote, "It makes us pause and wonder just what is this investigations true objective. It certainly does not have the best interest of the students or the families of Ka‘ū! We strongly support the states continuation of Ka‘ū Learning Academy's charter."

From Rachel Fitzner's post showing Discovery 

 Harbour is more than a retirement community.

     KLA administration posted the following on the school website, concerning last Monday's meeting: "The commission promoted the meeting as an opportunity for the parents of the school and other community members to get information about the commission actions to revoke the school's charter, effectively closing the school. The meeting was set up the previous Wednesday. The school found out about the meeting not from the commission, but from a community center staff member. On Thursday, the commission posted a notice on their website. They did not directly contact any of the families of our school as they had previously done when sending out notices of the possible revocation. However, they did provide notice of the meeting to several individuals whom they knew would provide negative comments."

     See KLA's public comment page and the Charter School Commission's portal for community input. See documents regarding Commssion's concerns about KLA. View the wind-up of the Jan. 29 meeting and read more on the KLA website. Read more on page 18 of January's Ka‘ū Calendar, Jan. 30 Kaʻū News Briefs, or Feb. 1 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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.

IN THE WAKE OF THE FALSE BALLISTIC MISSILE ALERT Jan. 13, Vern T. Miyagi resigned his state position as Hawaiʻi Emergency Agency Administrator as of Tuesday, Jan. 30. When the false alert of an incoming nuclear missile blared on cell phones throughout the state, panic lasted 37 minutes, the time it took for HI-EMA to send out an official correction. The mistake was made during an unannounced internal practice drill at HI-EMA.

Vern T. Miyagi stepped down after false missile alert led to a terrified population.

     Prior to Miyagi's resignation, actions by HI-EMA included: Drills suspended until a full analysis of the mistaken event completed; implementation of a two-person activation/verification rule for tests and real missile launch notifications; set up of an automatic cancellation command to be triggered within seconds of an error.

     The employee who erroneously implemented the alert is terminated from his job. The other members of the State Warning Point team are offered mental health counseling to help recover from the trauma. The warning system that allowed the error is new, installed in mid-December. A federal analysis states: "No technical training was provided to the SWP, only basic application. Many SWP personnel felt this training was inadequate."

     The official report points out several areas where protocols and SOPs were not followed, or not updated sufficiently. The report notes that thorough training and procedure practice is planned for the resumption of drills. Many official recommendations are on record, says the federal report.

     Miyagi closed his resignation announcement with this message: "And to the people of Hawaiʻi, recent events have cast a bright light on our emergency preparedness, and caused many of you to consider whether you are ready for the emergencies we will surely face. Don't let that feeling pass without taking action. Here it is from me one last time: Know where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Have a plan. Be safe, and know that whatever happens, good and courageous people will be there to help."

Young members of Halau Hula O Leionalani, which is open for new registration, with
practice each Wednesday at Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal

     Read more on the DOD website or the Jan. 14, 16, and 25 Ka‘ū News Briefs.

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.

REGISTRATION FOR HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI  classes, led by Kumu Hula Debbie Leionalani Ryder, is open for new students. Ryder teaches Wednesdays at Pāhala Community Center. Keiki classes are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., adult beginners 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and adult advanced 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Register by coming to class or call 649-9334.

AJ Libunao, pictured with June Domondon of OKK and Trojans

Athletic Director Kalei Namohala. Photo from Ka‘ū Athletics

KA‘Ū ATHLETICS RECEIVED DONATION OF ANOTHER $250 prize, won this time by AJ Libunao, during the ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou half-court shot Jan. 20. So far, 2018 has seen Ka‘ū Athletics, which supports Trojan Sports, receive $1,500 in prize monies, donated by six talented young men.

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.

OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS on Monday, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at 

 kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, weekly events at 
kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February 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.

AN ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY ROAD CLEAN-UP, between mile markers 78 and 79 on Highway 11 in Ocean View, is hosted by Ocean View Community Center on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Bags, water, and vests (volunteers shirt sizes should be emailed to address below) are provided. Volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m., and are advised to wear work gloves and sun protection. Confirm meet-up location by emailing Pat at mcmathorama@gmail.com. Ocean View Community Association can be reached at 939-7033 or by visiting ovcahi.org.

REGISTER KEIKI, GRADES K-8, BY FEB. 6, FOR A "YEAR OF THE DOG" WALL HANGING arts and crafts class that takes place Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center. Free. Call Nona Makuakane/Elijah Navarro at 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, for more.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. For more, call 929-9576 or visit discoveryharbour.net.

A LEARNING TOGETHER WORKSHOP AT THE OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER, sponsored by Nā‘ālehu School, is offered Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more, call 939-7033 or visit ovcahi.org.

KA‘Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS Tuesday, Feb. 6, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.

PRESERVATION OF STONE ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE: Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historic Park, is presented Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Archeologist MaryAnne Maigret gives an historical overview of early and mid-20th century restorations of Hōnaunau, and a behind-the-scenes look at 50-plus years of preservation at the park. Free; park entrance fees apply. Suggested donation of $2 to support park programs. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEES MEETS TUESDAY, FEB. 6, with a full Council meeting taking place the following day on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Both meetings occur in Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. The Council will meet again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 (committees), and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (Council), in Kona. Agendas can be found at hawaiicounty.gov.

AdvoCATS, Inc. comes to Ocean View Community Center and offers free 
cat spay and neuter services. Image from adovocatshawaii.org

ADVOCATS, INC., comes to Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to perform free cat spay and neuter services. For more, call 895-9283.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. KMC is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. For more, visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

MAKE A VALENTINE FOR YOUR VALENTINE! at Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Friday, Feb. 9, starting at 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free. For more details, call 939-2442.

ABSTRACTS AND PROPOSALS ARE DUE FRIDAY, FEB. 9, for symposia, forums, workshops, trainings, and individual oral or poster presentations for 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference in July. For more, visit hawaiconservation.org.

JOIN PAUL AND JANE FIELD IN VOLUNTEERING FOR STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT on Friday, Feb. 9, and remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO. This event will also be held Feb. 17 and 19.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, Feb. 9, at their Ka‘ū Preserve (located between Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu), from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited. For more details or to reserve a spot, contact Linda Schubert at 443-5401 or lschubert@tnc.org. The following Volunteer Day will take place on Friday, Mar. 23, at TNC’s Kona Hema Preserve.

A PERFORMANCE OF NORA EPHRON'S LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Kīlauea Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to raise funds for Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. The play is based on a best-selling book by Ilene Beckerman. Tickets are $20 per person. For reservations or more info, call 982-7344.

ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT BONSAI AND HOW TO GROW THEM, a workshop taught by well-known Bonsai Sensei Bill Newton, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, at Volcano Garden Arts. Sign up for all three classes and receive a complimentary meal at award winning Cafe Ono. Space is limited. For more, call 985-8979 or visit volcanogardenarts.com.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN HOSPOT AND CREATION OF KAHUKU on a hike, Birth of Kahuku, on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike that traverses the vast 1868 lava flow, with different volcano features and formations. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

KĀWĀ VOLUNTEER DAY, arranged by Mā Mamo o Kāwā, is hosted Saturday, Feb. 10, starting at 9:30 a.m. Sign up with James Akau by emailing namamookawa@gmail.com or calling 430-3058.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND A RAFFLE are offered at by Ocean View Community Association at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To volunteer, call 939-7033. Visit ovcahi.org for more.

Example of a Zentagle-inspired frame. Image from pinterest.com

LEARN SOMETHING NEW OR WORK ON A FORGOTTEN PROJECT at The Art Express on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. For more, contact Meliha Corcoran at 319-8989 or himeliha@yahoo.com. See discoveryharbour.net/art-express for future dates.

ZENTANGLE: THE ELEGANCE OF LIMITS, is offered Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Volcano Art Center. Learn how to use tangles for boarders and how to create elegant frames to hold Zentangle art with Lois & Earl Stokes. Zentagle Basics is recommended but not required. All art supplies provided. Class fees are $30 for VAC members and $35 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org.

HEATHER METTLER'S GLASSWORK - handblown, chiseled, and etched - is showcased in a new Volcano Art Center Gallery Exhibit: Passage and Place. The display will continue to be shown until Sunday, Feb. 11, during normal gallery hours - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Mettler's unique collection of glass explores the themes of migration, navigation, and immigration - how plants, animals, and people find their way to Hawai‘i. Free; park entrance fees apply.

Mauna Ulu and Pu‘u Huluhulu. Photo from NPS.gov

JOIN VOLCANOLOGIST CHERYL GANSECKI for a Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Sunday Walk-in-the-Park event, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     This moderate three-mile hike explores the Mauna Ulu area, a landscape that was transformed during a five-year eruption, which tells the story of one of the longest-known rift-zone eruptions of Kīlauea. The course skirts gaping fissures, traverses massive lava fields, and features spectacular visuals like lava trees.

     Due to the fragile nature of this significant cultural area, space is limited to 15 people, and reservations are required. The hike is free for, but restricted to, members of Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. If you are not a member, you can join at https://www.fhvnp.org/become-a-member/join-or-renew/. Call 985-7373 or visit their website to reserve a spot. www.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.