Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Santa and his helpers, Mrs. Clause Judy Andrade (left) and Mary Jane Balio. The annual parade through Pāhala
starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. Marchers, riders, drivers of classic vehicles line up at Pikake and
Pakalana Streets at noon. See more, below. Photo by Julia Neal
HAWAIʻI'S U.S. SENATORS and the majority of the U.S. Senate, dominated by Republicans, broke with Pres. Donald Trump today and voted 63-37 to move toward ending U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Tulsi Gabbard, who represents Kaʻū in the U.S. House of Representatives, also called for an end to U.S. participation. The measure in the Senate will go to the floor.
     Senators in both parties said they were upset that they were denied a briefing by the C.I.A. director after the agency found that Saudia Arabia likely planned and executed the murder of American resident and Washington Post reporter Jamal Khashoggi.
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration's policy toward Saudi Arabia. The President believes that we should overlook Saudi Arabia's role in causing the world's worst current humanitarian catastrophe, as well as their role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, because they have 'billions' to buy weapons and will create 'over a million U.S. jobs.' These are not only lies, but represent a truly abhorrent position for a U.S. President to take.
     "Congress must act. Earlier this year I supported S.J. Res. 54, Senator Bernie Sanders' resolution to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities in Yemen, and also voted against approving arms sales to the Saudis. Today I voted again to support the resolution to end our military's involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. The President's policy is transactional and, in this case, morally bankrupt. We should instead focus U.S. leadership and resources on diplomacy to achieve a lasting ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the conflict. Following this procedural vote, I look forward to a vote on final passage."
Yemini children face starvation as the war continues, disrupting U.N. food distribution. The U.S. Senate, with support
from Hawai`i, voted today to move toward pulling U.S. involvement with the Saudi Arabia-led war. UNICEF photo
     Sen. Brian Schatz retweeted that "85,000 children have died of starvation and disease. U.S. made bombs have hit school buses/hospitals/weddings. Al Qaeda & ISIS are growing. The battle lines haven't moved in 3 years of fighting."

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THE HEALTH EQUITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT was introduced into the U.S. Senate today by Sen. Mazie Hirono. Senate Bill 3660 proposes a roadmap to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community,  as well as rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
     "Minority communities and other traditionally underserved populations have faced health care disparities for decades, and we have a long way to go to ensure that these communities have equal, affordable access to culturally competent health care services," said Hirono. "HEAA lays out a bold blueprint to deliver on the idea that quality, affordable health care is truly a right for all and not a privilege reserved for some. I thank my Senate and House colleagues, and the hundreds of advocacy groups who support HEAA, for their work to ensure that all Americans can access and afford the care that may save their lives."
     Rep. Barbara Lee, of California, introduced the bill's House counterpart, H.R.5942, in May. It is supported by over 300 advocacy groups.
     Kathy Ko Chin, President and CEO of Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, thanked the sponsors "for their leadership and commitment to putting us on a path toward health equity. Now more than ever, HEAA is needed to both build upon the historic reforms achieved by the Affordable Care Act and to look beyond them to truly create a more equitable health system for our nation."
     The bill has been introduced in every Congress since 2007. Its ten policy titles aim at "effectively addressing health disparities and barriers to access that disproportionately affect minority communities," said a statement from Hirono. Here are some of the policy titles:
     Title on Data Collection and Reporting  says that methods for collecting data should capture experiences of communities of color and other vulnerable populations. Without accurate data, health care policy decisions unintentionally exclude Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, sexual and gender minorities, and rural communities. Title I requires data to address health disparities and participation in health programs, housing, and nutrition. Title I includes a provision to implement national strategy to identify health status and needs of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
    Title on Mental Health  says that mental health services and treatments are still heavily stigmatized in communities of color. To help expand the understanding and participation of mental health services, Title VI seeks to address social barriers by investing in proper provider training, research on mental health disparities, promotion of mental health among minority populations, and by providing mental health services in schools.
     Title on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health and Health Care  says that access to quality health care and providers are essential to address health disparities. Communities of color, people with limited English proficiency, and other minorities often experience challenges seeking care with providers that do not share their backgrounds, do not speak their language, or may lack appropriate cultural sensitivity to the experiences of minority patients. Title II proposes enhancing language access services and providing better information and training on cultural competency to providers. "More culturally and linguistically appropriate care will empower patients to access high quality care."
     Title on Health Workforce Diversity  focuses on improving diversity of the health workforce through grants to train underrepresented minorities and providers that treat under-served populations. Title III establishes scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Patsy Mink Health and Gender Research Fellowship program, which awards research fellowships to post-baccalaureate students to conduct research examining gender and health disparities. This title also provides additional supports for workforce development through loan forgiveness and other training programs.
     Title on Improving Health Care Access and Quality says that despite progress made through the Affordable Care Act, health care access for minority communities remains a problem in the U.S. Immigrant communities are particularly disadvantaged because under current law they are excluded from public health care and other social programs. Title IV will expand health care access by allowing immigrant communities to qualify for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits and cost-sharing reduction payments, as well as allowing lawfully present individuals to qualify for Medicare. It also provides support for the improvement of rural hospitals and health services, for example, through the expansion of telehealth services in Medicare including across state lines. HEAA would also incorporate health equity into quality payment programs in Medicare and Medicaid to ensure that progress being made to improve health quality improves care for everyone. Finally, Title IV would restore access to Medicaid for Compact of Free Association (COFA) communities.


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Kepa Maly. Photo courtesy of Kepa Maly
HE WAHI MO‘OLELO NO KA ‘ĀINA O KA MAKANI PUʻULENA, Stories form the Lands of the Puʻulena Wind, will be told in January by well-known Hawaiian historian and storyteller Kepa Maly. Funds raised through this program and donations will go towards awarding a scholarship to a college-bound Volcano student.
     An announcement from Volcano Community Foundation says, "Kīlauea and the volcanic landscapes of Hawaiʻi are richly layered with traditions, mele, hula, practices, beliefs, and history that spans generations. Maly will share traditions and history of Kīlauea, and the lands upon which Pele dances in the Pu‘ulena wind, also linking traditions of old to the recent events that have added new layers of history to this wahi pana – storied and sacred landscape."
     Maly, a graduate of Lanaʻi High School, became a student of Hawaiian language, history, and cultural practices at an early age. He studied traditional mele and hula. In 1975, he participated in an ‘uniki, becoming a ho‘opa‘a kumu hula.
Kepa Maly. Photo
courtesy of Kepa Maly
     Over the past 40 years, Maly and his wife Onaona conducted detailed research across the Hawaiian islands, translating Hawaiian language accounts and documenting cultural-historic sites, traditions, and oral histories. From 1979 to 1983, he worked for the National Park Service as an interpreter and instructor of Interpretive Skills. More recently, he was the founding Executive Director of the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation and the Lanaʻi Culture and Heritage Center.
     The program, slated for Saturday, Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., will be held at Volcano Garden Arts and includes a gourmet lunch with coffee and wine, which follows the presentation. An optional short tour and history of the Volcano Garden Arts property will follow lunch. Cost for the program and lunch is $35. Space is limited, so reserve your seat by contacting VCF at volcanocommunity@gmail.com or calling 895-1011. Reservations will be confirmed via email once payment is received. Checks should be sent to Volcano Community Foundation, P.O. Box 94Volcano 96785; include email so reservation confirmation can be sent. Pay by credit card by calling 895-1011.

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Kaʻū Coffee grower Bong Aquino escorts women of Kaʻū Coffee
Growers Cooperative during last year's Pāhala Christmas Parade.
Photo by Julia Neal
PĀHALA CHRISTMAS PARADE will mark its 40th year on Sunday, Dec. 9, winding through the village under the direction of Eddie Andrade, family, and friends. It begins at 1 p.m. from the old Pāhala Armory at Pakalana and Pikake Streets, and makes its way through the neighborhoods, where residents gather and accept candy thrown by Santa on his sleigh.
     The procession stops in at Ka‘ū Hospital to visit with long term residents and patients, and to hand off a beer in a brown bag to the physician on duty. It ends at Holy Rosary Church on Pikake Street, with food and entertainment. Classic vehicles, walking groups, floats, farm trucks, four wheelers, and tractors are all welcome to join in, lining up beginning at 11 a.m. For more call Andrade at 928-0808.

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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 High December Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Dec. 3, Mon, @Konawaena, 6pm
Dec. 5, Wed., @Waiakea, 6pm
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
     Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
     Christian Liberty, 2pm

Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe

Wrestling:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Hilo
Dec. 8, Sat., @Waiakea
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu

Soccer:
Dec. 1, Sat., @Honokaʻa
Dec. 5, Wed., host Pāhoa
Dec. 8, Sat., Boys host Kohala
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena

Swimming:
Dec. 8, Sat., @HPA, 10am
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
Anthony Chrisco, Founding 
Member of Fascia Research 
Society, comes to Volcano. 
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
THE FASCIANATION METHOD WITH ANTHONY CHRISCO, Founding Member of Fascia Research Society, is offered at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village on Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Chrisco gives a brief introduction of the method and the tool he developed to "bring more healthy awareness to our bodies," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. There will be a guided full body ‘roll’ and Q & A afterwards. The cost for the workshop is $25 per person. Call 969-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org to register. Chrisco will bring rollers for the participants to use and for purchase along with a video presentation. 
     Chrisco, BS, is a Continuing Education Provider for the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise. He is the developer of TheFascianatorTM Roller and the Fascianation MethodTM, used to find and eliminate stress in the body so the body can heal itself.
     "The fascia can exert up to 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch on our bodies and x-rays & MRI’s cannot see these areas of tension; referred to as myofascial adhesions. The FascianationMethodTM involves using a fitness roller to assist in the release of these myofascial adhesions.
volcanoartcenter.org suggests The Fascianation MethodTM can help alleviate the following ailments: Plantar; Fasciitis/Heel Pain; Gout; Diabetic Foot; Shin Splints; Anterior Compartment Syndrome; Creaky Knees; I.T. Band Syndrome; Sciatica; Low Back Pain; Migraine/ Tension Headache; Tennis/Golfer Elbow; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Trigger Finger (When the finger cannot straighten after bending.); Constipation; Hip Pain; Ovarian Cysts; Incontinent Bladder; and Frozen Shoulder Syndrome. See thefascianator.com for more information.
     "Rolling out the muscles relax the fascia that surround them causing the release of pressure on the nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels that cause pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and inflammation," states the event description.
     Chrisco lectures and teaches both professionals in health and fitness and other allied health professions about the human body’s fascial system, recently classified as an organ system in 2012. His techniques have helped hundreds of people suffering from numerous chronic pain disorders.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Nov. 29, 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., Nov. 29, 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., Nov. 29, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Coffee Talk: Little Fire Ants in Ka‘ū, Fri., Nov. 30, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join the talk story with rangers and other park visitors. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
Multi Family Yard Sale, Sat., Dec. 1, 9-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033

Palm Trail, Sat., Dec. 1, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately difficult, 2.6-mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Art Express, Sat., Dec. 1, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Monthly. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Dec. 1, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030, and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Disney Sing-Along, Sat., Dec. 1, 2:30-3:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-8. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Keiki Jump Rope for Fitness, Sat., Dec. 1, 4-4:30pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. For ages 5-14. Open registration. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2
Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sun., Dec. 2, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Dec. 2, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. Monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or
sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Net Patrol along Wai‘ōhinu Coastline, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 27, contact for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Limited seats available for all three days. BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.

Spay and Neutering Clinic, Monday, Dec. 3, 7:30-4pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Dec. 3, 17, and 31, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity/social group building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Dec. 3, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Dec. 3, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Free Diabetes Management Program, Mon., Dec. 3, 5pm. Registration required and for location of class in Ka‘ū. For those with Type 1 or 2 diabetes. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, hmono.org, 969-9220

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Health Insurance Sign-up, Tue., Dec. 4, 9-4pm, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Yoga Class, Tue., Dec. 4, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes. Bring mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

A Walk into the Past w/ Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Tue, Dec. 4, 11, and 18, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Tour Jaggar's tiny lab located below the Volcano House to see original seismograph equipment and other early instruments with Dick Hershberger as "Dr. Jaggar." Supported by the KDEN. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 4-6pm, Dec. 18, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Dec. 4, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park, All About Anchialine Pools, Tue., Dec. 4, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hawai‘i State Parks Dena Sedar presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Dec. 5 and 12, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign-up. Free; donations accepted.

Arts & Craft Activity: Paper Tree Table Top, Wed., Dec. 5, 3:30-5pm, Ka‘ū District Gym multi-purpose room. Register through Dec. 5; open to keiki Grades K-8. 928-3102

Open Mic Night, Wed., Dec. 5, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. Park entrance fees apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 
     Christmas in the Country runs through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
     The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

Kīlauea Military Camp's Holiday Challenge is open for viewing through Monday, Dec. 31. The event features a row of cottages along the front of the camp decorated in with various characters and Christmas decor - with Kīlauea Military Camp employees responsible and competing for a popularity vote. The public is invited to admire the decorations and vote for their favorite decorated cottage. Kīlauea Military Camp is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call 967-8371 for additional information. See kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at Pāhala Senior Center; no classes between Dec. 14 and Jan. 8. The free classes – donations accepted – run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class offers "basic stretches and muscular endurance exercises that will help improve your flexibility and strength. Designed for all ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch." Learn more at hmono.orgfacebook.com/HMONO.org/, @hui_malama_ on Instagram, or call 808-969-9220.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

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 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. In Nāʻālehu, meetings are 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.

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