Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Gov. David Ige, with Lt. Gov. running mate state Sen. Josh Green, at last night's Democratic Rally in Hilo.
Photo from Nā Leo TV
HAWAIʻI'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION WILL GO BACK TO WASHINGTON D.C. WITH MORE CLOUT. Nationwide, Democrats took over the majority of the seats in the House of Representatives today, giving Democrats the Speaker of the House and committee leadership positions. 
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at last night's Democratic Rally in Hilo.
Photo from Nā Leo TV
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Kaʻū and rural Hawaiʻi, defeated Republican Brian Evans. She tweeted before the polls closed her reasons for people to vote: "To protect our planet. To fight for peace, ending regime change wars. To defeat bigotry with aloha. To create a government of, by, and for the people."
     During last night's rally on Hawaiʻi Island, she said: "Every single voice, every single vote, matters… especially during these dark and divisive times." She said the care and aloha "that binds us" is important, in the face of "hatred… bigotry… seeing that bigotry turn to violence."
     Gabbard said the reasons to vote include voting for leaders "who will take care of those we love," with medical care for illness and for preexisting conditions. She urged election of those "who will fight to protect this special place, this wonderful place we call home." She said voting for leaders who will fight to give keiki the "promise of a quality education for their future" is important.  She said electing those who will fight for the ability to make a living wage on one full-time job is important. She called for affordable housing, support of food-growing local farmers, and voting for those who will fight for the "protection of our ʻāina."
Ed Case, who represented Kaʻū in Congress, won the urban 
Hawaiʻi seat in the U.S. House of Representatives today. After 
campaigning today, to his right, in white, is sister Suzanne Case,
former head of The Nature Conservancy, which stewards 
thousands of acres in Kaʻū. She is now the head of state 
Department of Land & Natural Resources. Photo form Ed Case
     She also pointed out that voting honors those who "sacrificed so much, that we may have this right and privilege." She mentioned civil right heroes "who sacrificed everything," the suffragettes "who fought for us – as women – to have the right to vote," and the troops "who have sacrificed and put their lives on the line for the right to vote."
     Newly elected U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who previously represented Kaʻū and rural Hawaiʻi, will represent urban Oʻahu, after defeating Republican Cam Cavasso. During his tenure representing Kaʻū, Case was known for flying back to Hawaiʻi on weekends, and holding townhalls, and following up with constituents' concerns and questions.
     Sen. Mazie Hirono, reelected in a landslide against Republican Ron Curtis, spoke during last night's rally on Hawaiʻi Island. She said she'd been coming to the Bandstand Rallies since 1995. She talked about the divisiveness in the country: "Every time you're watching the news, doesn't it make your head explode, on a regular basis? Because if it doesn't, you're not paying attention." She said there are daily crises, "manufactured, mainly, by Pres. Trump and his minions." She said they are relying on "raising the fear of immigrants in our country," and using race, "to the point where his last ad had to be pulled – even by Fox News – for being so racist."
Sen. Mazie Hirono at last night's Democratic Rally in Hilo.
Photo from Nā Leo TV
     Hirono spoke about voter suppression in places like Native American reservations in North Dakota, where "there are overt efforts to keep them from voting." She said, "They are also relying on big, fat lies," specifying the Republican party line that "they are the ones protecting healthcare for people," with claims of voting to protect health coverage for those with preexisting conditions, which Hirono says is one in four people.
     Gov. David Ige won reelection in a landslide against Republican Andria Tupola. Said Ige, "This campaign was about the future of Hawaiʻi. When we work together, we can do great things."
     During last night's rally on Hawaiʻi Island, Ige mentioned airport and highway projects. He noted fewer homeless in Hawaiʻi County. He said the job of governor "is about caring about our community." He said it is important that Hawaiʻi's leaders are "committed to getting rid of fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gasses, because we know it impacts global warming and sea level rise."
 Former Kaʻū Hospital physician and Punaluʻu Black Sand
Beach house resident Josh Green won the post of
Lt. Governor of Hawaiʻi today. Photo from Josh Green
     He said this election is about the future of Hawaiʻi and America. "I'm proud to say 'Immigrants are important; they add to our community.' I'm proud to stand up and say 'We celebrate our diversity.' We understand that people want to be Americans, that people want to come to American because they see a better future – like my grandparents did more than a hundred years ago, like so many grandparents – and even those who came to the islands just last week." He said people who come to call Hawaiʻi home "share our values," and that it's time for Hawaiʻi "to stand up and be counted."
     Alongside Ige tonight on Oʻahu was his running mate Josh Green, who left his west Kaʻū and Kona state Senate seat to run for Lt. Governor. Green started his years in Hawaiʻi as a physician at Kaʻū Hospital, living in a house at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. He is known for his work with homeless people, proposing that housing become a prescription written by physicians and paid for by insurance. He said it would save the state millions of dollars in medical costs now spent treating the homeless in emergency rooms.
     During last night's rally on Hawaiʻi Island, Green talked of recent weeks of turmoil in the world, including the massacre at the synagogue in Pittsburgh. While serving his medical residency in Pittsburgh, "right before I was blessed to come be the doctor in Kaʻū," one of his mentors was Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz. The physician was one of the 11 people killed in the synagogue mass shooting of Oct. 27. Said Green, "You can image what that means to the world, of all of us out there, who want to see a civil discourse. Who want to see government where people lead not just in a heartfelt way, in an intellectual way, but in a moral way."
Gov. David Ige at last night's Democratic Rally
in Hilo. Photo from Nā Leo TV
     Green said he's been welcomed by Ige and his family, and he is looking forward to working for Hawaiʻi on drug addiction, homelessness, poverty in general, and the physician shortage. He welcomed Democratic control of the House, so the current Presidential administration can be investigated, "to put American back on the right track again."
     In local races, Rep. Richard Ohishi retained his east Kaʻū and Volcano state House seat, defeating Libertarian Fred Fogel. West Kaʻū and Kona's state Senate seat went to Dru Kanuha, who defeated Libertarian Michael Last. Kanunha, from Kona, is a three time County Council man. He replaces Sen. Josh Green, who chose to run and won lieutenant governor.
     In the primary election in August, Councilwoman Maile David won reelection. West Kaʻū state Rep. Richard Creagan also won reelection.
    See more on final election results in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A POWER OUTAGE IN HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES and elsewhere today at 3:15 p.m. was the result of Hawai‘i Electric Light's Puna plant tripping offline unexpectedly. Service to the majority of 5,500 customers who lost power was restored within five minutes, with service to the remaining 1,600 customers, primarily in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, restored by 3:40 p.m. The cause of the trip is under investigation. To report a power outage, call 969-6666. Outage information and updates are posted on HELCo's Twitter account @HIElectricLight.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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
NEW and UPCOMING
BUFFALO SOLDIERS: TRAILBLAZERS OF THE NATIONAL PARKS, is the subject of an After Dark in the Park event taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 13, starting at 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Rangers Elaine Boddie and Julieanne Fontana make a presentation the African American Soldiers, nicknamed Buffalo Soldiers, who were instrumental in building and protecting many National Parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes in it's infancy. "Park founders like Thomas Augustus Jaggar, geologist for Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, knew they couldn’t build a National Park alone," states the event flyer. Boddie and Fontana tell the story of how one regiment stationed in Hawai‘i, carved a trail out of rough ʻaʻā lava, assisted Dr. Jaggar in his field work, and left a legacy of hard work and rugged endurance.
     Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 985-6011. See nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open Nov. 7-Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22 through Apr. 18, game and practice times TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Craft Stick Fall Sign, Arts & Crafts Activity, Wed., Nov. 7, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room, Pāhala. For grades K-8. Register through Nov. 5. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Open Mic Night, Wed., Nov. 7, 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. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Learn More About Becoming A Foster Parent, Thu., Nov. 8, 8:30-10:30am, Pāhala Community Center. Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool on-going; however, all are welcome to visit w/ Michelle Caravalho of Hui Ho‘omalu to discuss becoming a foster parent. East Hawai‘i, 987-5988, West Hawai‘i 896-3829

Health Insurance Sign-up, Thu., Nov. 8, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Nov. 8, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Military Coloring Sheets, Arts & Crafts Activity, Fri.., Nov. 9, 2-3pm, Kahuku Park, HOVE. For ages 6-12. Register through Nov. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Volcano Community Dance happens Friday. Nov. 9, 7-9pm. The free dance encourages attendees to "come dance... by yourself, with a partner, or just join us and tap your foot!" Music includes freestyle groove to funk, motown, 80’s dance hits, rhythm & blues, classic rock, world beat, 50’s R&R, and Latin. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks provided; donations appreciated. Alcohol free event. Minors allowed with supervision only. Set-up at 6:30 p.m., at Cooper Center19-4030 Wright Rd.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund & Nā Mamo o Kāwā Estuary Volunteer Work Day, Sat., Nov. 10, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. 2WD accessible, volunteers welcome. Free; donations appreciated. Sign-up w/James Akau, Nā Mamo o Kāwā, namamookawa@gmail.com, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111, nmok.org. HWF - RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, call 769-7629

4th Annual Lā ‘Ohana: Health and Hawaiian Culture, Sat., Nov. 10, 9-4pm, Miloli‘i. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations and medicine; free health screenings; open enrollment from healthcare.gov; arts and crafts vendors, informational booths, foods, snacks, and entertainment. Fundraising for Miloli‘i Hipu‘u online virtual academy of Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School. Free entry. Sponsored by Kalanihale, kalanihale.org. Potential vendors contact Ka‘imi Kaupiko, 937-1310, kkaupiko@gmail.com

Stained Glass Basics I, Sat. & Sun., Nov 10, 11, 17 & 18, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Four session workshop for beginners with Lois Pollock. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Advance registration required; class size limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Nov. 10, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

Hawaiian LomiLomi Lapa‘au Breath of Ha Workshop, Sat., Nov. 10, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Kahuna Kumu Leina‘ala Brown teaches this level 1 training. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcetner.org

Zentangle: Botanical Boarders and Beyond w/Dina Kageler, Sat., Nov. 10, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Returning tanglers encouraged to bring their favorite Zentangle supplies - loaner pens, pencils and watercolors available. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Bring light refreshment to share. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hula Kahiko - Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Kahelelani Dudoit w/Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani, Sat., Nov. 10, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Annual Volunteer Appreciation - Ice Cream, Brownies & Tie Dye Social, Sat., Nov. 10, 3-5pm, Volcano Art Center, Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Volcano Art Center members welcome, others welcome to become members to attend. Julie Williams, 339-1699, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View Turkey Challenge, Sat., Nov. 10, 4-10pm, Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Kaiulani Blvd., Ocean View. D-Tech Solutions DJ Robert Unger, 4-7pm; K.O.A. band, 7-10pm. Adults only. Admission: One Keiki gift $10-15 value, unwrapped, no stuffed animals. Raffle Tickets $1 each, or 6 for $15; winners need not be present to win. Turkey plates available on site or to-go, $10. Proceeds fund Keiki Christmas at Kahuku Park. Competitors sign-up by Nov. 1. Contact Lee, 494-8835, or Kathie, 937-5865, peoplerdcare@gmail.com

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

Veteran's Day Ceremony, Sun., Nov. 11, 3pm, Kīlauea Military Camp front lawn, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Keynote Speaker: Colonel Thomas Barrett, Commander USAG Hawai‘i. Veterans who will attend Ceremony are asked to call 967-8371 before Nov. 9 to receive complimentary meal ticket to KMC Veteran's Day Buffet. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Veteran's Day Buffet, Sun., Nov. 11, 4-7pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu entrees: Prime Rib, Asian Infused Ono, and Vegetable Tofu Stir Fry. Meal tickets: $29.95/Adult, $15.95/Child (6-11 years old). Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Veterans who will attend KMC Veteran's Day Ceremony at 3pm call 967-8371 before Nov. 9 to receive complimentary meal ticket to Buffet. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Veteran's Day Concert, Mon., Nov. 12, 10:30-4pm, Nā‘ālehu Community Center & Park. Free. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Entertainment features acclaimed falsetto singer Mark Yamanaka and bands Shootz and Bottle of Blue. Paul Sakamoto and his Taiko drumming group perform. Food includes stew, rice, and mac salad w/Punalu‘u Sweetbread. okaukakou.org

Free STD Testing, Mon., Nov. 12, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday of month. Call for individual appointment for different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Painting with Peggy, Mon., Nov. 12, noon-3pm, Volcano Art Center, Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Ongoing Acrylic Painting Sessions w/Margaret "Peggy" Stanton for artists of all levels. No previous experience needed. $15 VAC members/$20 non-members per session. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
How to Grow Culinary Herbs, Tue., Nov. 13, 1pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Master Gardeners explain which herbs to buy, which to propagate, and how. Free seedlings provided while supplies last. Recommended for ages 10 and up. 939-2442

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour / Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Nov. 13, 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

The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tue., Nov. 13, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Artist Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic painting techniques. Enjoy sampling of several wines. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park, Buffalo Soldiers: Trailblazers of the National Parks, Tue., Nov. 13, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Rangers Elaine Boddie and Julieanne Fontana tell the story of the African American Soldiers who were instrumental in building and protecting many National Parks, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes in it's infancy. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; donations help support park programs. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

ONGOING
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, has twice a week meeting in Pāhala, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center, and in Nāʻālehu 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.

Registration for Track & Field Practice open through Wed., Nov. 21, Kahuku Park, on Paradise Circle in H.O.V.E. Program for ages 6-14 to be held Dec. 3-Feb. 8. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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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