Saturday, December 29, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, December 29, 2018

Neighborhood fireworks on streets and in yards are popular in Kaʻū. See the rules, below, with locations
to buy permits and legal fireworks. Photo by Julia Neal
RECENT DEATHS OF TWO GUATEMALAN CHILDREN IN U.S. BORDER CONTROL CUSTODY drew a tweet from POTUS Donald Trump today, and response from both of Hawaiʻi 's Senators. Tweeted Trump, "Any deaths of children or others at the Border are strictly the fault of the Democrats and their pathetic immigration policies that allow people to make the long trek thinking they can enter our country illegally. They can't. If we had a Wall, they wouldn't even try! The two..... ...children in question were very sick before they were given over to Border Patrol. The father of the young girl said it was not their fault, he hadn't given her water in days. Border Patrol needs the Wall and it will all end. They are working so hard & getting so little credit!"
After visiting the Tornillo camp for migrant children in
early December, Sen. Mazie Hirono responded to Pres.
Donald Trump's tweet today regarding the recent deaths
of two children held by Border Patrol.
Image from Hirono's Facebook
     Hirono tweeted "Obviously nothing is too low or cruel for you. A collective New Year's wish: For the sake of our country, you can stop now."
     Schatz responded to Trump: "The next President should take personal and professional responsibility for bad things that happen in the executive branch." Schatz tweeted: "Being President requires an extraordinary combination of moral clarity, the ability to persuade people, and administrative competence." and "We should do five billion dollars worth of solar panels. Or school renovation. Or harbor maintenance. Or National Institute of Health research. Or pay increases for the troops. Or housing for the elderly. Or health care on native lands. Or money for the state department."
     Schatz also commented, "The President of the United States is responsible for what happens in the federal government," and "I don't get it. Most politicians crave authority and they guard it jealously. That can be quite a bad thing sometimes, and so we have checks and balances. But this President seems to not want to be in charge of anything difficult, even if it is squarely his job."

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KEEPING DIGITAL INFORMATION SAFER is the goal of a new bill Sen. Brian Schatz introduced in the U.S. Senate. According to SC Source, a cybersecurity journal, personal information "would be protected from being sold or disclosed in any manner unless the end user agrees.While a specific dollar penalty is not listed in the bill for companies who violate the act, there is a formula in place to derive a civil financial punishment." See the in depth story at SC Media, The Cybersecurity Source.
     A story in Mother Jones presents the Schatz view. The Data Care Act would attempt to make sure companies collecting private consumer data "not to utilize that data to the detriment of the user," said Schatz during an interview with Ali Breland of Mother Jones.
     Schatz told Breland: "We want to establish a statutory framework where there are three main duties, the duty of care, which is essentially cybersecurity, to secure the data, and to inform people if there are breaches, a duty of loyalty. Loyalty, in my view, is the most important and foundational aspect of the bill, which is to say that whatever the circumstances are, the data being collected online, whether it’s through the Internet of Things, or through a social network, or from the cable company or whatever, whomever collects the data has a duty not to utilize that data to the detriment of the user. Third, is the duty of confidentiality, which essentially attaches the first two duties to any partners or third-party providers that may have a relationship with the company that originally collected the data."
     Schatz told Mother Jones, "There's an opportunity to do something big and bipartisan on privacy." He said that "these companies are not going to voluntarily behave. They lack the will. And I think they’re not even sure what they would do if they could conjure the will. They need to be overseen by federal agencies with real authority to make rules and levy fines."
     Read the whole interview here.

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FEMA WILL ISSUE $66.1 MILLION TOWARD KĪLAUEA ERUPTION AND HURRICANE
LANE RECOVERY FUNDS to Hawaiʻi County. The money is expected to cover three-fourths of the repairs. Hawaiʻi County will be responsible for the remaining expense.
     About $49 million will go to repairing damage from Hurricane Lane – Hawaiʻi County will pay $12 million of that, according to Bill 8. Nearly $33 million will be appropriated for "Lava Flow Projects" – Hawaiʻi County paying $8.2 million, according to Bill 10.
     Big Island Video News reported a $250,000 award to the county from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. The funds "will be used to create an economic recovery plan to provide, relief, recovery and relocation strategies for the recent Kilauea eruption," Hawaiʻi County Finance Director Deanna Sako wrote to Hawaiʻi County Council.
     All three funding items are on the Jan. 9 County Council Agenda to expedite receipt of the money.

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THE PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM of the state Legislature is geared up to help the citizenry follow elected officials and legislation through the 2019 session. It begins on January 16 at 10 a.m, as mandated by the State of Hawaiʻi Constitution. Here are some important dates after the opening of the 2019 Hawaiʻi State Legislature:
     Jan. 18 is the last date to introduce non-administrative bill packages. Bills are bundled together by common interest groups and accepted and labeled as a package by the clerks. View the packages of legislation by clicking on the "Reports and Lists" button on capitol.hawaii.gov
     Jan 18 is also the last day for organizations to submit grant and subsidy requests. It's the deadline for Grant-in-Aid applications. Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. Applications, information, and more specifics regarding the deadline appear under "Legislative Information" on capitol.hawaii.gov
Virginia Beck and Keanu Young are the lead staff at
Public Access Room, and are available to help
citizens follow legislation, write testimony, and
introduce legislation. Photo from PAR
     Jan. 22 is the day for the State of the State Address by the governor before the joint legislature. Gov. David Ige will report on affairs of state, and put forth recommendations and initiatives. Many visitors come to the Capitol to hear the Governor's speech and witness the proceedings from the gallery. It is also the last day for submission of the Governor's Package of Bills. These are bills prepared by executive branch agencies for consideration by the legislature, and are introduced on behalf of the executive branch by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. View the package of legislation by clicking on the "Reports and Lists" button on capitol.hawaii.gov.
     Jan. 24 is the day for the State of the Judiciary Address from the Chief Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court before the assembled joint legislature.
     Jan. 24 is also the last day to introduce bills by filing them with the House or Senate Clerk. See more on the 2019 Session Calendar, which lists all the deadlines that will govern the action this session.
     A publication entitled Which Deadlines Apply to Your Bill? is particularly helpful to follow bills and submit testimony, particularly when they are referred to committees.
     The lead staff members at Public Access Room are Virginia Beck, Public Access Coordinator, and Keanu Young, Assistant Public Access Coordinator. PAR gave a presentation at Ocean View Community Center to help the citizenry get ready for the session. PAR staff can be reached by calling 808-587-0478 or emailing par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Their website is lrbhawaii.org/par.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL fought hard for a win Friday, Dec. 27, against Kealakehe. After traveling north, the Kaʻū boys Varsity team took the court, 45 to 43. Kaʻū Athletics tweeted, "Omg good game."

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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 Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo6pm
Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm
Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Wrestling:
Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Soccer:
Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA
Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe
Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo
Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Swimming:
Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am

NEW and UPCOMING
A NEW EXHIBIT, FROM THE SLOPES OF TWO MOUNTAINS, featuring the glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry, and Marianne J. Lowry, opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 5, through Sunday, Feb. 10, daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Viewing the gallery is free to all; however, park entrance fees apply. 
Original glass work will be displayed in a new exhibit at
Volcano Art Center Gallery starting Jan. 5.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     An opening reception with the artists will be held on Saturday, Jan. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
     "The exhibit showcases contemporary and traditional glass techniques created on and inspired by two of Hawai‘i’s most prominent Volcanoes: Kīlauea and Haleakalā. Michael and Misato Mortara work from and own the glass studio 2400 Fahrenheit in Volcano on Hawai‘i Island while Chris and Marianne Lowry create from and co-own Hot Island Glass located in Makawao on Maui Island. Both studios are located in high elevation locations and all four artists cite the unique environments in which they work as a source of inspiration," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     The Mortaras have been making glass together for over 20 years. Originally from Oahu, they opened their studio in Volcano on the Big Island in 2000. Their work is found in private collections worldwide, as well as the collections of the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, The Contemporary Museum of Honolulu, The Four Seasons Hotel, Hilton Hotels, and the National Park Service.
     "There is something both dramatic and dynamic about the manipulation of a molten mass of glass, such that the process has almost as much appeal for me as the product," says Mike Mortara. "Hot glass is a medium in constant motion where balance, timing and rhythm are the essential tools in the process. Once you start, you can’t stop until it’s done. After more than 30 years in glass, I’ve conceded that it is the glass that is really in control, however much I would like to think otherwise.” To that sentiment, the Mortaras have stated that many of the works in this exhibition are a reflection of being in East Hawai‘i during this year’s past eruption events.
From the Slopes of Two Mountains, a new
exhibit at Volcano Art Center Gallery,
features glass work from two studios in
Hawai‘i. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     Misato Mortara says, “Like no other before it in our time, its effects were so far reaching and life changing. The dichotomy of the destruction and creation was an emotional roller coaster, life and landscape forever altered. It took going back to the familiar places to bring it full circle and to realize that once we accept the way things are, it makes it that much easier to find its new beauty and inspiration.”
     The Lowrys have been creating work together for 9 years. "Travel has exposed them both to exciting new experiences but in the end brought them together," states the description. They have studied glass in Japan, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and US states Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, New York and Massachusetts. In their short career together their work has traveled with collectors across the world. Here in Hawai‘i they have pieces in the collections of Hawai‘i State Foundation on culture and the arts and The Honolulu Museum of Art.
     Nature has a strong theme in the Lowrys work, showing up in clean and organic forms or as complex natural patterns. In his words, Chris Lowry states, "My work has a strong personality. A piece should grab your attention and then be able to keep it." Growing up in his father’s glass shop on the Northern Oregon Coast, Chris Lowry became "serious about his art at age 18 when he moved to O‘ahu," states the description. His first job was working as an assistant teacher at Punahou School with Hugh Jenkins. Feeling more like a student himself, Chris Lowry credits Jenkins as being his first real teacher, "Hugh taught me that fundamentals are essential in every art form and if you don’t have those fundamentals you limit your capabilities."
     Marianne Lowry started her glass exploration in the functional world, studying in the world renown Kosta Boda Glass Factory, but she now finds sculptural glass to have more freedom. "In my latest work I’m trying to reproduce the feelings I get from the natural surroundings. I love the colors, reflections, and movements you get from the ocean and the creatures in it. Glass is the perfect material to represent this beauty because of its transparent qualities," says Marianne Lowry.
     Volcano Art Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created in 1974. Volcano Art Center's mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawai‘i through arts and education. See more at volcanoartcenter.org.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen, Wed., Jan. 2, 5-6:30pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free, monthly. 967-7565

Open Mic Night, Wed., Jan. 2, 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 may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3
Women's Support Group, Thu., Jan. 3 and 17, 3-4:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 1st and 3rd Thu. of every month thereafter. Women welcome to drop in anytime. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Meeting, Thu., Jan. 3, 6:30pm, Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4
Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Jan. 4, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5
Big Island Road Runners Hilo to Volcano 50 Kilometer Ultra Marathon and Team Relay, Sat., Jan. 5, 6am, Moku Ola (Coconut Island) parking area to Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Race Director David Cotter, 339-7210, bigislandroadrunners.org

EXHIBIT: From the Slopes Of Two Mountains, daily, Sat., Jan. 5 - Sun., Feb. 10, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Features glass works of Michael Mortara, Misato Mochizuki Mortara, W. Chris Lowry and Marianne J. Lowry. Opening reception with artists Jan. 5, 5-7pm. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Jan. 5 and Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Classes held once monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Jan. 5, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. First Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

Spiritual Healing, Sat., Jan. 5, 3-4:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. Led by Debra Zager. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through Monday, Dec. 31 at midnight.
     Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. Permits should be visibly displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.
     Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Permits are available at:
     •Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building, 25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28
     •Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dec. 26 through 30
     •Parker Ranch Shopping Center Food Court, Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31
     Permits are also available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 31:
     •J. Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy, Kurtistown
     •KTA Puainako, 50 E. Puainako St.Hilo
     •TNT Tent Hilo381 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo325 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo111 E. Puainako St.
     •Long's Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St.Hilo
     •KTA Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.
     •Pacific Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St., Kona
     •Phantom Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.

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.


19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition is open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 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.

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

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.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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