Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Taiko drummers encouraged Wayne Kawachi as he spent the first few days of 2018 walking from Honoka‘a to 

Nā‘ālehu to raise money for senior housing. Find out how to help, below. Photo from OKK

SENIOR HOUSING IN NĀʻĀLEHU has the support of the Ocean View Community Association. Pres. Ron Gall is helping circulate a Kaʻū Housing Survey. He said the survey is "very brief" and that it is "important for housing to be built for seniors who are financially limited." He said he wants to help ensure the building of subsidized senior housing in Nāʻālehu.

Two acres are cleared for senior housing. ʻO Kaʻū Kākou 

asks for confirmation of need by filling out a survey at 

kaucalendar.com/Kau_Housing_Survey_Fillable.pdf. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     "Please pass it on to anyone you know who will complete the survey. If not enough surveys are received, no housing," said Gall.

     The survey is available to download at kaucalendar.com/Kau_Housing_Survey
_Fillable.pdf. Fill out and email to raylenemoses@gmail.com or mail to ʻŌ Kaʻū Kākou, PO Box 365, Pāhala, HI 96777, or fill out a form in person at OVCA Community Center – call 808-939-7033 for directions if need – open 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.

     Nonprofit ʻO Kaʻū Kākou held a meeting Jan. 27 at Nāʻālehu Community Center about the proposed senior housing project at the former location of Nāʻālehu Fruit Stand. OKK is still raising money to finish paying $250,000 for the two-acre site on the mauka side of Hwy 11.

Kawachi shows his rubber slippers
that carried him from Honoka‘a
to Nāʻālehu to raise money for
senior housing. Photo from OKK

     OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi, who held a fundraiser last year for the project by walking 100 miles in his rubber slippahs, said he would look into funding for veterans and from veterans groups. Some OKK members said small donations are coming in. Fundraising suggestions abounded, from spreading the word and collecting monetary gifts at community events, to crowd funding online and selling tiles with donors' names on them. The tiles would be used in constructing the place. One speaker said that if only 250,000 people donated $1 each - from out there in the big world on the internet - the task would be accomplished. Another speaker said she is aware of grants for programs that support food growing and possibly housing, particularly when a percentage of the beneficiaries is native Hawaiian. Others, who have written grants, said they would help to find funding sources and apply for them.

     There is also a need to take care of the two acres while planning and financing the project. Attendees made suggestions, such as growing food on the empty lot and selling it to raise money. Other community groups could also volunteer to help take care of the parcel.

     Design decisions include level of care and building design: Would there be apartments and also a more intensive assisted living component? Would it include a community gathering place? Would it be one story? Kawachi said he would like to determine whether the site could accommodate 70 units.

     Kawachi said he is interested in talking with developers, builders, funders, and those who can help document the need for senior housing. He can be reached at 937-4773.

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KAʻŪ WOMEN are invited to create teams for Women Build 2019, to help Puna people affected by the lava flow last year. Women Build is an annual Habitat International program that encourages women to make a difference by volunteering on a Habitat project and fundraising for build programs in their community.

     On Saturday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Puna, volunteers will be working on homes for some of the families affected by the eruption last year.

     Habitat is also looking for businesses to put teams together. Teams can consist of up to ten people – men can join, too. Individuals can sign up and organizers will find a team for them to connect with at the event.

     Prizes will be given to the team and individual that raises the most money. To sign up as a team or individual, go to habitathawaiiisland.org/events. "It is a fun day and you will be making a difference in someone's life in your island community!" says the release from Habitat.

     If you would like to donate prizes to the event or help sponsor Women Build shirts, contact Community Relations Manager Margo Takata at margo@habitathawaiiisland.org or (808)331-8010 ext. 106.

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A GREEN NEW DEAL was introduced last week to both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives by Sen. Mazie Hirono and her colleagues. The resolution seeks to achieve "zero greenhouse gas emissions," "create millions of good, high-wage jobs and ensure prosperity and economic security for all people of the U.S.," and provide clean air and water, healthy food, access to nature, a sustainable environment, climate and community resiliency. It also proposed to "promote justice by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression of indigenous peoples, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrilaized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, and youth."

     Said Hirono, "From committing to 100 percent renewable energy, to embracing a carbon neutral economy, Hawaiʻi has taken aggressive action to combat climate change because of the threat it poses to our way of life. Confronting the challenge of climate change requires a comprehensive approach to transforming our country in a way that prioritizes environmental health and wellness, while also expanding opportunity and creating good-paying jobs as we transition to a low carbon economy. I welcome this bold national framework that tracks so closely to what Hawaiʻi is already doing and what many of us have long advocated to enable communities, families, and individuals to thrive."

Sen. Mazie Hirono
Photo from Hirono's Twitter

     The resolution states the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report and the U.S. National Climate Assessment Fourth Report found that "human activity is the dominant cause of observed climate change over the past century. A changing climate is causing sea levels to rise and an increase in wildfire, severe storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events that threaten human life, healthy communities, and critical infrastructure."
     The resolution also states global warming at or above two degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrialized levels will cause the U.S. to lose "more than $500 billion" in economic output by 2100, the loss of more than 99 percent of coral reefs worldwide, excessive wildfires, 350 billion people exposed to "deadly heat stress" by 2050, up to one trillion in damages to coastal U.S. real estate and infrastructure, and mass migrations worldwide.

     A copy of the resolution can be found here.

     Cosponsors of the resolution are Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).

     Organizations endorsing the legislation include: Sierra Club, SEIU 1199, 32BJ, Sunrise, Justice Democrats, Working Families Party, People’s Action, Center for Popular Democracy, Justice First, Dream Corps / Green For All, 350.org, CREDO Action, Indivisible, Demos, Honor the Earth, Labor Network for Sustainability, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Organic Consumers Association, Presente.org, League of Conservation Voters (LCV), and Earthjustice.

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.

Charlotte Cable (L) admires hats crocheted by Shawn Lohay (R). 

Photo by Annie Bosted

KNITWITS SUPPORT KAʻŪ FOOD BANK and other charities. The group of about a dozen women meet in Ocean View every Tuesday to enjoy two hours of knitting, crocheting, and talk story. As temperatures in Kaʻū plummet and residents pull on their woolies, this close knit group of women meet to create not only warm clothing and warm friendships, but also funds for the hungry.

     The ladies knit or crochet shopping bags, hats, blankets, shawls, sweaters, and ponchos. They make such  kitchen items as pot holders and woven dish towels. At craft fairs, they offer their wares, eagerly purchased by customers appreciative of hand-made items. All proceeds go to Kaʻū Food Bank or other charities. 

Shelley Smith's almost complete coat-length sweater 
is already keeping her warm as it drapes over her 
legs while she knits. Photo by Annie Bosted

     Nobody is sure when the Knitwits began meeting, but a consensus of the group puts the start at about eight years ago, when the founding members gathered at Ocean View Community Center. Stephanie McDonald, a keen knitter and author of a book on knitting, started the group, and she was soon joined by Carol Sawyer, Fran Irwin, and Robin Stratton, who are now the informal leaders.

     When one of their members, and Robin's sister-in-law, Judi Stratton, became unable to reach the Community Center due to an illness, they moved their meetings to her home. Judi Stratton died in July 2016, but they still meet at the house in upper Hawaiʻi Ocean View Estates, welcomed by Judi's widower, Mike.

     When asked by The Kaʻū Calendar how easy it is to sell winter woolen garments to Hawaiʻi residents, Robin Stratton explained that lots of people buy them as gifts for friends and family on the mainland. "Our towels, bags, and washcloths are very popular, and usually get snapped up by Hawaiian residents. We also sometimes knit items to donate directly to a charity. We made a lot of hats that we donated to a school in Alaska, and we also made some baby blankets for a hospital. To us, this proves how easy it is to do something to help in the community. We are all frustrated about the way things are, and we all want to do our bit to help. By knitting and donating items we can make a small difference in people's lives."

Fran Irwin, one of the original members of the Knitwits, 
knits a brightly colored shawl using circular knitting 
needles as, she says, she is less likely to drop stitches 
than if she were to use straight needles. 
Photo by Annie Bosted

     In 2017 and 2018, the Knitwits sold their knitted creations at the Arc of Kona's Annual Bazaar in Kealakekua, and at the Kahuku Unit of the National Park's crafts fair. In 2017, they donated about a thousand dollars toward food for the free dinners served at Ocean View Community Center. They donated $1,222 to the Kaʻū Food Pantry in 2018.

     The next craft fair for the Knitwits will be at the Arc of Kona the first week of December 2019. They already have a large tote box of items to sell and more are added each week.  Sometimes items never make it into the inventory - they are sold to other Knitwits.

     The Knitwits are always open to new members and they are happy to mentor beginners. Readers interested in joining Ocean View Knitwits can message the group on Facebook or contact Shawn Lohay at hayslo@me.com.

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.

Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule

Boys Basketball:

Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA

Wrestling:

Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING

DONATIONS FOR A RUMMAGE SALE to benefit the Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department happens March 22 and 23. Donations will be received March 20 and 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call for pick-up of bulky or large items. No clothing or books. Appliances and electronics must be in good working condition. Contact Tom Reid at 503-260-6187 or Ken Shisler at 410-299-5359.

NIUHI-SHARK HONORS KAMEHAMEHA THE GREAT during the fine art exhibit opening this weekend at Volcano Art Center Gallery  in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It opens Saturday, Feb. 16 with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m and runs daily through March 24.
    This Thursday, Feb. 15 the public is invited to  a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village.

     King Kamehameha is celebrated in paint and prose with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. The opening night reception features artist and author. Eyre will sign copies of his book Sunday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Art Center Gallery. The collection provides viewers a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art.

     The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha, including his complex relationship with Kaʻū chief Keōua. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences.

     The 200th anniversary of the death of Kamehameha the Great is May 8. His wife, Kaʻahumanu, is said to have tattooed the exact date on her arm. The year 1819 was also the time of the breaking of the ʻai kapu, which freed men and women to eat together. Later that same year, Chief Kekuaokalani, Kamehameha's nephew, fell with his wife Mānono on the battlefield at Kuamoʻo, in a last attempt to defend the kapu system.

     A Volcano Art Center statement says, "Hawaiʻi Island is not only the place of Kamehameha's birth, it is also the beautiful and dramatic setting of much of his life's story, the source of his power, the home of his final days, and the hidden place of his bundled bones."

     Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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.

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15
PATCH Class #428, Building Emotional Literacy, Fri., Feb. 15, 8-11am, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

PATCH Class #619, Relationships w/Families in your Family-Centered Care, Fri., Feb. 15, noon-3pm, PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register at 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16
11th Annual O.KK. Keiki Fishing Tournament, Sat., Feb. 16, 9-2pm, Punalu‘u Beach Park Pavilions. For keiki 1-14 years. Free. Event day registration open 8-10am. Pre-registration packets available at Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware, Mizuno Supertte, Pāhala Gas Station, Nā‘ālehu Wiki Wiki Mart, Kahuku Country Market, and Ocean View Auto Parts. Free lunch and prizes. Guy Enriques, 217-2253, Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773. okaukakou.org

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Keala Ching w/Nā Wai Iwi Ola, Sat., Feb. 16, 10:30-11:30am, performance at hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Wes Awana, Sat., Feb. 16, 11-1pm, Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

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

Ham Radio Mtg., Sat., Feb. 16, 2-3pm, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Sun., Feb. 17, contact in advance for meet up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or 769-7629.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 18, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 19, Committees; Wed., Jan. 20, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 19, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

ONGOING

Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at 3 p.m. each Thursday in February. Free. Contact Sara Kamibayashi at (808) 939-2442 for more.

Trojans Boys Volleyball is Raising Money with an invitational tournament on Friday, Feb. 15. The funding will help the team fly to Maui for a preseason tournament, beginning Friday, Feb. 22.
     The Feb. 15 tournament at Kaʻū District Gym will see the Trojans hosting Kamehameha teams from Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island as well as teams from Kealakeke and Pāhoa High Schools.

     Donations can be sent to Kaʻū High School, c/o Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 96-3150 Pikake St, Pāhala, HI, 96777, with the notation "Boys Volleyball Tournament on Maui."

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.

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.