Friday, February 15, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, February 15, 2019

Keiki fishing tournament and canned food drive, organized by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, happens tomorrow. 
See details, and video, below. Photo by Jana Kaniho
FEDERAL FUNDING INCREASES are on their way to Hawaiʻi, with approval of legislation passed by Congress yesterday and signed by Pres. Donald Trump last night. The approval averted another shutdown and funds the federal government through this fiscal year.
     Sen. Brian Schatz said, "The deal will give every federal worker a well-deserved raise and add new funding for federal programs that benefit Hawaiʻi. The increased funding for infrastructure and housing means Hawaiʻi can access more federal money to improve our roads and help more people find homes." The federal raise is 1.9 percent.
     Schatz pointed out the benefits to Hawaiʻi:
     $30.3 million for volcano research and monitoring. This includes $1.5 million for operations at high-threat volcanoes, over $4 million for next generation detection systems, and $4.8 million for interim office and laboratory space, equipment, and other needs due to the destruction of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and continuing volcanic activity at Kīlauea.
Funds from today's approved legislation will help fund a new Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory location. USGS photos
     $4.4 million for tourism; $1 million for transportation. $3.4 million for Department of the Interior community and economic development accounts.
     $11.8 million more from the Highway Trust Fund to Hawaiʻi for highway maintenance and new construction of bridges, roads, and bike and pedestrian paths.
     $1 million to support construction of an insectary at U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Station in Hilo to study and combat invasive insects, including fruit flies, coffee berry borers, and felted macadamia nut coccids, that threaten local agriculture, and develop new ways for Hawaiʻi farmers to protect their crops.
     $1.9 million for USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hilo for research and development of new strains of coffee for desirable traits like flavor or pest resistance.
     $2 million in grants to preserve Native languages and culture, and local history, through the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Lifecycle of Coffee Berry Borer. Funds from legislation
approved today will help with further research into
this invasive, damaging species. CTAHR photo
     $2 million in Native Hawaiian Housing Block Grants for Native Hawaiian families to obtain new homes, make renovations, build community facilities, and receive housing services, including counseling, financial literacy, and other resources to address housing disparities.
     $1.6 million for Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions through the USDA supporting grants to higher education institutions with a significant number of Native Hawaiian students to educate and train the next generation of farmers and ranchers.
     $3.6 million in homelessness assistance through the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, which works with partners in both the public and private sectors to improve federal spending outcomes for homelessness.
     $2.2 million increase in bus and transit funding, distributed to the state and counties for the operation and capital costs associated with public transit systems, including Hele On Bus and The Handi-Van fleet.
     $32.3 million to for federal agricultural inspectors at airports on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Oʻahu.
     $16.7 million for the East-West Center.
     $5 million to for U.S. Coast Guard's C-130J hangar at Air Station Barbers Point to support search and rescue.

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Pres. Donald Trump
THE DECLARATION OF A NATIONAL EMERGENCY by Pres. Donald Trump to build a wall on the southern U.S. border drew a response this morning from Sen. Mazie Hirono. Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, she said:
     "At today's announcement, Donald Trump lied about walls, borders, crime, and legal immigration to justify his declaration of a fake emergency at our southern border. With this desperate action, Donald Trump is putting his vanity wall above the Constitution and the American people. As usual, his announcement was long on lies and short on justification.
     "Let's call today's action what it is: a blatant, illegal power grab that steals money from our military to advance Donald Trump's personal agenda. Diverting billions of dollars from planned investments in critical military projects across the world doesn't make us safer. The President has demonstrated time and again that he doesn't care that the chaos he creates results in wasted time and resources being expended to clean up his mess – including those spent on court challenges.
Sen. Mazie Hirono
     "Republicans need to say enough is enough and join us in acting like a separate branch of government by terminating this so-called emergency declaration as soon as possible, and focusing instead on the real needs of all Americans."

PRES. DONALD TRUMP CALLS SEN. MAZIE HIRONO "CRAZY." Hirono had choice words for the president yesterday:
     "Never before have I been attacked by a sitting president and his son, but there's a first time for everything, and these are not normal times."
     Hirono states Donald Trump, Jr. "used his father's tactics and attacked me on Twitter" last week. "On Monday night, President Trump himself called me 'crazy' at his El Paso campaign rally, a political stunt to drum up support for his vanity wall project that he still won't drop. So why'd he call me 'crazy?' Because of my support to act on climate change and bring our country into a clean energy future through the Green New Deal."
     Hirono wrote, "As usual, he didn't know what he was talking about. He can call me any name he wants, and make up whatever 'facts' he wants, as he continues to stick his head in the sand. I won't stop working to protect our communities, our environment, and our economy from the very real, very present, and very dangerous impacts of climate change. While he worries about building his vanity wall, I'm fighting for real solutions to real problems."

Crafts after story time, with Auntie Linda of  Tūtū & Me, monthly on the
second Thursday at Nāʻālehu Public LIbrary. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
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STORIES AND CRAFT TIME ARE OFFERED TO KEIKI at Story Time with Auntie Linda. Recommended for toddlers through pre-K, the program is monthly on the second Thursday morning at Nā‘ālehu Public Library, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Next meet up is March 14.
     Auntie Linda of Tūtū and Me reads to keiki, then crafts inspired by the chosen book are available. The program is free and open to everyone.

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VACANCIES ARE OPEN on Boards and Commissions for County of Hawaiʻi. Members of most Boards and Commissions serve for staggered terms of five years, on a voluntary basis. The following vacancies are open to Kaʻū residents for consideration: Fire Commission, Council District 6; and Ka‘ū nine positions on the Community Development Plan Action Committee.
     Other positions available for the entire county include: Merit Appeals Board, two positions; Board of Ethics, one position; Cultural Resource Commission, three positions; Fire Board of Appeals, five positions from any Council District; and Windward Planning Commission, two positions.
     For all Boards and Commission, travel expenses to and from meetings are reimbursed.
     Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents of the State of Hawaiʻi, and may not hold any other public office. The Mayor's Office will fill vacancies on Boards and Commissions from a list of applicants. Application forms are available at hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-the-mayor. For further information, contact Rose Bautista, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, at 961-8211 or at rose.bautista@hawaiicounty.gov.
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
Boys Basketball:
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA

 Trojans Boys Volleyball Fundraising INvitational Tournament, to help the team fly to Maui for a preseason tournament, happens tonight at Kaʻū District Gym. Trojans host Kamehameha teams from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, and Kealakeke and Pāhoa High Schools.
     Donations can be sent to Kaʻū High School, c/o Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 96-3150 Pikake St, Pāhala, HI, 96777, with the notation "Boys Volleyball Tournament on Maui."
Panaʻewa Stampede is this weekend, just outside of Hilo, Saturday through Monday, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers.
     See HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.


 11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament, Sat., Feb. 16, 9-2pm, Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. For keiki 1-14 years. Free. Event day registration open 8-9am. Pre-registration packets available at Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Mizuno Supertte, Pāhala Gas Station, Nā‘ālehu Wiki Wiki Mart, Kahuku Country Market, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Free lunch and prizes. Guy Enriques, 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. okaukakou.org
      See footage of Punaluʻu on Friday when OKK set up for the annual event that draws up to 1,000people. Video by Gabriel Cuevas


NEW and UPCOMING
NIUHI-SHARK FINE ART EXHIBIT opens tomorrow at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The exhibit is open daily through March 24.
     The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great. The collection provides viewers a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker.
     Eyre will sign copies of his book Sunday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Art Center Gallery.
     A Volcano Art Center statement says, "Hawaiʻi Island is not only the place of Kamehameha's birth, it is also the beautiful and dramatic setting of much of his life's story, the source of his power, the home of his final days, and the hidden place of his bundled bones."
     Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

Catch up with ʻAlalā living in the wild Thursday, 
Feb. 21, at Volcano Art Center. Photo from VAC
RETURN TO THE WILD, ONE YEAR LATER: An Update on the Reintroduction Efforts of ʻAlalā. Thursday Night at the Center on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. presents an update on the reintroduction efforts of the ʻAlalā. Through intensive conservation efforts, 11 ʻAlalā, the endemic and endangered Hawaiian crow, have survived in native Hawaiian forests for over a year and have been joined by another 10.
     Rachel Kingsley, the Education and Outreach Associate for The ʻAlalā Project, will provide information about this unique species, an update on the birds that have been reintroduced, and plans for future reintroduction efforts of the ʻAlalā.
     Learn more about this highly intelligent and unique crow species, integral to native Hawaiian ecosystems and culture.
    The event is free, although a $5 donation to Volcano Art Center is greatly appreciated. The event is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture and our environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections. For more, call VAC at (808) 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.

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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Keala Ching w/Nā Wai Iwi Ola, Sat., Feb. 16, 10:30-11:30am, performance at hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com,
volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Sat., Feb. 16, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com,
volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Sun., Feb. 17, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 18, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 19, Committees; Wed., Jan. 20, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 19, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wed., Feb. 20, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Arts & Crafts Activity: Eagle Handprint, Wed., Feb. 20, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 11-19. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Feb. 21, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Reading Night, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Paint Nite II, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-8pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Open to adults. Register through Feb. 20. Supply fee. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

ONGOING
Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at 3 p.m. each Thursday in February. Free. Contact Sara Kamibayashi at (808) 939-2442 for more.

Panaʻewa Stampede takes place this weekend, just outside of Hilo, Feb. 16-18, Saturday through Monday, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. See HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org; Diabetes Management Classes on Mondays in February. Sign up by calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.

 Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.
     The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships.
     Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
      Email tmarques@yahoo.com.

Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.

 Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.
     In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development.
     Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

 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.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.
     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Each vendor is responsible for a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.
     Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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 benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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