Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant 2018, held for the first time at Kaʻū District Gym. The pageant is looking for young wahine, 
age three to 24, to enter the annual scholarship pageant. See details, below. Photo by Julia Neal
THE CHALLENGE OF GARBAGE, and how to fund and organize recycling and disposal, was the subject of a meeting last evening at Pāhala Community Center. County representatives focused on dropping the number of days open from four to three per week at Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station. Hours would remain from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
     Greg Goodale, Solid Waste Division Chief, said the county wants the community to help choose which day to close it. Several attendees suggested Sunday, saying Saturday is a popular day for home projects and yard work, with much use of the transfer station. They also asked for an explanation for reducing the number of days open.
     Goodale said it is a matter of tonnage. Other communities with about the same tonnage produced in Pāhala are open three days a week. Adding a fourth day for Pāhala was a recent addition, under the mayorship of Billy Kenoi. The county needs to cut costs and one way is to reduce the days that Pāhala is open, said Goodale. He also noted that Waiʻōhinu Transfer station, about 14 miles from Pāhala, is open seven days a week, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many Hawaiʻi county residents drive farther to dispose their garbage.

Pāhala Recycling & Transfer Station will be open three instead of four days a week. The county wants to
known which day should it be closed? Photo from County of Hawaiʻi Solid Waste Division
     The Soild Waste Chief also spoke about planned improvements to Waiʻōhinu Recycling & Transfer Station, which could create more services and opportunities. He said that once improvements are complete, commercial disposal would be available for businesses, construction, and institutions with food service. The nearest commercial disposal place is the one drive to the East Hawai`i Sort Station in Hilo or the five hour round trip drive to Puʻuanahulu Landfill, near Waikoloa.
     The distance makes it difficult for businesses in Kaʻū to comply and for the county to charge for commercial disposal of garbage in Kaʻū. With an improved Waiʻōhinu facility, the county would be able to charge commercial users to help offset the transfer station costs.
     When asked whether there is any way to create income from the transfer stations, Goodale said the reuse center at Waiʻōhinu transfer station helps offset discarded items going into the landfill, but the venture is not profitable to the county. He said green waste mulching might be another opportunity at Waiʻōhinu. In addition, perhaps commercial garbage collection operations could be developed by private citizens in Kaʻū, once there is a centralized commercial disposal place in Waiʻōhinu.
     Also being improved, said Goodale, is the design of garbage chutes, to make them easier to use. Eventually the Pahala station would more closely resemble the one at Volcano. Pāhala resident Eddie Andrade said he would appreciate the improvement.
Waiʻōhinu Transfer Station, where commercial disposal is planned and enough land is available for making mulch from
green waste. Photo from County of Hawaiʻi Solid Waste Division
     County Council member Maile David attended and asked the county administration to consider opening transfer stations, when possible, the day after a holiday closure. Goodale said that cost would be consideration. She and Goodale said they will continue to reach out to the Pāhala community regarding which day to close Pāhala Transfer Station and will hold another meeting on March 19 at Pahala Community Center at 5:30 p.m. See more on recycling and solid waste at www.hawaiizerowaste.org and http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/dem-solidwaste-division.

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USGS scientists measure and document temperature, crack width, and any
visual or audible changes such as steam and water boiling
heard in the hottest cracks. USGS photo
KĪLAUEA VOLCANO REMAINS QUIET, with no major changes in the last month. The summit and south flank regions continue to experience low rates of seismicity. Inflationary tilt in the middle East Rift Zone slowed over the past week. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit and Puʻu ʻŌʻō remain low.
     Tuesday's update from U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory reminds residents and visitors that hazards remain, especially near recently active fissures and lava flows, and to "heed Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and National Park warnings, and be prepared, if necessary, to self-evacuate in the unlikely event of renewed activity. Please note that Hawaiʻi County maintains a closure of the entire lava flow field and vents and prohibits access unless authorized through Civil Defense."
     Through the 35-day government shutdown, USGS HVO continued monitoring Kīlauea's seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for sign of reactivation.

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INCENTIVES TO BUY LOCALLY GROWN FOOD when using SNAP (food stamps) will be heard by the state House of Representatives' Committee on Agriculture tomorrow, Jan. 30, at 9 a.m. Introduced by west Kaʻū House Representatives Richard Creagan and east Kaʻū Rep. Richard Onishi, House Bill 262 seeks to start a dollar-for-dollar matching program for SNAP beneficiaries,
"of up to $20 per visit, per day, to be used exclusively for the purchase of Hawaiʻi-grown fresh fruits and vegetables at a farmers' market, farm stand, mobile market, community-supported agriculture site, grocery store, or other direct food retailer."
     Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United urges the public to submit testimony in favor of HB262 by going to capitol.hawaii.gov, registering, entering the bill number, and filling out the testimony sheet. Testimony submitted less than 24 hours before the hearing will be marked "late," but may be considered by the reviewing committee.


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EQUAL RIGHTS is Rep. Tusli Gabbard's focus today. She spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, urging lawmakers across the country to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Hawaiʻi became the first state to ratify the ERA on March 22, 1972, following a long history of advocacy.
     In 1920, the women's suffrage movement culminated in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote. The 19th reads: "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex."
     In 1923, a broader equal rights amendment was proposed to cover equal treatment in employment, services, and other areas, declaring that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or United States or any State on account of sex." However, it did not win congressional approval until almost 50 years later, in 1972, when it was sent to the states for ratification. By 1977, 35 states had ratified the amendment - three short of the 38 required. In 2019, only one more state is needed for ratification.
The League of Women Voters sent out mailers and set up meetings to
help make Hawaiʻi the first state to ratify the ERA in 1972. Ratification
by one more state would add it to the U.S. Constitution.
     Gabbard said, "It's been nearly 100 years since women fought for and won the right to vote. Yet, we still do not have equal rights and protection under the United States Constitution. There are too many examples in our everyday lives where women still do not get equal pay for equal work and where we still face discrimination simply for being a woman.
     "In 1923, the ERA was introduced to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, and was reintroduced every session until it finally passed in 1972. In the past two years, we've inched forward with successful votes in Nevada and Illinois, and now we're just one state away from finally passing the Equal Rights Amendment.
     "This is not about politics. It's about equality. It's about humanity. It's long overdue that we pass the Equal Rights Amendment and include equality between men and women in the United States Constitution." Watch her speech here.

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ENSURING BACK PAY FOR FEDERAL CONTRACT WORKERS affected by the 35-day partial shutdown of the federal government was Sen. Mazie Hirono's goal on Tuesday. She, other senators, and members of Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, held a press conference.
     Hirono said, "I don't think there is anything scarier for any family than to face the prospect of not receiving a paycheck. That was happening during this totally unnecessary, unconscionable shutdown."
Sen. Mazie Hirono, speaking up for federal contract workers
affected by the recent shutdown. Photo from Hirono
     She said she heard stories of people facing eviction and relying on Hawaiʻi Foodbank, where she volunteered last week. "This kind of support for our federal contractors needs to be enacted because as government privatizes jobs, every time something like this happens, more and more people are going to be harmed."
     Last week, 23 senators, including Hirono, introduced the Fair Compensation for Low-Wage Contractor Employees Act, which would "provide back pay up to $600 per paycheck for federal contractor employees who were furloughed or suffered reduces hours during the government shutdown." Hirono says the bill "aims to help low-wage federal contractor employees, including janitorial, food, and security services workers."
     In December, the Senate unanimously passed the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act which would provide back pay for federal workers affected by the shutdown. Hirono was an original cosponsor of the bill.

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Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2018, Reishalyn Jara, at one of many
community events where she represented the Kaʻū
Coffee industry. Photo from OKK
MISS KAʻŪ COFFEE PAGEANT will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m.
     Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.
     The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships. Last year, Leahi Volleyball team provided a food concession and the Miloli‘i Volleyball team helped with tickets and other tasks on pageant day.

     Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
     The current court is comprised of Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower Telia Navarro, Miss Peaberry Jacellyn Kekoa Jara, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee Christina Kawehiwehi and Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Reishalyn Kekoa Jara.
      Email tmarques@yahoo.com.

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A LIFEGUARD TRAINING COURSE is offered at Pāhala Pool Feb. 4 through 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by the county Department of Parks and Recreation, Aquatics Section, and the American Red Cross, the course fee is $75.
     Participants are required to pass a prerequisite test at Pāhala Pool, scheduled by contacting 928-8177. The course fee and registration forms, available at Pāhala Pool, are due immediately following completion of the test. The test includes: 300-yard continuous swim using the front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both; two minutes treading water, without using hands; and completion of a timed event in 1 minute 40 seconds. The timed event is: Starting in the water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the deep end, return the brick to the starting point, and exit the water.
Pāhala Pool, where the county and Red Cross will host a lifeguard training course starting Feb. 4.
Photo by Julia Neal
    Participants are responsible for providing their own supplies, including CPR mask, swim suit, goggles, towel, American Red Cross Lifeguard Manual, etc. The manual can be downloaded for free at redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-preparation/lifeguard-manual.
     For more information about becoming a certified American Red Cross Lifeguard, contact the nearest county swimming pool, or the Parks and Recreation Aquatics Specialist at 961-8694.

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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:
Feb. 6-9, Wed.-Sat., HHSAA
Boys Basketball:
Feb. 5, Tue., BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Feb. 6, Wed., BIIF Div. II Finals
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 2, Sat., @Hilo
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
Soccer:
Jan. 30, Wed., Boys BIIF Div. II Finals
Jan. 30-Feb. 2, Wed.-Sat., Girls HHSAA
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA
Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu

NEW and UPCOMING
A SURVEY ABOUT EARLY STUDENT RELEASE during Parent/Teacher conferences is being conducted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School. The school website states, "We would like to hear your feedback, concerns, or any other recommendations you may have." Fill out the survey at docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScw9u_XSY0QMjXHIUw6Xsj9GDrdLfxsFtra816u93H250YTFA/viewform.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Jan. 30, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Free Car Seat Inspections happen in Waiʻōhinu on Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is sponsored by Partners for Safe Keiki, Tūtū and Me, and Hawaiʻi County Fire Department, a coalition of Partners of Keiki, and Safe Grant Hawaiʻi.
     "Three of four car seats are not installed correctly," say the sponsors. "Feel free to post, share and circulate to help us to reach as many Kaʻū residents as possible. There is no eligibility requirement for these inspections. Just come with your vehicle, keiki and car seat(s)!" To make an appointment, call 896-1336.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31
Craft Class, Thu., Jan. 31, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Jan. 31, 4-6pm, 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

The Role of Unmanned Aircraft Systems During Kīlauea's 2018 Eruption is the focus of a public program on Thursday, Jan. 31, in the University Classroom Building, Room 100, on the main UH-Hilo campus at 200 W. Kawili St.Hilo.
     Dr. Ryan Perroy, Director of UH-Hilo's Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Laboratory, presents drone imagery and video collected by his team during Kīlauea's 2018 eruption and talks about lessons learned. 

     Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Details are posted on the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website HVO News corner at volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo. For more information, email askHVO@usgs.gov or call 808-967-7328.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
Story Time with Lindsey Miller - PARENTS, Inc., Fri., Feb. 1, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Abstract Painting Workshop w/Darcy Gray, Sat., Feb. 2, 10-2pm, Volcano Art Center. For those with basic painting background. Supplies provided. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee for 5 sheets 300 lb. 18"x24" watercolor paper, pre-gessoed. Advance registration required. Limited to 8 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Art Express, Sat., Feb. 2, 10-3pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 1st Saturday monthly. Learn something new or work on a forgotten project. Instructions on oil, acrylic, watercolor, and other mediums. Class size limited to 25. Meliha Corcoran 319-8989, himeliha@yahoo.com, discoveryharbour.net/art-express

Keiki Science Class, Sat., Feb. 2, 11-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. 1st Saturday, monthly. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3
Super Bowl Sunday Party, Sun., Feb. 3, doors open 11am, kick-off 1:30pm, Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Food and beverages available for purchase. 967-8365 after 4pm for more. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Feb. 3, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park. 1st Sunday, monthly. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Mon., Feb. 4 (Committees), Kona and Tue., Feb. 5, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Feb. 4, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Mon., Feb. 4, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
AdvoCATS, Tue., Feb. 5, 7-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283. advocatshawaii.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tue., Feb. 5, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.

ONGOING
Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. Harry McKee Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors invites college bound high school seniors and current college students to apply for a $1,000 scholarship. Students must be residents of Kaʻū District and plan to attend any accredited college, university, technical institute, or vocational school, anywhere in the U.S. Students must enroll full time in the fall of 2019.
     The application and more information are at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com. Applications must be mailed to the foundation office in Ocean View by February 15.
     The website says that Harry McKee "left a legacy of commitment to the youth of Kaʻū. His foundation exists to give students an opportunity for higher education. Harry was a musician, a gardener, a WWII decorated veteran, an outdoorsman, and an active civic leader. Harry was well known for reaching out to local youth to support their education goals, and to encourage young people to share aloha and celebrate ʻohana." See more about the foundation at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com.

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

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.

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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