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Saturday, January 12, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, January 12 2019

Firefighters tackle the Keauhou Ranch wildfire, reportedly sparked by repairs to a bulldozer, last August. The fire
burned more than 3,200 acres in and around Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. See a warning on expected dry conditions
this year. Learn preparations from Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, below. NPS photo/D.Benitez
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION AND U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION are among the federal agencies challenged to provide services during the partial government shutdown. The shutdown is now the longest in history, at 22 days. Yesterday marked the first missed paycheck for the 420,000 federal employees working without pay and the 380,000 furloughed.
     Scott Gottlieb, M.D., the 23rd Commissioner of the FDA, announced, "We're taking steps to expand the scope of food safety surveillance inspections we're doing during the shutdown to make sure we continue inspecting high risk food facilities; 31% of our inventory of domestic inspections are considered high risk." He said foreign food inspections have continued without pause.
     Gottlieb said that "while it's not business as usual at the agency," the FDA is bringing back some furloughed employees, who will work without pay, to conduct much needed inspections on high-risk items like seafood, dairy, unpasteurized juices, shell eggs, sandwiches, prepared salads, and infant formula.
     Airline unions that represent pilots, flight attendants, and mechanics communicated to legislators and the White House to end the shutdown, saying it "has already inflicted real damage to our nation's aviation system and the impacts will only worsen over time," reported Leslie Josephs of The New York Times. She also reported the shutdown was delaying Southwest launching flights to Hawaiʻi.
     Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted, "The Constitution gives the legislative branch the authority to enact a law over the objection of the President." Schatz introduced a bill "to prohibit creditors and landlords from taking action against any federal employee or contractor hurt by the Trump shutdown," mentioning he wouldn't mind having "a few Republican cosponsors."
     He remarked, "Shutdowns are stupid, painful, and literally never work. And this is the stupidest one in American history. I'm pleased we were able to enact a law guaranteeing back pay for furloughed or unpaid employees, but that's just a band-aid. We must end this."
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who yesterday announced her intention to run for President in 2020, tweeted, "This is not a game." She noted that people need to pay for childcare and transportation on top of rent, food, and medical expenses. "Families are suffering. Our country is less safe. The impact of this shutdown is real."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono tweeted: "Let me be clear: the only crisis is the one Trump manufactured and the only wall that's real is the one closing in on him." She remarked that "detention of unaccompanied children for longer periods is the real crisis facing our country."
     Hirono also called out Senate Majority Leader Republican Mitch McConnell, saying, "he has said he has no power to bring these bills to the floor. I'd like to remind him that Congress is a separate branch of government. Senator McConnell can end the #TrumpShutdown right now."

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CUSTOMERS WHO LEFT PAYMENTS AT HAWAI‘I ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY DROPBOX IN HILO at 1200 Kīlauea Ave. between 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, and 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, may be victims of personal information theft. Those customers are asked to call HELCO Customer Service at (808) 969-6999 to check account status.
     HELCO is investigating the theft of payment envelopes. Video surveillance shows a man prying the payment box open late Friday evening, Dec. 14, according to a statement from HELCO.
     HECLO states security staff is working with the Hawaiʻi Police Department on the theft investigation. The company states it "repaired and re-secured the drop box immediately after discovering the incident and acted quickly to improve the lighting around the box." HELCO states there is "no reason to believe that the thief was targeting bank account or utility account information for the purpose of committing identity theft or fraud. However, those scenarios cannot be ruled out."
     The utility states individuals should "promptly and carefully" review utility and bank account statements, and contact HELCO about suspicious activity. Customers should be vigilant in responding to telephone calls or other inquiries about affected accounts, says the announcement, reminding that HELCO will never call and ask for payment using bitcoin or prepaid money cards.
     For more, visit hawaiielectriclight.com.

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Firefighters work to suppress flames burning native forest from a wildfire in
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPSPhoto/MarkWasser
FIRE RISK IN 2019 MAY INCREASE due to expected lower rainfall over the next few months, states Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization. "This may provide sunny dry weather and beautiful days, but it also means there will be a higher than normal fire hazard."
     Recommended precautions include: Clear yard and rain gutters to make sure they are free of leaves and debris. Keep grass cut short. Keep trees limbed up high from the ground, and away from roofs and windows. Make and practice family emergency plans. Work with neighbors on communal areas.
     Hawaiʻi Wildfire asks the public to be "aware of when and where you pull your car over (not on dry grass, please!), and when you use equipment that might spark (not when it is hot and windy, please!). We know from Dr. Clay Trauernicht's analyses at the University of Hawaiʻi that the majority of wildfires are started by accident, so we all need to take appropriate precautions."
     "Usually we remind everyone of these strategies at the start of fire season, but 'fire season' is not as much a relevant term right now, with prolonged, dry, fire-promoting conditions persisting through winter. Check out HWMO's many resources for how to keep you and your family wildfire-ready."

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OVERFLOW 2019: UNLEASHING YOUR UNTAPPED POTENTIAL SEVEN DAYS OF PRAYER AND FASTING ends tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 13, with special services at 9:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. The event is hosted by Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God's Senior Pastor Rev. Kevin T. Brown and Pastor Rick Eilerman at Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Māmalahoa Highway.
     The event features five guest speakers: Pastor Mat Torres of Zion's House of Praise, Pastor Mark Parra of The House Hilo, Pastor Troy Gacayan of River of Life Assembly of God in Pāhala, and Rev. Ken Gaub of Ken Gaub Ministries.
     Ola Shaw of Kona and special guest musician Ricky "RNB" Brown of San Jose, CA, provide music for the event.
     For more, call 929-7278 or see naalehuag.org.

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 HIGH SURF WARNING CLOSES ALL COUNTY BEACH PARKS FROM MILOLIʻI, north to Keokea in Kohala, as of 6 p.m. tonight through Sunday, reports Hawaiʻi county Civil Defense. West and north facing shores will bear the brunt of a "large Northwest swell," according to the National Weather Service.

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 KAʻŪ TROJANS BEAT KONAWAENA WILDCATS on Friday in the boys varsity basketball game at home.
     During the JV game, Kaʻū scored 9 in the first quarter, 14 in the second, 6 in the third, and an impressive 22 in the fourth, ending at 51. Konawaena scored 63, barely taking the game. Kaʻū's Kealiʻikoa Reyes Nalu scored 18, Keenan Toriano scored 10.

     Varsity saw Kaʻū triumph, with 20 in the first, 8 in the second, 13 in the third, also scoring an impressive 22 in the fourth, to end at 63. Konawaena scored 60. Izaiah Pilanca Emmsley scored 31 for Kaʻū and Shesley Martinez scored 16.

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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. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo, 6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varsity
Wrestling:
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Soccer:
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Swimming:
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm

NEW and UPCOMING
THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE CENTER: STORIES FROM THE SUMMIT is offered at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village, on Jan. 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
     The evening, hosted by Volcano novelist Tom Peek, features personal accounts by Volcano residents who experienced 90 consecutive days of earthquakes this past summer, including varied tales of those living and working at Kīlauea's summit. Scientist-in-Charge at US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Tina Neal, will share stories of her experience.
     This event is free; $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is suggested. For more information, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
     This evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture, and the environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 13
A Celebration of Life and Art: Honoring the Legacy of Dietrich Varez, Sun., Jan. 13, 1-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

 MONDAY, JANUARY 14
Free STD Testing, Mon., Jan. 14, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - New Insights from Kīlauea's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tue., Jan. 15, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Jan. 17, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Hui ‘Ohana Parenting Education and Skills for Life Class, Thu., Jan. 17, 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Meets every Thursday. Free. Register w/ Lindsey Miller, 333-3460.

Family Reading Night, Thu., Jan. 17, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i's White Terns - Manu-o-Ku - an Urban Seabird by Susan Scott, Book Release and Presentation, Thu., Jan. 17, 6:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Free, $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Lamb of God Baptist Church Revival, Thu, Fri., & Sat., Jan. 17-19, 7-9pm, Ocean View Community Association. All welcome. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up at Kamilo, Sat., Jan. 19, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Community Association Annual Members Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

ONGOING
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

Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

 Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes in January include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays, from Jan. 16 through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.

 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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