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Dr. Neal Palafox explains the irony of Micronesians' fame as an ocean going people, who wind up in poverty and
poor health in Hawaiʻi. He spoke at the annual Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association meeting in Pāhala.
Photo by Julia Neal |
Keynote speaker was Neal Palafox, MD, MPH, a Professor at University of
Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine & Community Health. He spent decades studying and working with Pacific Islanders
to improve their health and economic situation.
Palafox talked about the strategic importance of numerous South Pacific islands to theU.S.
military after World War II, when more than a decade of nuclear bomb testing
was conducted in the islands. After the nuclear testing stopped, the U.S.
government promised to help with economic development, health, and education
for the islanders.
TheU.S.
maintains large military bases in the Micronesia and views them as important to
the future, especially with Chinese government and companies making inroads
into the Pacific. In exchange for keeping the bases, and for mitigation for the
nuclear testing that made some islands uninhabitable, the U.S.
allows residents of many of the islands to come to this country without a
passport or visa, to live, work, and gain an education here. At first, the
federal government paid for their health care, then the states chipped in as
the federal government withdrew some of its support.
Palafox talked about the strategic importance of numerous South Pacific islands to the
The
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Dr. Neal Palafox and Marshallese leader from Ocean View,
Johnathan Jackson.
Photo by Julia Neal
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Some of the islanders went to places
like Arkansas , where they were
hired by large companies like Tysons Foods and became factory workers. In Arkansas, the Marshallese, in particular have
done well there in terms of being lifted out of poverty, though far away from
their island culture of subsistence farming and fishing.
On Hawaiʻi Island, many of the
families live remotely. Ocean View is one place where they found affordable
land to create housing for extended families. The children go to Schools. Some of the parents and grandparents work picking Kaʻū Coffee.
One
problem brought up in the meeting is the assimilation of the children into the education
system. With poor English skills upon arrival, they need more support through
speakers of their own dialects, several attendees stated. Sometimes they are
bullied and feel discrimination from other students and even teachers, Palafox
said. He said that throughout Hawaiʻi there are many Micronesian jokes, online
insults such as "Micronesian Cockroaches Go Home." People ask "How do we get them to go elsewhere?" and say, "Send these people a
message," and "Stop them from coming." These
islanders are often blamed for being the biggest cause of homelessness in Hawaiʻi,
Palafox said.
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Physician Richard Creagan takes about his experience working
with the Marshallese in the Peace Corps. Photo by Julia Neal
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He noted that one difference between Micronesians here and other immigrants is that most other
immigrants have to apply for a visa and are sponsored by families already here. They often arrive with a job waiting for
them. With the Pacific Islanders who have free entry to the U.S. ,
"we are getting the entire demographic," the middle class and the poor, the skilled and unskilled, said Palafox, "with
their need for more education, employment training, health care, and
assistance with assimilation.
Palafox introduced the idea of Cultural
Safety with mediating variables to help the islanders. Among them are
self-determination, social and restorative justice, equity, negotiated
partnership, transparency, reciprocity, accountability, and resilience.
Johnathan Jackson, one of the leaders of
the Marshallese in Ocean View, talked about the attempt to maintain some of the
traditional culture while living here. The Micronesians, for example, are well
regarded as master navigators in the South Pacific. It is ironic that they
would have a hard time being accepted here.
Palafax said that health statistics are
bleak among the islanders before and after they come here. He said they are
affected by the worst of both worlds: cholera, dengue fever and tuberculosis in
their less developed tropical home islands, and the poor diet of modern society
with more diabetes, stroke, and cancer.
Jesse Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural
Health Community Association, and physician Richard Creagan, who represents
Ocean View in the state House of Representatives and worked in the Peace Corps in the Marshall Islands, vowed to work more with the
Marshallese and other islanders who have moved here.
See more on Kaʻū Rural Health Community
Association at krhcai.com.
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latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, as she sends off Hawaiʻi Army National Guard troops to Afghanistan. She serves in the same unit, deployed twice to the Middle East. Photo from Tulsi Gabbard |
MEMORIAL DAY IN KAʻŪ included ceremonies at Kilauea Military
Camp and messages from two military reserve public officials, both running for
national office. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's campaign team for U.S. president released a
statement about her recent farewell to nearly 200 soldiers from the Hawaiʻi
Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment. It is the same
unit she deployed with to the Middle East. These soldiers headed to Afghanistan, and for many, it is their third or fourth deployment.
As a soldier for over 16 years, Gabbard
served in Iraq
in 2005 in a medical unit "where she was confronted everyday by the high
human cost of war. On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid the ultimate
price in service to their country, and those who continue to put their lives on
the line for our country every day. As Tulsi reminds us, it's the little things
that don't make the headlines that also take a toll – like missing your child's
first steps, seeing them off to school, or teaching them how to drive."
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| State Sen. Kai Kalele, who serves in the Air National Guard, putting a flag on the grave of a veteran. Photo from Kai Kahele |
The statement says that Gabbard is
"running for president to bring an end to more counterproductive regime
change wars, the new cold war, and arms race. Our servicemen and women don't
need lip service from warmongering politicians and media pundits who feign
concern while simultaneously fomenting conflicts around the globe. These
conflicts threaten to send our men and women in uniform into harm's way for no
other purpose than power and profit. The true way to honor our troops who have
and continue to put their lives on the line for our country is to work to
prevent unnecessary costly wars and resolve that war should only be waged as a
very last resort to keep the American people safe."
State Sen. Kai Kahele, who is running to
take Gabbard's place in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement
saying, "This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women of the
U.S. Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our
freedom and our nation. We remember their courage, their strength, and their
love of country.
"Just as in years gone past, we
decorate each memorial, each gravesite with a flag, flowers, or a lei. We lower
our flags to half staff and we pay tribute to those who gave their all in
service to a grateful nation. The observance of their names, the acknowledgment
of their contribution during their shortened lives, and the recognition of
their sacrifice is the highest honor we can give them.
"When we think about them, for a
moment they live again, in our memories, in our imagination, and our hearts
while stirring up our pride, our patriotism, and maybe a tear. As their
extraordinary courage and sacrifice are etched in our memories, they live on
forever."
Kīlauea
Military Camp held Memorial Day ceremonies followed by a Memorial Day Buffet.
The keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., commander of Pōhakuloa
Training Area.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
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THE SKY IS FULL OF STORIES with James McCarthy happens
Friday, June 28, 1:30 p.m. , at Nāʻālehu
Public Library, 95-5669 Mamalahoa Hwy. The free, 45 minute program, suitable
for all ages, features McCarthy telling "sky stories from myths to
science." McCarthy is a founding storyteller of Honolulu Zoo's Moonlight Tours
and Snooze in the Zoo, which "bring to life the stories that are found in
the skies." Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult
caregiver. Contact 939-2442 for more.
UPCOMING
SUNDAY, MAY 26
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org
MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333
After Dark in the Park – Hawai‘i's Landfill Crisis: From Hopeless to Hopeful, Tuesday, May 28, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Special guest speakers Lori Kahikina, P.E. Director, Department of Environmental Services and Jim Howe, Emergency Services Director present sobering look at Hawaiʻi’s future and a call to action that provides hope while separating myth from reality. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i – referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
THURSDAY, MAY 30
Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo
SATURDAY, JUNE 1
Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign-in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities and programs for all ages and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Summer Reading Program: A Universe of Stories, June 1-July 13, all Hawai‘i Public Libraries including Nā‘ālehu and Pāhala. Starting June 1, sign-in and register at librarieshawaii.beanstack.org for free reading rewards, activities and programs for all ages and a chance to win a round trip for Four to anywhere Alaska Airlines flies.
Edible Wild Plants: A Hands-On Foray for Foragers and Foodies with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 transportation fee. Class size limited. Register early. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, June 1 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. to noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Saturday, June 1. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres. Information or purchase tickets, $48, at (808) 896-4845, kilaueamilitarycamp.com, or bluesbearhawaii.com.
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, June 2 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.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
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Monday, June 3 (Committees), Tuesday, June 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program Applications, Monday, June 3, 10, 17, or 24, Tuesday, June 4, 11, 18 or 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Green Room, Ocean View Community Center. See hceoc.net/programs/energy for full list of requirements and to download forms.
Mr. Kneel Public Speaker and Professional Beatboxer, Monday, June 3, 2:30 p.m., Pāhala Public and School Library. Features math, reading, Dr. Seuss, and family friendly humor. 928-2015
ONGOING
Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.
All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from 
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.
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.
