Friday, April 05, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, April 5, 2019

A 1988 Classic Tiffany Coupe was among the exotic entries in the Ocean View Classic Car Show last weekend 
that raised money for Ocean View Community Association. Owner Ted Wakeman said it s one of 100 showroom 
cars built by Classic Motor Carriages in Miami. The coupe came to Oʻahu in 1988. See story below. 
Photo by Annie Bosted
A POSSIBLE HAWAIIAN VOLCANOES OBSERVATORY MOVE TO OʻAHU is confirmed by U.S. Geological Survey HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal. During the eruption last year, daily earthquakes shook Kīlauea caldera. Its walls fell in, undermining the integrity of the HVO building on the edge of Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. HVO scientists abandoned the location, where the U.S. Geological Service monitore volcanic activity since 1924.
USGS HVO Scientist-in-Charge Tina Neal.
 USGS HVO photo
     Neal discussed the issue during a recent  Island Issues radio interview with Sherry Bracken. Neal said, "part of the mix of discussion," is moving the scientists to Oʻahu.
     The March 29 Kaʻū News Briefs reported the possible move, with Sen. Mazie Hirono asking U.S. Interior Secretary Nominee David Bernhardt to "listen to the Congressional delegation as well as local stakeholders to put this observatory where the eruptions will likely occur."
     Since leaving the Halemaʻumaʻu location, HVO scientists are scattered into temporary locations across East Hawaiʻi. Neal told Bracken HVO hopes to move most staff into the second floor of the Iron Works building in Hilo "in a month or so… Having us all together is really efficient from an operational sense."
     Said Neal to Bracken, "The U.S. Geological Survey is still in the process of working with the congressional delegation and all of our stakeholders to determine the best solution for HVO going forward. We will focus on what is the best facility arrangement to allow us to continue our critical monitoring, our important science, and our relationships with emergency managers and the at-risk public. So, those discussions are definitely ongoing.
Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory, right, at the edge of expanded Halemaʻumaʻu. USGS HVO photo
     "There are federal facilities on Oʻahu that offer some potential advantages for some parts of our operation, but importantly our planning efforts and discussions are looking at multiple options – very much so here on the Big Island to maintain our ability to monitor the volcanoes adequately and maintain our long relationships with these critical constituents."
     Neal said Cindy Orlando, superintendent of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, "very much would like a presence of HVO in the national park."
     Island Issues with Sherry Bracken airs at 6:30 a.m. Sunday mornings on KWXX (101.5 Kona, 94.7 Hilo) and at 7 a.m. on B93/B97 (93.1 Kona, 97.1 Hilo).

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Albezia trees. Photo from DLNR
A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW THE PUBLIC ONTO PRIVATE LAND TO TAKE OUT ALBEZIA TREES goes to Gov. David Ige's desk. Senate Bill 464 SD2, introduced by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, and co-sponsored by west Kaʻū Sen. Dru Kanuha and Hilo Sen. Kai Kahele, would allow property owners to enter a vacant adjacent property in order to eradicate albizia trees that could become hazardous to their property, without the permission of the vacant property's owner.
     Ruderman said, "This is still just the first part of the effort that started four years ago, when we discovered how dangerous albizias can be."
     Albizias can grow up to 150 feet – at a rate of 15 feet per year – has seeds easily dispersed by wind, and are prone to "sudden limb drop," which happens without signs of damage or weakness. During Tropical Storm Iselle, limbs stripped from albizias by high winds caused much damage throughout Puna and in Wood Valley.
     The bill requires the concerned property owner to verify the danger from albizias and to certify that the trees could be safely removed, through "a tree risk assessment qualification certified arborist." The concerned property owner must make two or more attempts to contact the neighboring property owner within 30 days of entering the property, at least once in writing, to prevent pastureland being mistaken for vacant land.
     Said Ruderman, "Realtors like it; homeowners like it… It never got any 'no' votes. This is a much needed measure to help control the spread of these dangerous trees."

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Three classic cars captivated the attention of car lovers. The red 1965 Corvette Sting Ray has been owned for 
44 years by Tony Page, a Ranchos resident. The blue coupe is a 1972 Volvo 1800 ES owned by Les Garbis who lives in HOVE. The paint job on the large black van is familiar to customers of Ocean View Auto Parts, one of ten businesses that donated prizes for the show that raised money for OVCA. Photo by Annie Bosted
A CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW FUNDRAISER for Ocean View Community Association last weekend drew more than 200 attendees. Organized by OVCA, the event displayed 23 classic and vintage cars, and 13 very fancy bikes at Ocean View Community Center.
     The show proved to be a lucrative fundraiser for OVCA, a cornerstone of the community. The crowd enjoyed cars and bikes, live music, food, and raffle prizes.
     Winners in the car contest are: Peoples' Choice – Alan Yamasaki's 1970 Z28 Camaro;
Judges' Choice – Alan Yamasaki's 1970 Z28 Camaro; Best of Show – Jim Simpson's 1929 Ford and Glenn Ani's 1932 Ford Pickup; Best Custom – Tony Andrade's 1968 Chevy Nova II; Best Original – Sal Mazza's 1965 Impala SS Convertible; Best Project – Wayne Docksteader's 1935 Chevy Coupe.
A lineup of classic bikes at the Ocean View Community Center provided a fun event for the community. 
Photo by John Vose
          Winners in the bike contest are: Peoples' Choice – Mike Haber's 1936 Indian Knucklehead;
Judges' Choice – Christine Gallagher's 2018 Harley Davidson Free Wheeler; Best of Show – Tony Page's 2007 Harley Davidson CVO; Best Custom – Andrew Richard’s 1978 Harley Davidson FX; Best Original – Mike Haber's 1936 Indian Knucklehead; and  Best Project – Mike Leckington's 1941 Indian Knucklehead   
A 1955 Chevy 3100 truck owned by Dennis Custard, who restored it using 
mostly original parts for the six-cylinder engine. The fine paint 
work completed his impressive project. Photo by Annie Bosted
      Ron Gall, President of the Association and organizer of the show, told The Kaʻū Calendar that local businesses were generous in donating raffle prizes. Among donors were Beach Buggy Concessions (from Idaho), Coffee Grinds, DJ's Pizza, Kahuku Gift and Garden, Mehe's Bar & Grill, Ocean View Auto Parts, Ocean View Pizzeria, Oven Treats, Rancho Ace Hardware, and South Point U Cart, which donated three prizes.
     Gall said the event made over $900 for the Association. He said  many volunteers helped, but he could have welcomed a few more.
     The association needs more members and volunteers daily to cover community operations. The OVCA office is open 8 a.m. to noon, Mondays to Fridays, except holidays.

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THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT, which would guarantee equal rights regardless of sex, was reintroduced into the U.S. Senate this week by Sen. Mazie Hirono and 21 colleagues. ERA states "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex – the ERA establishes within the United States Constitution the unambiguous and unassailable rights of women under the law."
Suffragist Alice Paul introduced the ERA in 1923.
Photo from National Women's History Museum
     The first version of the ERA was introduced by suffragist Alice Paul in 1923. While a version of the ERA passed Congress in 1972, it fell short of the constitutional requirement that 38 states ratify the amendment. Currently, the U.S. Constitution does not contain any explicit protections guaranteeing equal rights for women.
     Said Hirono, "Passing a constitutional amendment that guarantees full equality on the basis of sex is long overdue. Women have made long strides toward equality since I first entered public service more than 30 years ago, and while we have made great progress, we are not done fighting yet. Under the current administration, we have faced an extraordinary number of attacks that would limit women's access to affordable, accessible health care, roll back workplace protections and opportunities, and ignore economic issues that disproportionately affect women, such as the gender wage gap and unpaid family and medical leave time. It is time that our country recognize the full political, economic, and social equality of all women, and pass the Equal Rights Amendment."
     "Throughout the past two years, the Trump Administration has ignored the gender wage gap; attempted to block access to affordable, quality reproductive health care; and has appointed right-wing judges who have been groomed by conservative think tanks who seek to roll back time. The Equal Rights Amendment was first passed nearly 50 years ago and, while we have made great strides in forming a more equal and just society, we have recently found ourselves having to fight the same old battles to keep the clock from turning back. Now more than ever, we must formally codify in the U.S. Constitution that women are entitled full equality under the law, and I won't stop fighting until that day comes."
     Sunu Chandy, Legal Director for the National Women's Law Center, said, "Equal rights for women means ensuring access to reproductive health care, equal pay, and freedom from pregnancy-based discrimination.The NWLC supports having additional attention paid to the on-going sex discrimination faced by so many – that this work to pass the ERA will provide. Including equality based on sex, explicitly as part of the U.S. Constitution, will highlight to everyone in this nation and beyond that the fight for women’s rights must continue until these rights are a reality for all of us, including women of color, immigrant women, poor women, women with disabilities and LGBTQ individuals."
     ERA is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

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A RESOLUTION URGING AN END TO THE SAUDI WAR IN YEMEN and withdrawing U.S. troops from involvement is headed for Pres. Donald Trump's desk. Kaʻū's Rep. Tulsi Gabbard urged the House to approve S.J.Res.7 on Thursday. Just before the vote, Gabbard spoke on the House Floor, saying, "Right now the United States continues to support Saudi Arabia's genocidal war in Yemen. This support has been ongoing since 2015 and yet has never been authorized by Congress. It must end now.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Photo from Gabbard's Flickr
     "U.S. support for this war has resulted in dire consequences. Just last week the Saudi coalition bombed a hospital, they've bombed school buses, weddings, markets, funerals. Tens of thousands of Yemeni civilians killed. Millions more are in dire need of humanitarian aid, starving and sick without access to food and water or basic medicine. This has created the worst humanitarian disaster in the world. We need to put politics aside. Lives are at stake. We cannot afford to delay."
     The House of Representatives voted 247-175 to pass S.J.Res.7 and sent it to Trump for his signature or veto.
     In congress and during her campaign to become U.S. President, Gabbard often speaks about her opposition to "counterproductive, regime-change wars." She has called for ending support for Saudi Arabia, pushed for additional oversight on acquisition and cross-service agreements (Section 1271 of the FY19 NDAA), supported three resolutions in the 115th Congress (H.Con.Res.81, H.Con.Res.138, and H.Con.Res.142) that sought to stop U.S. military participation in Saudi Arabia's war against the Houthis in Yemen, in addition to bipartisan legislation (H.R.7082) that would immediately stop all military sales and aid to the government of Saudi Arabia, and more. The congresswoman also led a letter calling on former Speaker Paul Ryan to schedule an immediate vote on a bipartisan resolution to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war in Yemen.
     Last congress, Gabbard and Rep. Walter Jones introduced H.Res.922, which would reclaim Congress's constitutional right to declare war by: Defining presidential wars not declared by Congress under Article I, section 8, clause 11 (Declare War Clause) as impeachable "high crimes and misdemeanors," and prohibiting the President from perpetuating ongoing wars or supplying war materials, military troops, trainers, or advisers, military intelligence, financial support or their equivalent in association, cooperation, assistance, or common cause without first receiving congressional authorization.

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See footage of the car and driver at bigislandvideonews.com
FLEET CARD THEFTS FROM HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK in October, 2017, are being investigated by Special Agents with the NPS Investigative Services Branch.
     On or about Oct. 16, 2017, government property including two government Fleet Cards (similar to credit cards) were stolen from within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Security video has been obtained from a 76
Service Center where the stolen government Fleet Cards were used. Images of a suspect and a suspect vehicle were obtained from security video.
     Investigators ask if anyone has seen or recognized the person and/or vehicle, or if anyone has information that could help investigators, call or text 888-653-0009, go to www.nps.gov/ISB and submit a tip, or email nps_isb@nps.gov.

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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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m., @Kealakehe
Sat., April 13, 3 p.m., @Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 26, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 27, BIIF Finals
Softball:
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Sat., April 20, BIIF Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m., host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., @Keaʻau
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m., Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m., host Honokaʻa
Mon. April 22, BIIF First Round
Wed., April 24, BIIF Semi-Finals
Thu., April 25, BIIF Finals
Track:
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m., @HPA
Sat., April 20, 9 a.m., @Kamehameha
Fri., April 26, 2 p.m., BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 27, 3 p.m., BIIF Finals
Fri.-Sat., May 3-4, HHSAA

JUST ANNOUNCED
IOLANI LANE CLOSING FOR CONSTRUCTION of the new Ocean View Transfer station from Monday, April 22 through Friday May 3. This closure is a necessary part of the New Ocean View Transfer Station and Recycling Center Construction Project for grading and paving work.
     The road segment (see map) from the Iolani Lane and Mamalahoa Highway intersection to the Iolani Lane and Sea Breeze Parkway intersection will be totally closed to all traffic, 24 hours a day. A detour will be in place, and traffic control devices will be installed for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, as well as safety of crew in the work zone area.
     Jas. W. Glover, Ltd. regrets any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience and understanding. For any concerns on the days of the closure, please contact Vaughn Hing at (808) 747-3144.

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UPCOMING
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
yART Sale, Saturday, April 6, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Gigantic rummage sale with proceeds to benefit VAC programs and workshops. Accepting donations of garden, kitchen, art, collectables, tools, appliances, and furniture. All items clean and in working condition. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 7
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, eight week workshop starts Sunday, April 7. Morning session, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; afternoon session, 2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Handmade functional pottery art – max. eight wheel throwers and three hand-builder spots per session. All skill levels. $180/VAC member, $200/non-member, plus $15 supply fee per person. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. 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, APRIL 8
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, April 8. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Free STD Testing, Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 9 a.m. – noon, 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. Confidential. Free condoms and lube. 895-4927

Kickball, Monday, April 8 through 29, 2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 April 1-5. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Kaʻū Coffee Festival Meeting, Monday, April 8, 5 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House.

Pāhala Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, April 8, 2nd Monday monthly, 5 p.m., activity room at Kaʻū District Gym.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9
Free Vision Screenings, Tuesday, April 9, Nāʻālehu Elementary. Students receive free comprehensive eye exam and sunglasses. If given a prescription, keiki will receive free eyeglasses with choice of frames, with parental consent. Mission co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi. pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_meprojectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388

Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, April 9 (Committees), Wednesday, April 10, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tuesday, April 9, 4 p.m – 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
Scholarship Application Deadline for American Association of University Women-Kona, Wednesday, April 10. Two $1,000 awards for two-year vocational program attendees. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit: Dental, Wednesday, April 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Medical, Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m – 5 p.m. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org

Ki‘i, Wednesday, April 10, 10 a.m. – noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Acclaimed artist James Kanani Kaulukukui Jr. shares his expertise and the essential role of ki‘i, statue, in Hawaiian society. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, APRIL 11
Free Vision Screenings, Thursday, April 11, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Students receive free comprehensive eye exam and sunglasses. If given a prescription, keiki will receive free eyeglasses with choice of frames, with parental consent. Mission co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi. pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_meprojectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388

Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, April 11, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

Tales of Forgiveness and Tales of the Three Monks, performed by Storyteller Jeff Gere, Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10/VAC member, $15/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 12
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, April 12, 9 a.m. – noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Community Dance, Friday, April 12, 7 p.m – 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

ONGOING
Two $1,000 Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus. Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.  Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.

Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.

Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths 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. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208PāhalaHI 96777; or call 808-731-5409.

Exhibit: On Sacred Ground by Dino Morrow is open daily through Sunday, May 5 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to see documentary and protrait photography of Hula Arts at the Kīlauea Program. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.

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