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| Miss Ka‘ū Coffee pageant takes place on Saturday, April 21, at Ka‘ū District Gym. See story below. Photo from Trinidad Marques |
A BILL TO REQUIRE EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE FOR FAMILY LEAVE for all employees is progressing in the state legislature. Next stop is the House Committee on Finance.
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| Gov. David Ige, who supports a bill that would greatly increase access to family medical leave for Hawaiʻi residents. |
Senate Bill 2990, supported by Gov. David Ige, and several unions and nonprofits, would require small businesses - those with fewer than 50 employees - to extend access to leave benefits for employees, to provide care during the birth or adoption of a child, and for a spouse or parent with a serious health condition. An amendment was added by the House Committee on Labor and Public Employment, providing for a fund to help offset costs for entities with ten employees or fewer.
The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act currently provides for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under these circumstances, for companies with 50 or more employees, with Hawai‘i adding a four-week extension for those who work at companies with 100 or more employees.
Testimonies came from supporters - like Jessica McDonald, who lost her child after a sudden illness two days after she returned to work: "While I will never know whether I could have saved Quinn, what I do know is that I spent Quinn's last day at work. I didn't get to hold her one last time, kiss her little cheeks, rock her to sleep, and this will forever haunt me."
Paid family leave supporters contend that the benefit serves businesses in the long-run. The Hawai‘i State Teachers Association states, “Sickness should not become a debt sentence.”
The bill drew opposition from the Hawai‘i Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i. Sherry Menor-McNamara, president of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, asked, "what are the unintended consequences and the overall impact on the business community, which in turn can impact the type of benefits that employers provide?"
Tina Yamaki, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawai‘i, said, "What this bill does, it adds added burden and cost onto a lot of the retailers and businesses. There's only so much a retailer or business can absorb, and then the rest gets passed on to the customer."
Deborah Zysman, executive director of the Hawai‘i Children's Action Network said, "The way it's being proposed, businesses would not pay for it. We all, workers, would pay into a fund managed by the state, and we would all be able to take out; so it's an insurance program which also makes it really cheap."
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HAWAI‘I RANKS 12TH IN THE NATION IN GRADUATING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING students who are at least 25 years of age. However, Hawai‘i ranks 43rd, behind other states and Washington, D.C., in overall rankings for innovation, according to a recent WalletHub report. The U.S. is projected to spend $553 billion on research and development in 2018, states WalletHub. Comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across "22 key metrics," the data set ranges from share of STEM professionals to R&D spending per capita.
Hawai‘i ranks 31st for Share of Technology Companies, 42nd for R&D Spending per Capita, 43rd for Venture-Capital Funding per Capita and for Projected STEM-Job Demand by 2020, 45th for Share of STEM Professionals, and 47th for Eighth-Grade Math & Science Performance. See the full WalletHub report.
THE IDENTITY OF THE OPIHI PICKER who died on Wednesday off Kahakahakea Point, 2 miles south of Pohu`e Bay, has been released by the Hawai‘i Police Department. The 54-year-old man from Wai‘ohinu is identified as Duane A. Breithaup. His is also known as Sonny. According to the statement from HPD, “He was with about ten family members near the ocean but was alone picking the opihi from the cliff area. Family members reported at about 12:44 p.m., a large wave swept him into the ocean, where he struggled before disappearing.” See more on the rescue attempt in Thursday's Ka`u 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.
HAWAI‘I RANKS 12TH IN THE NATION IN GRADUATING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING students who are at least 25 years of age. However, Hawai‘i ranks 43rd, behind other states and Washington, D.C., in overall rankings for innovation, according to a recent WalletHub report. The U.S. is projected to spend $553 billion on research and development in 2018, states WalletHub. Comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across "22 key metrics," the data set ranges from share of STEM professionals to R&D spending per capita.
Hawai‘i ranks 31st for Share of Technology Companies, 42nd for R&D Spending per Capita, 43rd for Venture-Capital Funding per Capita and for Projected STEM-Job Demand by 2020, 45th for Share of STEM Professionals, and 47th for Eighth-Grade Math & Science Performance. See the full WalletHub report.THE IDENTITY OF THE OPIHI PICKER who died on Wednesday off Kahakahakea Point, 2 miles south of Pohu`e Bay, has been released by the Hawai‘i Police Department. The 54-year-old man from Wai‘ohinu is identified as Duane A. Breithaup. His is also known as Sonny. According to the statement from HPD, “He was with about ten family members near the ocean but was alone picking the opihi from the cliff area. Family members reported at about 12:44 p.m., a large wave swept him into the ocean, where he struggled before disappearing.” See more on the rescue attempt in Thursday's Ka`u News Briefs.
HAWAI`I COUNTY CLOSED ALL OF ITS PARKS through the weekend as a heavy storms with rain, flooding, wind and lightening are expected across the island. A flash flood watch, which could change to a warning, is in effect from Saturday morning through late Saturday night. According to weather and Civil Defense statements, periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms may result in flash flooding. Rapidly rising water levels may result in area streams and significant flooding may occur for low lying and poor drainage areas. Weather is expected to include high winds, heavy rain with thunderstorms, and flooding. All parks are closed. "Consider canceling outdoor activities. Motorists are especially cautioned - road closures may occur without notice. Avoid going outdoors if possible during lightning. Expect possible interruptions to utilities. Secure areas and items that may be affected by high winds," says a statement from the County of Hawai`i.
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| 2017 Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court with Miss Ka‘ū Coffee 2017 Jami Beck, center, back row. She will pass the crown on Saturday, April 21 during the pageant at Ka‘ū District Gym. Photo by Pamela Taylor |
The Miss Ka‘ū Coffee pageant takes place on Saturday, April 21, at Ka‘ū District Gym. Tickets and sponsorships are sold throughout the community. The 2018 pageant will mark the first time the pageant will be presented at Ka‘ū District Gym, next to Ka‘ū High School. The pageant is under the directorship of Trinidad Marques, herself a Ka‘ū Coffee producer and marketer. The winners will receive scholarships and trophies.
Candidates for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee are: Reishalyn Kekoa Jara, 16, Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, 16, Helena Nihipali-Sesson, 16, and Sheri Lynn Freitas, 18. Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Junior Miss candidates are Jacie Umemoto, 12, and Cristina Kawewehi, 12. Miss Ka‘ū Peaberry candidates are Jadelyn Kekoa Jara, 10, and Tenielle Blanco, 8. Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Candidates are Kysha Manini-Kaupu, 3, Telia Espejo-Navarro, 5, and Lilianna Marques, 5.
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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| Youth organizers and
their mentors, including Ka‘ū High and Pāhala Elementary School Principal
Sharon Beck, manned educational displays like the one for Big Island Substance Abuse Council at the 2017 Ka‘ū Unity Celebration. Photo by Julia Neal |
SECOND ANNUAL KA‘Ū UNITY CELEBRATION will be held on Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Ka‘ū District Gym. Join members of the community in honoring the history of Hawai‘i, enjoying a variety of delicious food and drink, and supporting local youth talent in art, music, dance, drama, and poetry. Admission is free.
Ka‘ū Unity Celebration will be hosted by The Collective, in association with community organization ‘O Ka‘ū Kakou. The Collective is an organization of local community leaders and adult mentors who work in collaboration with the youth of Ka‘ū to develop leadership skills, confidence, and the ability to solve long standing social problems; empower the younger generations; and restore unity throughout the Ka‘ū community.
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| Ka‘ū High musicians were
in the lineup for
the
2017 Unity Celebration. Photo by Julia Neal
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On April 29, 2017, The Collective held the first ever Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, hosting participants from Ka‘ū High School & Pāhala Elementary, Nā‘ālehu Elementary, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, and Volcano School of Arts and Science. The event drew in an impressive 500 people.
This year's Celebration will include a cultural showcase; a performance centered around the history of immigration to Hawai‘i. The youth will wear pieces of clothing from their culture to demonstrate pride and ownership over their identities, as well as represent the timeline of different groups coming to the islands.
"The members of The Collective look forward to seeing you at the upcoming Ka‘ū Unity Celebration! Your presence at the event and support for young talent will help contribute to the goals of this organization: unity and empowerment," said Monique Hughes, Youth representative of The Collective.
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KA‘Ū COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM BASIC TRAINING - a free, four day, in-depth course - will take place at Ocean View Community Center (92-8924 Leilani Circle) on Saturdays in April. Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency scheduled the training from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Apr. 7, 14, 21, and 28.
This course is open to the public; C.E.R.T. Basic Training Course provides participants with classroom and hands-on instruction in safety, fire suppression, first aid, light search and rescue, emergency communications, and more. Those interested in basic emergency awareness, developing personal response knowledge and skill sets, and can commit to four consecutive Saturdays, can register online at certkau.eventbrite.com or call Bill Hanson at 937-2181.
Seating is limited. "This course could help save your life," says Hanson.
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KA`U ACHIEVED ITS FIRST SPRING VICTORY FOR GIRLS SOFTBALL, against Hilo, on Thursday, March 22. With 22 runs, the game saw the girls Ka‘ū strong and dominating with twice the runs of Hilo. It was played at Victor Stadium after being rescheduled form March 13.
The second half of the season starts with a Saturday game at Kealakehe. See the remaining scheduled games for girls softball and boys volleyball, below.
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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
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LAST WEEKEND OF KDEN'S HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - shows through March 24. Performances: Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344
JAZZ IN THE FOREST, a monthly event held at the Volcano Art Center in the Village, has been moved to the last Saturday in March, the 24th. This month's performance offers exciting original compositions by pianist/composer Loren Wilken, and the beautiful Brazilian samba sounds of vocalist/trumpet stylist Andrea Linborg, along with Jean Pierre Thoma on winds, Brian McCree on bass, Russ on drums, and Luke on acoustic guitar. As usual, the concerts will be at 4:30 & 7 p.m., and refreshments will be available. Tickets are available online, and are $18 per VAC member/$20 non-member. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.
FINAL DAY OF TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT, SUNDAY, MARCH 25, at Volcano Art Center Gallery, featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
AVOCADO GRAFTING FOR COMMERCIAL GROWERS WORKSHOP: Register by Monday, March 26, for Hilo, and Tuesday, March 27, for Kona. Workshops scheduled for: Wednesday, March 28, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Komohana Research and Extension Center, 875 Komohana St, Room D-202, Hilo, HI 96720. Kona will hold two workshops, at 9 a.m. to noon or 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 29, at Kona Cooperative Extension Service, Conference Room, 79-7381 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua, HI 96750. Class Fee is $25 per person, per workshop; registration required. RSVP online, or by contacting Gina at 322-4892, at least two days prior to the workshop.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies, Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. to noon. Meet at Volcano Art Center. Hands-on immersion and discovery. $30 per VAC member and $40 per non-member, plus a $15 transportation fee. Pre-registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONGOLIAN BBQ, Saturday, March 24, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
WRITING FOR INNER EXPLORATION AND LIFE REFLECTION, Saturday, March 24, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. No previous writing experience necessary. $65 per VAC member and $75 per non-member. Bring lunch and pictures of parent/parents. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
TUESDAY, MARCH 27
HOVE Road Maintenance Monthly Meeting, Tue, Mar 27, 10 a.m. , RMC Office in Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910
TRACKING LAVA LAKES 7 p.m. , at Kīlauea Visitor Center
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28
THURSDAY, MARCH 29
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 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.
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Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a
Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a
Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala
Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa
Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū
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.
LAST WEEKEND OF KDEN'S HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - shows through March 24. Performances: Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 24, at 2:30 p.m, at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344
EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies, Saturday, March 24, 8 a.m. to noon. Meet at Volcano Art Center. Hands-on immersion and discovery. $30 per VAC member and $40 per non-member, plus a $15 transportation fee. Pre-registration required; class size limited. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONGOLIAN BBQ, Saturday, March 24, 5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $0.85/ounce - choice of 13 veggies, 4 meats, sauces, chow mein, and beverage. Park entrance fees apply. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Sunday, March 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 and up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advanced; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
PALM TRAIL, Sunday, March 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGS, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 27 (committees)/28 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building
WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesday, March 27, at 10 a.m. , noon , and 2 p.m. , at Kīlauea Visitor Center
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY, Tuesday, March 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. , St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING, Wednesday, March 28 (Council), in Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building
KŌKUA KUPUNA PROJECT, Wednesday, March 28, 9 - 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors, 60 years and older, encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925, legalaidhawaii.org
HŪ (HAWAIIAN TOP) DEMONSTRATION, Wednesday, March 28, 10 a.m. to noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center Volcanoes National Park
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU Thursday, March 29. Meet at 9:30 a.m., Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Rd , off Hwy 11. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, water, closed-toe shoes; fabrics may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com
POETRY READING WITH 'THE POETS OF 1958' - Laura Mullen, Marthe Reed, and Susan M. Schultz - Thursday Night at the Center, March 29, 7 to 9 p.m. Free; $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 30
COFFEE TALK, Friday, March 30,9:30 - 11 a.m. , Kahuku Park
COFFEE TALK, Friday, March 30,
ONGOING
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634To 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.
