Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, June 8, 2019

Moonset over Mauna Loa and Kīlauea. NPS Photo/Janice Wei

HAWAIʻI FILED TWO SUITS AGAINST MAKERS OF OXYCONTIN and other opioid manufacturers, distributors, and key executives this week, joining more than 40 other states and Washington, D.C.
     Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors said, "The opioid epidemic is a national tragedy, and those who cause this problem should be held accountable. We will aggressively litigate this case to ensure that Hawaiʻi's taxpayers are not alone in shouldering this burden." She noted that cases of opioid deaths, overdoses, and related sicknesses increased in Hawaiʻi during recent years.
     Defendants include Purdue Pharma, which manufactures Oxycontin; Malinkrodt PLC, Endo Health Solutions, Inc., Actavis PLC, McKesson Corp., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corp., and related marketing and distribution entities.
     The heart of the case for the Hawaiʻi AG is the state' s Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices Law. Violators are subject to damages and penalties. Both suits contend that manufacturers and distributors aimed to create an opioid market through exaggerating the drugs' benefits and minimizing their risks of creating abuse, dependence, and addiction.

     Hawaiʻi law allows for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. The state is seeking penalties and punitive damages, noting the burden placed on the health care system.
     Honolulu law firm Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina, & Fairbanks represents State of Hawaiʻi, with Dallas law firm of Baron & Budd retained as special deputy attorneys general.

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A PROPOSAL TO REQUIRE HIRING ONE FULL TIME COUNTY EMPLOYEE, FUNDED BY THE 2 PERCENT LAND FUND, to work solely on the Land Fund program, failed to pass the Hawaiʻi County Charter Commission on Friday. The proposal could come up again in July when the County Council reviews Charter Commission recommendations. If approved by the Charter Commission and County Council it would be decided by Hawai`i County voters on the 2020 ballot.
     Currently, county employees, not funded by the 2 Percent Land Fund, work on the program part time. The proposal from Save Our Lands Citizen's Committee for the 2 Percent Land Fund, is for the county to hire one full time employee, with salary coming from the Land Fund. The Land Fund is acquired from 2 percent of county property taxes and is used to purchase and steward special properties around the island that are recommended by PONC, the Public Access, Open Spaces and Natural Resources Commission. Much of the land purchased to date is located in Ka‘ū.
     The new fulltime county employee would work solely on the many requests from the public for acquisition of special properties, help to find partners to assist in purchasing land, help with the purchase and closing on the properties, and help with stewardship of properties acquired.
     In July, when the County Council reviews proposed Hawaiʻi County Charter amendments, the council can recommend that the Charter Commission reconsider the wording proposed by Save Our Lands.
     The Charter Commission did approve a similar amendment on Friday. It would require the 2 Percent Land Fund to “Pay for the salary, wages and benefits of staff dedicated to advancing the Activities contained within this section and Section 10-16 of this charter.”   

PONC funding contributed to the purchase of 786 acres at Kāwā, which is stewarded, in part, by Nā Mamo O Kāwā. 

Photo by Julia Neal

     Debbie Hecht, Campaign Coordinator for Save Our Lands, said the wording is important and should be specific. The group proposed the amendment for the 2 Percent Land Fund,  to “Pay for the salary, wages and benefits of one full-time staff member, employed by the Department of Finance dedicated only to advancing administering the activities contained within this section and Section 10-16 of this charter.  This is in addition to a staff person provided for in the Hawaii County Code to assist the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission.”
     She explained: "Real estate deals are time sensitive, they are deadlines for appraisals, endangered species studies, historical research, title searches and land surveys. It takes time to research available matching funds and write the grants to gain these funds.

    "Conservation land deals require willing sellers. Willing sellers want to be paid as soon as possible because the taxes keep accruing and they may have a use for the money.

    "A full time staff person can assist the non-profits with getting the funding they need to care for the 2% Lands. The Maintenance Fund grants have been granted to only 6 organizations in the 6-year existence of the fund. The stewardship non-profit groups have received only 9% of all the money deposited in the Maintenance Fund from 2013. Stewardship groups say the process has been very difficult and they have had to apply several times before receiving funding."  

      In an email to supporters, Hecht pointed to success this year. Two Percent Land Fund advocates prevented a proposed County Charter Amendment to reduce the Land Fund from 2 percent to .75 percent. They also successfully advocated against a proposal that would omit a clauses that preserves the 2 Percent Land Fund properties in perpetuity.
     See another proposal involving the 2 Percent Land Fund in the Sunday, June 9, Ka`u News Briefs.

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This graph from HVO shows deformation of Mauna Loa over the past month.

A SLIGHT INCREASE in the number of detected earthquakes at Mauna Loa was noted by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory over the past month. Small earthquakes, mostly less than 2 magnitude, continued under the summit caldera at depths around 1-4 kilometers (0.6-2.5 miles) below ground level. Seismicity was low in other areas of the volcano. The largest earthquake for Mauna Loa over the past month was a M2.8 event on May 15, which occurred under the summit caldera at a depth of approximately 3.5 km (2.2 mi) below ground level.
     Global Positioning System instruments indicate slow inflation of the summit magma reservoir system. The rates of deformation are lower than during the period of more intense unrest from 2014-2017. Gas and temperature data from stations on the Southwest Rift Zone and within the summit caldera showed no significant changes over the past month.

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STORM SEASON SAFETY TIPS from Hawaiian Electric Light Company are consolidated in the Handbook for Emergency Preparedness and this safety planning video. HELCO encourages the public to prepare for hurricanes and other extreme weather:

     Prepare an emergency kit with a minimum of 14 days of food, water, and personal hygiene supplies;
     Use high-quality surge protectors to protect appliances and electronics;
     Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage;
     Use high-quality surge protectors to protect appliances and electronics;

     Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electric appliances and equipment during a storm or power outage;
     Gather all necessary medications and make sure there is an ample supply on hand;
     Know where to go, or the location of the nearest shelter, if ordered to evacuate;
     If a downed power line is near, always assume it's live. Do not go near it, and never drive over the electrical line.

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

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 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.
     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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