Saturday, September 29, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, September 29, 2018

Jaclanne Pagala, left, and Riley Viernes, right, practice their skills using classmate Dalyn Kupukaa as a subject,
during an EMT course which has been added to curriculum at both the Hilo and Kona college campuses.
See story, below. Photo from Hawaiʻi CC
A CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE HU HONUA BIOENERGY PLANT, which plans for eucalyptus harvested from Kaʻū tree farms and elsewhere to produce electricity, has been issued by the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi County. A statement from the party on Saturday describes Hu Honua Bioenergy (also known as Honua Ola), as an "incinerator-style power plant that is one of the most environmentally harmful projects now underway in the State of Hawaiʻi, set to open soon on our island."
     Hawaiʻi County Democrats and the statewide Party recently passed two resolutions, urging public officials to withdraw support from Hu Honua Bioenergy. The Democrats also announced that the 30-day comment period for testimonies on Hu Honua's applications for two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits closes Oct. 6.
     Testimonies already submitted include those from Anne Frederick, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Lianna Murillo of The Surfrider Foundation; and Rob Culbertson, an environmentalist.
     The statement from the Democratic Party summarizes their testimonies, saying that Hu Honua plans to release storm water drainage off a cliff and also to disposed wastewater into injection wells 80 feet from cliff line over the ocean. "This means that chemically and thermally dominated wastewater will percolate down to coastal waters and aquifer, threatening the nearshore marine environment, our drinking water and also causing more instability in the landslide-prone sea cliffs."
     The statement also contends that "Other dire consequences of this project will be the unnecessary release of 300,000 tons per year of greenhouse-gas emissions, as well as the drawing of 21.6 million gallons of water per day from the Hakalau aquifer. This water will be mixed with about two dozen hazardous chemicals, and then used to cool the turbines of the electrical generator. The contaminated water is planned to be disposed of through the injection wells, which are 400 feet deep. Once it hits coastal waters, it will still be too hot for marine life to survive."
     The Democratic Party states that "Hu Honua Bioenergy is being called 'renewable energy' by state officials, but this is a false narrative. Officials are ignoring the fact that it takes between 20-100 years for replanted trees to capture an amount of carbon equal to that which would be released."
     Read Hu Honua's description of its project at huhonua.com where it states: "Hū Honua Bioenergy is one of the keys to Hawai‘i's energy independence. Once operational, Hū Honua can produce up to 30-megawatts (MW) of firm, renewable power fueled by homegrown biomass. Hū Honua can help the state meet its bold clean energy vision, while creating a new forestry industry, providing jobs to local families, and ensuring a secure, sustainable energy future for Hawai‘i Island."
     Testimony can be sent to the CleanWaterBranch@doh.hawaii.gov; norris.uehara@doh.hawaii.gov; darryl.lum@doh.hawaii.gov; shane.sumida@doh.hawaii.gov; kozelka.peter@epa.gov.
     The Democrats also posted a petition at actionnetwork.org/petitions/permits-and-public-hearings-for-hu-honua.

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HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE FUND RECENTLY LOADED 20,820 POUNDS OF DERELICT FISHING AND CARGO NETS AND LINE into a 40-foot container. Volunteers loaded up ten tons of the debris, collected during the last six months from Hawai‘i Island's coastlines, last Sunday, Sept. 23. Matson will send the container to Oʻahu, where the debris will be burned for electricity.
     Of these massive net and line bundles, five truckloads were collected from Kona and Hilo state Division of Aquatic Resources storage. The truckloads were collected by community volunteers, dive shops, local fishermen, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources staff. The container includes nets from both Pohoʻiki and Wai‘ōpae, in areas that were subsequently covered in lava.
Over ten tons of derelict fishing and cargo nets and line were collected on Hawaiʻi Island in six months. Photo from HWF 
     This is the second container filled and shipped to O‘ahu by HWF this year, "the 11th since 2005 via the Ka Ipu ‘Āina program, thanks to Matson," says a release from HWF. "This entire effort is a part of the NOAA Nets-to-Energy partnership. Since HWF began contributing nets to this program 13 years ago, 63 tons of nets have been diverted from the Hawai‘i Island landfills." Nets sent for incineration were primarily collected by HWF staff and volunteers, but also include efforts by County of Hawai‘i lifeguards, DLNR staff, and community members around the island.
     HWF's Education Coordinator Stacey Breining said, "We love that the community looks to HWF to report and remove large net bundles. Net bundles can potentially entangle or smother our precious marine life and animals have been known to ingest it as well. That's why we relentlessly strive to clean it up. Folks can bring any nets or lines they have collected to our net collection bins outside both the Hilo (Wailoa Fisheries Station) and Kona (Honokōhau Harbor) DLNR DAR offices."
     To report any large or potentially dangerous debris items, call HWF's marine debris hotline (808-769-7629) and DLNR (808-587-0405).

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THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME AN EMT WILL BE CLOSER AT HAND for those in Kaʻū who wish to drive to school to either Kona or Hilo. An Emergency Medical Technician course will be added to the Hawaiʻi Community College Fire Science Program at both campuses.
     Assistant Professor of Fire Science Jack Minassian said that by "earning their national registry EMT certification along with their Associate of Science degree, students will greatly enhance their employment opportunities with fire service agencies. It's one more added benefit when they apply for a job, and it's a big one." Fire service agencies on the island include those at Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks, and the airports.
Kainalu Burley, left, and Woody Keahi Nelson, right, 
practice their skills using classmate Dustin Figueira as 
a subject. Photo from Hawaiʻi CC
     The EMT courses, taught by instructors David Mendonsa and Daina Leslie Dietz, are in collaboration with Kapiolani Community College on Oʻahu. Established in 2005, the Fire Science program has become one of the most popular academic programs at Hawaiʻi CC in Hilo where 98 students are enrolled in the program.
     In 2017, Hawaiʻi CC began offering the Fire Science program at the Hawaiʻi CC – Pālamanui campus in Kona. A new cohort of students is admitted every two years.
     Students can begin the application process now to enroll for Fall 2019 at the Pālamanui campus and at the Manono campus in Hilo.
     For students interested in a bachelor's degree, Hawaiʻi CC has a transfer agreement with Colorado State University that allows Hawaiʻi CC Fire Science graduates to easily enter CSU's online Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration program. Students can complete the online Bachelor of Science program while living on Hawaiʻi Island.
     For more information about the Fire Science program, contact Minassian at jackm@hawaii.edu or (808) 934-2617. Those interested in learning more about the enrollment process can contact the Welcome Center at (808) 934-2800.
     In five semesters, students can earn an Associate of Science degree. Hawaiʻi CC Fire Science graduates have found employment with federal, state, and local fire service agencies.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL had disappointing games last night. Challenging Kona in a home game, JV lost both sets, and Varsity lost all three sets.
     Come cheer the girls on, on Monday, Oct.1, at 6 p.m., as they host HAAS. See the Fall schedule, below.

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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, Oct 6, 12pm, host Kohala
   Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
   Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Girls Volleyball:
   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
VOLCANO VILLAGE HEALTH AND SAFETY FAIR is held at the Cooper Center, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Sunday, Oct. 7.
     The fair offers healthy food demonstrations and free food tastings, how to make a "go bucket," info on advance directives, free flu vaccinations (to those over 18 years of age, with a valid picture I.D. and insurance card - Kaiser and V.A. not covered), free testing for HepC and HIV, and more. The free event, open to the public, is sponsored by the Volcano Community Association.
     Participants include: Blue Zones Hawai‘i - HMSA, KTA Pharmacy (flu vaccines), Hawai‘i Island HIV/AIDS Foundation, Fight the Bite - Hawai‘i, State Dept. of Health, Community Emergency Response Team, Volcano Emergency Response Team, Lava Paws - pet safety, Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit, Sweet Cane Cafe, Café Ono, Volcano School of Arts and Sciences, and more. For more, contact Sher Glass at 967-8553 or email vcainfo@yahoo.com.

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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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Open Mic Night, Wed., Oct. 3, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. For patrons 21+. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Oct. 4, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Fri., Oct. 5, 5pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Tickets: Singles $8, doubles $15, family $20. stjudeshawaii.org, 939-7000

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Fri., Oct. 5, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat., Oct. 6, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Kāwā Community Workday, Sat., Oct. 6, Meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. Sign-up w/James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org

The Art Express, Sat., Oct. 6, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran, 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Oct. 6, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores Islandwide, including Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Sat every month. acehardware.com

ONGOING
CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union's Nāʻālehu Branch is taking applications for a Member Service Representative.
     The job description reads: Serve as a liaison between the member and the Credit Union. Provide a variety of financial services to members including savings, share drafts, and loan transactions, as well as sales of merchandise items: money orders, traveler's checks, postage stamps, etc., in accordance with Credit Union procedures and policies.
     CU Hawaiʻi offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
     Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html

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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