Friday, January 11, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, January 11, 2019

Tulsi Gabbard's team running her campaign for President distributed this image today from Tulsi Now.
 Image from Tulsi Now

TULSI GABBARD IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT. The 37-year old Congresswoman made the announcement online to constituents, noting that an interview with her will be aired Saturday at 7 p.m. on CNN.
     An email to fans reads: "Earlier tonight I spoke with my friend Van Jones about the challenges we face and the future of our country. He asked me bluntly whether I'll run for president, and I told him straight: I've decided to run and will make a formal announcement next week.
     "There are many reasons I'm offering to serve you as President — to ensure every American gets the healthcare they need, to bring about comprehensive immigration reform, to make sure we have clean water and clean air for generations to come, to fix our broken criminal justice system, to end the corrupt influence of special interests in Washington, and so much more.
     "But the main reason I'm running has to do with an issue that is central to the rest — war and peace. I look forward to talking with you more about this in the coming days.
Gabbard opposes regime change and military intervention in the Middle
East, and supports many veterans groups. Photo from Gabbard's Facebook
     "When we stand together, united by our love for each other and for our country, there is no challenge we cannot overcome."
     Gabbard was born in 1981 in American Samoa. A Democrat, she served her first political position in Hawaiʻi's House of Representatives, at age 21, making her the youngest woman to be elected to a U.S. state legislature. She left the Hawaiʻi Legislature to serve from 2002 - 2004 in a medical unit of the Hawaiʻi National Guard in Iraq and later in Kuwait.
     When she returned, she took a post in 2006 as a legislative aid for U.S. Sen. Dan Akaka. She ran and joined the Honolulu City Council from 2011-2012. She has represented Hawaiʻi in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013. Gabbard is the the first Hindu and first American Samoan member of Congress.
     She served as vice president of the Democratic National Convention, until she resigned to campaign for Berrnie Sanders for President.
     She has visited the Middle East during her congressional tenure, and opposes regime change and military intervention in the politics of the region. She champions many veterans causes. Gabbard remains in the Hawaiʻi National Guard and has advanced to the rank of Major.
     In the U.S. House, Gabbard represents Kaʻū and the rest of rural Hawaiʻi. She has been here many times, in particular to meet with farmers and ranchers. She is also an advocate of regulating pesticides.
     Should Gabbard win the presidency, she would be the first female, the first American Samoan, and the first Hindu to hold the position. At 39, she would also be the youngest person to become U.S. President.
     Gabbard's father is Sen. Mike Gabbard, who serves in the Hawai`i Legislature. Her husband is photographer Abraham Williams.

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A CONGRESSIONAL BAN ON PESTICIDE CHLORPYRIFOS is an aim of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Today she announced support for legislation to re-ban the use and stockpile of the "toxic pesticide, chlorpyrifos to protect our environment and the health of our people. The dangerous pesticide has been linked to damaging and often irreversible health outcomes in workers, pregnant women, and children. In addition to numerous harmful effects on human health, the chemical also creates severe learning and memory deficits in honey bees – potentially jeopardizing a critical pollinator and the health of ecosystems in Hawai‘i and across the country."
Chlorpyrifos harms the nervous system of children and could also
damage the memory of bees, says Tulsi Gabbard.
Image from EarthJustice
     Kaʻū's two physicians in the legislature, Sen. Josh Green – now Lt. Governor – and Rep. Richard Creagan, were leaders in the effort that led Hawaiʻi to become the first state to ban the chemical.
     Gabbard explained that in March, 2017, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt reversed an existing ban on the use of chlorpyrifos that was put in place by the Obama Administration.
     A statement from Gabbard says: "On Kauaʻi, after Syngenta Hawaiʻi exposed dozens of workers to chlorpyrifos (CPY) in 2016 and 2017, Syngenta opted to pay a fine of merely $150,000 and spend $400,000 on worker protection training sessions – a small fraction of the more than $4.8 million the Environmental Protection Agency was originally seeking. Last year, Hawai‘i became the first state in the country to ban pesticides containing chlorpyrifos."
     Gabbard said today, "The people of Kaua‘i suffered the painful consequences of chlorpyrifos being used in our community, where dozens of workers were hospitalized from exposure to this dangerous pesticide. We cannot put a price tag on the health and lives of our people. The use of chlorpyrifos puts the health and well-being of our keiki, expectant mothers, field workers, agricultural communities, and our ʻaina and wai at risk. We must build on progress made in Hawai‘i and keep this toxic chemical out of our air, food, and water, and hold industrial agri-businesses accountable for endangering our people and our planet."
     The Ban Toxic Pesticides Act would ban chlorpyrifos by canceling current EPA registration and prohibiting future registration of pesticides that contain chlorpyrifos.
     Gabbard has also championed integrated pest management techniques and biocontrol solutions as alternative pathways to reduce chemical applications for controlling noxious weed and pest impacts on agriculture and the environment.

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HAWAIʻI STATE LEGISLATURE OPENS WEDNESDAY, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. The Public Access Room reminds constituents that its staff will assist the public who cannot afford to go to Honolulu to keep track of legislation, legislators, and those promoting and opposing bills.
     For those able to join in the opening day, Public Access Room will host the Legislative Reference Bureau's annual Opening Day Potluck in room 401 of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol.
     PAR gave a presentation in Ocean View last year to help the citizenry get ready for the session. PAR offers online resources to learn how laws are made in Hawai‘i and how to participate in that process, including tips and tools citizens can use to effectively communicate with lawmakers. Workshops, designed to be helpful to newcomers and seasoned advocates alike, are held annually on Hawaiʻi Island.
     PAR staff can be reached by calling 808-587-0478 or emailing par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Their website is lrbhawaii.org/par. See information on important dates coming up in the 2019 Hawaiʻi State Legislature on Dec. 29 Kaʻū News Briefs.

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SPEAK UP ABOUT HEALTH MATTERS IN KAʻŪ TOMORROW, Saturday, Jan. 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, 1 Kamani Street, in Pāhala. The public is encouraged to give opinions on Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, and health needs and health care planning for Kaʻū, during Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum.
     An overview of operations and financial condition of all facilities, including Kaʻū and Hilo hospitals will be presented. A view toward the future will also be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services, says a statement from Hawaiʻi Health Systems.
     Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."
     For more information, contact Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant at 315-7558.

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FIRST ANNUAL ACTON CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR IN PĀHALA happens Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The fair aims to inspire children to "discover their inner entrepreneur," states childrensbusinessfair.org. "The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, this one-day market gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses."
     Planned for keiki ages 7 to 18 from all over the island, the event is hosted at River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paʻauau St., Pāhala. Applications are due Friday, Jan. 25.
     The flyer for the event says, "Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across the country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. We want to encourage our youth to reach whatever goals they may have in owning their own businesses. This event gives them the experience at doing so."
     The application asks kids to think through elements of their business: What product or service do you plan to sell? What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you? How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back? How will you advertise/market your business before the fair? At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
     Up to 15 businesses will be accepted to show their business at the fair. Up to three children are allowed per business. A donation of $5 per business is required. Booths will not have electricity. Parents are not allowed to sell or promote a child's product or service, though parents of younger children may sit in the booth so long as the child is responsible for set up, customer interactions, and sales. Parents may help their child fill out the application; however, the child should do as much as possible by themselves.
     To submit an application, visit childrensbuisnessfair.org/pahala. For more details, contact Regina Walker at 400-4722 or email pahalacbf@gmail.com.
     The Pāhala event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton School of Business, Wiki Wiki Mart, KRW Enterprises, and individual donors and volunteers. "We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation," states the website. 
     Action Children's Business Fair began in Austin Texas in 2007, with seven entrepreneurs and around 25 attendees, under the guidance of Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families. The fair in Austin has since grown to over 115 entrepreneurs and over 1,500 attendees.

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HIGH SURF IS APPROACHING WEST FACING SHORES of Hawaiʻi Island. The National Weather Service has forecast a large Northwest swell to impact shores from Upolu Point to South Point. NSW states it will issue High Surf Warnings and Advisories as the swell grows closer.
     Surf is forecast to build up through Saturday along Northwest shores and peak Saturday evening through Sunday. The highest threat for coastal impacts will coincide with the high tide, which occurs 8 a.m. Sunday.
     NWS warns: Oceanfront residents and beachgoers should be on alert for high and dangerous surf. Boat owners and oceanfront residents should take action to secure their property. Closures of roads and beaches may occur without notice.

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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
Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varsity
Wrestling:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Soccer:
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Swimming:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm

NEW and UPCOMING
MAKING LEI WITH RANGERS AND HAWAI‘I PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION STAFF is the focus of the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, two-hour program on Wednesday, Jan. 23, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center Lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, starting at 10 a.m. Participation is free; however, park entrance fees apply.
     Lei making is a skill and art enjoyed in Hawai‘i for countless generations. Lei were constructed of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, feathers and even bone or teeth of various animals. See nps.gov/havo for more.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat., Jan. 12, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Fan Lamp Project, Sat. & Sun., Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Claudia McCall provides patterns to create a finished lamp or light catcher at end of 4-session workshop. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee/person. Additional $20 supply fee for lamp base and bulb. Limited space, pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222


Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day
, Sat., Jan. 12, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, 

facebook.com/namamo.kawa

Introduction to Zentangle w/Ellen O'Dunn, Sat., Jan. 12, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Supplies included, no experience necessary. Bring light refreshment to share. $30, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawai‘i Region Annual Public Mtg. and Forum, Sat., Jan. 12, 1:30-2:30pm, Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, 1 Kamani Street, Pāhala. Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant, 315-7558

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13
A Celebration of Life and Art: Honoring the Legacy of Dietrich Varez, Sun., Jan. 13, 1-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, JANUARY 14
Free STD Testing, Mon., Jan. 14, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 2nd Monday, monthly. Call for appt. on different day or time. Teenagers 14+ do not need parent/guardian consent. Always confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

TUESDAY, JANUARY 15
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - New Insights from Kīlauea's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tue., Jan. 15, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Jan. 17, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Hui ‘Ohana Parenting Education and Skills for Life Class, Thu., Jan. 17, 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Meets every Thursday. Free. Register w/ Lindsey Miller, 333-3460.

Family Reading Night, Thu., Jan. 17, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hawai‘i's White Terns - Manu-o-Ku - an Urban Seabird by Susan Scott, Book Release and Presentation, Thu., Jan. 17, 6:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Free, $5 donation suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Lamb of God Baptist Church Revival, Thu, Fri., & Sat., Jan. 17-19, 7-9pm, Ocean View Community Association. All welcome. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.

Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Overflow 2019: Uleashing Your Untapped Potential, seven days of prayer and fasting hosted by Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God's Senior Pastor Rev. Kevin T. Brown and Pastor Rick Eilerman, takes place daily at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 13, with a special presentation on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 9:45 a.m., at Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Māmalahoa Highway.
     The event features five guest speakers: Pastor Mat Torres of Zion's House of Praise, Pastor Mark Parra of The House Hilo, Pastor Troy Gacayan of River of Life Assembly of God in Pāhala, and Rev. Ken Gaub of Ken Gaub Ministries.
     Ola Shaw of Kona and special guest musician Ricky "RNB" Brown of San Jose, CA, provide music for the event.
     For more, call 929-7278 or see naalehuag.org.

Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.

Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona.
     Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
     The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes in January include Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) in Ka‘ū on Wednesdays, from Jan. 16 through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org.


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