Sunday, July 28, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, July 28, 2019

The inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon races to raise money to save the ʻŌhiʻa Forests drew many
runners to Volcano yesterday. See half marathon race results below, 5K results tomorrow.
Photo from Mikey Brown Photography
MIRANDA FARMS TOOK TOP KAʻŪ COFFEE at the Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Statewide Cupping Contest. Jose, Berta, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2015 Maria Miranda accepted the award on Saturday, July 28 at the annual HCA Convention, this year held on Oʻahu. Miranda Farms also took fifth statewide, while R&G Farms, owned by Gloria Camba and Rogalio Aquino, took ninth statewide.
     In the scoring for the Kaʻū Coffee Region, Miranda Farms placed first, with 84.753 for its naturally processed Yellow Caturra. R&G took second, with its fully washed Typica variety and a score of 84.213. In third for Kaʻū was H&H Farm, LLC, with its pulped natural Bourbon variety, and a score of 83.910.
Jose and Berta Miranda win top coffee for Kaʻū, with Gloria Camba (r) taking second for her R&G Coffee 
grown with Rogelio Aquino. Photo by Maria Miranda 
     The Kaʻū Coffees scored close to the statewide winners. In first statewide was Greenwell Farms, of Kona, with its fully washed Geisha beans and a score of 85.280. In second statewide was Kona Rainforest LLC, with its naturally processed Typica beans, scoring 85.177. In third was Hula Daddy, of Kona, with its naturally processed Mokka variety and a score of 84.787.
Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2015 Maria Miranda (r) at the
new Miranda Farms Coffee outlet, open to the
public on Hwy 11 near Kahuku.
Photo from Miranda Farms
     Numerous Kaʻū Coffee farms scored more than 80 points, considered the standard for highly prized specialty coffee. In addition to the winning Kaʻū entry, Miranda submitted a pulped natural Typica that scored 83.785. In addition to the second place winner in the Kaʻū category, R&G submitted a fully washed Typica for a score of 83.375. In addition to its third place win, H&H Coffee Farm LLC submitted a pulped natural Typica variety for a score of 83.815 and a pulped natural Bourbon/Typica mix for a score of 83.470.
     Kaʻū Mountain Farm, owned by Dennis Albert and managed by Ruslan Kuznetsov and Alla Kostenko, submitted a fully washed Typica that earned a score of 83.69; a pulped, natural Catuai with a score of 83.530; and a fully washed Typica, scoring 83.125. Willie and Grace Tabios submitted their Rising Sun entry of fully washed Bourbon/Typica mix to score 83.440. Leo Norberte's JN Farms submitted a fully washed Typica for a score of 83.035. FL Farm, founded by the late Fanny Lilly, submitted a fully washed Typica/Caturra for a score of 83.00.
     Silver Cloud Coffee Farm, owned by Myles Mayne, submitted a fully washed Catuai for a score of 82.880 and a fully washed Caturra/Typica for a score of 82.750. Kaʻū Valley Farms entered a pulped natural Red Bourbon for a score of 82.810. Aroma Coffee Farm, owned by Amelia Biason, submitted a fully washed mixed variety for a score of 82.690. Ed Olson's Kaʻū Coffee Mill, LLC, entered a fully washed Typica for a score of 82.560. Manuel Marques' Hokulele Coffee Co. submitted a fully washed Typica/Caturra/Catuai for a score of 82.250.
     See all the coffee entries statewide that scored 80 and over at hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/resources/Cupping/2019/Results/2019-HCA-Cupping-Results-80
Plus.pdf.

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Susan Tom as she exuberantly finished the inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon race Saturday.
Photo from Mikey Brown Photography
A FINE MIST COOLED OFF RUNNERS during the inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon in Volcano Village on Saturday, July 27. The races included a half marathon, a 5K, and two levels of keiki dash for those ten and under – who didn't want to race with the adults.
     Race Director Keely McGhee, Organizer Kelly Muragin, and Course Manager Nick Muragin, all of Hawaiʻi Island Racers, devoted their time to the new race to fill the gap left by Volcano Rain Forest Runs ending after nine years. The race also helps to raise money to help save ʻŌhiʻa Forests.
     Said Kelly Muragin, "It certainly was a grass roots race in Volcano Village, being an inaugural event. After the race, many runners approached us and said they were grateful for us bringing the 'Big Island Running ʻOhana' together in Volcano and keeping running alive there. A lot also said they will definitely return next year, the event started on time, very organized, and ended early as well. No long waits for awards, etc."
     She said Grant Matsushige contacted her to say the Kaʻū aid station "was an awesome group. They had to direct traffic BOTH ways and they did a fantastic job! Super helpful to the runners. They also went out of their way to go beyond their aid station area to sweep for cups after the event."
At the awards ceremony for the inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half
Marathon races. Photo from Mikey Brown Photography
     Said Nick Muragin, "Being that I was on the course most of the time, I can't say enough about the volunteers and the positive vibes they put out. Wouldn't pull it off without them. I saw lot of smiles all during the race. The businesses were also happy we brought so many to the town for the weekend."
     McGhee said, "The inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Runs was well received by runners and locals alike. Our group, Hawaiʻi Island Racers had a blast organizing this event and cannot wait to be back next year. We are so thankful to all of the Volcano Community, the Experience Volcano group, The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, and all of our hard working volunteers."
     Male Half Marathon Top Five Winners
     Billy Barnett, of Volcano, took first overall in the Half Marathon in 1:17:23.0. Hot on his heels was Patrick Stover in 1:19:53.4 and David Collier in 1:23:31.9. The three men are the first three placeholders for their age group, 30-39. Jacob Fansler is fourth overall, in 1:25:57.3, with Daniel Hill fifth, in 1:27:20.6. Both men are the first two placeholders in their age group, 40-49.
     Joe Fairchild, 6th overall, took fourth in the 30 – 39 group in 1:27:29.2, with Daniel Hartong, 8th overall, fifth in 1:30:31.2.
     Brian Shiro, 7th overall, took third in the 40 – 49 group, in 1:29:45.3. Joe Barcia, tenth overall, took fourth, in 1:31:57.2, David Knowles placed fifth, in 1:44:54.4.
     Ayrton Takane, age 15, is first in the 19 and under group, 13th overall, in 1:37:59.7. Parker Smith, age 14, is second, in 2:11:10.8. There were no other 19 and under entries.
On the course. Photo from Mikey Brown Photography
     The four 20-29 group saw Darian Basacdua place first, in 1:44:23.6; Nicholas Tran second, in 1:52:32.7; Dalton Heil, third, in 1:58:48.1; and Al Galiza fourth, in 2:13:45.3.
     Kentaro Aoki took first place in the 50 – 59 group, in 1:38:07.8. Shawn Mishler, in 1:41:00.0, took second; Alex Wood took third, in 1:44:41.9. Fourth went to Michael Pipta, in 1:53:02.2. John Poetzel placed fifth, in 2:02:02.8.
     The 60-69 group, one of the more crowded fields, saw Leonard Torricer place first, in 1:57:03.6. Steven Pavao, second in 2:03:14.3, was closely followed by Ken Bevis, third in 2:05:39.8. Tom Cross took fourth, in 2:11:59.8, and Christopher Rizzi took fifth, in 2:22:17.0.
     Paul Whitehouse took first in the 70+ group, in 2:40:08.4. Joe Loschiavo took second, in 2:46:24.1. They were the only entries on their group.
     Female Half Marathon Top Five Winners
     Noe Waller, formerly Noelani McMahon, a Hilo resident and firefighter for Volcano, took first overall for the women in the Half Marathon, and first for her group, 20 – 29, in 1:30:33.3. She also won last year's final Volcano Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon for females, and she improved her time by over two minutes.
     Bree Brown took second overall for women and first in her group, 30-39, in 1:31:57.8 – less than a minute and a half behind Waller. Brown, who is a well-known Hawaiʻi Island runner, broke her leg during a race last year.
     Tina Eakin, in the 40-49 group, took third overall for women, in 1:34:23.2. Jodie Rosan, 30 – 39, took fourth overll for women, in 1:44:05.3, and Jessie McCree, 30 – 39, placed fifth, in 1:44:17.9.
     No female under age 20 entered the Half Marathon.
Finishers of the inaugural Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon races. 
Photo from Mikey Brown Photography
     Nicole Lewien took second in the 20 – 29 group, in 1:49:55.5; Shelby Kuyawa third, in 1:57:45.9; Mariah Castro frouth, in 2:06:05.5, and Rachel Irving fifth, in 2:10:39.7
     Elda Carreon placed fourth for the 30 – 39 group, in 1:51:47.1. Brooke Kinsler took fifth, in 1:58:03.6.
     Second place in the 40-49 group for women was accomplished by Julia Scharwaechter, in 1:49:53.9. Third went to Tamara Hynd, in 1:51:21.1, fourth to Nina Hasler, in 2:00:34.3, and fifth to Frecia Cevallos, in 2:15:12.6.
     Brenda Camacho took first place for women in the 50 – 59 group, in 1:52:18.8. The rest of the group was almost evenly spaced, with Tawnie McDonald, second, in 1:55:58.3; Catherine Fedak, third, in 1:58:46.5; Kathy Spory fourth, in 2:01:26.0; and Teresa Hall, fifth, in 2:03:11.9.
     Age group 60-69 for females first place winner is claimed by Elizabeth Wright, in 2:09:33.4. Second went to Suzanne Paulsen, in 2:33:24.6; third to Marilyn Brown, in 2:52:16.3. Fourth place went to Kaylynne Santana, in 3:30:57.0. Toni Romp-Friesen, the 100th and final finisher of the Half Marathon overall, was fifth, in 3:30:58.9.
     Morgen Bahurinsky, in 2:54:42.4, and Wendy Minor, in 3:13:39.0, represented the over-70 female finishers.
     See top finishers of the 5K race of Volcano's new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
     The race was an event during the Experience Volcano Festival this weekend. See more on the festival in Monday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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MAUNAKEA TELESCOPE WORKERS are expected to return work. Protectors of Maunakea announced today that they would have no problem allowing people to go to work on the mountain, other than those aiming to build the Thirty Meter Telescope there.
     One of the leaders at the Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu encampment at the access road, Kaho‘okahi Kanuha, said that the Protectors wanted to be allowed one car to the summit for religious practices each week and were turned down by the state. He said that the state accepted the arrangement today. "So from here on out, those who wish to perform maintenance on the telescopes will have unobstructed access to the Mauna," said Kanuha.
     Telescope operators warned last week that they were unable to do their research and that the telescopes could be compromised without maintenance crews attending to them.

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"We have vowed to protect the remnants of our culture at whatever cost,
and the culture cannot exist without the land." -- George Helm.
Photo from Hawaiʻi News Now
HOUSE HAWAIIAN CAUCUS CHAIRMAN DANIEL HOLT asked Governor David Ige to rescind the emergency proclamation on Maunakea. A statement from the House quoted Holt:
     "The Hawaiian culture is one of aloha and respect. These values must be present in all that we do. It has become evident from the number of demonstrations across the State that the events on Mauna Kea impact all residents of Hawai‘i, whether or not they are of Native Hawaiian ancestry. 
     "When an issue of this magnitude and sensitivity arises, it demands an approach of utmost care and understanding. We ask that Governor Ige immediately rescind the proclamation of emergency in order to de-escalate the situation and to allow space for the voices of Hawai‘i's people to be heard. It is inappropriate to respond to peaceful protests with disproportionate force.
     "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono was first spoken by Kamehameha III in response to the return of Hawai‘i to its people. In times like these we need to reflect on these words and allow them to guide us in our pursuit of righteousness as stewards of Hawai‘i.
     "We urge Governor Ige to reflect on current events and move forward with empathy, respect, and righteousness. We hope to work with all parties to find a solution that is both compassionate and reasonable."

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A BILL TO REINSTATE MEDICAID FOR MARSHALL ISLANDERS and other people living in the U.S. who come from Freely Associated States, such as Republic of Palau and Federated States of Micronesia, was reintroduced last week by Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. The Covering our FAS Allies Act would reinstate Medicaid coverage under the Compacts of Free Association.
     The Compacts between the U.S. and the governments of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia, provide COFA citizens with the right to freely enter, live, and work in the United States, and prior to 1996, access certain benefits, including Medicaid. However, in 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act inadvertently excluded COFA citizens from the list of legally present non-citizens eligible to qualify for certain federal benefits. Since then, COFA citizens have been excluded from qualifying for Medicaid, denying them access to much-needed  care and leaving states like Hawaiʻi with large bills due to large populations of COFA.
     According to the Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, Douglas Domenech, at least 38,000 COFA citizens live in U.S. territories and Hawaiʻi, with 16,680 COFA citizens residing in Hawaiʻi, including numerous families in Kaʻū.
     Said Hirono, "Health care is a human right, and for far too long, COFA citizens have not had equal access to essential care and services through Medicaid. The Compacts are critical to our national security interests in the Pacific and we must uphold our end of the bargain. Thousands of COFA individuals and families live in the United States, and we have an obligation to reinstate Medicaid coverage for these allies living in Hawaiʻi and across our country."
Sen. Brian Schatz
Sen. Mazie Hirono
     Schatz said, "This bill is about the federal government taking more responsibility and ensuring access to health care for all COFA citizens. Too often, Hawaiʻi shoulders the cost of care for these residents. But at the end of the day, the U.S. government – through Medicaid – should provide coverage to all COFA citizens."
     Kathy Ko Chin, President and CEO of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, said, "This month marks the 54th anniversary of Medicaid, a program that provides cost-effective health coverage to more than 75 million people. However, hardworking COFA citizens are locked out of this important safety net when federal law inadvertently removed their eligibility. We are pleased that Senators Hirono and Schatz have introduced legislation to correct a nearly 25-year-old error, and we encourage Congress to restore Medicaid access that COFA citizens are entitled to."
     In February, during a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing to examine the state of U.S. Territories, Hirono highlighted the serious economic impact lost Medicaid eligibility has on FAS citizens.

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THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY GATHERING OF KAʻŪ HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB will be held Saturday, Aug. 17 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Everyone is invited to enjoy food, music, and history.

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
TUESDAY, JULY 30
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, July 30, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, July 31 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.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

THURSDAY, AUG. 1
Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

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

Mayor Kim & Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30p.m.Aspen Centerokaukakou.org

Registration Open: Sunflower Craft, through Monday, Aug. 5, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Registration Open: Shrink Art Keychain, through Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Stewardship at the Summit, Aug. 2, 10, 16, 24, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, AUG. 3
Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, Aug. 3, 9a.m.-2:30p.m.Volcano Art Center. Learn how to transform lanai and lawn, field, and fence into an abundant oasis of edible and multifunctional plants. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. Class size limited; register early. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Aug. 3 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, 2-4:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited; advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 4 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

ONGOING
Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.

Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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