Thursday, February 07, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, February 7, 2019

The many breadfruits of Polynesia, including ʻUlu of Hawaiʻi, are the subject of the creation of teaching
programs in the schools. See story below. Image from National Tropical Botanical Gardens
PROJECT FOOTPRINT is an initiative of Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co. and its sister utilities around the state. Project Footprint rewards customers for reducing their carbon footprint and helping to build a more sustainable Hawaiʿi. It also seeks to support organizations committed to preservation and sustainability, with deep ties to Kaʻū. They include: The Trust for Public Land, The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi Island Land Trust, KUPU, and Polynesian Voyaging Society.
     Also supported are Mālama Learning Center, Biki, and Institute for Climate and Peace.
Artists – young and old – are also invited to submit footprint artwork and share what inspires them to reduce their carbon footprint.
An announcement from the utilities, says, "The companies are committed to the state's goal of achieving 100 percent renewables by 2045 and have reduced the use of fossil fuels by 27 percent. Project Footprint encourages customers to take their own steps to help improve the environment and falls in line with the state law enacted last year that aims to make Hawaiʿi carbon neutral by 2045."
     Rewards are offered for each of the program's carbon-reducing activities. They include a T-shirt made of 100 percent recycled materials, a 17-ounce double-wall stainless steel water bottle, a portable solar-powered charger with built-in flashlight and $50 worth of free charging at Hawaiian Electric Companies' vehicle charging stations. Individual customers can earn rewards for signing up for paperless billing and automatic bill payment, purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle, installing private rooftop solar, and more.
     Carbon-reducing steps must be completed in 2019. For example, drivers must purchase or lease an electric vehicle this year to claim a reward for an EV purchase under Project Footprint.
To learn more, visit HawaiianElectric.com/Footprint.

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"NO ONE IN THE COUNTRY MORE THAN THE PEOPLE OF HAWAIʻI UNDERSTAND THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE THREAT COMING FROM NORTH KOREA," said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She was interviewed on MSNBC's Morning Joe yesterday, which started off with a clip from the State of the Union, Pres. Donald Trump announcing his scheduled meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un on Feb. 26 and 27.
     Gabbard stated the Jan. 13, 2018, false missile alert, broadcast to every phone, radio, and TV in the state, had "families piling their kids in to the car, driving to a cave to try to find shelter – a father who was lowering his daughter down a manhole cover to try to keep her safe, knowing that there were just minutes to live… We are at a greater risk of nuclear catastrophe today than ever before." She said that Trump should have continued negotiation efforts to denuclearize the Korean peninsula. She also noted the potential nuclear threat also comes from China and Russia.
     Gabbard garnered some comments after bringing to the State of the Union female Syrian Kurdish leader Ilham Ahmed – who is also Co-President of the Syrian Democratic Council.
     When asked whether the Kurdish leader approved of Gabbard's meeting with the Kurd's enemy, the leader of Syria in 2017, Gabbard said she and Ahmed agreed that it is ok to meet "with adversaries or potential adversaries – not just our friends – if we are serious about the pursuit of peace."
     During the interview Wednesday, Gabbard reinforced her position that the U.S. should stay out of Syria's civil war. "Many troops I hear from express frustration at the fact that our country continues to wage senseless, costly regime-change wars followed by nation-building missions leading to situations like we see in Afghanistan. So many examples of our troops being deployed, their lives put on the line, without understanding what the clear mission or objective is and how that mission actually serves the security of the American people and the United States."
Tulsi Gabbard on Morning Joe, opposing wars that
change government regimes.
Photo from MSNBC
     The United Nations reports finding evidence that Assad committed war crimes – including using chemical weapons on Syrians – during the Syrian Civil War. Assad has rejected those allegations and criticized the U.S. for attempting regime change. When asked if she believed Assad used chemical weapons, Gabbard said, "I certainly think it's possible." Gabbard met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during an unannounced trip to Syria in January, 2017.
     Gabbard was asked if Assad is an adversary to the U.S. "Assad is not the enemy of the United States because Syria does not pose a direct threat to the United States." She said it was important to look at who poses a threat to the U.S., and how  interests differ from those of the U.S. When asked if she thought Assad was a good person, Gabbard said no.
     She did say Russian President Vladimir Putin was an adversary to the U.S.
     Gabbard said she was running for the presidency because "the American people are suffering" due to "Washington and this president's self-serving interests and corporate greed." She said she wanted to "bring those values, of service before self, of respect and integrity and honor, back to the White House." See the interview.

Ōhāhā High School Ag Program deepens connection of students
with ʻāina and local food production. Photo from Kohala Center
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A HIGH SCHOOL AGRICULTURE PROGRAM is open for applications through March 14. The koha.la/ohaha or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.
     Kohala Center's Ōhāhā High School Ag Program is open for the Spring 2019 session. "High school students and recent grads will deepen their connection with ʻāina and local food production, learn about educational and career opportunities in agriculture, and receive a VISA gift card for up to $125 for successfully completing the program," says a notice from the Kohala Center.

DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN, U.S.D.A. FARM SERVICE AGENCY deadlines are extended for many programs. Several disaster assistance programs are affected, including the noninsured crop disaster assistance program and livestock indemnity program. Refer to the agency's recent newsletter for more information and a list of current program deadlines.

Breadfruit as part of the school lunch program.
Photo from Department of Education
HAWAI‘I FARM TO SCHOOL HUI and Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative are partnering to develop a resource packet for teachers wanting to incorporate ‘ulu (breadfruit) into their P-20 lesson plans for the garden, classroom, or cafeteria. The public is invited to share project ideas, recipes, videos, lesson plans, and curriculum by uploading them online. The deadline to respond is Feb. 15. Contact Dana Shapiro at info@eatbreadfruit.com or 808-238-8869 with questions.

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY FOOD SYSTEMS is a new undergraduate program at West Oʻahu Community College. Undergraduates pursuing a degree in applied sciences may select to focus their studies on sustainable community food systems. Some of the required classes are offered online.
     This program is designed to span traditional disciplinary boundaries through a comprehensive course of study of the ecology of the food system. Refer to the program flyer for more information, or contact Albie Miles at albie@hawaii.edu or 808-689-2376.

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Today's morning quake occurred at the base of Day Seamount, 
underwater volcano, southwest of South Point. 
Image from USGS
A 4.6 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE shook the ocean floor at 9:06 a.m., with an epicenter about 52 miles (84 km) southwest of South Point, at a depth of about 17 miles (27 km), at base of Day Seamount.
     U.S. Geological Survey released a report, stating that the maximum intensity level IV, felt as far away as Oʻahu, was not expected to do damage to buildings. More than 90 "Did you feel it?" reports flowed into the USGS. 
     USGS stated the quake made no detectable changes in Kīlauea or Mauna Loa; it was likely caused by an oceanic plate bending under the weight of the Hawaiian Islands, a common cause of quakes in the region. Aftershocks, says USGS, are possible.
     Comments from residents in Ocean View cropped up immediately on Facebook, with "felt here" reports, but no reports of damage. 
     Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reports there is no tsunami threat from the quake.
     Learn more at volcanoes.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo/hvo_earthquakes.html.

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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL team played hard in their HHSAA Division II Tournament game against University Lab last night at Kalani High's gym in Honolulu. The Trojans didn't go down without a fight: Reishalyn Jara led Kaʻū with a game-high of 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting, and grabbed six rebounds, while freshman Heidi Vidal added 12 points and nine rebounds, according Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald.
     However, the Trojans suffered 29 turnovers and shot just 25 percent, reports the Tribune Herald. Halftime saw the BIIF fourth place Trojans with a solid tie, 22 to 22, but the third saw UL with an 11-point lead. UL won over Kaʻū by 14, at 54-40.
     Kaʻū came back strong today. The home team took on Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi, which fell 44-28 to Hanalani. The Trojans ladies killed it, ending the first quarter behind by 2 points, 5 to 7, but rallying hard, leading the rest of the game, ending with 46 over Kamehameha's 35.

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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. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 9, Sat., @BIIF @Keaʻau
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
Soccer:
Feb. 7-9, Thu.-Sat., Boys HHSAA
Swimming:
Feb. 8-9, Fri.-Sat., HHSAA
Feb. 9, Sat., Oʻahu

NEW and UPCOMING
HIP HOP RETURNS TO KAʻŪ with Mr. Kneel, educational music artist and professional beat boxer, who raps about math, Dr. Seuss rhymes, and other educational material. Homeschool Co-op has invited Mr. Kneel back to entertain and educate during the group's next meeting on President's Day - a school holiday - Monday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m., at Ocean View Community Center. Keiki and their families are invited to attend, whether attending private or public school, or homeschooled.
     Neil McIntyre - stage name Mr. Kneel - is an awarding-winning Hip Hop musician and educator. He engages audiences with animal sounds, guessing games, plays on words, and beatboxing sounds, while encouraging dancing, Simon Says, and other interactions.
Keiki joined in a Hip Hop for Families event at Nāʻālehu 
Library last September. Join Mr. Kneel on Monday, 
Feb. 18. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie
     According to mrkneel.com, Mr. Kneel's "work at Warren Village in Denver, Colorado, a very special inner-city school, has led to a new kind of family music: 'Golden Era Hip Hop' music that parents will love as much as their kid, if not more. With Beatbox and vocal percussion, Mr. Kneel can make magic and emotion. With words he can create and improvise well enough to be invited recently to perform at the American Jazz Museum!"
     He has performed at over 500 schools and venues in 43 of the United States and in seven provinces abroad.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8
Free Community Dance, Fri., Feb. 8, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pupus welcome. Free admission; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Sat., Feb. 9, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nā Mamo O Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Feb. 9, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, facebook.com/namamo.kawa

1st Annual Acton Children's Business Fair, Sat., Feb. 9, 10-1pm, River of Life Assembly of God, 96-2345 Paauau St., Pāhala. Support young on-island entrepreneurs in this one day marketplace for keiki ages 7 to 18 and their personal businesses selling their own brands, products, or services. childrensbusinessfair.org

15th Annual Love the Arts Fundraiser, 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, Sat., Feb. 9, 5-9pm, Volcano Art Center. Funds raised support classes, exhibits, workshops, and programs at Volcano Art Center. Music, gourmet buffet, and fine wines and brews. Live and silent auctions. $55/VAC member, $65/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Women's Wave meets the 2nd Sunday of the month, 2 p.m., at Punaluʻu bakery. Feb. 10 topic is expected to be comparing Women's Walk stories.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
Free STD Testing, Mon., Feb. 11, 9-noon, 2nd Monday, monthly, Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Department of Health. 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, FEBRUARY 12
Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Tue., Feb. 12, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Feb. 12, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit: Dental, Wed., Feb. 13, 8-5pm. Medical, Thu., Feb. 28, 1-5pm. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Feb. 13 and 27, 2-3:30pm, 2nd and last Wednesday, monthly, PARENTS Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Free. Registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460

Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Love Bugs, Wed., Feb. 13, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 4-12. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Feb. 14, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571

Valentine's Day Buffet, Thu., Feb. 14, 5-8pm, Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib au Jus, Lemon Butter Ono w/Tropical Salsa, and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/adult, $14.95/child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply. 967-8356

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Feb. 14, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

ONGOING
Harry McKee Foundation Scholarships for Kaʻū Students are open through Feb. 15. College bound high school seniors and current college students encouraged 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.

11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament happens Saturday, Feb. 16, at Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. Organized by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, the event doubles as a canned food drive.
     Applications are available at the event, and before the event at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School, Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School, Mizuno Superette in Pāhala, Pāhala Gas Station, Wiki Wiki Mart in Nā‘ālehu, Ka‘ū Learning Academy, Kahuku Country Market in Ocean View, or Ocean View Auto Parts.
     Registration at the event is open from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Welcome, rules, and distribution of poles and bait from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Keiki, aged one to 14 years old, can fish from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A free lunch for all is available at noon, then awards and prizes are distributed at 1 p.m. Every participant gets a prize. For more information, call Guy Enriques, 217-2253, or Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. See okaukakou.org.

 Panaʻewa Stampede takes place this year just outside of Hilo, the weekend of Feb. 16-18, Saturday through Monday, with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. See HawaiiRodeoStampede.com.

Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 19. See more at hmono.org; Diabetes Management Classes on Mondays in February. Sign up by calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.

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.
     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.
      Email tmarques@yahoo.com.

Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.

 Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.
     In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development.
     Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.

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.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See KauCoffeeFestival.com.
     Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Each vendor is responsible for a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.
     Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208, Pāhala, HI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

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 benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
     Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.

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