Sunday, June 02, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 2, 2019

Nāʻālehu Elementary School celebrated May Day on Friday, with first grade illustrating paniolo life in Kaʻū.
See story below. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
THE 2 PERCENT LAND FUND COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENT goes for a final reading before the County Charter Commission this Friday in Hilo before it moves on to the County Council. The amendment is expected to be placed on the 2020 election ballot. Debbie Hecht, Campaign Coordinator for the 2 percent Land Program since 2006, said she hopes for an amendment that would allow non-profits who steward the land to pay workers, using their stewardship funds from county land taxes.
     "Show up to testify June 7 in Hilo at 9 a.m. or testify from Kona (even if you have spoken before) or send your testimony to Charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov," urges Hecht.
Nāʻālehu May Day Court. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto   
     She suggested including testimony to show the need to pay for some of the caretaking responsibilities of land stewardship funded through the 2 Percent Land Fund, rather than relying on volunteers entirely. Kaʻū is the District with the most land under stewardship on Hawaiʻi Island, through the 2 percent Land Fund. Most property protected is along the Kaʻū Coast. Organizations caring for Kaʻū properties include Nā Mamo O Kāwā, nmok.org; Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo,
Families join the May Day Court members. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
honuapopark.org; Ala Kahakai Trail Association, alakahakaitrail.org; Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, wildhawaii.org; and Hoʻomalu Kaʻū, hoomalukau@gmail.com, with thousands of acres conserved.
     Hecht said that "all of the stewardship groups want to be able to pay people to work on the land.
Volunteers are great but inconsistent. The stewardship non-profits have said that they need, volunteer coordinators, workers and organizers."
     The amendment would allow officers and board members of the nonprofits receiving funding to receive compensation for their work delineated in the budget approved by the county.

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Nāʻālehu teachers dance for the students and families.
Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
ANOTHER HOUSE FIRE BURNED IN HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES on Friday, May 31. At 7:28 p.m., the single occupant of a two-story house on Bamboo Lane and Mahimahi Drive called to report her house was on fire. Units arrived on scene at 7:37 p.m. to find the house "two-thirds engulfed in flames," states the HFD report. HFD Company 20 fought the fire until it was safe to enter, then extinguished all interior flames.
     Nine HFD personnel responded, using two engines, one tanker, one med unit, and two other vehicles. Two Hawaiʻi County Police Department personnel were also on the scene. No injuries were reported. HFD estimates the loss at $101,250 and is investigating the cause of the fire.

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Nāʻālehu Kindergarten classmates dance with handmade headbands.
Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CELEBRATED MAY DAY LAST FRIDAY in its gym, with family members invited to witness the song and dance of the teachers and children, celebrating the multicultural student body. May Day has been Lei Day since 1927 when the tradition was introduced in Hawaiʻi to include lei making competition, exchanging lei and enjoying music and dance with performers and the audience adorned with lei.
     In Kaʻū schools, it is often used to show the cultural diversity of the student body, with dances and music from Hawaiʻi, the Philippines, South Pacific Islands, and other homelands of people who moved here. See photos above and below.
Fourth graders dance Tahitian for May Day. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
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Mrs. Jara and her third grade class. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto
CHAUNALISA VELEZ WILL GO TO COLLEGE ON AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP to play basketball and volleyball. The 2019 Kaʻū High School graduate will join Everett Community College in Washington state, "where she will forever be a Trojan," said Trojans Girls Basketball Assistant Coach Jennifer Makuakane. Velez also received the Kaʻū High School Female Athlete of the Year Award. Her plan is to become a registered nurse.
     Makuakane provided a history of Velez's Kaʻū High sports career. Back in the fall of 2015, Girls Basketball Head Coach Cy Lopez, Jr approached freshman Velez, inquiring about her interest in girls basketball. "She was the perfect candidate to fill the position as a center on his team," said Makunakane. "She looked at him a little shocked that he asked and politely declined, because she never played basketball and was more interested in soccer.
     "Three years passed and the question didn't come up until Coach Cy started assisting with girl's volleyball. Watching Chauna on the volleyball court, you could definitely sense she was in her element and how passionate she was for the sport. She was confident in her abilities, a strong and skilled middle, and you could see that she was 'comfortable.'"
Chaunalisa Velez, center, with her ‘ohana and coaches, as she signs with Everett Community College in Washington state. 
Photo from Ka‘ū High School
     At the end of Velez 's senior year of volleyball, said Makuakane, the coach  "attempted to recruit her once again. He knew it was the last chance and thought, 'Why not, the answer can only be yes or no.' To his surprise," Velez stated she would try out.
     Said Makuakane, "At the end of each day of tryouts, all of the coaches would gather with their evaluation sheets for each player. When it came to discussing Chauna's abilities, they were impressed. With no more than two hours on her first day, Chauna's athletic ability and capability was impressive, and she was proof that success comes when hard work and effort is applied. She absorbed everything that she was taught like a sponge.
     "As the weeks passed and hours of practices added up, Chauna grew in the sport that was initially foreign to her. As the season went on, the coaches asked her what was the reason behind going from three years of soccer to suddenly playing basketball. She stated, 'It's my senior year and I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.'
     "Comfort zone or not, you couldn't tell it was her first year playing," said Makuakane. "She excelled very quickly and became a key player throughout the season." The season made history for Kaʻū, as the Girls Basketball team made their first ever appearance at the HHSAA State Tournament. There, her performance caught the eye of Turner Sports Recruiting, LLC.
     Makuakane said, "Although we had such little time with Chauna, it was an absolute pleasure coaching her and we're not only proud of what she has accomplished thus far, but all that she has yet to achieve. Chauna is without a doubt a great athlete, but she also has a firm foundation and positive mindset, with the drive to conquer the world.
     "Chauna is embarking on an incredible journey with all of the love and support by her Masters and Velez ‘ohana."

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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
PROTECTING HAWAIʻI'S NATIVE SPECIES is the subject of this month's Coffee Talk on Friday, June 28, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Kahuku Unit.
     An announcement from the Park says invasive species "are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in Hawaiʻi. How are gardeners and plant enthusiasts to know if a plant will jump the garden fence and run amok in the landscape? What plants should be left in the landscape, which should be removed, which should be planted? Plant Pono is the easy answer to these questions! From planting a first garden, to landscaping and designing major projects, plantpono.org is intended to guide all who garden to make pono (beneficial) planting choices. Be the solution: do the right thing and learn about pono planting options!"
     Molly Murphy is the Plant Pono coordinator at the Big Island Invasive Species Committee. After 10 years as a forester in Hawaiʻi and throughout the Pacific, says the announcement, Molly "became frustrated seeing invasive plants growing in the shade of an (almost) intact native forest. Wanting to help the native forest thrive, she started working for BIISC in 2015. Changing the hearts and minds of the public in regards to pono planting choices is her small part protecting the native forest."

SEE NEW DISPLAYS AT HAWAIʻI PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION'S Kahuku Country Store. HPPA sells Kaʻū coffee on a daily basis as well as at the monthly Coffee Talk. 
     Kahuku staff also encourages a visit due to a "spectacular" lehua bloom.

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UPCOMING
MONDAY, JUNE 3
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

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, June 3 and July 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JUNE 4
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, June 4, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5
Early Head Start, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Master Gardeners: Plant Propagation, Wednesday, June 5, 2 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Sharing techniques to propagate plants. Free seeds and starts give away. 939-2442

All About Buddhism in the Jodo Shinshu Tradition, Wednesday, June 5 and every following Wednesday, 5 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Book study/talk story. Materials and light refreshments provided. Temple president Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com

Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Sammi Fo, Wednesday, June 5 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, JUNE 6
Keiki Jiggle Bums, Thursday, June 6 and 20 – 1st and 3rd Thursday, monthly – 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Discover the joy of early learning through song and musical instruments. For keiki 0-4 years. Nicola, 238-8544

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, June 6 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, June 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 7. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629


Uplink All-Stars: Grades 6-8, Friday, June 7, to Friday, June 28, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Stewardship at the Summit, Fridays, June 7, 15, 22, and 28, 8:45 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo

SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, June 8, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Stained Glass Basics II: Baubles, Bevels and other Embellishments w/Claudia McCall, Saturday and Sunday, June 8, 9, 15 and 16, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Open to those with prior copper foil stained glass experience. Advanced registration required. Limited to 6 adults. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, June 8, meet 9:30 a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Zentangle Ulana, Appreciations of Weaving w/Dina Wood Kageler, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. All welcome, no prior experience necessary. Supplies provided. Students invited to bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Jazz in the Forest: Binti Bailey & Larry Seyer with the Jazztones, Saturday, June 8, 5:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Refreshments available for purchase. Tickets available online, $20/VAC Member, $25/non-Member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

SUNDAY, JUNE 9
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, June 9 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

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, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
     Early College, for high school students, runs from Wednesday, June 12 through Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     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 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., and free lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on weekdays, June 7 through July 11, in the school cafeteria.
     No classes or meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.


Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, 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

Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade Sign-Up Open until Thursday, June 20. 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.

 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.

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.

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