Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, June 6, 2019

DDay air troopers, at right, on their way to dropping into France on June 6, 1944. At left are the same men,
75 years later as WWII veterans in the same plane. DDay led the way for Japanese Americans of the 442nd from
Hawaiʻi to head for Europe on June 26, 1944, as loyal U.S citizens supporting the Allies.
 Photo from Sen. Mazie Hirono's Twitter

THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF DDAY, with World War II ceremonies this week in France and Britain, drew the following from Sen. Mazie Hirono: "We remember those in our military who served and made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country on the beaches of Normandy. Today, we honor the legacy of the greatest generation and salute you."

DDay on June 6, 1944, made way for Japanese American soldiers like Iwao
Yonemitsu and Tokoichi Nakano to fight for the U.S. in Europe.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Hirono shared a photo of veterans in a plane that dropped them into France on DDay, their images then - and now - in their tenth decade of life.
     DDay, June 6, 1944, saw 57,500 U.S. troops land in France by sea and 15,500 from the sky. On the beaches of Normandy, it was the largest seaborne landing in military history.
    The DDAY landing on June 6 led the way to the deployment June 26 of the U.S. Army's 442nd unit of Japanese Americans to fight in Europe. Some came from from Kaʻū, including Iwao Yonemitsu and the late Tokoichi Nakano.
     Along with the Allied Forces, they defeated the Nazis who were taking over Europe.

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AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAIʻI COUNTY STYROFOAM-POLYSTYRENE BAN is before the County Council. Proposed by councilmember Tim Richards, who introduced the ban, it would allow use of containers widely considered recyclable but not currently accepted in Hawaiʻi County's recycling system. Plastic clamshell containers are examples.

Example of a recyclable plastic clamshell container, which
would be allowed with the new amendment.
Photo from webstaurant.com

     A problem developed with the styrofoam-polystyrene ban that goes into effect July 1, with few alternatives for packaging. While the new law allows recyclable plastic and compostable containers, Hawaiʻi County stopped accepting "No. 5 plastic 'clamshell'" containers – the recyclable alternative many food vendors would use as a replacement for the styrofoam plate lunch container. This leaves the more expensive compostable containers as the only option.
     The proposed amendment would allow use of packaging currently unacceptable for recycling by Hawaiʻi County, but potentially acceptable in the future.
     The ban prohibits sale and use of any styrofoam-polystyrene containers by restaurants, food vendors, and on county property. This includes banning the public from using them at county-supervised pavilions, parks, cabins, and other facilities. The polystyrene ban doesn't affect packaging for raw meat or eggs, coolers or ice chests intended for reuse, or containers from out of state.

     Local food services and restaurant association executives testified before the council on Monday, June 3.

Examples of Styrofoam containers, banned as of July 1.
Photo from homeforfoam.com

     Lauren Zirbel of Hawaiʻi Food Industry Association said the amendment is needed, as "what the County is recycling or not recycling at the time could lead to an almost immediate shift in what is allowable for products." She said that would put local businesses, that employ locals and make items locally, at a disadvantage, and not affect imported goods.

     Richard Kobayashi of Café 100 said "We are willing to adapt and change, and I think it is important to the community that the changes we make will have an effect on the price we charge. Our goal is always to provide value… our concern is to find a suitable alternative (to Styrofoam) that is also cost effective." He said the options for alternatives aren't "comparable" to polystyrene, and that time is needed to find the right products.

     Jason Higa, CEO of Zippy's, said his company supports Bill 74. He said the legislation that was meant to ban Styrofoam ended up as a "broad mandate" for only compostable containers, which would put companies like Big Island Candies and Mauna Loa Mac Nut "out of business… It's going to be a challenge as it is. We are doing our best to adapt to, not just legislation, but the desires of our customer base, who have been telling us that they would like to see change."

Example of a compostable clamshell container, usually
made from fiber. Photo from gppro.com

     Sheri Holi of Big Island Candies said that, being "in the gift giving business," appealing packaging is important. She said she doesn't think "technology is advanced enough" to provide visually appealing containment, recyclability, and food safety and freshness all in one. She said that the ban being enforced as it is now would put Big Island Candies "at a huge disadvantage" because imported items are not under the same restrictions. She said Big Island Candies does support the polystyrene ban.

     Derek Kurisu, executive vice president of KTA Super Stores, said, "As we find a suitable alternative, we would definitely change, but as for now, we support only the ban on polystyrene – that's the only alternative."

     Kaʻū's Councilmember, Maile David, praised Richards for responding to public concern and proposing the amendments to his own bill.

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Map showing LFA treatment closure. NPS Graphic

STEAM VENTS PARKING LOT in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is closed Monday, June 10 from 8 a.m. to noon, as park staff continue efforts to eradicate little fire ants from the area.

     Only the Steam Vents parking lot and the trail from the parking lot to Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) will be closed; Wahinekapu and Crater Rim Trail will remain open. Park pest control workers will treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks and will announce closures in news releases, the park website, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. 

A National Park Service ecologist applies granular bait to 

treat invasive little fire ants at Steam Vents, Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo/Janice Wei

     For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com.

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KAʻŪ RANCHERS AND FARMERS are invited to register for the annual conference of the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi. Called AG2019, it will be on Oʻahu Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 15 and 16 at Hawaiʻi Convention Center.

     Taylor Kellerman, President of Agricultural Leadership Foundation Hawaiʻi, said "AG2019 will be one of our most innovative conferences ever in terms of content and education. The theme is AGdaptation: Hawaiʻi's Growing Opportunity. In addition to keynote speakers, the conference offers networking among growers and buyers, and exhibits and presentations of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits."

     Kellerman said the intent is to "share and develop ideas and strategies to help Hawaiʻi agriculture become a viable, sustainable resource that provides rewarding careers, enriches lifestyles, and stewards our ʻāina for future generations."
     Early-bird registration is through Aug. 31 at $300. It costs $350 after August. For more, and to register, visit hiiagconference.org.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING

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

MONDAY, JUNE 10
Summer Algebra Camp: Grades 6-8, Monday, June 10, to Friday, June 21, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Supplies provided, free. Registration required, 313-4913, dexsilyn.navarro@k12.hi.us

Early College: High School Students, Monday-Thursday, June 12-July 11, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Registration required, 313-4100

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, June 10, 1p.m., contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
Kapa Kuiki w/Cultural Practitioner Cyndy Martinez, Wednesday, June 12, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian traditional quilting methods demonstration and discussion. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, June 13, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Register by June 14 - Basic Hunter Education Certification Program - see separate listing, June 28 and 29, for details. Space is limited. Call 887-6050, code KAU

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Friday, June 14. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, June 14, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. ovcahi.org, 939-7033

Arts and Crafts Activity: Father's Day Card, Friday, June 14, 1:30-2:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12, June 10-13. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Community Dance, Friday, June 14, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Lorna Lim w/Hālau Kawehileimamoikawekiu‘okohala, Saturday, June 15, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula w/Kumu Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

Drawing Mandalas as Meditation w/Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, June 15, 11a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. All supplies provided. Open to all levels. No art or meditation experience needed. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, June 15, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org

Opera Concert w/D'Andrea Pelletier, Saturday, June 15, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Tickets are $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Clean-Up, Sunday, June 16. Free; donations appreciated. Space available and BYO-4WD ok. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629

Father's Day Buffet, Sunday, June 16, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Main entrees: Prime Rib, Lemon Butter Fish and Vegetable Stir Fry w/Tofu. $29.95/Adults, $14.95/Child (ages 6-11). No reservations required, 967-8356. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays, June 7 through July 11; no meals Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

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. No classes Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, July 4.

Purchase Tickets for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, Sunday, June 15 at The Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, from Teen USA candidate Kailee "Kamalani" Kuhaulua-Stacy. Tickets are $25; contact Kamalani at 808-315-4252 through Saturday, June 14 to purchase. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. The evening includes both competition for Miss Hawaiʻi Island Teen USA, for contenders 14 to 18 years of age, and Miss Hawaiʻi Island, for contestants 18 to 28.

     Supporters can vote for the candidate called Kamalani, contestant #7, for the People's Choice award, by liking her photos on the pageant Facebook. Deadline to vote by liking the contestant photo is this Sunday, June 9 at 7 p.m.

     See misshawaiiisland.com.

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

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
     The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
     To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org
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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