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Kaʻū High Trojans are the kings of Eight-Man Football and
will be moving up to 11-man play this Fall.
On Sunday, County Council member Maile David gave them each
a certificate for their achievements.
See story, below. Photo by Julia Neal
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A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT BY STATE SEN. KAI KAHELE could put him in a position to serve Kaʻū. The announcement is planned for
Monday, Jan. 21, at 10:30 a.m., at Moʻoheau Bandstand in Hilo .
One possibility is that he will run for U.S. House of Representatives to take the place of Rep.
Tulsi Gabbard, who would be unable to run for her current seat and the U.S.
Presidency at the same time. Last weekend, Gabbard said she will run for
President.
Should Kahele run and win the House seat, he
would represent Kaʻū, the place of his roots – his father's family comes from Miloliʻi. The Democrat would serve all rural
populations throughout the islands. His father, Gil Kahele, whose
family land is in Miloliʻi, served as a state Senator from Kaʻū before
redistricting put him in Hilo .
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| Sen. Kai Kahele plans a big announcement next Monday. Will he run for Congress? Photo from Team Kahele |
Team Kahele
invites the public to the bandstand for the announcement on Monday: "Kai, Maria,
their girls, and the Kahele ʻohana is inviting you to join them, next week Monday, January 21, 2019 , at 10:30 a.m. , at the Moʻoheau Bandstand in
Downtown Hilo. They have a BIG announcement that they would like to share with
you! Mahalo for all your support through the years and we look forward to
seeing you there."
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latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE LIFE OF DIANA AKI WILL BE CELEBRATED AT MILOLIʻI this Saturday from noon to 6 p.m at the oceanfront park.
Diana Puakini Aki, 76, died on Jan. 8. Known as the Songbird of Miloliʻi, she performed and taught music many times in Kaʻū, with the late Cyril Pahinui, at Keoki Kahumoku's music camps, Debbie Ryder's hula and music events, as well as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival & BioBlitz celebrations. She often performed and taught in Miloliʻi, a regular at the La ʻOhana annual event.
Aki was famous for her soaring soprano Hawaiian falsetto voice, wining a Na Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year award.
View and hear her singing Aloha Punaluʻu, playing ʻukulele and accompanied by steel guitar, on the HVNP website.
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| Diana Aki and Keoki Kahumoku in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
Diana Puakini Aki, 76, died on Jan. 8. Known as the Songbird of Miloliʻi, she performed and taught music many times in Kaʻū, with the late Cyril Pahinui, at Keoki Kahumoku's music camps, Debbie Ryder's hula and music events, as well as Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival & BioBlitz celebrations. She often performed and taught in Miloliʻi, a regular at the La ʻOhana annual event.
Aki was famous for her soaring soprano Hawaiian falsetto voice, wining a Na Hanohano Female Vocalist of the Year award.
View and hear her singing Aloha Punaluʻu, playing ʻukulele and accompanied by steel guitar, on the HVNP website.
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.
THE KAʻŪ VOICES GROUP will travel to the Third Annual Women's Wave March this Saturday, Jan. 19, in Hilo, beginning at 10 a.m. The group will set up a booth outside the Hawaiʻi State Building. "We will be welcoming members of other Indivisible.com groups and register voters," said organizer Missi Wheeler, of Nāʻālehu. The group formed after the first Women's March in January, 2017. This will be Kaʻū Voices' third participation in the Hilo march.
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ASSESSING TURTLES AFFECTED BY LAVA FLOWS from Kīlauea Volcano last year became a mission of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. During the nearly four-month course of lava flow in 2018 on Hawaiʻi's Kīlauea volcano and three months of active lava ocean entry from Fissure 8, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund staff and volunteers heard that large numbers of sea turtles were stranded or trapped as a result of the eruption. Surveys completed by state and federal agencies found no turtles in distress, but some community members continued to report and share otherwise on social media platforms.
ASSESSING TURTLES AFFECTED BY LAVA FLOWS from Kīlauea Volcano last year became a mission of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund. During the nearly four-month course of lava flow in 2018 on Hawaiʻi's Kīlauea volcano and three months of active lava ocean entry from Fissure 8, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund staff and volunteers heard that large numbers of sea turtles were stranded or trapped as a result of the eruption. Surveys completed by state and federal agencies found no turtles in distress, but some community members continued to report and share otherwise on social media platforms.
"Due to this discrepancy, HWF saw
the need for a third party to conduct additional surveys and report back to
federal and state agencies, concerned Puna community members, and through
social media platforms," said the organization's report released on
Monday.
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| A turtle at Kapoho Bay. Photo from Wikipedia/Robert David Linsdell |
HWF's Puna Aerial Reconnaissance
Survey Report details areas surveyed and methods used. It is available
online.
After completing two aerial surveys,
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund identified the following:
Turtles appear to be in higher numbers
outside of the lava ocean entry areas, likely staying near the food sources
that were not covered or "scrubbed" by new sand and wave
interactions.
There is no evidence that large numbers
of turtles were stranded or killed by lava flow, although there were obviously
some tragedies. Turtle experts that were interviewed believe that most turtles
would simply swim away from the lava impacted areas.
The recovery of ecosystems in the lava
impacted areas will depend on healthy coral reefs nearby that can provide
needed resources, and fish and invertebrate larvae, for recolonization.
Hazards such as marine debris and ocean
pollution likely have a greater negative impact on turtles and other marine
resources worldwide than the recent lava ocean entry event.
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| Turtles seen from the air, shown by the dots along the coast most affected by the lava flows last year. Map from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund |
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund reminds the public
to refrain from shining lights around turtles as white light disorients them – use
only red light. Another tip: A green sea turtle basking on the shore is not in
distress.
The
organization sends a "big mahalo" to those that shared information
and attempted to help turtles during the course of the recent lava flow.
"This is how we hoʻo hui (come together) to take care of our native
animals, wild places, and learn how this natural event impacts our marine
resources."
Those encountering an injured or
stranded turtle in Hawaiʻi can attempt to contact designated stranding
responders. Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund advises that reports must be timely – ideally
within a few hours – include photos, and involve a location that is accessible
and safe for responders. NOAA's statewide marine animal stranding and reporting
hotline is 1-888-256-9840. Additional information that is less
time-sensitive can be sent via email (with photos) to RespectWildlife@noaa.gov.
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latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Lynn A.S. Araki-Regan
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NEW CHIEFS IN THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION are
announced. Gov. David Ige and DOT Director Jade Butay yesterday named Lynn A.S. Araki-Regan as first deputy of DOT. She was
previously employed with the County
of Maui
Araki-Regan is
also an attorney, with 22 years of experience in litigation, commercial
transactions, creditor’s rights and landlord/tenant law. She has a law
degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University
of Hawai H.P. Baldwin
High School Maui .
This appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
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| Derek Chow |
Derek J. Chow becomes the DOT Deputy Director running the Harbors Division, overseeing ten commercial harbors across the state. Chow
is former chief of Civil & Public Works Branch for U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Honolulu District. His experience also includes serving as chief of
the Water & Infrastructure Division, U.S. Forces – Kabul ,
Afghanistan Tikrit ,
Iraq
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| Ross Higashi |
Ross Higashi is re-appointed to DOT Deputy Director running the Airports Division with its 15 state airports across Hawaiʻi.
Higashi is responsible for billions of dollars in modernization and facility
improvement projects. He has served as HDOT interim director, interim deputy
director, and fiscal management officer for the Airports Division. Higashi has
more than 25 years of public service in state government. He received his B.A.
in accounting from the University of Hawai
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Ed Sniffen
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Ed Sniffen is re-appointed DOT Deputy Director to
oversee the Highways Division. He will manage improvements and maintenance of about 2,500 lane miles of state highways.
Sniffen was executive assistant to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. He
also served as DOT Highways Division administrator and as technical design
engineer in the Highways Division Design Branch. Sniffen is a civil engineer,
having received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from Santa
Clara University
The appointments of Chow, Higashi, and
Sniffen are not subject to Senate confirmation.
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| Principal Sharon Beck and County Council member Maile David with a certificate of recognition for each member of the Trojan football team. Photo by Julia Neal |
FOOTBALL PLAYERS AT KA‘Ū HIGH each received a certificate from County Council member Maile David on Sunday, honoring the team for its "outstanding athletic achievements" in Eight-Man Football. The Trojans ranked in the top of the pack of 1,687 Eight-Man Football teams across the country.
The Certificate of Recognition from the County Council says, "The Kaʻū Trojans brought pride and honor to Kaʻū and Hawaiʻi Island by sweeping BIIF Eight-Man Football Championships, in 2014 and consecutively in 2016, 2017, and 2018. If that is not an exceptional display of athletic talent and determination in itself, in 2018, the Kaʻū Trojans also defeated Lanaʻi in the 2018 Eight-Man Football State Championship held at Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi."
The certificate praises the Trojans' national rankings for 2018: "First in the country for gaining 489 rushing yards, with star player Izaiah 'Bobby' Pilanca-Emmsely ranking first nationwide with 293.3 yards gained, and third nationwide with 193 interceptions. Teammate Kyson Toriano ranked sixth in the nation with 150 interceptions. In total yard stats, the Kaʻū Trojans placed fourth nationwide with a whopping 512.7 yards and 654 in the nation out of 1,687 Eight-Man Football teams."
The 2018 season ends Eight-Man Football for Kaʻū. In the Fall, the Trojans return to playing with the traditional team size for Eleven-Man Football.
Not only are the Trojans outstanding athletes, said Kaʻū High School Principal Sharon Beck, they serve as mentors for younger
students. They are also scholars and "The kindness, you can see it
in the hallways," said Beck.
In praising the Trojans, council woman David said that she grew up in a rural community on the island and understands what the achievement means to the students and the community.
Coach DuWayne Ke received a glass trophy for the team, with coaches and team members names inscribed, to be placed in the trophy case at Kaʻū District Gym. Offensive Coach Greg Rush reviewed the Trojan eight-man statistics for families and team members to understand the national significance of their achievement.
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NO TSUNAMI DANGER from a 6.6-magnitude earthquake today north of Vanuatu, says Civil Defense. The quake happened at 8:16 a.m.
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| Trojan Coach DuWayne Ke shakes a Trojan hand as County Council member Maile David presents Certificates of Recognition. Photo by Julia Neal |
The 2018 season ends Eight-Man Football for Kaʻū. In the Fall, the Trojans return to playing with the traditional team size for Eleven-Man Football.
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| Offensive Line Coach Greg Rush presents a glass trophy to Coach DuWayne Ke. Photo by Julia Neal |
In praising the Trojans, council woman David said that she grew up in a rural community on the island and understands what the achievement means to the students and the community.
Coach DuWayne Ke received a glass trophy for the team, with coaches and team members names inscribed, to be placed in the trophy case at Kaʻū District Gym. Offensive Coach Greg Rush reviewed the Trojan eight-man statistics for families and team members to understand the national significance of their achievement.
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.
NO TSUNAMI DANGER from a 6.6-magnitude earthquake today north of Vanuatu, says Civil Defense. The quake happened at 8:16 a.m.
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.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
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
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm , Varsity
Wrestling:
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Soccer:
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. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Swimming:
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm
The program, Mo‘olelo (Stories) of Volcano will be at Volcano Garden Arts - 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano Village - on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m., and includes lunch following the presentation. Cost of the program and lunch is $35 per person. Space is limited. Reserve your seat by contacting the Volcano Community Foundation at volcanocommunity@gmail.com or by calling 885-1011.
SOUTHERNMOST ALASKA PICNIC organizers invite everyone from or interested in Alaska to join them at Whittington Beach Park Pavilions at Honuʻapo on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is the fourth annual Southernmost Alaska Picnic, celebrating Kaʻū's close relationship with the many Alaskans who live here in winter. Participants bring a dish to share, beverages, musical instruments, chairs, and stories. Contact Tim Childs 907-388-8546 or Judy Jacobson at 907-314-3191.
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.
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.
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
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
MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 22 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 23, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Jan. 22, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Jan. 22, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques. Participants enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes store in Hilo. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
WILL BE CANCELLED IF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PERSISTS: After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea in 2018?, Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS geophysicist Kyle Anderson presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
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
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.orgOcean 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
MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 22 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 23, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Jan. 22, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.comThe Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Jan. 22, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques. Participants enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes store in Hilo. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
WILL BE CANCELLED IF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PERSISTS: After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea in 2018?, Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS geophysicist Kyle Anderson presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havoONGOING
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
The flyer for the event says, "Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across the country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. We want to encourage our youth to reach whatever goals they may have in owning their own businesses. This event gives them the experience at doing so."
The application asks kids to think through elements of their business: What product or service do you plan to sell? What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you? How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back? How will you advertise/market your business before the fair? At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
Up to 15 businesses will be accepted to show their business at the fair. Up to three children are allowed per business. A donation of $5 per business is required. Booths will not have electricity. Parents are not allowed to sell or promote a child's product or service, though parents of younger children may sit in the booth so long as the child is responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales. Parents may help their child fill out the application; however, the child should do as much as possible by themselves.
The Pāhala event is sponsored by Acton Academy
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.
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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