Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The first ten of 20 Democratic presidential candidates debated tonight. Photo from MSNBC.com
NUCLEAR WAR is the top geopolitical threat to the U.S., named by candidate for U.S. President and Kaʻū's member of the U.S. House of Representatives Tulsi Gabbard. She took the stage tonight in Miami for the first debate between candidates for the Democratic Party nomination for the presidency. During the nationally televised debate, candidates expressed diverse answers to the
question, "What is the greatest geopolitical threat to the United States right now?"
     Gabbard said, "The greatest threat that we face is the fact we are at a greater risk of nuclear war today than every before in history."  
     John Delaney said, "The biggest geopolitical challenge is China but the biggest geopolitical threat remains nuclear weapons."
     Jay Inselee said, the "biggest threat to the security of the United States is Donald Trump. There is no question about it."
     Amy Klobuchar said, "Two threats - economic threat, China. Our greatest major threat right now is what's going on in the middle east with Iran if we don't get our act together."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, U.S. presidential hopeful.
Photo from MSNBC.com
     Beto O'Rourke said, "Our existential threat is climate change. We have to confront it before it's too late."
     Elizabeth Warren said, "Climate change."
     Cory Booker said, "Nuclear proliferation and climate change."
     Julián Castro said, "China and climate change."
     Tim Ryan said, "China, without a question. They're wiping us around the world economically."
     Bill De Blasio said, "Russia because they're trying to undermine our democracy and they've been doing a pretty damn good job of it - and we need to stop them."
     After the debate, news sources announced that Gabbard's name drew the most google searches of any of the ten candidates on the stage tonight.
     The conservative Drudge Report announced an instant poll showing Gabbard as the winner of the debate, with 42.84 percent of the ~82,700 people polled by 9 p.m. today. Drudge stated that Gabbard led in the poll, with Elizabeth Warren second with 11.77 percent, John Delany with 9.73 percent, Bill De Blasio with 7.15 percent, Tim Ryan with 6.37 percent,  Amy Klobuchar with 5.27 percent, Jay Inslee with 5.18 percent, Julián Castro with 4.17 percent, Beto O'Rourke with 3.92 percent, and Cory Booker with 3.6 percent.
     The conservative Washington Examiner poll showed a similar distribution as the Drudge Report, around 9 p.m. with an undisclosed number of voters, showing Gabbard out in front with 39.93 percent, Warren with 20.74 percent, Castro with 10.15 percent, and the rest under eight percent each.
     During the 45 seconds provided to each candidate for their personal statements, Gabbard said, "Our nation was founded on the principals of service above self. People who fled kings who literally prospered on the backs and sacrifices of people. Coming here to this country, instead, putting in place a government that is of, by, and for the people. But that's not what we have. Instead we have a government that is of, by, and for the rich and powerful.
Gabbard stood out in red during the debate. Photo from MSNBC.com
     "This must end. As President, our White House - Our White House will be a beacon of light, providing hope and opportunity, ushering in a new century where every single person will be able to get the health care they need, where we will have clean air to breath and clean water to drink, where we will have good paying jobs in a new green economy. Join me in ushering in this new century with peace, prosperity, opportunity,  and justice for all."
     After the debate, pundits said Gabbard stood out among the candidates for her major concern about war and peace. Concerning her meeting with Syrian Dictator Bashar Assad in 2017, she was compared to Barack Obama, who said it was important to talk to evil doers of the world. MSNBC's Chris Matthews told Gabbard that during the debate she "was the only one going after the neocons (authoritarian conservatives)."
     Gabbard said her viewpoint on war is personal, having served in the Army National Guard in medical units in Iraq, where she saw the cost of war. She said she also experienced the cost of war while serving in Congress on committees dealing with foreign affairs, defense, and veterans.
     During the debate and post debate interviews, she vowed that if elected, she would prevent risking military lives by refraining from going to war on false pretenses. When asked whether she would like the Democratic Party platform to adopt a policy opposing regime change wars, she agreed.
Candidates look on as Gabbard answers a question on how she would handle the 2015 nuclear deal. Photo from MSNBC.com
     After the debate, Meghan McCain, a Republican, daughter of the late John McCain, told Fox News that Gabbard was "the most composed and authentic" of the ten candidates.
     After the debate, Gabbard's sister Vrindavan tweeted that Tulsi was unfairly given too little time to speak during the debate. Vrindavan contended the network favored Elizabeth Warren: "They aren't giving any time to Tulsi at all."
     The Washington Examiner reported that Gabbard drew attention for her silver-streaked hair and denunciation of Trump's "chicken hawk cabinet."
     Gabbard plans to visit Homestead Center for Migrant Children in Florida tomorrow. The center is the largest immigrant children's detention center in the country, and is privately run.

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Hawaiʻi House Speaker Scott Saiki. 
Photo from capitol.hawaii.gov
HAWAIʻI SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE SCOTT SAIKI said he will consider convening a special session of the Hawaiʻi Legislature to override bills vetoed by Gov. David Ige. Saiki said the House Democratic Caucus will meet tomorrow, Thursday, June 26 to discuss Ige's Intent to Veto list, and to consult with Senate leadership to possibly convene "an override session if any bills are actually vetoed." He pointed out that vetoed measures can be reintroduced in the 2020 legislative session. "We will use this interim to address the Governor's objections to vetoed bills."
     The Legislature may convene before noon on Tuesday, July 9 for the sole purpose of acting upon any bill vetoed by the Governor. On July 9, any measure passed during the 2019 legislative session that neither signed nor vetoed by the governor will become law with or without his signature.
     Here are some of the bills Ige said he plans to veto. See more in Monday's, Tuesday's, and tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs:

SELLING GPS INFORMATION without consent may continue to be legal if Gov. David Ige vetos HB702. This measure would prohibit offering for sale or selling location data recorded or collected by a satellite navigation technology-equipped device without the explicit consent of the primary user of the device. Ige said the bill attempts to regulate a "complex national industry without sufficient and appropriate wording to ensure consistent compliance and enforcement." He also has concerns about unintended consequences if this measure becomes law.

Kaʻū surfers at Kāwā. The governor is planning to veto a bill 
that would promote surfing. Photo by Julia Neal
SURFING MAY NOT GET THE BOOST EXPECTED if Gov. David Ige vetos SB1459. The bill would establish a temporary State Commission on Surfing within the Department of Accounting and General Services to promote surfing internationally and within the state. Ige said the purpose of this temporary commission is "outside of DAG's mission of delivering quality support services in the areas of physical, financial, and technical infrastructure support" for state departments and agencies. No funds were appropriated for this legislation.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST TAXES would go uncollected in Hawaiʻi if Gov. David Ige vetoes SB301 and the veto stands. The measure involves Real Estate Investment Trusts, which take investment money from outside of Hawaiʻi, but allow taxes on income to be paid in the home state of the investor rather than Hawaiʻi. Dividends paid to shareholders can be deducted from the REITs' taxable income, legally avoiding federal taxes. Hawaiʻi has over $18 billion in REITs. The bill includes a four-year sunset.
A "Duck," amphibious transport used in World War II. A bill
Gov. Ige plans to veto would bar civilians from registering
military vehicles like this for road use. Photo from Wikipedia
     Ige's rationale to veto is the possibility of discouraging the business community from investing in Hawai‘i, potentially stifling economic development and scaring away investment capital. REITs provide stable economic growth, he said, and long-term benefits like job creation. If the state corporate income tax is imposed on a REIT, said Ige, there may be negative impacts to the state's economic health and business climate, such as the reduction of general excise, property, and state income taxes.

CIVILIANS MAY BE UNABLE TO PURCHASE CLASSIC MILITARY VEHICLES and drive them on the islands, if Gov. David Ige vetoes bill HB323. It would allow civilians to register certain former military vehicles – such as pre-1995 Humvees, Pinzgauers, Kaiser Jeep M715s, and DUKWs ("Ducks") – and allow them to be operated on public roadways. Ige plans to veto the bill. He said the original intent was for collector enthusiasts who invest in acquiring, restoring, and maintaining pre-1968 vehicles by allowing them to be showcased. Classifying these military vehicles as "special interest vehicles," he said, would result in violation of Federal Motor Safety Standards and allow vehicles that do not pass emission testing standards on Hawaiʻi roadways. 

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The annual Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale features thousands of orchids to view and for sale. Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org
KAʻŪ GROWERS ARE HEADED TO HILO ORCHID SOCIETY SHOW AND SALE this Friday through Sunday, June 28 through 30, at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo. The annual event is the largest and most comprehensive orchid show and sale in the state of Hawaiʻi.
     Phonecia Zeller of Pele's Island Plants in Ocean View is a ribbon judge for the show this year.  Kona Orchid Society will be displaying some of her plants.
     Thousands of orchids will be on display, including exotic species and hybrids not typically found at major retail and grocery store chains. Orchids suited for beginning growers to experts, and orchid-related items, will be for sale.
Winning dendrobiums at last year's Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale. Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org
     A silent auction will raise funds for scholarships for students at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, and support orchid conservation and orchid education. Last year's auction items included rare orchids, Hawaiʻi Island attractions, jewelry, original artwork, original photography, restaurant gift certificates, and more. There will be new Silent Auction items every day.
     The event also features lectures and demonstrations; tasty, reasonably-priced food from local sources, and Hawaiian musical entertainment at lunch time and in the late afternoon.
     Over 4,000 people attended the 2018 Hilo Orchid Show and Sale, making it one of the largest events in Hilo.
      Tickets are $5 for adults, $8 for all three days; 18 and under are free. Tickets are available from any member of the Hilo Orchid Society for $3 if purchased prior to the show. $3 discount tickets are also available at some Hilo retail locations. Show hours are June 28, Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more at hiloorchidsociety.org/hilo-orchid-show.html.

Tropical Storm Alvin, the first named storm of the 2019
Pacific Hurricane season, creeps slowly west.
NOAA/NWS satellite image
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THE FIRST NAMED STORM OF THE 2019 PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON is slowly making its way toward Hawaiʻi. As of 7 p.m., Tropical Storm Alvin is about 2,930 miles east southeast of Kaʻū, traveling at 13 miles per hour, with 50 mile per hour winds. It's just south of Baja, California. Hawaiʻi is not expected to experience any effects from the storm within the next five days.
     Monitor Alvin and upcoming Pacific weather at nhc.noaa.gov. The Central Pacific tab shows Hawaiʻi.

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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
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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
THURSDAY, JUNE 27
Food Basket at Pāhala Community Center Multipurpose Room, Thursday, June 27, 11 a.m.-noon.

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, June 27, 4-6p.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

FRIDAY, JUNE 28
Coffee Talk at Kahuku: Planting Pono, Friday, June 28, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Learn how to identify plants at home that don't need removal and how to integrate natives and non-invasive plants into the landscape. Free. nps.gov/havo

The Sky is Full of Stories with James McCarthy, Friday, June 28, 1:30-2:15p.m., Nā‘ālehu Public Library. McCarthy, a trained actor, storyteller and musician will captivate audience with wide variety of sky stories from myths and science, using tales and songs. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver. Free. 939-2442

SATURDAY, JUNE 29
Mālama Nā Keiki Festival happens Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. This third annual free event, presented by Health Resources and Services Administration, offers health screenings, education, and activities. Expectant and first-time mothers, women considering pregnancy, young families, and supporting ʻohana from across the county are especially invited to attend. Prizes, entertainment, free food, and keiki activities are offered. Health screenings include hearing, vision, height, weight, and blood pressure. Health education includes prenatal information and breastfeeding education with lactations specialists. Health activities include Grow Your Own Plant and Makahiki games.
     For more, call 808-969-9220, or see hmono.orgfacebook.com/hmono.org, or hui_malama on Instagram.

Paint Your Own Silk Scarf with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, June 29, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

‘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. okaukakou.org

Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #2, Saturday, June 29, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn tea propagation techniques with Eva Lee. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser - August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series - #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop $25 each. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, JULY 1
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, July 1, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

TUESDAY, JULY
Flameworking - An Introductory Class w/Nash Adams-Pruitt, Tuesday, July 2, 5-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $75/VAC member, $80/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited. Register early. Advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, July 2, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

After Dark in the Park -Kīlauea 2018 Volcanic Pollution: from Source to Exposed Communities, Tuesday, July 2, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya presents new information about what volcanic pollution really contains and its potential implications for environmental impacts. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JULY
Early Head Start, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

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 meal 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.

Volcano Village 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Craft Fair happens Thursday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road, and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Road. Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center Council, Volcano Community Association, and more. To be in the parade, download the entry form at volcanocommunity.org and email to vcainfo@yahoo.com. Vendors, download applications at thecoopercenter.org and email to idoaloha@gmail.com, or call Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


Head Coaches for Coed Judo, Coed Swimming, and Boys Basketball are wanted by Kaʻū High School for the 2019-2020 school year. Applications, due Monday, July 8, can be picked up at the school office weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches hired by Hawaiʻi Department of Education are required to pass a criminal background check. Contact Kaʻū High Athletic Director Kalei Namohala 313-4161 with questions.

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 bags 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.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

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