Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, September 29, 2019

Three injection wells, tagged in blue, will be deepened from 400 feet to 800 ft by Hū Honua Bioenergy, LLC, in preparation
for the biofuels electric plant to operate. Testing and another public comment period are required before it can go online. 
Eucalyptus trees grown above Pāhala and elsewhere on the island would be the biofuel.
See story below. Image from Hū Honua

TEACHERS MET THIS WEEK in Keaʻau for two "listening sessions," hosted by the state Department of Education. The department's goal, according to hsta.org, is to "gather feedback to refine and potentially recommend changes to the teacher compensation system." According to an article by Stephanie Salmons of Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald, veteran and new teachers spoke at the meeting, telling DOE representatives about their passion for teaching and the struggles that come with a career in education.

     Hawaiʻi State Teacher's Association President Corey Rosenlee said in a message to members: "Hawaiʻi teachers have long known that when you adjust for cost of living, we are the lowest paid in the nation. But too often, when it comes to salary studies, they never take Hawaiʻi's high cost of living into account. This is our opportunity to not only advocate for how we should pay educators in Hawaiʻi, but to look at the impact that low salaries have had on our students and teachers.

     "We need educators to go to these meetings to talk about the impact our salaries have on them and their students so that when the state is looking at salaries, they can take all of this into mind and adjust for these important needs.

     "Ending the teacher shortage crisis in Hawaiʻi would have a direct impact on our students. Our estimate is that 60,000 students go to school every day and don't have a qualified teacher. And salaries are a huge component of making sure that we have enough teachers in Hawaiʻi." He said the public, legislature, and DOE need to hear from them "what is a fair compensation package. And if we don't show up, and don't make our voices heard, then we've seen in the past that they ignore our concerns, and produce studies that are ineffective in addressing the teacher shortage crisis."

     In a recent study, WalletHub reported Hawaiʻi ranks third worst, 49th out of 51, for teachers in the U.S. Adjusted for cost of living, Hawaiʻi has the worst average salary and the 41st worst starting salary. Income Growth Potential for Hawaiʻi teachers is the 44th worst. Hawaiʻi's public school system ranks 36th of 51, and 31st in pupil-teacher ratio and in how salary increases over ten years. However, the Aloha State is 16th highest is spending on public school education per student. Read the whole report at wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159/.

Hawaiʻi State Teacher's Association President Corey Rosenlee

     Hawaiʻi Public Schools' website states, for the 2018-19 school year, teachers with a Bachelors degree started with salaries as low  as $35,962, while teachers with a PhD or EdD started as low as $61,094. Those with teaching experience started at higher salaries. All teachers receive a 3.5 percent raise from 1st quarter to 2nd quarter.

     Aaron Kubo, vice president of HSTA's Hilo Chapter and a teacher at Hilo Intermediate School, said that many teachers need more than one job to make ends meet, Salmons reported.

     Eric Hagiwara, a math, programming, and robotics teacher at Waiakea High School, has taught for 31 years. He told Salmons, that he tells his students "not to become a teacher" because it would be "totally irresponsible" to recommend a profession where, after getting a four or six-year degree, they would still have to work two jobs.

     Keaʻau Elementary School Principal Janice Blaber told the Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald that she always wanted to be a teacher, but her mother was disappointed because teachers don't make money. When her own daughter announced she wanted to become a teacher, "… I ran to her and I hugged her and I said, 'Oh my gosh! You can live with me! And I'll cook you dinner every night,' because I know how hard it is, because I see teachers that I work with." Blaber also said that a school reflects the community that surrounds it, and one of her biggest concerns is "how are we supporting our communities to also support the schools, on top of ensuring that teachers get paid the professional salaries that they deserve? Because if the community is not behind the school, then the school will not be as successful as it can be, and what happens is trauma and stress affect the school. And we keep asking more and more from schools, when the reality is we need social supports in the community to support everything that happens around a school."

The Kaʻū High School Class of 2019 depended on their teachers to help guide
them to graduation. Photo from Kaʻū High

     Other teachers who spoke during the meeting said that not only are salaries not enough, but that housing is an issue.

     Wendy Nickl, a Kohala Middle School teacher and registrar who does curriculum coordination at the school as well, drove from Kohala to attend Thursday's listening session, reported Salmons. An educator for 32 years, Nickl loves teaching, she said, but has to have a second job. She said, reported Salmons, that she's concerned for those who are just starting. "We need to take care of our teachers. They're going to burn out."

     After the meeting, Nickl told Salmons that these "listening sessions" are a positive start, that she hopes DOE and the state Board of Education "seriously listen" to the findings, "because all of the people standing were professionals who give their heart and souls to education, and they're the ones in the trenches every day working with our keiki, and they know what they're talking about."

     Said Kubo, "We know there's no magic bullet that's going to cure all of it, but we need to start somewhere, and this listening session is a good start. We just have to make sure we have follow-up sessions to make sure that we incrementally, on both sides… all have some input or say in to how this will move forward," reported Salmons.

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ST. JUDE'S OKTOBERFEST celebration will be held on Friday, Oct. 4 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church at 92-8606 Paradise Circle in Ocean View. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6 p.m. Live music by the Last Fling Band. Dinner includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, boiled potatoes, drinks, and dessert. Tickets are $8 per person, $15 for two, or $20 per family. Purchase tickets at Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. or from Thom White, Beverly Nelson, or Cordelia Burt. Leave a message at 808-939-7555 with questions.

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KĪLAUEA ERUPTION SPEAKOUTS will be held Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School cafeteria. Input from these SpeakOut events will help guide recovery strategies for the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

     The Oct. 4 Youth SpeakOut is scheduled from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will include a student panel addressing the topic of resilient recovery, STEM activities, and a light dinner. Students, their ‘ohana, and school faculty are welcome to attend.

Helping Puna recover from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption is a focus of the SpeakOuts, but so are recovery efforts for businesses
and residents in other island areas, like Kaʻū, affected by the eruption. USGS photo

    The October 5 SpeakOut is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is organized for the general public. Hawaiʻi Island residents can drop in at any time. This event focuses on Phase III of Kīlauea eruption recovery: identifying strategies and actions. The Hawaiʻi County recovery team will provide a report back about ongoing engagement efforts and interactive activities related to recovery strategies and decision making.

     Diane Ley, County Research and Development Director, said, "The recovery process is at the point where some hard choices need to be made. We want the public to understand potential strategies and tradeoffs, so the County can make informed decisions that meet the needs of the community."

     County staff and consultants are developing a Recovery Strategic Plan. The plan is expected to be available around the end of the year and will include ways the County can support the community post-eruption and mitigate future risks.

     To stay informed on recovery efforts, visit recovery.hawaiiCounty.gov, and sign up for notifications.

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HŪ HONUA BIOENERGY, LLC, WILL DRILL DEEPER INJECTION WELLS thanks to an approval by Hawai‘i Department of Health for a new Underground Injection Control application. The energy plant near Pepeʻekeo – which has already harvested some eucalyptus trees from above Pāhala, to burn to generate energy – proposes to use saline water for condenser cooling instead of fresh water from a close-by aquifer. The saline water will be extracted from three deepened onsite supply wells, being drilled from 400 feet deep to 800 ft. The proposed change to saline cooling water "lessens the potential for fresh water aquifer contamination and is expected to lower the temperature of the condenser cooling water being discharged into the environment," states DOH.

     Public comment on the energy plant will be opened after the injection wells are deepened and tested, groundwater effects are evaluated, and the refined groundwater model and ocean monitoring station results are validated and recalibrated. After injection testing, the injection wells will be capped or secured to prevent their use until a permit to operate the injection wells is issued, which will not be issued until DOH is satisfied with the results of all testing. No decision will be made on whether or not to grant a permit to operate until the comment period ends.

     Read the revision application at health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/files/2019/09/20190806-HonuaBioAppl-v9.pdf, request a copy via email at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov, fax the request to (808)586-4351, call (808) 586-4258, or mail to Safe Drinking Water Branch; UIC Program; Uluakupu Building 4; 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110; Pearl City, HI, 96782-1400. Updates and revisions to the application, and the opening of the comment period, will be posted at health.hawaii.gov/sdwb/public-notices/. All comments must be transmitted in writing to Ms. Joanna L. Seto, P.E., of the SDWB at the email address or street address above. DOH will also consider whether to hold an additional public meeting.

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TICKETS FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HAWAIʻI ISLAND'S SECOND ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA are on sale. Saturday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. on the luʻau grounds at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. Habitat has helped families become homeowners in Ocean View and worked on homes for disabled persons there. The funds raised will help Habitat build more affordable homes and help with Puna Recovery efforts. Last year, Habitat's fundraising gala sold out and over $35,000 was raised to help with their programs and services.

     At this year's gala, attendees will have an opportunity to bid on some fabulous silent auction items, take a memorable photo at the photo booth, and enjoy a delicious dinner buffet, reads the announcement. Leiola Augustine, a Habitat Board member and Gala Chairperson, said, "Come and join us for a fun evening. We need the support from local businesses as well as individual donors to help us create an island where everyone has a decent place to live."

     Individual tickets, tables of ten, and other sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Margo Takata, Community Relations Manager at margo@habitathawaiiisland.org or (808)331-8010, ext. 106. See habitathawaiiisland.org/2nd-annual-fundraising-gala.html.

     Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global, non-profit housing ministry. Habitat works with families in need build a safe and affordable place that they can call home. The group is volunteer driven, and relies on donation to help our partner families. To make a monetary donation, visit habitathawaiiisland.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.

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 Fall Athletics Schedule

See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:

Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū

Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship

Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals

Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:

Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa

Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū

Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui

Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū

Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau

Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau

Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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.

See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

TUESDAY, OCT. 1

E māka‘ika‘i iā Ka‘auea: Explore the Summit, daily (beginning Oct. 1), 11-11:45a.m., in front of Kīlauea Visitor Center. New ranger guided walk exploring geologic features of Kīlauea and their deep connections to Hawaiian history and culture. All ages. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Oct. 1 (Committees), Wednesday, Oct. 2 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2

Hula Voices with Practitioner Randy Lee, Wednesday, Oct. 2 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 3

Grand Opening of the Temporary Nā‘ālehu Library Location at the Nā‘ālehu State Office, Thursday, Oct. 3, 10a.m.. Popcorn, lemonade, and fines forgiveness offered in celebration. Library hours normal, except closed during Hawai‘i County Council Committee and Council meetings, first and third Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly. 939-2442, librarieshawaii.org

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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 4

31st Trash Show, Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 4-25, 10a.m.-4p.m., East Hawai‘i Cultural Center. Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30-7p.m. Started in 1988 by Volcano Village artist Ira Ono, the show exhibits works of art made from trash, such as debris from Ka‘ū beaches. $15 general admission, $12 seniors and children. No pre-sale; tickets sold at door 961-5711, ehcc.org

Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 4, doors open 5:30p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Boiled Potatoes, Drinks and Dessert. Live music by Last Fling Band. Tickets at door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 5

Fabulous Fabric Fun, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lisa Louise Adams teaches fabric print design, bamboo stamping style. Irene Tye teaches Yo-Yo quilt making and easy ways to cut fabric. Catherine Wynne teaches how to make Japanese-style gift bags. Glorianne Garza teaches Stitch Meditation. $75/person, all materials included. No machines needed. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Paths and Trails, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo/

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Oct. 5, 10a.m.-2p.m., Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Oct. 5 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 5, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Plated German Sausage Dinner Special - Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German Potato Salad, Salad Bar, Ice Cream Bar, and Fountain Drink. $13.95/person. Lava Lounge to serve variety of German Beers, not included. Open to all eligible patrons, has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 6

People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo/

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 6 – 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

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.

     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.

     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.

     The meeting will be held in Honokaʻa on Monday, Sept. 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the NHERC Main Conference Room; Pāhoa, Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhoa High School Cafeteria; and Volcano Village, Monday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Cooper Center. Other SpeakOut events in Kona, Kealakekua, and Waikaloa dates and times are still to be announced.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Kona on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers. In Hilo, on Saturday, Oct. 12, workshops on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economics from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m and on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging.
     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

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