Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Kīlauea Military Camp reminds everyone of its Christmas Day feast 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also to vote for its
best decorated holiday cottages. See more below. Photo from KMC

A NEW $21 MILLION FIELD STATION FOR HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY is approved after the successful advocacy of Sen. Mazie Hirono. The congressional funding comes in end of year spending for the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory for the new site within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.  The old site, including Jaggar Museum, was irreparable after the constant earthquakes during last year's Kilauea eruption.
     A statement from Hirono says, "The field station is instrumental for HVO to monitor changes and trends at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – both of which are classified as very-high-threat volcanoes under the National Volcano Early Warning System."
     Said the senator, "Scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory are at the front lines of monitoring, responding to, and protecting us from volcanic activity. Our state saw this first hand last year as HVO scientists worked around the clock to provide constant information about the Kīlauea eruption. This significant federal investment will support ongoing HVO monitoring at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and I will continue to advocate for federal resources to support their crucial mission."

Sen. Mazie Hirono and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Scientist-in-Charge

 Tina Neal at the Emergency Operations Center in Hilo in May 2018.

 Photo from Hirono

     Hirono is a consistent champion of HVO, its mission, and its presence on Hawaiʻi Island. In May, she secured $72.3 million in funding for HVO to rebuild its headquarters and support staff operating in temporary facilities following their displacement from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
     During his confirmation hearing in March, Hirono urged then-Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to incorporate feedback from Hawaiʻi Island residents and Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation before deciding whether to move the Observatory to Oʻahu. Following a meeting in May with Director of the USGS Director John Reilly, Hirono announced that HVO would remain anchored on Hawaiʻi Island.

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Kaʻū Voices joined rallies around the island today on what is called 

Impeachment Eve. Photo from Kaʻū Voices

KAʻŪ VOICES JOINED THE NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW IMPEACHMENT EVE RALLIES that were held around the country today. Laruie Boyle, a spokesperson for Kaʻū Voices, said there were small rallies at South Point Road and Hwy 11 and in Nāʻālehu and elsewhere around the island and the nation. "Today we rose up to tell members of Congress that they made an oath to uphold the Rule of Law--not the Party favors to the President. We must protect the future of our Democracy and our three co-equal branches of govt."

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A CANDLE IN A WINDOW LED TO TOTAL LOSS OF A HOʻOKENA HOME. Hawaiʻi Fire Department reported yesterday that Sunday's fire jumped from a candle to a window screen.

    All residents safely left the building before it became entirely engulfed. Fire Capt. Dave Stimac reported that the house was a significant distance down a narrow unpaved driveway. "Unfortunately, it was a total loss due to its proximity to the nearest Fire Station."

     Hawaiʻi Police Department and Red Cross came to the scene to help the victims.

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SUPPORT FOR A LAWSUIT AGAINST GUT AND REPLACE practices in the state legislature was filed in an amicus by The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. Originally filed by the League of Women Voters of Honolulu and Common Cause, the lawsuit was rejected in Circuit Court earlier this year, but the two public interest groups have now applied to the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court to hear the case.
     A statement from The Grassroot Institute defines gut and replace: "When the Legislature takes a bill already approved in one chamber and, without public notice, guts its content and replaces it with completely different language, leaving only its title as bearing any relationship to the originally introduced version."
     Keliʻi Akina, Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi president, said, "This makes a mockery of the democratic process and undermines the people's faith in open, accountable government."

     The Grassroot Institute's filing of the amicus brief comes on the heels of a lawsuit initiated by attorney and former University of Hawaiʻi regent Jeff Portnoy. He alleges that "the passage of a law that changed the composition of the UH Board of Regents was unconstitutional because its contents didn't receive three readings in the House and Senate as required under the Hawaiʻi Constitution. The law as introduced was about distance-learning programs, but the language was gutted and replaced," says the statement from The Grassroot Institute.
     The amicus brief in support of the League of Women Voters and Common Cause lawsuit was filed by Grassroot Scholar Robert Thomas, a director with the law firm Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert, and managing attorney of the Pacific Legal Foundation's Hawaiʻi Center. It makes three main points:
     "First, we provide the context for the legal analysis — how 'We, the People of Hawaiʻi,' appear to have lost faith in our government, in part because of things like gut-and-replace.
     "Second, how two Hawaiʻi Supreme Court decisions set out the burden of proof and provide the roadmap the circuit court should have followed here.
     "Finally, how and why the plaintiffs should be allowed to prove their case on remand [and thus] urges this court to vacate the judgment and remand the case."
     Akina noted that, "The Hawaiʻi Legislature could end 'gut and replace' on its own, by passing rules that prevent substantial changes to a bill that has passed in one house. It could also require more specific titles for bills and ensure that the public gets the opportunity to weigh in on the substance of every bill considered. 

     "However, if the Legislature won't take action, then it is up to us, 'the people,' to ask the courts to uphold transparency and protect the democratic process by putting an end to 'gut and replace.'"

     Click here to read the full amicus brief.

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WIND AND SURF ADVISORIES are in effect for east-facing portions of Kaʻū and the rest of the state through tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. The National Weather Service stated east winds 20 to 30 miles per hour, with gusts up to 50 mph, are expected for lower elevations, with the summits of Mauna Loa and Maunakea experiencing east winds of 20 to 35 mph, with gusts to 55 mph. The highest winds on Hawaiʻi Island will occur through passes and over ridges in locations which include areas near South Point, Saddle Road, Upolu Point, and the summits.

     NWS states the winds "will make driving difficult," and that motorists "should exercise caution while driving." The winds contributed to the partial rollover of a fuel tractor trailer in Kawaihae today.

     The High Surf Advisory includes expected surf heights of 5 to 8 feet along east facing shores. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents "making swimming difficult and dangerous," states NWS. Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers "should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution." Boaters should expect recreational surfers and body boarders utilizing harbor channels to access surfing areas.

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Vote for the best decorated cottages at KMC through 

the first day of 2020. Photo from KMC

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP, with voting for the best decorated cottages, a buffet on Christmas Day, and a New Year's Eve toast:

     Vote for the best cottage at KMC through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees will be Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL yesterday saw Kaʻū host the Pāhoa Junior Varsity team, and the Christian Liberty Varsity team.

     The JV game finished with the Trojans at 12, the Daggers at 27. Riley Brown of Kaʻū scored 6, Alazaeh Abellera scored 5, and Hulali Baji scored 1.

     The Varsity game ended with closer scores, with the Trojans at 33, and the Canefires at 47. Kaohinani Grace scored 12 points for Kaʻū, Jayme Kaneshiro scored 7, Grace Smith and CeAndra Silva-Kamei each scored 5, and Melinda Eder and Marilou Manantan each scored 2.

     The soccer teams and the Boys Basketball team will host Keaau tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 18.

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.

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

2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala

Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Boys Basketball

Wed., Dec. 18 host Keaʻau

Sat., Dec. 21 @St. Joseph

Sat., Dec. 28 host Kohala

Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA

Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa

Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Soccer

Wed., Dec. 18, @Keaʻau

Sat., Dec. 21 Boys host Christian Liberty, 3pm

Mon., Dec. 23 Boys host Kohala, 3pm

Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm

Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA

Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm

Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Dec. 18, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6-7p.m.,Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria. Family reading time plus make and take activities; snacks provided.

THURSDAY, DEC. 19

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Dec. 19, 4-6p.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

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Dec. 20, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Dec. 21, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree hand out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Dec. 21, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle - Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Saturday, Dec. 21, 10a.m., Volcano Art Center. Meet the artists and discover art created using the Zentangle method. Bring friends, art, and a light pupu to share. Make and take home a Zentangle Inspired ornament. Door prizes. No registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

Ka‘ū Community Cleanup, Sunday, Dec. 22. Space available. BYO-4WD also welcome. R.S.V.P. in advance to 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. wildhawaii.org

Palm Trail, Sunday, Dec. 22, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, DEC. 23

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Kapa Aloha ‘Āina, the fabric of Hawai‘i with Puakea Forester, Monday, Dec. 23, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

ONGOING

Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

     KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

     Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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