Thursday, October 18, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, October 18, 2018

Rushing streams appeared along Wood Valley Road, as more than two inches of rain per hour drenched Kaʻū and other
slopes of Mauna Loa today. See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal
MOST BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS AND CAMPSITES in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 19. Other parts of the park reopened last month following a record 134-day closure during hazardous volcanic and seismic activity on Kīlauea Volcano and some six weeks of safety assessments and repairs.
     The remote coastal campsite destinations of Halapē, Ka‘aha, Keauhou, and ‘Āpua Point will open Friday, and are reached via the rugged Puna Coast Trail and Keauhou Trail. In the East Rift Zone of Kīlauea Volcano, Nāpau campsite and the Nāpau and Nāulu trails will also open.
     Water levels in the catchment tanks at Halapē, Ka‘aha, and Keauhou are full. Nāpau and ‘Āpua Point do not have water tanks.
Guided hike to Nāpau Crater Overlook. NPS photo
     Chief Ranger John Broward said, "We are excited to reopen popular areas of the coastal backcountry, and we're happy to report there was little impact to campsites and trails along the coast. However, projects to clear brush along trails were delayed due to recent seismic activity, and hikers may find it difficult to navigate pathways that connect coastal sites. The trail crew will continue to improve these areas, but in the meantime, hikers should be prepared for a rough and challenging journey."
     Broward added that Pepeiao Cabin and the Ka‘ū Desert Trail past the Footprints shelter will remain closed until trail maintenance and further assessments can be made.
     Permits are required for all overnight backpacking and camping. The park's backcountry permit office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to prepare for backcountry treks and how to get a backcountry permit at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm.

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Waters washed across roads as heavy rains poured down Mauna Loa into
Wood Valley, Pāhala, and more of Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal
FLOODWATERS RAGED THROUGH KAʻŪ'S INTERMITTENT GULCHES AND STREAMS this afternoon with heavy rains and thunder on the slopes of Mauna Loa. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory twice today and reported rains "in excess of 2 inches per hour." Rain waters ripped through foliage beside roads and stream beds along Wood Valley Road, upending wild taro-looking ape and banana trees.
     NWS reported the heaviest rains in Nāʻālehu, Pāhala, Wood Valley, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and near Volcano. The advisory, however, extended to the other side of Mauna Loa, including the Pōhakuloa Training Area and Waikoloa.
     The annual meeting of Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries at Pāhala Plantation House was postponed after one attendee's car fishtailed twice while crossing Kāwā Flats, on her way from Nāʻālehu to Pāhala, and a local librarian decided she needed to make it home to Volcano before flooding increased. By sundown, however, the storm settled, leaving rushing streams and waterfalls for anyone to see.
A winding torrent in Wood Valley today.
Photo by Julia Neal

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NO TAX RELIEF WILL BE PROVIDED TO VOLCANO FOR DISASTER that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's main entrance and brought cancellations at accommodations and a steep drop in business at restaurants and other area businesses. The County Council made a final decision yesterday on the proposal that would have given a six-month property tax relief to Volcano and Pāhoa businesses harmed by recent earthquakes and lava flows. The conclusion was that businesses island wide suffered and particular geographic areas could not be favored over others.
     The county did provide more than $3 million in property tax relief for some 750 property owners with houses destroyed by lava flow and many more properties inaccessible by lava cutting off their roads. The number of properties with zero property taxes for this fiscal year total more than 6,800 in the disaster area. None of those properties are in Volcano where earthquakes shook houses and businesses many times daily but did not make them unlivable nor isolated.

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Dr. Debbie Brackett
KAʻŪ HOSPITAL AND CLINIC WELCOMES Dr. Debbie Brackett, who joins the ʻohana as Dr. Kāʻohimanu Dang Akiona departs. Brackett received her M.D. from the University of Health Sciences - Antigua over 10 years ago. Since then, she has practiced her entire career in rural and frontier communities within Wyoming.
      A statement from the hospital says that Brackett "has longed to settle closer to the ocean. She has a passion for rural family medicine, especially pediatric/adolescent care, chronic disease management and comprehensive healthcare services. Dr. Debbie's goal is to be present for each patient and to assist them reach their goal of creating a healthy and fulfilling life.
     The announcement says that Brackett "loves taking care of the whole family, watching children grow and observing adults move through each of life's phases. She feels privileged and honored to be part of each patient's joyful, as well as sorrowful and challenging, life events."
     The new Ka‘ū physician said, "I am excited about settling in the Kaʻū area and becoming an active part of the community. I look forward to providing high quality, personalized healthcare to my new community, neighbors, friends and family."
     She said her special interests include ocean activities, hiking, traveling, and talking online with her grown "boys."

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HAWAIʻI RANKS SECOND-LEAST POLITICALLY ENGAGED STATE in the United Sates, according to a WalletHub study released today. Civic participation "is a key ingredient of a well-functioning democracy," says the study, "and voter turnout is one measure of the public's trust in government. But there's evidence to suggest a growing lack of political engagement among Americans."
     With Election Day close at hand, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on ten key indicators of political engagement. They range from "percentage of registered voters in the 2016 presidential election" to "total political contributions per adult population."
     The District of Columbia rated highest, with a score of 79.19, with Hawaiʻi just 1.2 above New Mexico at 23.08. Hawaiʻi ranks lowest in percentage of registered voters in the 2016 Presidential election, and lowest percentage of registered persons voting in that election.
     Presidential elections tend to get citizens more energized than midterms. In 2016, a record 137.5 million Americans voted. That number only accounts for 61.4% of the voting-age population. The numbers are much worse for midterms. In 2014, for instance, 15 of the first 25 statewide primary elections reported record-low voter turnouts. Nationwide, only 36.4% of all eligible voters voted.
     Only 21.7 percent of Hawaiʻi residents aged 18 to 24 are considered "engaged" by the study, leaving Hawaiʻi with a rank of 41st lowest. Residents aged 65 and above are considered "engaged" at 60.3 percent, leaving Hawaiʻi's elderly population's engagement rank at 46th lowest.
     Among developed nations, the U.S. is rank 26 of 32 when it comes to voter turnout. "That's no surprise," says the study, "considering most states don't emphasize civic education in their schools. Large proportions of the public fail even simple knowledge tests such as knowing whether one's state requires identification in order to vote."
     Of the factors that affect participation rates, income is an important one, with "implications on both voter turnout and public policy." In the 2016 election, only 41.4% of registered voters with family incomes of under $10,000 voted. In comparison, 80.3% of those with family incomes of $150,000 or more voted.

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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 20, 1pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Keaʻau, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
   Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū

NEW and UPCOMING
TRACK & FIELD PRACTICE for keiki ages 6 to 14 at Kahuku Park - on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates - is held Dec. 3 to Feb. 8, with days and times yet to be announced. Registration for the Sports Activity program takes place Oct. 24 to Nov. 21. Athletic shoes required. Fore more, call 929-9113.

DISNEY SING-ALONG for keiki, ages 5 through 8, a Performing Arts program, happens in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Come from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8. Open registration. For more, call 928-3102.

JOIN KEIKI JUMP ROPE FOR FITNESS for keiki 5 to 14 years, at Ka‘ū District Gym, from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Saturdays: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8. Open registration. For more, call 928-3102.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Kickball Instruction for keiki ages 6 to 12 is offered at Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, every Tuesday, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., starting Oct. 23 and ending Nov. 27. Participants must register by Friday, Oct. 19. Athletic shoes are required. For more, call 929-9113.

Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Kaʻū Plantation Days, sponsored by Kaʻū Multicultural Society, will be held this Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Kaʻū Gym Multipurpose Room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. See displays of plantation, ranch and dairy life. Learn about the history of immigration to Kaʻū and the multicultural community that developed over more than a century. Shop at vendor and food stations. Call organizers Darlyne Vierra at 808-640-8740 and Liz Kuluwaimaka at 339-0229.

Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 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

Bunco & Potluck, Sat., Oct. 20, 6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Popular game played with nine dice. Bring dish to share. Margie Hack, 541-954-8297

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-Up with Ke Ala Kai Foundation, Sun., Oct. 21, call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Canoe paddlers from any Hawai‘i Island canoe club welcome. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Oct. 21, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
VOTE: Early Walk-In Voting Open, Tue., Oct. 23, through Sat., Nov. 3. elections.hawaii.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 23, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Oct. 25, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Oct. 25, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u 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., Oct. 25, 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

Craft Class, Thu., Oct. 25, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

ONGOING
Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival happens Saturday, Nov. 3, at Pāhala Community Center, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Featuring Master Cultural Practitioners, Kukakuka (talk story), and many educational and cultural experiences with hands-on demonstrations. The festival is preceded by ceremonies at Punaluʻu Beach at dawn; at sunset, a ceremony will be held to honor ancestors; the festival will close with a ceremony at Makanau.
     Craft vendors, food vendors, and informational booths can still be applied for. Contact Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder at leionalani47@hotmail.com or (808) 649-9334 for an application. Last year brought over 1,000 spectators.
     The festival features hula performed by hālau from MexicoJapanWest Virginia, Oʻahu, South America, and Hawaiʻi Island. Traditional ethnic dance performances will come from Mexico, as well as the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo Filipino Dancers. Taiko Drummers will perform. This year's headliner musical acts include Hoʻaikāne, Wailau Ryder, Keʻaiwa, Victor Chock, and Steven Sioloa.
     Sponsors include County Council member Maile David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.

Kaʻū District Gym Basketball Courts are Open to teens and adults Mondays through Thursdays, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays, from noon to 6 p.m., through Dec. 22. Participants in Open Gym Basketball are asked to register before playing. For more, call 928-3102.

Register for Track and Field Practice for keiki ages 6 to 14 at Kahuku Park - on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Practice is held Dec. 3 to Feb. 8, with days and times yet to be announced. Registration for the Sports Activity program Oct. 24 to Nov. 21. Athletic shoes required. Fore more, call 929-9113.

Disney Sing-Along for keiki, ages 5 through 8, a Performing Arts program, happens in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Come from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8. Open registration. For more, call 928-3102.

Join Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness for keiki 5 to 14 years, at Ka‘ū District Gym, from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Saturdays: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8. Open registration. For more, call 928-3102.

Public Access Room comes to Ocean View on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The non-partisan division of Hawaiʻi state legislature's legislative Reference Bureau will offer workshops. Free and open to the public, they focus on training for creating, following, and testifying on legislation.
     Two workshops will be offered. The first is geared towards newcomers, provides an introduction to the state legislative process to prepare new participants for the session. The second workshop is for those with an understanding of lawmaking. It will offer advanced advocacy tips on effective lobbying and often overlooked online resources. How-To guides, informational handouts, and other resources will be available.
     PAR's staff will be at Ocean View Ocean View Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 92-8924 Leilani Circle. The Beginners Presentation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; the Advanced Presentation will be from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional presentations will be in Kona, Waimea, Pāhoa, and Hilo, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
     For more, call toll free to 808-974-4000, ext. 7-0478, email Keanu Young at k.young@capitol.hawaii.gov, or go to lrbhawaii.org.

Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
     Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
     To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu
_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.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.

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

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