Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Kaʻū High Trojans' soccer team showed improvements today, hosting big school Konawaena.
Displaying skills throughout the game, Trojans created the opportunity for several shots on
goal, with one going just wide. See more sports, below. Photo by David Berry
THE 2019 HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE OPENED TODAY at the Capitol in Honolulu. Outside the building, native Hawaiians held an event celebrating local culture and preservation of lands. Many students who came to the Capitol pounded poi.
     Inside the Capitol, Hawaiian musician Henry Kapono opened ceremonies for the House of Representatives, which is comprised of five Republicans and 46 Democrats. Former Kauaʻi Mayor Bernard Carvalho opened ceremonies for the Senate, comprised of one Republican and 24 Democrats.
     Senate President Ron Kouchi, of Kauaʻi reviewed top issues, offering support for bringing the minimum wage to as high as $15 an hour, better public education, affordable housing, and reducing homelessness. As the first medical marijuana dispensary on this island, Big Island Grown, opened today in Hilo, Kouchi said legalization of recreational marijuana will be considered but he is concerned that it remains illegal on the federal level.
     Kouchi supported funding for recovery from the lava events on Hawaiʻi Island and flooding on Kauaʻi, saying, "We are not going to be strong if each one of our counties aren't strong."
Contact Sen. Russell Ruderman at
senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov
Contact Sen. Dru Kanuha at
senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov
     Representing East Kaʻū, from Honuʻapo through Volcano, are Rep. Richard Onishi and Sen. Russell Ruderman. Representing West Kaʻū, from Honuʻapo into South Kona, are Rep. Richard Creagan and Sen. Dru Kanuha.
     Kanuha vice-chairs Housing and serves on Education, Government Operations, and Ways & Means Committees.
     Kanuha can be reached at 808-586-9391 and senkanuha@capitol.hawaii.gov.
     Sen. Russell Ruderman chairs Human Services, vice-chairs Commerce, Agriculture, and Environment, and serves on Consumer Protection and Health Committees.
     Ruderman can be reached at 808-586-6890 and senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov. 
     Rep. Richard Creagan chairs Agriculture and serves on Judiciary and Tourism & International Affairs Committees.
Contact Rep. Richard Creagan at
repcreagan@capitol.hawaii.gov
Contact Rep. Richard Onishi at
reponishi@capitol.hawaii.gov
     Creagan can be reached at 808-586-9605 and repcreagan@Capitol.hawaii.gov.
     Rep. Richard Onishi chairs Tourism & International Affairs and serves on Agriculture and Consumer Protection & Commerce Committees.
     Onishi can be reached at 808-586-6121 and reponishi@Capitol.hawaii.gov.
     The Legislative Reference Bureau offers help for citizens to submit testimony, create bills, and follow proposed legislation through the legislature. See lrbhawaii.org/par.

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Hawaiʻi State Capitol, where the 2019 Hawaiʻi Legislature opened today and Gov. David Ige announced more
appointments to his cabinet. Photo from Hawaiʻi House of Representatives
SCOTT ENRIGHT, WELL KNOWN TO KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMERS AND RANCHERS, is leaving his post as head of the state Department of Agriculture. Enright was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie and assumed the position on Jan. 1, 2014, with a reappointment from Gov. David Ige. Enright also served as President of the National Association of Departments of Agriculture.
Scott Enright leaves his post
as chair of the state Board of
Agriculture and head of the
state Department of Ag.
Photo from DOA
     Prior to leading the state Department of Agriculture, Enright worked for the Hawaiʻi Sustainable Agriculture and Renewable Energy Project, ITC Water Management, Hamakua Sugar, and Kīlauea Agronomics. He also served as Chair of Agribusiness Development Corp., which worked on developing irrigation water from old sugar plantation tunnels in Kaʻū. He served on the Hamakua District's Community Development Plan Steering Committee. He is a graduate of University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo.
     Gov. David Ige announced today the appointment Denise Albano to chair Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. She will be the new executive in charge of the state Department of Agriculture.
     "Albano has served as the Department of Agriculture's water director since 2016, creating and improving water systems across state water agencies, using a collaborative approach to water usage in Hawai‘i," said a statement from the governor.
     Albano was president and co-founder of Feed the Hunger Foundation in San Francisco, California, where she created, developed, and oversaw a public foundation that provides loans and grants to organizations internationally as well as domestically – in California and Hawai‘i.
     Albano also served as president at The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i, where she managed the Capital Campaign; executive director of the YMCA, Richmond district, San Francisco; executive director Project YES/Youth Uprising in Oakland, California; family 
Denise Albano is the new chief of
the state Department of Agriculture.
support senior program officer for the San Francisco Children and Families Commission.
     Ige remarked, "Denise has extensive executive management experience in both government and nonprofits. Her expertise in strategic growth and leadership, program development and collaborative partnerships, will serve the Department of Agriculture well."
     Albano said, "I'm very excited by this opportunity to join the dedicated employees of the Department of Agriculture to support their efforts and the desire of the governor and his administration to continue to vitalize an industry that is so important to the community of Hawai‘i."
     Ige reappointed Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser as deputy to the chairperson, a position she has held since 2015. Shimabukuro-Geiser is a long-time agriculture advocate who was previously employed at Mikilua Poultry Farm, Inc. in Waianae, having served as vice president and administrative and fiscal assistant. She was also vice president at Associated Producers Corp. in Honolulu.
     Said Shimabukuro-Geiser, "It has been an honor and privilege to serve in Gov. Ige's administration these past four years. I thank him for this opportunity to continue serving our hard-working farmers, ranchers and nursery growers who are so committed to the success of agriculture in Hawaiʻi."

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CONFIRMATION OF WILLIAM BARR FOR U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL drew concern from Sen. Mazie Hirono, who questioned him before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. She specifically asked him about his views on immigrants and protecting the President from prosecution.
Sen. Mazie Hiorno questions legal experts and U.S. Attorney General
nominee William Barr about voting rights, and protecting the 
President from prosecution. Photo from CSPAN
     Hirono sent out a statement today: "We know President Trump was furious with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the Robert Mueller investigation into the Trump campaign's actions and Russian interference in the 2016 election – so much so that he requested Sessions' resignation the day after the November general election last year.
     "Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee began its confirmation hearings for Trump's potential new attorney general, William Barr. What worries me is, will Trump expect Barr to pledge loyalty to him and undermine the Mueller investigation, like he expected Sessions to do?
     "I grilled Barr on his history of criticizing the Mueller investigation – including a lengthy memo he wrote and then discussed with the president before his nomination – because under this chaotic administration, we must ensure that the next attorney general is independent of the executive and is loyal to the rule of law, not the man sitting in the White House.
Trump Attorney General appointee William Barr in front
of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Photo from CSPAN
     "I was direct with Mr. Barr that I want a very clear commitment from him that he will not interfere with Mueller's search for truth in any way, shape, or form.
     "Yet he refused to commit to recuse himself from the investigation, despite ethics officials' recommendation that he do so, or ensure that the Mueller report will be fully made public once it's completed.
     "This is a critical moment in our country's history, and personally, I'm not convinced that Barr will put the rule of law before Trump's wishes.
     "That's why it's imperative that no matter what happens with Barr's confirmation, we pass legislation to formally protect Special Counsel Robert Mueller from any potential interference from Trump or his administration, and ensure Congress and the public see Mueller's full report."
     Hirono asked constituents to "Sign your name in support if you agree."

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A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF THE PĀHALA TRANSFER STATION, where people take their recyclables and other trash, will be Monday, Jan. 28, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center, 
     The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division invites the Pāhala community and users of the Pāhala Transfer Station to attend an informational meeting. The Solid Waste Division will join community members to discuss operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule.
     "We welcome any input and participation from the community and users of this facility," said a statement from the county.

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Kaʻū Trojans hosted a school with a long soccer tradition today
 at the Pāhala field. Photo by David Berry
KAʻŪ TROJANS SPORTS REPORT:
     Girls basketball players fought hard against a big school during a set of games on Monday against Kealakehe. JV Trojans ladies scored 29 points against their guests, who won the game at 40. The varsity team took the game even closer, with Kaʻū scoring 39 points, Kealakehe 44.
     The Kaʻū Trojans Boys Soccer team played Konawaena at home today. The Trojans showed a competitiveness the entire game against the school with a long soccer tradition. Kaʻū developed opportunities for shots on goal, with one landing just wide.       
     Final score was Konawaena 7, Kaʻū 0.
     Winter sports continue through February; see schedule, below.

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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. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Div. II Finals
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo6pm
Jan. 23, Wed., @Laupāhoehoe, 6pm, Varsity
Jan. 28, Mon. host Kanu, 6pm, Varsity
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Wrestling:
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Jan. 26, Sat., @HPA
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Soccer:
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
Jan. 28, Mon., Boys BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Swimming:
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 25, Fri., BIIF Trials @KCAC, 3:30pm
Jan. 26, Sat., BIIF Finals @KCAC, 1pm

NEW and UPCOMING
JOIN ARTISTS MARY MILELZCIK FOR MIXED MEDIA ENCAUSTIC, a hands-on workshop for beginners and intermediate students, on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
Mixed Media Encaustic workshop takes place Jan. 26 in Volcano Village.
See story for details. Image from volcanoartcenter.org
     Encaustic is a mixture of beeswax, damar resin, and pigment, which is applied to a solid, absorbent surface. Each time a new layer is applied, it must be fused. The layers can be enhanced by carving with tools or drawing with pigment, oil sticks, or other media. Photographs can be transferred and other materials embedded to create translucent layers, producing a variety of results.
     Participants will learn safe studio practices for encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. Various techniques will be demonstrated, and a variety of substrates including panels and paper will be available. After instruction and experimenting, students will have the opportunity to create an encaustic on a panel, and an encaustic on fine art paper.
     Milelzcik provides an assortment marking tools and brushes, interesting papers, photographs, minerals, fibers, and other natural and found materials for students to incorporate into their paintings. Students are encouraged to bring additional items to use.
     Class fee is $55 per Volcano Art Center member and $60 per non-member, plus a $25 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
     Milelzcik has a B.A. degree from Sonoma State University's School of Expressive Arts, a radical two-year upper division interdisciplinary experimental program that existed for several years in the 70's. "This transformative educational experience set the path for an interesting career as a mixed media artist and photographer; as the Curator at Highways Performance Space and Gallery in Santa Monica, California; and teaching experimental mixed media art and printmaking. Photography is an important tool in her creative and documentary projects as well as for capturing images to use as a base for mixed media encaustic paintings and prints. She also gathers pigments and organic materials to incorporate into her work," states the event description on volcanoartcenter.org.
     Milelzcik's artwork has been shown internationally. In her spare time, she provides strategic consultation and grant writing for small to medium sized nonprofits in Hawai‘i and California. She has a studio in Pāhoa and specializes in mixed media art and printmaking.

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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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up at Kamilo, Sat., Jan. 19, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ocean View Community Association Annual Members Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Jan. 19, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

MONDAY, JANUARY 21
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 21, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 22 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 23, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Jan. 22, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com


The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tue., Jan. 22, 4-7pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Nancy DeLucrezia shows how to transfer a photo onto watercolor paper and introduces basic techniques. Participants enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes store in Hilo. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee/person. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

WILL BE CANCELLED IF GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN PERSISTS: After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - What Happened at the Summit of Kīlauea in 2018?, Tue., Jan. 22, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS geophysicist Kyle Anderson presents. Free; donations accepted. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23

Lei - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work, Wed., Jan. 23, 10-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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

Applications for the first annual Acton Children's Business Fair in Pāhala are open through Friday, Jan. 25. The fair, on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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.
     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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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