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Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Volleyball club at awards for Regional Juniors. See story, below. Photo from Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuya
MOVE BEYOND THIS DIVISIVE ISSUE, urged Rep. Tulsi Gabbard yesterday in a statement focusing on the completion of the investigation of Russian meddling in the U.S. election:
     "I strongly supported (Robert) Mueller being allowed to complete his investigation into allegations that President Trump colluded with Russia to influence the outcome of the 2016 elections. Mueller was able to do so, has submitted his findings, and the American people should be allowed to see Mueller's report.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
Photo from Gabbard's Flickr
     "What we know is that Mueller reported that his investigation revealed no such collusion. Now we all need to put aside our partisan interests and recognize that finding the president of the United States not guilty of conspiring with a foreign power to interfere with our elections is a good thing for America.
     "If the president of the United States had been indicted for conspiring with Russia to interfere with and affect the outcome of our elections, it would have precipitated a terribly divisive crisis that could have even led to civil war.
     "Now we must stand together and move beyond this divisive issue that has taken up enough of the national conversation. I'm calling on Congress to protect the integrity of the 2020 elections—and all elections—by passing my Securing America's Elections Act, which empowers every state to use voter-verified paper ballots, making it impossible for Russia or anyone else to change our election results.
     "Americans all over the country are asking when our leaders, from every party, are going to put aside partisan politics and work to address the challenges that are threatening American lives and livelihoods. We have a lot of work to do—rebuilding our country's crumbling infrastructure, ending wasteful regime change wars, forging a clean energy future, ensuring healthcare for all, achieving immigration reform, and so much more."

Women's B division, second place. 
Photo from Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuya
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MILOLIʻI-KAʻŪ GIRLS VOLLEYBALL spent March 11 through 23 playing volleyball almost every day, early mornings to late nights at multiple gyms. Divisions 10u to 14u played the Moku o Keawe Girls Jr. Regionals at the Civic in Hilo from March 11 to 16. Then they played in the 62nd Hailis Volleyball Tournament from March 18 to 23 in Hilo at University of Hawaiʻi, the Armory, and the Civic.
10u took first in Regionals, second in Hailis. 
Photo from Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuya
     The Miloliʻi-Kaʻū 10u team took first in Regionals and second at Hailis. Team members are Lily Dacalio, Aliza Sullivan, Kilinahe Navarro, Waialeʻa Kainoa, Londyn Dacalio, Faʻa Mareko Ke, Halia Akamu, coached by Leʻa Hashimoto and Kaimi Kaupiko.
     The Miloliʻi-Kaʻū 12u team came in second place for Regionals and first in Hailis. Team members are Chloe Velez, Jazmyn Navarro, Halia Tayamen, Kaela Masters, Mckenzie Decoito, Cali Kamei, and Harlem Espejo, coached by Jerome Tayamen and Ipolani Reyes. These girls, ages 9 to 12, will join the 14u girls in travel to Anaheim for the Summer Soiree in June.
     Miloliʻi-Kaʻū 14u girls placed third at Regionals and second in Hailis. Team members are Tehani Navarro, Lehiwa Freitas-Moses, Jaydah Pilanca-Emmsley, Jessa Tamayo, CeLayna Kamei, Kaelyn Medeiros-Shibuya, Taijah Beck, Kyia Hashimoto, Precious Mareko-Ke, Leahi Kaupu, and Chelsea Velez, coached by Landa Kuahuia and Daryl Shibuya.
14u placed third in Regionals, and second in both Hailis and 
Women's B division. Photo from Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuy
     Coach Landa entered the 14u girls in the Women's B division, which Miloliʻi women's won last year. They made it to the championships and lost in a 3 set match against Panaʻewa, taking second place. For their efforts, Chelsea Velez and Precious Mareko-Ke got All Stars awards, and Kaelyn Medeiros-Shibuya got Most Valuable Player. 14u are in 6th to 8th grade, 11-13 yrs old, and most will be entering high school next year. They will travel to Oʻahu for the Aloha Summer Classic and to Anaheim for the Summer Soiree.
     Said Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuya, the girls "did amazing and had so much fun… We'd like to thank Coach Landa and Coach Daryl for all that they do for these girls."
12u placed in Regionals, first in Hailis. 
Photo from Gennifer Medeiros-Shibuya

     To become a sponsor or make a donation, contact, Gen Shibuya, (808) 209-7137, kikulaki@hotmail.com, P.O. Box 491 Nāʻālehu HI 96772.

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CONCERN, TRAINING FOR WILDFIRES FOCUSES ON KAʻŪ, as Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization reports that 2019 is shaping up to be a busy wildfire year: "With a weak El Niño starting to kick in, experts predict wildfire activity will increase due to worsening drought conditions and the enormous vegetative growth from a rainy past several of months."
     A statement from HWMO says, "Wildfires are a growing health and safety concern in Kaʻū and throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and have impacts to our communities, businesses, infrastructure, watersheds, and cultural and nearshore resources. Recently, two large workshops were held on Hawaiʻi Island to identify key target areas for vegetation management activities to reduce wildfire risk. A significant portion of the participants, who represented various agencies, non-profits, businesses, and community groups highlighted Kaʻū as a top priority district for future wildfire management activities."
     On Saturday, May 4, people from across the U.S. will participate in Community Wildfire Preparedness Day, a day to take action to increase wildfire safety in the community. As part of the festivities the following week, May 10 and 11, Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and Nā Mamo O Kāwā, two non-profit organizations, are teaming-up for a weekend of fun, learning, and action-taking.
     HWMO is a Waimea-based non-profit dedicated to protecting communities and natural resources across the Hawaiian Islands. Nā Mamo O Kāwā is a Hawaiian non-profit that facilitates the care for the precious cultural and natural resources of Kāwā through community-based, self-determined stewardship efforts. See story below and learn more at hawaiiwildfire.org and nmok.org.

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WILDFIRE  PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP sessions begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at Pāhala Plantation House, with a free and family-friendly educational ReadySetGo! Wildfire Preparedness Workshop. Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization and Nā Mamo O Kāwā invite Kaʻū residents to learn to protect homes and communities from the increasing risk of wildfires.
     Participants will learn how to use proper landscaping techniques and home structure modifications to protect family and property from wildfire, and to work as a community toward the common goal of fire protection.
     Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization will share information on how to develop a clear, achievable family emergency plan, what actions to take during a wildfire, and proper evacuation procedures. Each attendee will also receive a free copy of the ReadySetGo! Hawaiʻi Wildland Fire Action Guide, which can be used as a step-by-step tool for carrying out the recommended actions.
     The next day, Saturday, May 11, participants are invited to use new wildfire preparedness knowledge to join a volunteer work day to reduce wildfire hazards and restore the native habitat of Kāwā. The work day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the Northern entrance for Kāwā for sign-in, safety briefing, and opening protocol. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided.
     To sign up for both sessions, contact Pablo Akira Meimler at pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, hawaiiwildfire.org, or 808-885-0900.

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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m., @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m., @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m., host Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 1 p.m., host Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Softball:
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m., @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m., host Kohala
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m., @HPA
Tue., April 2, 6 p.m., host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m., @Christian Liberty
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau
Mon., April 15, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., @Kamehameha
Track:
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA

JUST ANNOUNCED
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Women's Support Group, Thursday, April 4, 1st Thursday monthly, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.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.

UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Wednesday, March 27 (Committees), Thursday, March 28, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, March 27, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

‘Ohe Kāpala Workshop, Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Learn to create beautiful designs from traditional patterns using ‘ohe kāpala, bamboo stamps. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

Arts and Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wednesday, March 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 March 11-25. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MARCH 28
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Thursday, March 28, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, March 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, March 28, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Hawaiian Language Classes with Kaliko Trapp, starting Thursday, March 28, Level 1: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Level 2: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Level 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. 8-week sessions. Level 1 - focus on simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Level 2 - expand these. Level 3 - Some Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Workbook required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 29
Final Day to Apply for Preschool Opens Doors, Friday, March 29. For families seeking aid paying for preschool, for preschool participation July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. patchhawaii.org, 800-746-5620

My Hawaiʻi Story Project 2019 submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. The creative writing contest is open to all Hawaiʻi sixth to eighth grade students. They are invited to submit their best story or poem that addresses the theme He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani au: Resilience in the Face of Change, which aligns with the theme of the 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, which will be held in July in Honolulu. Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must be submitted electronically. Contact myhawaiistory@gmail.com with questions.

Ke Aliʻi Maka ʻĀinana – The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kūhiō on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk. Find out: What is Kūhiō Day and why is it a state holiday? In respect to his memory and his accomplishments, Auntie Jessie Ke, a revered kupuna of Ka ͑ ū, will talk about the Prince, his legacy, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka ͑ ū. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11. Free. nps.gov/havo

PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 30
Count Humpback Whales – Final 2019 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document animals' surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org; registration closes one week prior to event. Free.

Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants with Zach Mermel, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Exhibit - Ancient Hula: Through the Lens of Dino Morrow, daily, March 30-May 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Reception on Saturday, March 30, 5p.m. Morrow is a documentary and portrait photographer specializing in imagery of local cultures. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Fun, food, music, and open house. Pre-registration of vehicles strongly recommended. Sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Show prizes provided by Dune Buggy Concessions and OVCA. Raffle prizes provided by local merchants and individuals. Dennis, 831-234-7143, or Ron, 217-7982

Beginner and Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Learn safe studio practices, encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

ONGOING
Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, 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.

Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths 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. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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