Saturday, October 06, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, October 6, 2018

Kaʻū Cheerleaders rev up the fans as the Trojans win their homecoming game against Kohala, 58-14.
See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal
MONEY FOR SCHOOLS TO BE COLLECTED FROM INVESTMENT PROPERTY TAXES is facing a Hawaiʻi Supreme Court challenge ahead of the Nov. 6 General Election. The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court will hear arguments on Thursday, Oct. 18, from all four county governments, which oppose the measure. Putting the state constitutional amendment on the ballot passed the 2018 Hawaiʻi Legislature with a unanimous vote in the House of Representatives and only one no vote in the Senate.
     Kaʻū Reps. Richard Onishi and Dr. Richard Creagan, and Kaʻū's Senators Josh Green and Russell Ruderman, supported the amendment.
A change in the Hawaiʻi State Constitution
would allow the state to tax investment property
to fund public education. The counties and
Chambers of Commerce oppose it.
     Initiated by the public teachers union, it calls for an increase in property taxes - only from investment real estate - to fund public education. Hawaiʻi is the only state where property taxes are not used to fund education. The idea of investment property taxes, targeting second homes valued at over $1 million, to help pay for education, was considered a strategy that would avoid burdening individual homeowners whose expenses have skyrocketed with housing costs soaring.
     The County of Hawaiʻi and the other three counties in the state oppose the measure, saying the language of the amendment is not clear, and that it could dissuade investors from building more housing, which is needed for the increasing demand.
     The hearing before Hawaiʻi's Supreme Court will be less than a week before early walk-in voting, which begins on Tuesday, Oct. 23, Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - closed from noon to 1 p.m. - at Pāhala Community Center.
     The question before the voters, approved by the state legislature, is: "Shall the legislature be authorized to establish, as provided by law, a surcharge on investment real property to be used to support public education?"
     The amendment would give authority to state government to tax investment property for education. It's the four county governments that currently tax all properties, setting rates and valuations.
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee supports the state
Constitutional Amendment to fund schools
in an Hawaiʻi Public Radio interview.
Photo from HPR2
     The counties' efforts to stop the question from going on the ballot began in First Circuit Court on Oʻahu, with the claim that the language was "highly misleading and deceptive." Judge Jeff Crabtree in the First Circuit Court dismissed the motion. He wrote that he failed to find language proposed for the ballot to be "deceptive," but noted that it is "not as clear as it could be."
     The county attorneys appealed to the Supreme Court through a "petition for extraordinary writ." They called the constitutional amendment too vague and expressed concern over state government becoming involved in taxing property.
     Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce also came out against taxing investment properties to help pay for education.
     Corey Rosenlee, President of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, the public teachers union, called the Supreme Court action a waste of taxpayer money. "The counties lost before, then they are going to lose again," he said. He issued a statement saying, "It's sad that the only tactic that they have is fear, the fear that we're going to go after renters, apartment owners, senior citizens, farmers, commercial businesses. This is a specific taxation that we're trying to do in order to fund our schools. Our opponents offer no way of increasing funding for our schools. Not once have they offered an answer about how they are going to improve our schools."
Teachers and families around the state held signs today in support
of using investment property taxes for school funding.
Photo from HSTA
     Ronsenlee said that with lack of funding, students are put in "environments that are not conducive to learning. The main reason is that we do not fund our schools well. We rank 45th in the nation in per-pupil expenditure, adjusted for cost of living."
     Deborah Zysman, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network, said, "If you go and visit schools, we know our infrastructure is way out of date. Some places in our charter schools, we have kids learning under tarps. We think that is unacceptable and unconscionable. Our kids deserve good quality schools."
     Deborah Bond-Upson, a founding board member of Parents for Public Schools Hawaiʻi, said, "Every child in Hawaiʻi deserves access to a quality education, We know we are going to need a grassroots movement to fight against this super PAC that has come up with this cynical approach, to drive fear into parents and business leaders, that is unwarranted. We believe if we want to be business friendly, we have to have appropriate taxes. Our state should not be a haven for certain investors and developers that then drives the cost of housing up for everyone else."

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THE U.S. SENATE VOTED 50 TO 48 TO CONFIRM JUDGE BRETT KAVANAUGH TODAY. HE TOOK THE JUDICIAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL OATHS AND SITS ON THE BENCH OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT. Both of Hawaiʻi's U.S. Senators voted, "No."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono sent out this message: "A few moments ago, the full Senate approved Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court after a sham investigation and a delusional process they rigged in his favor since the very beginning. I'm angry about it. That anger will fuel our movement's determination to win the midterms and bring with it a tidal wave of change for women and our allies.
Hawaiʻi Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted this image for votesaveamerica.com.
     "The fight goes on over the next month and in the years to follow because the stakes are too high for us to give in. Our fundamental rights and the progress we have made in the last several decades is on the line, and the need to retake Congress has never been more urgent."
     Hirono Tweeted: "Today, I'm left with anger and determination, just like millions of people across the country. I will take @rtraister's advice, and commend it to the women of America and the men who understand our stories – I will stay mad and let that anger propel us to change."
     Sen. Brian Schatz Tweeted, "Sometimes politics requires next level strategy Sun Tsu thinking, and sometimes all of that becomes an excuse to avoid knocking on doors and making phone calls. Please knock on doors and make phone calls. I promise you it's the main thing right now.
     "If you are angry and want to do something about it please go to votesaveamerica.com and please pass it on," wrote Schatz.

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On the Mauna Loa trail that opens Monday. NPS photo
MAUNA LOA ROAD AND TRAIL in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park reopens on Monday, Oct. 8. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes announced yesterday that Mauna Loa Road will fully reopen to vehicles. Mauna Loa Trail, which leads to the 13,677 foot summit, and the Pu‘u ‘Ula‘ula (Red Hill) cabin and Mauna Loa summit cabin, will also reopen. The Park's coastal backcountry trails and campsites are scheduled to reopen on Fri., Oct. 19. Earlier this week, park rangers completed overflight inspections of the coastal trails and campsites, and will hike out to the remote sites to prepare them for visitation.
Pu‘u ‘Ula‘ula (Red Hill) on Mauna Loa. NPS photo
     Permits are required for all overnight backpacking and for both high-altitude cabins. The park's backcountry permit office will reopen Monday at 8 a.m. The release says backpackers should be adequately equipped, experienced in wilderness and high altitude trekking, and physically fit. Learn more about Mauna Loa and how to obtain a backcountry permit at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_maunaloa.htm.
     Mauna Loa Road, trail, and its remote backcountry have been closed since May 11 due to damaging volcanic and seismic activity. Significant road construction continues on several sections of Highway 11 within park boundaries, including one-way traffic stops at mile marker 30 and to the west. Motorists should drive carefully and be prepared for delays, says the release.
     Visitors to Mauna Loa Road can see how native forest was impacted by a wildfire that started Aug. 4 outside the park. The fire burned 3,739 acres and came "perilously close" to the Kīpukakī Special Ecological Area, says the release.
     For more information and a map of what is open in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, visit nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm.

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Kaʻū kept Kohala scoreless during the first half of the Trojan homecoming game today. Photo by Julia Neal
KAʻŪ NAILED KOHALA COWBOYS TO TROJAN HOME TURF today during the homecoming game, with a final score of 58 to 14.
     During the first quarter, Trojan Isaiah Pilanca-Emsley completed a 45 yard run for a touchdown, with Weston Davis running into the end zone for an extra two points.
     Later in the quarter, a bad snap during a Kohala punt left the ball on the one-yard line, with Kaʻū in control with a first and ten. David made the one yard run for the touchdown. No extra points brought the score to Kaʻū 14, Kohala 0.
     Again the punt - this time blocked - left the ball in Kaʻū's hands on the Kohala 13 yardline. Pilanca-Emmsley made the 13 yard touchdown run and took the score to 20 with no success at extra points.
     Kohala came close to the Kaʻū end zone, but worked through all of its downs, leaving the ball in Kaʻū's hands on the 3 yard line. Several plays later, Pilanca-Emmsley made a 47 yard touchdown run. Davis picked up two extra points.
Kohala and Kaʻū faced off, with Kaʻū winning 58-14.
Photo by Julia Neal
     With less than two minutes left in the first quarter, Pilanca-Emmelsy intercepted a Kohala ball and ran 47 years for the touch down. With Davis making the extra two points, that brought the score to 28-0.
     Ten minutes into the second quarter, Trojan Shesley Martinez ran for a 41 yard touchdown and Jermiah Nurial-Dacallo made the two extra points.
     Pilanca-Emmsely made a 47 yard touch down run, with no extra points. With less than three minutes left in the first half, Martinez ran for a 74 yard touchdown, bringing the halftime score to Kaʻū 50, Kohala 0.
     In the third quarter, Kohala's Zhane Ellazar-Ching ran a 92 yard kick return for the Cowboy's first score of the game. In the fourth quarter, Kohala quarterback Ryan Juan-Kealoha scored a ten yard run for a touchdown and completed a pass to Demien Padillo for two extra points.
     Final score: Kaʻū 58, Kohala 14.

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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 13, 12pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 20, 1 pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū
Girls Volleyball:
   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:
   Sat, Oct 13, BYE
   Sat, Oct 20, 9am, BIIF @ HPA
   Sat, Oct 27, 8:30am, HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
A SECOND HULA KAHIKO PERFORMANCE IS OFFERED THIS OCTOBER on the kahua hula (hula platform) near Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Nā Kumu hula Chrissy Kama Henriques, with Hālau E Hulali Mai I Ka La of Honaunau, South Kona, performs on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m.
     Hālau E Hulali Mai I Ka La, under the direction of Henriques, is a young hālau. They placed first in the 7th Annual Heiva I Hawaiʻi Otea and Aparima division this year. In the most recent event, they competed in the 2018 Kupuna Hula Competition, and took 1st place in the Tutu Kane division. On Oct. 13, they will participate in the E Malama Mau I Ka Hula Festival.
Hālau E Hulali Mai I Ka La will perform Hula Kahiko at the Park on 
Oct. 20. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     The Hula Kahiko performance at the Park is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. For the series, hula hālau from across Hawai‘i and beyond are invited to perform each month in a one-of-a-kind outdoor setting.
     This event is presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine, without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. Free; Park entrance fees apply. See volcanoartcenter.org.

NĀ MEA HULA - ALL THINGS HULA - WITH KUMU HULA KAHO‘OKELE CRABBE AND HĀLAUOLAOKALANI is held in conjunction with the hula kahiko performance on Saturday, Oct. 20. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the porch of Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will play host to this hālau.
Kumu Hula Kaho‘okele Crabbe.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     Attendees are invited to learn a hula, use various hula implements, and try their hand at lei making, as they experience the different aspects that play an integral role in the life of the hula dancer. Nā Mea Hula cultural demonstrations are hands-on, family friendly, and free; Park entrance fees apply. See volcanoartcenter.org.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up with Hilo Bay Café, Sun., Oct. 7, contact in advance for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle only. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Oct. 7, 9:30-11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time. Enjoy breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Volcano Village Health and Safety Fair at the Cooper Center, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7. Healthy food demonstrations and free food tastings, how to make a "go bucket," info on advance directives, free flu vaccinations (conditions apply), free testing for HepC and HIV, and more. Free event, open to the public. Sponsored by the Volcano Community Association.Contact Sher Glass at 967-8553, vcainfo@yahoo.com.

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Oct. 7, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amateur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Oct. 8 and 22, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. A parent led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Oct. 9, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Public invited to see what Community Emergency Response Team is about, and participate in training scenarios. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

CANCELLED: After Dark in the Park, Ōpe‘ape‘a: The Hawaiian Bat, Tue., Oct. 9. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

VOTE: Voter Registration Deadline for 2018 General Election, Tue., Oct. 9. elections.hawaii.gov

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10
AdvoCATS, Wed., Oct. 10, 7am-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits: Dental, Wed., Oct. 10, 8-5pm; Medical, Thu., Oct. 25, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center August newsletter for details. thecoopercenter.org

Pāhala Sewage System - County Dept. of Environmental Management, Wed., Oct. 10, Open House: 5:30pm, Meeting: 6-7:30pm, Ka‘ū Gym Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Pāhala. Mary Fuji, 962-8038

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Oct. 11, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Oct. 11, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12
Free Community Dance, Fri., Oct. 12, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Coffee, tea, water, and snack provided. Free admission; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13
First Annual Super Saturday Five-on-Five Tournament, Sat., Oct. 13, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event hosted by Hokulele Basketball Club – youth from 5 years old to high school, sponsored by families and players. Free admission to watch. For more or to join, text or call President Ravel Kaupu, 319-0687.

Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat., Oct. 13, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Sat., Oct. 13, 9-12:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Held outdoors, weather permitting - otherwise, indoors with reference photo. Students complete one 9"x12" project. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org, or call 967-8222.

Realms & Divisions of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 13, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, two-mile, guided hike on a new Kahuku Unit trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. Bring snack. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Zentangle: Ghosting Workshop with Lydia Meneses, Sat, Oct. 13, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Adds haunting aspects and mystical-whisper feelings to artwork using light touch of mini graphite pencil. All materials supplied or available for borrowing. Open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hula Kahiko - Liana Aveiro with Hālau Malanai, Sat., Oct. 13, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Halauolaokalani, Sat., Oct. 13, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Oktoberfest, Sat., Oct. 13, 3-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. German foods: bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, stew, spätzle, schnitzel; local beer, wine, cider for the keiki; and games and prizes. Entertainment provided. Volunteers welcome. Sponsored by Cooper Center Council. thecoopercenter.org, 967-7800

Palm Trail, Sat., Oct. 14, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pastures along an ancient cinder cone, with some of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

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

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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