Monday, December 31, 2018

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, December 31, 2018

Early morning view of Kīlauea Caldera from Volcano House, which remains open during the partial federal government
shutdown. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open, with no admission fees. In this photo taken Nov. 23, see
 evidence of the volcano and magma that lies below the surface in the steam that rises from the crater. 
NPS Photo/Janice Wei
HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REMAINS OPEN, as the partial shutdown of the federal government wears on. The Park is keeping its main gate open, without admission fees, as non-profits and Park business partners step up to help visitors.
     Should the shutdown continue weeks into January, it would be difficult to keep the park open without funding, said park officials. Just before the New Year, Mayor Harry Kim and Hawaiʻi County talked about committing money to assist the park. The state and its Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority were also considering assistance for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, as it did with the Arizona Memorial on Oʻahu.
Kīlauea Military Camp, hosting a New Year's Day Brunch
tomorrow, is open in the Park during the partial shutdown.
     In the meantime, park rangers remained on furlough and Hawaiʻi's Congressional delegation promised to fight hard to reopen the 25 percent of the government that is shuttered. Nationwide some 800,000 government employees were without paychecks and many of them may never see a dime for the time they were involuntarily off work. Sen. Mazie Hirono vowed to work with congress to pay them.
      Open inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are: Volcano Art Center Gallery; Volcano House hotel, restaurants, and stores; Kīlauea Theatre; KMC accommodations, restaurant, store, and lounge; and Kīlauea Visitor Center displays and its Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association bookstore. Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks are taking the place of park employees, keeping the Visitor Center open 9 .am. to 5 p.m. every day.
     Also open during the shutdown are Kīlauea Visitor Center picnic tables and restrooms; Crater Rim Drive from Park entrance to KMC; Crater Rim Trail between Volcano House and KMC; Steam Vents and Sulfur Banks; Mauna Loa Road to Kīpukapuaulu (vehicles not permitted past the gate at Kīpukapuaulu); Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout – pedestrians and bicyclists only; Kīpukapuaulu day use picnic area (no trash or custodial services – pack it in, pack it out only); Kīpukapuaulu and trail; and Ka‘ū Desert Trail to the Footprints shelter and exhibit.
      The rest of the park is closed, including the Kahuku Unit near Ocean View, Chain of Craters Road, Escape Road, all campgrounds, and all backcountry areas.

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NEW LAWS GO INTO EFFECT TOMORROW, Tuesday, Jan. 1. Some laws that could impact Kaʻū residents include:
     The total ban of pesticides containing the chemical chlorpyrifos, which has been linked to developmental delays in children. The law banning the chemical also includes other restrictions on pesticide use. The bill was championed by Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Russell Ruderman in the Hawaiʻi legislature, and a similar bill to ban the pesticide has been submitted to the U.S. Senate by Sen. Brian Schatz. Learn more here.
     Job applicants can no longer be asked for their salary history. Answers can be used to determine what a new hire would earn. The new law was passed to address pay inequities, specifically by advocates for women and minorities, some of whom say salary history requests influence the wage gap, where women in Hawaiʻi earn 84 cents on the dollar, compared to pay for men. Learn more here.
Motorcyclists will soon have permission, in certain areas,
to drive on the shoulder. Photo from driving.ca
     Death with Dignity, or medical aid in dying, under the Our Care, Our Choice Act, will allow terminally ill adult patients to acquire a life-ending prescription medication. There are strict regulations around the practice. Learn more here.
     Motorcyclists may, in certain areas, drive on the shoulder of the road. The law was passed without the governor's signature. Designated areas have not yet been defined by Department of Transportation, so Hawaiʻi Island may not be much affected by the law. Learn more here.

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HAWAIʻI POLICE DEPARTMENT sent out a release, warning of the dangers of drug-impaired driving. "If you feel different, you drive different," is the message.
     Drug-impaired driving,  is a "problem on America's highways, even on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi." Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, "which means it is dangerous and illegal" in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., says the police statement.
     "Whether the drug is legally prescribed or an illegal drug, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2015, of the drivers who were killed in vehicle crashes 42 percent tested positive for drugs."
     HPD "wants to spread the word about drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers: If you are impaired by drugs and thinking of driving, pass your keys to a sober driver. Don't be the reason someone doesn't make it home for the holidays. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested and you and you will go to jail. Drive sober or you will get pulled over."

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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 Hilo, 6pm
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 CELEBRATION OF LIFE AND ART: HONORING THE LEGACY OF DIETRICH VAREZ will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Volcano Art Center with all welcome to attend. The event description on volcanoartcenter.org says Varez "carved a deep appreciation and understanding of Hawaiian values and lifestyle through his art." For more information call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

HULA VOICES FEATURING KUMU HULA LEILEHUA YUEN, with moderator Desiree Moana Cruz, takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 2, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at  Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Kumu Hula Leilehua Yuen.
Photo from volcanoartcenter.org
     Hula Voices is an oral history project, presenting an engaging, intimate talk story session with Hawai‘i Island's hula practitioners, as they share their hula genealogy, traditions, protocols and experiences. These free, educational offerings will occur regularly on the first Wednesday of each month. Free; however, park entrance fees may apply.
     Kumu Hula Yuen's hula lineage is rooted in her grandmother’s teachings, and her studies with legendary expert on all things Hawaiiana, Auntie Nona Beamer. The powerful natural forces of the island are where Yuen draws much of her artistic inspiration. Yuen and her partner Manu Josiah, are known for their informances, in which they blend storytelling, science, chant, and hula to create a journey through Hawaiian history and culture. They live in her family home in Hilo, restoring the medicinal garden that her grandfather tended.
     These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development and individual funding from members of the Volcano Art Center's ʻohana. For more call 967-8222 or visit 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

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6
Sunday Clay - High Fire (new sessions), Sun., Jan. 6-Mar. 3 (no class Jan. 20), morning session 11:30-2:30pm, afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. 8 week session w/Erik Wold on potters wheel (7 slots open per session) or hand-building (2 slots open per session) techniques. Beginners and continuing students welcome. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 materials fee for 6 lbs clay, including glazes and firing for that material. Additional clay available for purchase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Jan. 6, 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

Overflow 2019: Unleashing Your Untapped Potential, Sun., Jan. 6, through Sat., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., and Sun., Jan. 13, 9:45 a.m., Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God. Seven days of prayer and fasting. Music by Ola Shaw. Special Guest Musician Ricky "RNB" Brown. Event features five guest speakers. 929-7278, naalehuag.org

ONGOING
Fireworks and Fireworks Permits are on Sale through tomorrow, 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 Hilo, 381 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 325 E. Makaʻala St.
     •Phantom Tent Hilo, 111 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.

 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 tomorrow, 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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