Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, October 24, 2018

The Food Basket offers fresh produce from local sources at affordable or discounted prices for all of Hawaiʻi Island. Mobile and delivery programs in Kaʻū make accessing fresh food possible. See below for more. Photos from Food Basket
THE PAC ORGANIZERS WHO OPPOSED THE MEASURE TO FUND SCHOOLS THROUGH INVESTMENT PROPERTY TAXES will turn their campaign to auditing the use of funds for education, administered by the statewide public school system. A Pacific Business News story today, by real estate editor Janis L. Magin, reports that the "Affordable Hawaiʻi Coalition will dissolve as a political action committee now that the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court has invalidated the ballot question prompted its formation, but the coalition's business leaders say they are turning their focus to promoting financial transparency in the state’s public education funding."
     Coalition board member Colbert Matsumoto, executive chairman of the board of Island Insurance Cos. and chairman of Tradewind Capital Group, told PBN: "We have a diverse group of people that came together behind this and I think what we recognize is we were effective in convening these groups to basically talk and collaborate together. We think there is an opportunity to continue that… around the issues surrounding public education, as well as other issues of concern, such as the cost of living in Hawaiʻi."
     PBN reported that the coalition met with the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, the 11,000-strong union that campaigned for the constitutional amendment. Matsumoto said that  "one of the concerns that our group has is really for financial transparency and with that, an evaluation of the system that is currently in place with the [Department of Education]." He said the Legislature and teachers union are also concerned about the spending of funds set aside for schools.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND IS STILL SHUDDERING from lost revenue due to the recent Kīlauea eruption. In the accommodations industry, for the fourth month in a row, revenue per available room dropped. September saw a 12.5 percent dip, leaving RevPAR at $122, according to the report from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority released Monday.
     In September, occupancy in Hawaiʻi Island hotels dipped 8.9 percent below last September's occupancy, taking it to 58.7 percent. Reduced income was slightly offset by a .9 percent increase in island Average Daily Room Rate, up from $247.
Over the first three quarters of the year, Hawaiʻi Island's RevPAR increased to $193, a 4.1 percent gain. ADR grew to $261, a 5.6 percent gain. Occupancy dropped from 75 percent to 73.9 percent.
 Statewide, there has been an overall increase, with Maui gaining the most with a RevPAR of $299, an increase of almost ten percent over last year. Oʻahu saw an increase of 3.2 percent, to $227 RevPAR.

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A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION at Nāʻālehu Community Park, sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, happens Monday, Nov. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Join us in honoring our Veterans with lunch & entertainment," says the announcement. The free event will feature Mark Yamanaka, Puna Taiko, and local groups Shootz and Bottle Blue.
     In celebrating all service persons, OKK would like to acknowledge those soldiers who gave "their lives for our freedom." From World War II: James Higashi, Isamu Ikeda, Reginald Osato, Yasuo Miyamoto, Toshio Kirito, Wendell Fujioka, Stephen Tong, and Jack Tanaka. From the Korean War: Edward Louis and Richard Murata.
     Contact OKK president Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 for more. This is a drug and alcohol-free event.

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FOOD BASKET PROGRAMS, including DA BOX and DA BUS, are available in Kaʻū. The programs were created "to provide affordable access to fresh, produce, and to support local farmers" says a release from the group. Hawaiʻi Food Basket purchases Hawaiʻi Island grown produce from local farmers and resells to customers island-wide.
    "The Food Basket's mission is to end hunger in Hawaiʻi County," says the group. "Our vision is for Hawaiʻi County to be a model for food security and sustainability through the leadership of The Food Basket, a trusted and stable agency distributing the safest and highest quality food for Hawaiʻi County. We have several programs in which we are helping to address challenges in which everyone in our community can benefit from."
     Hoʻolaha Ka Hua, DA BOX program, is both a retail and a SNAP/EBT-friendly community-supported agriculture program, open to everyone. Each once-weekly produce bag costs $16, and consists of a minimum of seven items, generally one to two fruits and five to six vegetables. SNAP/EBT customers get half-off every other bag. The program offers weekly delivery to a general pick-up location, with Kaʻū locations at Kahuku Park at Paradise Mauka Circle in Ocean View, and at Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Rd. in Volcano Village.
DA BUS Mobile Market. Photo from Food Basket
     DA BUS Mobile Market is at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on the last Tuesday of the month from 11a.m. to noon, and in Pāhala at Ka‘u District Gym on the last Thursday of the month from 11a.m. to noon. DA BUS Project directly addresses the needs of low-income individuals with limited access to healthy food by increasing community self-reliance, and encouraging healthy lifestyle development through gardening and cooking instruction and demonstrations, and by increasing the economic viability of the local food economy by supporting local farmers and grocers.
     The Food Basket is also at the Volcano Farmers Market, 19-4030 Wright Rd., every third Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
          Sign up or see more details at hawaiifoodbasket.org. Find the Mobile Market sales schedule at hawaiifoodbasket.org. Questions? Contact 933-6030 or 322-1418.

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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 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū

NEW and UPCOMING
RELAY RACES FOR KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 YEARS OLD are held Friday, Nov. 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Register Nov. 7 to 14. Athletic shoes are required. For more, call 929-9113.

REGISTER KEIKI, KINDERGARTEN THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE, FOR YARN SCARECROW, an Arts & Crafts Activity in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration is open Nov. 7 to 13. For more, call 928-3102.

KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE HOSTS OPEN MIC NIGHT on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Comedians, singers, poets, and other performers are welcome to sign-up by calling 967-8365 after 4 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park; park entrance fees apply. Attendees and participants must be over 21 years old. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized Kīlauea Military Camp patrons and sponsored guests. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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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

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26
Coffee Talk, Ka Wa‘a Kaulua: The Double-Hulled Canoe, Fri., Oct. 26, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Canoe sailor and builder Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa shares his knowledge and experience of the double-hulled canoe, which are still crafted and used today. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Fall Costume Party, Fri., Oct. 26, 1:30-3:30pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Snacks, activities and prizes. Free to all ages. 939-2442

Halloween Party, Fri, Oct. 26, 8pm-midnight, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $5 cover charge w/costume, $7 without. For patrons 21+. Call 967-8365 after 4pm for more. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
VOTE: Deadline to submit General Election poll watcher names to Office of Elections or Clerk's Office, Sat., Oct. 27. elections.hawaii.gov

Craft Bazaar, Sat, Oct. 27, 9-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Discovery Harbour Community Association, 929-9576

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf Workshop w/Patti Pease Johnson, Sat., Oct. 27, 9-12:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Students paint and take home 8"x53" silk scarf using three colors of their choice. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Oct. 27, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Will & Estate Seminar, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-3pm, Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. 929-7278

Lava Evacuee Support Group Meeting, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-11am, Ocean View Community Center. Drinks and snacks provided. Reoccurring every last Saturday of the month hosted by CARE Hawai‘i, Inc. - Team Ahā, Crisis Counseling Program. 329-4817

Hands-On Fermented Foods Workshop: Sauerkraut and Kombucha w/Jasmine Silverstein of HeartBeet Foods, Sat., Oct. 27, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member. Pre-registration required. All supplies and organic ingredients provided. No cooking skills necessary. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Tiki Mama's Road to the Sea Halloween Party will feature the Night Stalkers. Doors open at 4:20 p.m. on Saturday, Oct, 27, at 92-9122 Mamalahoa Hwy, Ocean View. Suggested donation is $10 plus a can of food. Tiki Mama's events support Hawaiʻi Food Bank.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Kamilo Point Clean-Up & Debris Survey with UH-Hilo's Marine Science Dept., Sun., Oct. 28. Call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org

‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sun, Oct. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, and many forms of ‘ōhi‘a tree and its flower, on this free, easy, one-mile walk. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29
Free Zulu - Hip Hop Dance Class taught by Crystal Castillo and Spyder. Open to keiki in kindergarten through eighth grade, Monday, Oct. 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Register through Monday, Oct. 29. For more, call 928-3102.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30
VOTE: Deadline to request General Election mail ballot from Clerk's Office, Tue., Oct. 30. elections.hawaii.gov

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Oct. 30, 11:30-1pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.

After Dark in the Park, Woven Strands & Braided Cords: Philosophy & Metaphysics in Pre-Contact Hawaiian Astronomy, Tue., Oct. 30, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Author and researcher Martha Noyes. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 985-6011. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Oct. 31, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. Referral required from Hawai‘i 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

Pā‘ani with Amy Ka‘awaloa- ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Oct. 31, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Ka‘awaloa shares her knowledge about the Makahiki season, the ancient Hawaiian New Year festival, celebrated in three phases, one of which involved playing games. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Kaʻū Octoberfest Trunk-or-Treat happens Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ka‘ū District Gym's multi-purpose room. Register all ages Oct. 15 through 31. For more, call 928-3102. The event is looking for community members to offer treats and/or candy to keiki attending the event. Organized by Department of Parks and Recreation, Kaʻū District Gym, and Pāhala High & Elementary School, there will also be a vehicle decorating contest. Call 928-3102 for more.

ONGOING
VOTE: Early Walk-In Voting Open through Sat., Nov. 3. The early voting location for Kaʻū is at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday - closed noon to 1 p.m.
     Local polls for the General Election open in precincts from Volcano through Kaʻū to Miloliʻi, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 6. The nearest polling places are: Cooper Center, 19430 Wright Road in Volcano; Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, 96-3150 Pikake Street; Nāʻālehu Elementary School, 95-5545 Mamalahoa Hwy; Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle; and Miloliʻi Halau Pavillion, off Hwy 11 in the Village of Miloliʻi. See more at elections.hawaii.gov.

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.

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.

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.

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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