Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 13, 2019


OKK's 11th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament is this Satturday,  Feb. 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, at Punalu‘u. It's free
and open to keiki 1-14 years. Photo by Peter Anderson
IMPORTANT HAWAIʻI PRIORITIES will be secured with the bipartisan passage of the Natural Resources Management Act, according to Sen. Mazie Hirono, who champions the measure. The Act passed the U.S. Senate yesterday in a 92 to 8 vote and goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
     Hirono is a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and supports the Act to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund; secure resources for Volcano Warning and Monitoring; expand conservation stewardship opportunities for youth and veterans; and make Hawaiʻi eligible for WaterSMART in the 2019 Public Lands Package.
    Said Hirono, "Passing the Natural Resources Management Act is a great example of what the Senate can accomplish when we come together on a bipartisan basis to get things done. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, I worked to see that this comprehensive legislation includes many priorities for Hawaiʻi – from protecting our state's watersheds and endangered species, to enhancing our ability to protect communities from volcanic eruptions, and honoring those who served and sacrificed during World War II."
Sen. Hirono meets with representatives from the Ala Kahakai Trail Association in her office in Washington, D.C. 
Photo from Hirono's office
     Hirono met with representatives of the Ala Kahakai Trail Association and Kupu Hawaiʻi to discuss their work and how passage of the Natural Resources Management Act would aid their conservation efforts in the state.
     Last Wednesday, Hirono took to the Senate floor to argue for the impacts of the Natural Resources Management Act for Hawaiʻi. These include:
     Permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has provided nearly $250 million to Hawaiʻi conservation efforts over the past 50 years, contributing to protection of some of Hawaiʻi's most environmentally important public lands. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Haleakala National Park, Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail have all benefitted. It has also provided funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service's Cooperative Endangered Species Fund, which supports efforts to protect the over 500 threatened and endangered species in Hawaiʻi, as well as the Forest Legacy Program, which has protected important forests and watersheds.
     Enhancing Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring, to improve the nation's capacity to monitor and respond to volcanic activity. This would unify and connect Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which was critical to studying and responding to the three month long eruption of Kīlauea last year, to the other four volcano observatories across the nation. It also creates a Volcano Watch Office that will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide information and awareness of all active volcanoes across the country and territories, and establishes a grant program for volcano monitoring technology research and development.
      Supporting the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, including Kupu Hawaiʻi, that educate and inspire youth and veterans to become stewards of Hawaiʻi's natural resources. While participants benefit from learning about conservation, sustainability, and responsible management, public land managers also benefit from the projects that participants undertake, which can include trail clearing, invasive species removal, or interpretation.
     Making Hawaiʻi eligible to participate in the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART Program, which allows the Bureau to work directly with states, tribes, and local organizations as they plan to address water supply issues through conservation and reuse. The WaterSMART Program includes funding for grants and projects that address water and energy efficiency as well as water reuse and recycling.
     Renaming World War II Pacific Sites, to separate out and rename sites that make up the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. The USS Arizona, USS Utah, USS Oklahoma, six Chief Petty Officer bungalows on Ford Island, and three mooring quays in Battleship Row would collectively be designated as Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Other components of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument located outside of Hawaiʻi include Tule Lake in California and multiple sites located throughout the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. This provision renames them as the Tule Lake National Monument and the Aleutian Islands World War II National Monument, respectively. The provision also renames the Honouliuli National Monument as the Honouliuli National Historic Site.

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DISASTER EMERGENCY RELIEF FOR HOMELESSNESS was extended by Gov. David Ige. He issued a supplementary emergency proclamation that "aims to accelerate the completion of housing projects for individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness," says a release from Ige's office. The proclamation also expands shelter capacity and access to services, especially for unsheltered individuals.
      The supplementary emergency proclamation continues until April 13, 2019, unless it is terminated by a separate proclamation.

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ADVOCATE FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING alongside Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island's Executive Director Patrick Hurney and Board Member Bo Kahui, who are braving the cold weather at Capitol Hill in Washingotn D.C. today. They joined hundreds of other Habitat leaders across the nation to plead their case for more federal support to address the home affordability crisis across the nation.
     Support affordable housing efforts by sending an email to Hawaiʻi legislators. The following template can be used: habitatforhumanityinternational.salsalabs.org/virtualhillday
2019email/index.html.

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HAWAIʻI WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION is holding a workshop on Friday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m. to noon, at Hawaiʻi Innovation Center, 117 Keawe St., Hilo. The free workshop, Fire Follows Fuel: Vegetative Fuels Management Collaborative Action Planning, is open to "the broader community of Hawaiʻi professionals dealing with wildfire threats and impacts," such as Land and Natural Resources Management, fire and emergency response, planning, agricultural operations, and utilities.
     HWMO will present islandwide maps of current management activities, and provide a facilitated conversation about next step wildfire hazard reduction priorities and projects.
     RSVP requested, hawaiiwildfire.org, pablo@hawaiiwildfire.org, or 808-885-0900.

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KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION, sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, is open to all high school students in Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District. The winning artwork is displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with winning artwork from all participating districts around the country. The winning artwork is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page. The second-place artwork is displayed for one year in the Congresswoman's Washington DC office, and third-place in her Hawaiʻi District Office. Get information for submissions here.
     The deadline to submit an entry is Friday, Feb. 22, by 6 p.m. Digital files of 2D artwork must be submitted via this new google form, 2019 Art Competition Submission Form. Only one artwork submission per student is allowed. Enter all information carefully so the correct names are on exhibit labels, certificates, and awards.
     On Saturday, March 9 judging and selection of semi-finalists; teachers will be notified of the selections shortly thereafter. On Saturday, April 20 artwork delivery and exhibit installation at Hawaiʻi State Capitol. Hawaiʻi Island semi-finalists should request a prepaid shipping label by Friday, April 12 by emailing Anya at Anya.Anthony@mail.house.gov. Email must include: name of school; return address; teacher contact info – name, phone, email; weight in pounds and dimensions (L x W x H) of artwork; description, such as number of pieces inside.
2nd Congressional District winner from 2017
     Art will be exhibited Monday, April 22 through Saturday, May 11 at Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The Awards Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon.
     All entries must be: two-dimensional; no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches thick when matted/framed; no more than 15 pounds in weight when matted/framed; original in concept, design, and execution, and not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image – including a painting, graphic, or advertisement – that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted.
     Work entered must be in the original medium, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing. Acceptable mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are: Paintings in oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.; Drawings in colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed); Collages - must be two dimensional; Prints - lithographs, silkscreen, block prints; Mixed Media - use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.; Computer-generated art; Photographs.
     Digital Image File Specifications are that JPG files should be captured by a high-resolution camera. Each JPG file must be at least 1500 by 2100 pixels at 300 dpi. Each JPG file should be at least 1 megabyte but no greater than 10 megabytes. Save file in this formet: CON_Grade_School_Student Last Name_First Name_Media_Title.jpg
     Contact Anya at Anya.Anthony@mail.house.gov or call (808) 541-1986 with questions. See also: A Guide to Copyright and Plagiarism; 2019 Rules for Students and Teachers; 2019 Student Release Form – must be completed/signed and submitted with entry; 2019 Art Competition Submission Form.

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UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES will support the one in seven people entering the hospital in Hawaiʻi who will need blood, according to Blood Bank Hawaiʻi. A release from BBH says only about two percent of people donate. "Spring into action and save lives in your community by signing up to donate blood."
     The general requirements to be a blood donor are be in good health; 18 years or older, 16 and 17 year old donors with signed Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi parent/legal guardian consent; weigh 110 pounds or more - additional height/weight requirements apply for female donors 16-18 years old. Bring photo ID with date of birth.
     There are seven upcoming blood drives in March on Hawaiʻi Island. To schedule an appointment or verify drive information, call 848-4770 or visit BBH.org. Drives are subject to change: LDS Waimea Ward Cultrual Hall, Wednesday, March 6, 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.; LDS Kona Stake Center Culktural Hall, Friday, March 8, 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.; LDS Hilo Cultural Hall, Monday, March 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Luau Hale Main Room, Tuesday, March 19, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday, March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Kamehameha Schools Band and Choral Room in Keaʻau, Thursday, March 21, 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Legacy Hilo Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Dining Rooms in Hilo, Friday, March 22, 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
     Follow Blood Bank of Hawaiʻi on social media for updates and info on blood drives: Facebook.com/BloodBankHawaii/, Instagram.com/BloodBankHawaii/, and Twitter.com/BloodBankHawaii.

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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
Boys Basketball:
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA

NEW and UPCOMING
ZENTANGLE: MIXED PLATE happens Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lydia Meneses will guide a mixture of Zentangle concepts during this art session. She will introduce some of the newest tangles and tile trends designed by Zentangle CZTs and Zentangle enthusiasts from around the world.
     The announcement invites attendees to "enjoy a morning of creating art in 'local kine' fashion. This Zentangle session will have the feel of a 'mixed plate,' meaning a little bit of everything, along with standard tiles and pens. New Zentangle concepts are being created/born at any given time of the year, so Lydia will devote this time to introduce, but a few, of these creative ideas. To spice up your plate, you are invited to bring your favorite Zentangle tile coloring tools."
     Class will be guided with Zentangle's traditional ceremony and method: Gratitude, Appreciation, Relaxation, Mindfulness, and Awareness. Class open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. An overview of Zentangle art method will be introduced to those new to Zentangle art. Students are invited to bring snacks to share. Cost is $35, $30 VAC members, plus a $10 supply fee. See volcanoartcenter.org/events for more or to register.

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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 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. HawaiiRodeoStam
pede.com

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

SATURDAY, 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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wed., Feb. 20, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Arts & Crafts Activity: Eagle Handprint, Wed., Feb. 20, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 11-19. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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.

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