Monday, September 24, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, September 24, 2018

A Ranger talks to visitors to the newly reopened Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, as they view the
much-changed Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. While some areas remain closed, and new hazards exist, staff and visitors
seemed to just be joyful to return or visit for the first time. See story, below. NPS photo
THE PROPOSED WASTEWATER TREATMENT CENTER for Pāhala is the subject of the draft Environmental Assessment posted on a state website. The Office of Environmental Quality Control, an agency of the state Department of Health, posted a link for its Sept. 23 publication The Environmental Notice at oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/The_Environmental_Notice/2018-09-23-TEN.pdf . The Environmental Notice shows a link to download the EA. The EA is also available at Pāhala Library at 96-3150 Pikake St., and Nāʻālehu Library at 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy. Both are open weekdays.
     The overview of the project states, "The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management proposes to construct wastewater system improvements replacing the large capacity cesspools (LCCs) currently serving Pāhala, in order to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. The project improvements
The site in red is proposed. Alternate sites that were considered are in yellow. The
gang cesspools to be abandoned are in yellow and those living along route of the
service pipes in blue will hook up to the new system.
would include a new wastewater collection system located primarily within public streets in the Pāhala community, and a treatment and disposal system on land to be acquired by the County (TMK: 9-6- 002: 018).
     "The project would be partially funded by an EPA grant and by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program. The collection system would consist of approximately 12,120 linear feet of 8 to 12-inch diameter underground gravity flow piping in Maile, ʻIlima, Huapala, Hīnano, Hala, Puahala and Pīkake Streets. The treatment and disposal facility would occupy about 14.9 acres and consist of a headworks and an odor control unit, an operations building, four lined aerated lagoons, a subsurface flow constructed wetland to remove nitrogen with an adjacent disinfection system to remove pathogens, and four slowrate land treatment basins for further treatment and disposal of the treated effluent. A perimeter security fence would enclose the entire facility. The existing LCCs and associated wastewater collection system would be abandoned."
     The land described is on the Hilo side of the section of Maile Street known as Pine Tree lane and would extend from Hwy 11 about half way up to the Old Pāhala Clubhouse. The Norfolk Pine trees would be retained, and additional trees and buffering plants would be installed, according to the report.
     The public is invited to comment on the Draft EA by Oct. 23, by sending input to the county at dora.beck@hawaiicounty.gov or by mail to 345 Kekūanāo‘a St., Suite 41, Hilo, HI 96720, and also to consultant Wilson Okamoto at PahalaEA@wilsonokamoto.com or by mail to 1907 South Beretania St., Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96826.

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HAWAIʻI WAS NAMED THE WORST STATE FOR TEACHERS in a recent study by WalletHub. Teaching remains one of the "lowest-paid professions that require a bachelor's degree," says WalletHub, which released its report, inspired by the upcoming World Teacher's Day, today.
     WalletHub says teaching, while a potentially rewarding career, has the combined pressures of low pay, high job pressure, and little chance for advancement.
     "According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a nonprofit focused on improving the education community," says WalletHub, "about a fifth of all public-school teachers leave their positions before the end of their first year. Nearly half last fewer than five. Many teachers, especially novices, transfer to other schools or abandon the profession altogether 'as the result of feeling overwhelmed, ineffective, and unsupported,' according to ASCD.
     "In order to help educators find the best opportunities and teaching environments in the U.S.," WalletHub analyzed the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 22 metrics, ranging from teachers' income growth potential to pupil-teacher ratio to teacher safety.
     The highest place Hawaiʻi took was 18th, which was for Public-School Spending per Student. Hawaiʻi had a mid-range Projected Competition in Year 2026, ranking 27th.
     A history of 10-Year Change in Teacher Salaries place Hawaiʻi at 34th, while the Quality of School System was ranked at 39th.
     Hawaiʻi ranks dead last in Average Salary for Teachers (Adjusted for Cost of Living) and Average Starting Salary for Teachers (Adjusted for Cost of Living), standing at 44th in Teachers' Income Growth Potential.
     See the full report at wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159.

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STATE SENATE CANDIDATE FOR WEST KAʻŪ INTO KONA, MICHAEL LAST, issued a statement yesterday. The Libertarian faces Democrat Dru Kanuha in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, running for District 3. Last writes:
     "The people of the third senatorial district (and all residents of the state) want more positive action from every elected legislature. As well they should!
     "But where do we start?
     "The State of Hawaiʻi ranks last on a list of those states favorable to business. Could it be that the state legislators don't care about businesses, except those directly related to tourism? But then why do we continue to fund the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority?
     "And how about traveling to the other islands; what has the Public Utilities Commission ever done about the ever increasing inter-island airfares? As an example, they regulate just about every other form of commerce, but why not this one?
     "If you or I park at the state's airport, we must pay a fee, yet why do the legislators park without any cost whatsoever? Is their state business that much more valuable than the average taxpayer?
Michael Last, during the 4th of
July Parade in Nāʻālehu.
     "I think that it is appalling how some candidates don't take the requirements of the Campaign Spending Commission seriously. If they did, then none would be fined for violating the regulations. I will never put myself in such a position of being required to remit a penalty. And how do you think the contributors feel about their money going to pay for fines incurred by those candidates they support? Why do you think a candidate takes money from special interest groups anyway? If someone received a contribution from, say a labor union, how do you think that lawmaker would vote on some legislation that effects that organization? And what if the non-union taxpayers were in opposition? That is why I refuse to take ANY contributions from anyone. It doesn't matter if it's a private individual or a large PAC, which of course stands for Purchase A Candidate. I cannot be bought! How many other candidates can say that?
     "Speaking of contributions, do I want public funded campaigns? Yes, but without the requirement of first obtaining a threshold of a number of small private contributors.
     "I believe in every elected position having at least TWO candidates running, therefore I am giving you, the voters, a choice of voting for me, or the other candidate. But please also analyze who is paying for the campaigns of each. With me it is easy; I am funding my own campaign without the assistance of anyone else. Plain and simple. My opponent?
     "Why do we, as residents and voters, continue to allow politicians, for certain elected offices, to not have term limits? I am in favor of politicians that continue to serve me, but only for a limited number of terms, per office. If you agree with this, please consider voting for me.
     "Wouldn't it be nice to have at least ONE state senator who is not of the majority party? Right now there are no other parties represented in the senate; no Republicans, no Greens, and even no Libertarians. Yet all these Democrats can't even agree on anything!
     "Lastly, I am in favor of having the voters decide on whether to have gambling in Hawaiʻi or not. Although I might be against gambling (and I am), who am I to dictate how others should live their lives? It is unreasonable to believe otherwise.
     "My philosophy is simple: As an adult, you should be allowed to do with your own person or property whatever you choose, as long as you don't physically harm the person or property of another non-consenting adult."

Ranger Connie, ecstatically welcoming back visitors to the
Park. See a short NPS video of her welcome.
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NEW SIGNAGE AND A NEW QUIET AREA, among new features of the landscape, welcome visitors to the summit areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, now open 24 hours a day after 134 days of closure. The newly reopened sections of the park include a viewing area of Halemaʻumaʻu crater with signs posted asking that those in the area remain quiet: "This allows for personal reflection and respect for cultural practices."
A new quiet area for viewing Halemaʻumaʻu. NPS photo
     Kīlauea Iki Trailhead hosts a warning sign: "Kīlauea Iki Trail remains closed until further assessments can be completed. However, the Kīlauea Iki Overlook is open," says the National Park Service. 
     Ranger Connie at the entrance shared her exuberance, the grin never leaving her face, on opening day in a short video: flickr.com/photos/144356245@N06/30998714218
     "So happy to be opening the Park today! Yes!! We're happy to be opening the Park. Visitors coming from all over, and welcoming employees back – it's such an exciting day."
     See more pictures and short videos of the reopening at flickr.com/photos/144356245@N06/with/43043297660

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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 TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
   Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 6, 12pm, host Kohala
   Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
   Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Girls Volleyball:
   Tue, Sept 25, 6pm, @ HPA
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Tues, Oct 2, 6pm, @ Kealakehe
   Fri, Oct 5, 6pm, host Keaʻau
   Wed, Oct 10, 6pm, @ Parker
   Fri, Oct 12, 6pm, host St. Joseph
   Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
   Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
   Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Cross Country:
   Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
   Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
   Sat, Oct 6, 2pm, @ Kealakehe
   Sat, Oct 13, BYE
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA
   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
A VOLUNTEER FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT: FAYA TREE REMOVAL happens Friday, Oct. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park grounds. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 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.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Sept. 26, 9-11am, 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 Hawaiʻi - referral required from Hawaiʻi 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

Craft Class, Wed., Sept. 26, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nāʻālehu. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Arts and Crafts Activity: Beaded Wind Chime, Wed., Sept. 26, 3:30-5pm, Pāhala Community Center. For keiki in grades K-8. Register Sept. 19-25. Free. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

THURSDAY, SEPT. 27
Kaʻū Community Children's Council, Thu., Sept. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punaluʻu 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., Sept. 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, SEPT. 28
Coffee Talk - The 1868 Eruption in Kaʻū: Disruption and Destruction, Fri., Sept. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join the discussion with rangers and other park visitors. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Park Beautification Day, Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 19-26. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29
Volunteer Day, The Nature Conservancy, Sat., Sept. 29, 8-3pm, either Kona Hema or Kaʻū Preserve, contact for confirmation. Tools, gloves, and stories provided. Space is limited. Reserve a space in a 4wd TNC truck in advance. Sponsored in part by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Contact Mel Johansen at or Shalan Crysdale at scrysdale@tnc.org. tnc.org

Paths and Trails, Sat., Sept. 29, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike with some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. Discover the ways people, animals, and plants got to Kahuku and the paths they follow. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Oct. 1, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Oct. 1, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Oct. 2 (Committees)/3 (Council), Hilo, Tue./Wed., Oct. 16 (Committees)/17 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 4-6pm, Oct. 16, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Oct. 2, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Wonderful way to embody connection. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

ONGOING
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Saturday, Sept. 29. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. Survivors who have left the area, call 800-621-3362.

One Lucid Dream: A Retrospective of Art Works by Ken Charon. Exhibit open Mon.-Sat., through Oct. 6, 10-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Original paintings, drawings, and other objects. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.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.

Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.

Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, 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

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