Saturday, May 18, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, May 18, 2019

Tulsi Gabbard is the first woman combat veteran to run for U.S. President. She is also second youngest contender for
the Democratic Party nominee, nine months older than Mayor Pete Buttigeig, who is also a vet. Both have
qualified for the televised debates. Gabbard is Kaʻū's Congresswoman. Photo from Tulsi 2020
KAʻŪ'S CONGRESSWOMAN has qualified for nationally televised debates for the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. President. According to a story in Friday's Washington Post, she is among 11 candidates who are assured a place on the stage. Joining her, in alphabetical order, are former vice president Joe Biden; Sen. Cory Booker; South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigeig; former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro; Sen. Kamala Harris; Sen. Amy Klobuchar; former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke; Sen. Bernie Sanders; Sen. Elizabeth Warren; and businessman Andrew Yang.
     Candidates qualify by 65,000 persons donating to their campaigns from at least 20 states or receiving at least 1 percent support from three polls that the Democratic National Committee deems qualified. Gabbard announced in mid April that her campaign reached 65,000 donors, which guarantees her the debate stage. According to Real Clear Politics, Gabbard also reached 1 percent in several polls this week.
Tulsi Gabbard, successfully vying for a seat in the state House of
Representatives to serve Kaʻū and rural areas of the Hawaiian Islands,
during a rally at Hilo Bandstand in 2012. Photo by Julia Neal
     Gabbard is the first woman combat veteran to run for President. She is the second youngest in the race, at 38, about nine months older than Buttigieg. She represents Kaʻū and rural Hawaiʻi in her fourth term serving Hawaiʻi's Second District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the House Armed Services and Financial Services Committees. She previously served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Homeland Security Committee.
     In 2002, at age 21, she was elected to the Hawaiʻi Legislature, becoming the youngest person ever elected in the state. She was elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010. Gabbard has served in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard for 16 years, is a veteran of two Middle East deployments, and continues to serve as a Major.

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REP. TULSI GABBARD HELPED TO PASS THE EQUALITY ACT on Friday. She is one of the original co-sponsors who helped shepherd it through the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 5 passed the House by a vote of 236-173. The bill goes to the Senate for its consideration.
     "By passing the Equality Act today, we affirm that all Americans must be treated equally under the law — regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability or national origin," said Gabbard. "I urge the Senate to promptly take up and also pass this important legislation to end the discrimination that still plagues our fellow Americans."
     The Equality Act was introduced in March 2019 with strong, bipartisan support. It would amend existing civil rights legislation to include explicit protection to the LGBT community. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education, employment, housing, credit, federal jury service, public accommodations, and the use of federal funds.
     Gabbard has cosponsored and supported anti-discrimination legislation like the Fair and Equal Housing Act, Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act, Juror Non-Discrimination Act, Student Non-Discrimination Act, Safe Schools Improvement Act, Do No Harm Act, and the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act. Additionally, Rep. Gabbard has advocated in support of the LGBT community serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. For more on the congresswoman's work to fight for civil rights and equality, click here.

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SINE DIE, NOW WHAT? is a training session, hosted by the Membership Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i. The training happens Thursday, May 30 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at DPH HQ in Honolulu. Teleconference by dialing (712) 451-0200 and entering meeting ID 938390#. Videoconference at join.freeconferencecall.com/dph2018, enter meeting ID dph2018. To teleconference or videoconference, please also RSVP by email to info@hawaiidemocrats.org. to receive hand-outs before the training starts.
     All training by MCDPH, unless otherwise stated, are for Democratic Party of Hawai‘i members only. To sign up, go to hawaiidemocrats.org/join/. Facebook Event, click here.
     The training session covers what to do if a bill passed and is on the Governor's Desk as well as what to do if a bill failed.
      In preparation for 2020, the Membership Committee is recruiting volunteers for several standing committees. To sign up, complete this online form eepurl.com/graAOf. The respective co-chair(s) will reach out to applicants.

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KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION'S 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting will partially focus on embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese. The meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
    The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.
     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101.
     Kaʻū Rural Health, with a slogan of Nānā I Ke Kumu O Kaʻū, Look to the Source of Kaʻū, is a community-based membership non-profit charitable organization which evolved from a community grassroots coalition to preserve quality healthcare access in rural communities. In 1998, that coalition kept Kaʻū hospital's 24-hour emergency room services open. See krhcai.com.

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LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM announced this week that applications will be open June 3 through 28. LIHEP offers two programs to assist with payment of heating and cooling costs for low income families. Energy Crisis Intervention is for households on the verge of utility disconnect; Energy Credit is for non-crisis utility payment.
    Beginning June 3, sign up at Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity office in Nā‘ālehu, back of Senior Center, Wednesdays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Ocean View Community Center, Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. All offices are closed Tuesday, June 11 for the Kamehameha Day holiday.
     To qualify, household members must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents; all adults in the household must sign the application and provide picture ID; and household members over one year must provide a social security card. Household income must be below 150% of Federal Poverty Level. Applicants must also bring a current electric or gas bill, secondary proof of residence, and proof of income for all household members.
     See hceoc.net/programs/energy for full list of requirements and to download forms.

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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
JUST ANNOUNCED
SURF-N-TURF SUNDAYS at Kīlauea Military Camp's Crate Rim Café, located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, happens 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays in June, except Father's Day. Menu is a 12 oz. Rib Eye Steak and a 4 oz. Lobster Tail, Salad Bar, Potato Bar, and a beverage, for $29.95. Reservations required; call 967-8356. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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UPCOMING
SUNDAY, MAY 19
Fundraiser for the Argueta Family, who lost their newly-built home in a fire, happens Sunday, May 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Miranda Farm, 93-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy 11, next to Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event kicks off with fresh homemade tacos, Salvadoran tamales and Mexican Tamales, and Miranda Farm's coffee. The auction of a variety of donated baked goods will begin at 2 p.m.
     Interested in making a dessert to donate toward the auction? Please call (808) 936-3362 or (808) 929-7572. See facebook.com/events/4397
73063253157/. See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for more.

Ka‘ū Little League Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 19, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Terraces, 92-1885 Princess Ka‘iulani Blvd., Ocean View. Lopaka Rootz and D-Tech Solutions, live. Tickets, $10 in advance, $15 at the door, plus can of food at entry. Sponsored by Criminal Justice Solutions and Kahuku Park Block Watch. Gabe Morales, gcmorales2020@gmail.com, Kathi Griffeth, kathiegriffeth@gmail.com

MONDAY, MAY 20
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Monday, May 20 (Committees), Tuesday, May 21, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Summer Musical Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song Auditions, Monday, May 20, and Tuesday, May 21, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Parts for all ages and ability. Cold readings. Dress comfortably to move on stage, be prepared to sign a song that best shows vocal range. Show to run July 12-28. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

TUESDAY, MAY 21
Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Lei, Tuesday, May 21, 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, May 13-17. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22
Story Time with Auntie Linda of Tūtū & Me, Wednesday, May 22, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Pāhala Public and School Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571

Arts and Crafts Activity: Memorial Day Star Hanging, Wednesday, May 22, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Register keiki grades K-6, May 16-21. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

THURSDAY, MAY 23
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, May 23, 3 p.m. – 4 p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

FRIDAY, MAY 24
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association's 21st annual Rural Health Conference and General Membership Meeting happens Friday, May 24, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Pāhala Community Center. The meeting features youth achievements recognition and community resource networks, and offers free health screenings, informational booths, food exhibits, and door prizes.
     Special guests are Dr. Neal Palafox, MD, MPH Professor; University of Hawaiʻi; John A. Burns School of Medicine; and Department of Family Medicine and Community Health. A focus of the event will be embracing and understanding the cultural transition of Marshallese.
     To be a vendor at the event, call the Resource and Distance Learning Center at 928-0101. See krhcai.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 25
15th Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating, Saturday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Reed's Bay, Hilo, same day Pre-Event, 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m., Ka‘ū Hospital, Pāhala. Pre-event features motorcycle and classic car community riding in procession to the hospital to meet and greet patients, staff and Ka‘ū Community before riding to main event. Celebration of life bracelet available online, $10 donation, limited supply. Public welcome to both events. Benefits Hawai‘i Care Choices. 969-1733, hawaiicarechoices.org

Support Ka‘ū Cost Stewardship by attending the Of Water concert at Pāhala Plantation House on Saturday, May 25, at 6 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are $25, donations for stewardship are welcome. See more, below.

ONGOING
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
     Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.

Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition,  runs through June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade happens Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. The parade route begins at the Nāʻālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission. To participate, call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872.
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A CONCERT TO RAISE MONEY FOR STEWARDSHIP OF THE KAʻŪ COAST will be held on Saturday, May 25, 6 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on the corner of Maile and Pikake Streets. The concert is one in a series of performances during the Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, in its third season in the islands. The series is called Of Water.
Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy
Shoremount-Obra. HIMF photo
2018 International Bach Competition
Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenbaum.
HIMF photo
     The recital features internationally acclaimed artists Metropolitan Opera Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra and 2018 International Bach Competition Prize Winning Pianist Andrew Rosenblum. They will perform works by Turina, Mahler, Fauré, Rachmaninoff, Duke, and more.
     Donations accepted at the event go to Kaʻū Coast non-profit stewardship organizations, including Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com.
     In addition to the opportunity to donate to coastal stewardships, an opportunity to support Hawaiʻi International Music Festival is available by reserving best seats for $25 each. They are available at recitalpahala.bpt.me and at the door – cash or check only. See the concert schedule for other islands at himusicfestival.com. For overnight accommodations, contact Pāhala Plantation Cottages at 928-9811.
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