Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Kaʻū cowgirls and recent high school graduates Lorilee Lorenzo and Kianie Medeiros in the Wahine Mugging at

last weekend's Fourth of July Rodeo, sponsored by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association.

See more photos and the results and sponsors, below. Photo by Chuck McKeand

THE VETO OF A BILL TO PREVENT SEIZING AND SELLING ASSETS from people arrested but not convicted of a crime, drew quick response today from Rep. Joy A. San Buenaventura, who represents Puna. Buenaventura introduced House Bill 748 into the state House of Representatives. She said, "I am very disappointed in this veto as are so many people and organizations fighting to protect the rights and property of our residents. This bill would have required a criminal conviction before law enforcement could forfeit property, and any forfeiture revenue would be directed into the state's general fund, not into police and prosecutor's office budgets, which is a clear conflict of interest.
     "With the recent corruption convictions we have seen in Hawai‘i, lawmakers must work hard to ensure residents that their public officials follow clear ethical guidelines when doing their jobs. If signed, this bill would have helped to show that people really are treated equally and fairly in Hawai‘i."

Bull aims for rodeo photographer Chuck McKeand. Photo by Julia Neal

     The governor gave his rationale for vetoing the bill: it is an "effective and critical law enforcement tool." He does not want misdemeanor crimes that "negatively impact our society, natural resources, and environment" removed from eligibility from civil asset forfeiture. Ige also remarked that safeguards already in place are sufficient to "prevent the abuses cited in the bill."

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Wahine Mugging winners Macy Loando and Shannon
 Benevides show their buckles with a rodeo sponsor,
 Nancy Cabral. Photo by Julia Neal

GOV. DAVID IGE TODAY VETOED 18 BILLS THAT PASSED THE 2019 HAWAI‘I LEGISLATURE. Two additional bills will become law without Ige's signature. Senate Bill 551 will allow condominium associations to conduct non-judicial foreclosures. SB33 will raise the ceiling on tax credits for the film industry. The governor vetoed the following:

     SB1292, would have required booking platforms like AirBnB, Expedia, and Booking.com to collect Transient Accommodations Taxes and General Excise Taxes, and remit them to the state, instead of relying on the property owners to pay the state.

     SB1353 would have allowed hemp to be legally cultivated to manufacture such products as clothing, rope, and other items.

     House Bill 290 would have allowed transport of medical marijuana between islands by individuals with licenses for their personal use.

     HB1276 would have established, in the public school system, more learning time for students and more prep time for teachers.

     HB748 would have prohibited civil asset forfeiture only after felony convictions – see story, above.

     SB1459 would have set up a commission to help boost Hawaiʻi's native sport of surfing in Hawaiʻi and worldwide.

     SB301 would have changed how Real Estate Investment Taxes are collected, in order for the state to collect much more revenue from those investors who escape paying much of the taxes on their earnings here.

     HB407 would have changed how the Board of Education can terminate a Dept. of Education complex area superintendent.

Winners and sponsors: Kevin Medeiros and Kelly Medeiros show off their winning buckles for the Open Dally
competition. To their right are Century Team Roping buckle winners Wayne Miranda and Mac Castillo from
Miranda Store, a sponsor of the rodeo, along with CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union and many others.
Photo by Julia Neal

     HB1032 would have established a state boating facility at Manele Small Boat Harbor on Lanaʻi.

     HB1133 would have limited commercial use permits for Molokini Shoal marine life conservation district.

     SB1423 would have created a 24/7 criminal bail system.

     SB1530 would have changed source of funding for Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority staff.

     HB629 would have change procedure for prisoners to apply for medical release.

     SB92 would have changed access to police reports after criminal and civil proceedings conclude.

     HB702 would have prevented selling GPS information without property owners' permission.

     HB323 would have allowed civilians to register certain former, classic military vehicles and allow them to be operated on public roadways.

Makayla Awa and Kevin Hill take home buckles for Kane-Wahine Dally.
Photo by Julia Neal

     SB1405 would have required educators to confiscate electronic smoking devices from minors under 21.

     Ige said the veto of HB655, naming September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, will be corrected by executive order for 2019, and be reintroduced in the legislature in 2020.

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HAWAIʻI IS LAUDED AS A LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY STORAGE. During today's hearing of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, Sen. Mazie Hirono highlighted Hawaiʻi's ongoing efforts toward "finding ways to cut pollution and use high amounts of renewable power."
     She stated that renewable power is at 27 percent statewide, and that Hawaiian Electric is pursuing six new combined solar and storage projects in the islands, enough to serve 105,000 homes.
     Said Hirono, "I think we need a similar focus nationwide. S. 1593, the Promoting Grid Storage Act of 2019… will provide over $1 billion over five years to accelerate the research, development, and demonstration of energy storage technologies, while helping organizations or communities design and develop energy storage systems to meet their needs."

Opening of the Fourth of July Rodeo in Nāʻālehu with the flags of Hawaiʻi and the U.S.A. 

     Hirono specifically noted the success of the Lawai Solar Energy Plus Storage Facility on Kauaʻi, currently the largest solar generation plus storage project in the world.
     Hirono is also a cosponsor of S. 1142, the Energy Storage Tax Incentive and Deployment Act of 2019, which would provide a 30 percent federal tax credit for the purchase of energy storage systems. She also helped introduce S.1288, the Clean Energy for America Act. The bill would reform the federal tax code to help support a low-carbon economy.

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THE NĀʻĀLEHU FOURTH OF JULY RODEO FINAL RESULTS ARE RELEASED by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association:

     All Around Cowboy is Bronson Branco, the event sponsored by B&E Propane.

     Open Dally winners are Kelvin Mederios and Kelly Mederios, the event sponsored by Miranda Country Store.

     Kane-Wahine Dally winners are Kevin Hill and Makayla Awa, the event sponsored by The Pet Hospital and Aiona Car Sales.

     Century Team Roping winners are Wayne Miranda and Mac Castillo, the event sponsored by C&F Trucking.

All Around Cowboy Bronson Branco, holding his infant, with Trysin Kailawa,
who joined him to win Ranch Mugging. Photo by Julia Neal

     Ranch Mugging winners are Chris Awa, Bronson Branco, and Trisyn Kalawaia, the event sponsored by the Wroblewski ʻOhana.

     Double Mugging winners are Bronson Branco and Kevin Hill, the event sponsored by Moana Wroblewski and Mona Wroblewski.

     Kane Wahine Ribbon Mugging winners are Bronson Branco and Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Four K Ranch.

     Wahine Mugging winners are Shannon Benevides and Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Aikane Plantaion and Kaʻū Andrade Contracting.

     Rescue Race first place goes to Bronson Branco and Makayla Awa, the event sponsored by Kaiser Motorcycles.

     Poʻo Wai U first place goes to Bronson Branco, the event sponsored by Punaluʻu Bakeshop.

     Tie Down winner is Trisyn Kalawaia, the event sponsored by Paradise Massage.

     Wahine Breakaway winner is Macey Loando, the event sponsored by Waimea Hill Country & Tack.

     Youth Barrels winner is KyleeAnn Holland, the event sponsored by MJ Ranch.

The lasso comes up quickly as the calf bolts from the shoot. 

Photo by Manu Yanha

     Dummy Roping, 4 and under, winner is Trevor Ching, the event sponsored by Zira Wroblewski.

     Dummy Roping 5 to 8 winner is Ryder Tavares, the event sponsored by Zir-Rae Wroblewski.

     Goat Undecorating, 4 and Under winner is Paisley Mastumoto, the event sponsored by Patrick "Buddy" Kailiawa.

     Goat Undecorating, 5 to 8, winner is Blais Hill, the event sponsored by Pāhala Pops.
     Calf Riding winner is Keegan Malicki, the event sponsored by Malicki Ranch.

     The bulls from South Point Buckers once again won over all the humans who attempted to ride them. The event sponsor was Day Lum Rentals. An overall sponsor is CU Hawaiʻi Federal Credit Union.

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Bull rider underfoot, as a South Point Bucker wins the event for the bulls. Photo by Julia Neal

SUPPORTING HAWAIʻI WOMEN FARMERS AND RANCHERS is the focus of the Health and Safety Initiative. Created by Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council, its purpose is to encourage networking, provide resources and information, and empower women who ranch and farm in Hawaiʻi, issuing information "that can better your business and self, sustaining women agriculture enterprises for the long term."

     The Initiative Facebook reads, "We are hoping to connect folks and are excited to see friendships form between women who understand the intricacies of being a farmer. If you know a woman farmer, feel free to invite them to join this page and connect." #farmher

     For more information, contact Oʻahu Resource Conservation and Development (808) 622-9026.

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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
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

WEDNESDAY, JULY  10

Kui Kalo Demonstration, Wednesday, July 10, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā shares knowledge of kalo and making poi. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, July 11, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Laysan Albatross (Mōlī) and Other Native Seabirds: Their Significance in Hawaiian Culture, Thursday, July 11, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. Short documentary showing, book signing, and presentation by Kumu Sabra Kauka and Hob Osterlund, award-winning writer, photographer, and conservationist. Free; $5 donation to VAC suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, JULY 12

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, July 12, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, July 12, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JULY  13

Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, July 12-28, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, July 13, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, July 13, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Writing from the Heart with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Saturday, July 13, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org, franceskaihwawang.com

38th Annual Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival at Kahuku Unit, Saturday, July 13, 10a.m.-3p.m. Free. Live music, hula, and hands-on Hawaiian cultural activities and demonstrations. Food available for purchase. Visitors welcome to bring picnic lunch. nps.gov/havo

Soul Town Band performance, Saturday, July 13, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. $5 cover charge. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JULY 14

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, July 14 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JULY 15

Monday Movie Night: Fire & Sand (Local Documentary), Monday, July 15, 7p.m., $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, JULY 16

The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, July 16, 4-7p.m, Volcano Art Center. 

$30/VAC member, $35/non-member, $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park -Texas Rancher and Painter Alice Leese, HVNP July Artist in Residence, Tuesday, July 16, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. While in the park, Leese – who works her family’s 100-year-old ranch – will feel the volcanic panoramas, plants, and animals, then share her artistic interpretations with the public. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

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

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through Friday, July 12. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.

     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

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

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.org, kaucoffeemill.com

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