Sunday, October 07, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, October 7, 2018

Three swimmers from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and one home schooled young lady join the island
wide swim meet at Pāhala pool on Saturday as members of Kaʻū's South Swell Novice Swim Team.
 See story below. Photo by Julia Neal
STATE OF THE UNION host Dana Bash asked Sen. Mazie Hirono on CNN this morning whether she would like to see the new Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh impeached. Hirono responded, "I'm much more focused on the here and now, which is that we have an election coming up." She said that she recommends to "women who are justifiably angry but determined" to and I said basically, just focus like a laser beam on the elections." She said, "they have connected the dots. They know that the senators who are making these confirmation decisions are the people who were elected by their voters. And so, as voters, they have a role to play."
     The CNN commentator said that some Democratic colleagues say that recent accusations against Kavanaugh, such as those brought forth by attorney Michael Avenatti, hurt the Democrats' case against him, by accusing Kavanaugh of facilitating gang rape. Hirono responded: "There were enough other aspects and allegations and reports that we wanted the FBI to investigate, and they did not. Why? Because the White House pretty much limited the scope of the so called investigation, which was a sham."
Sen. Mazie Hirono on State of the Union this morning, urging women to "focus like a laser beam on the elections."
Photo from CNN
     Hirono also said she was disappointed in Maine Sen. Susan Collins' vote to support Kavanaugh, after Collins met with survivors of sexual assault and after hearing what Hirono said was a credible account from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, who testified under oath before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her. The accusation led to the FBI investigation, from which Pres. Donald Trump and the Senate Republican leadership concluded there was no wrongdoing by Kavanaugh. He was sworn in Saturday night and begins working on U.S. Supreme Court cases this week.

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MEETINGS BEGIN TOMORROW CONCERNING THE PROPOSED PĀHALA WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM. The gatherings for property owners and the general public will be held at Kaʻū Gym's Multipurpose Conference Room, 96-1219 Kamani Street in Pāhala.     Property owners connected to the old C. Brewer, former Kaʻū Sugar Co., sewage systems are invited to attend a workshop on Monday, Oct. 8, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
     Property owners not on the old Brewer system whose property will become accessible to the new system are invited to a workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 9, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
     The proposed location for the lagoon style treatment system is at the corner of Hwy 11 and Maile Street, on the Hilo side of the entrance to Pāhala, along the Norfolk pine tree lane.
     The public is invited to an open house and meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., representatives of the county will explain the
Environmental Assessment draft provided by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
     Property owners were invited by mail to each of the workshops designed for their properties.
     The EA draft is posted on the Department of Health's Office of Environmental Quality Control's website for review by the public at oeqc2.doh.hawaii.gov/The_Environmental_Notice/2018-09-23-TEN.pdf. The EA draft is also available at Pāhala Library at 96-3150 Pikake St., and Nāʻālehu Library at 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy. Both are open weekdays.
     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. Those with questions may call Mary Fujio at Department of Environmental Management at 961-8038.

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INSTALLATION OF SOLAR OR HEAT PUMPS FOR RENTERS AND HOMEOWNERS, without paying for equipment upfront, is available through a state program, according to an announcement from University of Hawaiʻi's College of Tropical Agriculture. The Green Energy Money $aver On-Bill Program is offered by the state's Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority.
     Once the equipment is installed, the renter or homeowner not only uses less electricity from the utility company, the savings from solar, or a heat pump, pays for the cost of the equipment.
     The program features zero up-front costs, savings as of the next bill, and no credit barriers.
     Homeowners or renters can apply for the program. Once approved, HGIA pays for the equipment and installation of one of four types of water heating system: Solar Photovoltaic System, Solar Thermal Water Heater, Solar Photovoltaic Water Heater, or Heat Pump Water Heater. The cost is paid back over time on each bill, and the program guarantees at least a ten percent savings on water heating on each bill.
     The announcement on hawaiicoffeeed.com says: "This State program enables families to save energy with no money down. All one needs is to show one years HELCO bill without a disconnect notice. The cost of the system is paid back through a program called on-bill-repayment, which guarantees savings of at least 10%. The energy savings of the solar hot water from the electric bill is used to pay back the cost of the system.
     "Part of the program is directed to agricultural families in Hawaiʻi and this covers the cost of putting solar hot waters on farm houses or on worker housing."
     For more information about the program, view the flyer or visit gems.hawaii.gov/participate-now/for-homeowners.

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Pāhala South Swell Novice Swim Team members swim all the strokes in the island wide competition at Pāhala Pool.
Photos by Julia Neal
A NOVICE SWIM TEAM MEET drew youth from five to 17 years of age from around the island to Pāhala Pool on Saturday. Representing Kaʻū were members of Pāhala South Swell Novice Swim Team, comprised students form Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences and home schooled youth, including Molly Denny, Cheska Aurelio, Fiona Broward, and Elisha Hall.
A flying take off in boy's backstroke in the island wide Novice Swim Meet at Pāhala Pool on Saturday.
     The Novice Swim Team Program is an introduction to competitive swimming skills and promotes health, along with team and community spirit. Participants swim the four competitive stokes: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle. They also use dive starts and learn the turns at the ends of the pool.
     To get ready to compete, teams from all the county pools around the island attempt to practice for about an hour a session, with South Swell practicing Mondays through Fridays from 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Time's up for teams finishing the breaststroke.
     To join a competitive swim team, youth five to eight years of age must be able to swim freestyle with face in the water, breathing to the side, for 25 yards freestyle and 25 yards backstroke. For those nine to 17, they must be able to swim 50 years freestyle, with face in water, breathing to the side, and 50 yards back stroke.
     Upcoming Novice Swim Meet competition is at Kawamoto Pool in Hilo, next Saturday, Oct. 13, and the Championships, Saturday, Oct. 20, at Kona Community Aquatic Center.
     For swim classes for toddlers through seniors, and to join a swim team or take the lifeguard classes, call Pāhala Swimming Pool and talk to Senior Pool Lifeguard Rina Martineau or Lifeguard Kayla Soder, at 928-8177.
     Pāhala Pool Schedule is: Public Recreational swim 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., daily; Adult Lap swim 10 a.m. to noon, daily; Water Exercise 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Boys & Girls Club swim, Tuesdays 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. and WHAT OTHER DAY?? 1:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Entrance to the pool is free to everyone.
Reaching for the finish in the backstroke competition at Pāhala Pool on Saturday. Photos by Julia Neal
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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
FALL COSTUME PARTY RETURNS TO NĀ‘ĀLEHU PUBLIC LIBRARY on Friday, Oct. 26, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event offers snacks, activities, and prizes. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume. Free to all ages. For more, call 939-2442.

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Keiki and adults dress up and come together to snacks, activities, and
prizes at Nā‘ālehu Public Library's annual costume event.
Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
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. 13, 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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