Friday, May 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, May 17, 2019

U.H. Economic Research Organization predicts slow growth for Hawaiʻi County and all the islands.
Image from UHERO
THE ECONOMY OF HAWAIʻI COUNTY is predicted to rebound somewhat from the volcanic disaster last year, and continue with slow growth through 2021, according the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization. Entitled Counties See Synchronized Slowing, the report, dated May 17,  predicts that economic growth will flatten out statewide, leaving the "underlying economic health largely intact." While Hawaiʻi will be "more vulnerable to adverse shocks, whether arising locally or in the global economy," the slower growth also "provides breathing space in counties that have struggled to absorb the impact of sustained growth on resources and communities."
Visitor spending trends downward during the last year.
Image from UHERO
     The UHERO forecast explains that visitation to Hawaiʻi County shot up by 13.6 percent in 2017, but dropped 2.5 percent in 2018. The visitor count is expected to recover by growing 3.3 percent in 2019, around 2.8 percent in 2020, and 1.9 percent in 2021.
     During the eruption year, visitor arrivals from the U.S. mainland to Hawaiʻi Island dropped from a 9.9 percent increase in 2017 to a .3 percent increase in 2018. The forecast is for mainland arrivals to increase 4.5 percent in 2019, followed by 2.1 percent in 2020 and 1.5 percent in 2021.
     While the number of Japanese visitor arrivals to this island grew 32.6 percent in 2017, it declined after the eruption - by 6.4 percent in 2018. Japanese visitor arrivals are expected to grow 5.3 percent in 2019, another 3.4 percent in 2020, and 1.1 percent in  2020.
     Visitors from everywhere but the U.S. mainland and Japan increased by 17.4 percent to Hawaiʻi County in 2017 and declined by 8.7 percent in 2018. The count is expected decline again by 1.6 percent in 2019, and go up by 5.1 percent in 2020 and 3.8 percent in 2021.
     The UHERO report says that statewide "visitor growth will generally trend lower than in the past, given a weak external environment, high tourism costs, and capacity constraints."
The Nature Conservancy is one of the sponsors
of the UHERO reports on the economy.
     The report states that "construction activity has pulled back a bit in most counties, although it remains at a healthy level. A pipeline of public-sector, resort, and residential projects will maintain industry activity near current levels for the next several years."
     UHERO also sent out an economic forecast update on May 3, saying "Hawaiʻi's slowdown is becoming more entrenched. Better get used to it," and "Tourism is past its peak." It pointed out that visitors are spending fewer days and that visitor spending is falling. "Job growth has largely stalled and income gains have receded. At best this represents a new normal for Hawaiʻi."
     UHERO predicts overall job growth of less than 1 percent this year and next.
     See the forecast at uhero.hawaii.edu/assets/19Q2_County_Public.pdf.
     UHERO is sponsored by U.H., Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable, banks, electric companies, Hawaiian Airlines, Matson transportation, DH Horton construction, and The Nature Conservancy.

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Join the community on Sunday to raise funds to help rebuilt the home of 
Orlando, Roxana, Yasmin, and Flor Argueta. Photo from Argueta Family
A FUNDRAISER FOR A FAMILY WHO LOST THEIR HOUSE TO A FIRE WILL BE HELD this Sunday, May 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miranda Farm, 93-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy 11, next to Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     The goal is to raise funds to help support members of  the Argueta family, who lost their newly built Ocean View home in a fire on April 23.
     The event will kick off with fresh homemade tacos, Salvadoran tamales and Mexican Tamales, and Miranda Farm's coffee. The auction of a variety of donated baked goods will begin at 2 p.m.
     Maria Miranda, former Miss Kaʻū Coffee, of Miranda Farm, is organizing the event. She told The Kaʻū Calendar: "On April 23, 2019, my family received a devastating call that our family's house in Ocean View, Hawaiʻi had been engulfed in flames. My Aunt Roxana and my Uncle Orlando had been close to completing the construction of their first home, when in an instant they were left with nothing but the debris of fallen ashes.
An officer stands down the street from the fire that raged in HOVE on April 23, 
destroying the two-story home of the Argueta Family. Photo from Argueta Family
     "Unfortunately, since the house was under construction, there was no insurance coverage for the house. Over ten years of savings was completely lost. The loss from the fire is estimated at over $125,000 of material and labor.
     "This tragedy has shaken them, but they are standing strong and are grateful that no one was harmed. They have faith in God that they will rebuild their dream home in the future. I humbly ask that if you find it in your heart to give to this wonderful family, your support would be greatly appreciated."
     Miranda said her family reported that neighbors saw someone leave the house just before it went up in flames. Anyone with clues or information regarding the possibility of arson is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
     Interested in making a dessert to donate toward the auction? Please call (808) 936-3362 or (808) 929-7572. See facebook.com/events/439773063253157/.

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HVO and Jaggar Museum, abandoned after earthquakes
and destabilization of the ground beneath them.
USGS photo
THIRTY EMPLOYEES OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES OBSERVATORY will remain in Hilo and Keaʻau for now as they plan for a new home, which could be funded through a $72.3  million disaster recovery bill coming up for a vote in Congress soon.
     The USGS scientists left their HVO headquarters on the rim of Halemaʻumaʻu, adjacent to Jaggar Museum in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, last year, when all-day earthquakes and the collapse of Kīlauea crater threatened the building. The staff set up a temporary station at University of Hawaiʻi, followed by the customs building at Hilo Harbor and a warehouse in Keaʻau. 
     According to a report in today's Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald, the HVO crew is again on the move, into the old Ironworks Building in Hilo, with part of the staff and equipment remaining in Keaʻau.
     HVO awaits the congressional funding to pay for a permanent home with a new building or renovation of an existing building, site to be determined.
     The story by Tom Callis says that "Planning for a new permanent home hinges on Congress approving a disaster recovery bill that has been stalled." Callis also reported that some of the staff may relocate to Oʻahu. The story quotes HVO chief scientist Tina Neal saying, "The Oʻahu part of the mix remains just an idea for primarily adding technical capacity. It's not the intent at all to move the HVO operations over there."

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
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
SATURDAY, MAY 18
Stained Glass Basics I, Saturday and Sunday, May 18, 25, and June 1 and 2, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko – Kumu Hula Wahineaukai Mercado with haumana (students) of Ke Ana La‘ahana Public Charter School, Saturday, May 18, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #1, Saturday, May 18, noon – 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hand-build porcelain ceramic tea bowls with Volcano artist and tea farmer Chiu Leong. Includes history of tea bowl culture and brief overview of local tea farming by Eva Lee. Focused cupping, tasting and education on Hawaii grown white teas. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser on August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series; #2 set for May 18, #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop, $25 each. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, May 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, MAY 19
Ka‘ū Little League Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Ka‘iulani Blvd., Ocean View. Lopaka Rootz and D-Tech Solutions, live. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, plus can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Park Block Watch. Gabe Morales, gcmorales2020@gmail.com, Kathi Griffeth, kathiegriffeth@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 20
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, 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

ONGOING
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

 Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.

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A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.
Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo
2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo
     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
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