Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 30, 2019

This historic plantation era cottage will soon become a gallery in Nāʻālehu, after serving as the location for
Kamaʻaina Kutz for many years. See story below. Photo by Peter Anderson
TWO MORE YEARS TO BEGIN THIRTY METER TELESCOPE CONSTRUCTION on Maunakea were authorized today by the state of Hawaiʻi. TMT asked for the extension from the deadline of September of this year.
     University of Hawaiʻi, which leased the telescope site to the TMT organization, issued a statement today. UH Pres. David Lassner said, "there are no imminent plans to move TMT construction equipment up the mauna." He said the University appreciates the extension of the deadline so that negotiations can continue with those who oppose the telescope. Protectors of Maunakea said they also appreciate the time extension.
     Protectors said they may leave their encampment at Puʻuhuluhulu, where they established a blockade on the Maunakea Access Road, should the arrival of either of the hurricanes heading toward Hawaiʻi become imminent.
     The governor today withdrew his emergency proclamation, which he declared earlier, stating security concerns with the blockade at Maunakea.
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Winds from Erick are expected to start affecting Hawaiʻi Island on Thursday. Image from nhc.noaa.gov
TWO HURRICANES HEAD TOWARD HAWAIʻI THIS WEEK. Erick, a Category Four, with winds of 133 mph this evening, 750 miles south east of  Hilo, is expected to pass south of South Point overnight Thursday. Erick is running into shear which is expected to knock the hurricane down to a tropical storm before reaching Hawaiian waters. Winds and rains may be the threat to Kaʻū.
     On the heels of Erick is Category One Flossie, still more than 2,300 miles to the east and strengthening. The forecast track takes Flossie over Hawaiʻi Island early next week, weakening before reaching here as a hurricane.
     Civil Defense officials said now is the time for preparation to avoid long lines at gas stations, grocery stores, and ATMs across Hawaiʻi.
     Said Gov. David Ige, "Hurricane season brings the very real threat of high winds, rain, storm surge and potential flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. There could be significant impacts even if a hurricane doesn't hit us directly. I urge Hawaiʻi's residents and businesses to prepare now. Make an emergency plan, talk about it with your families and employees, and gather supplies to ensure that our communities are resilient."
Flossie is forecast to cross over Hawaiʻi next week -as a hurricane. Hawaiʻ Island can be seen, far left.
Image from nhc.noaa.gov
     Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency reminds residents and visitors to prepare an emergency kit, with a minimum of 14 days of food and water for humans and pets, and other supplies. The 14 day recommendation is due to the possibility of delayed disaster relief due to Hawaiʻi's mid-Pacific location. HI-EMA recommends residents verify and update housing and rental insurance, and make sure securing property is planned.
     HI-EMA recommends a family plan for possible storms and emergencies, and getting to know neighbors; keeping up to date on conditions via local media, websites, apps, and notification systems (i.e., HNL.Info); keep vehicle gas tanks filled; make sure medications and other required items are stocked up; and secure important documents.

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HalePlus examples. Photo from HPM
AFFORDABLE, PRE-APPROVED MODULAR HOMES will soon be available from HPM Building Supply outlets around the island. HPM announced last week that it is developing a new line of pre-approved, permittable, expandable homes. The HalePlus one-bedroom home will be available in 2020 for under $100,000, including basic home construction costs. It can be "easily expanded after initial construction with additional bedrooms, home offices, expanded kitchens, and more," said a statement from HPM.
     HPM is partnering with nonprofit Hope Services to provide 12 modified HalePlus studio units at reduced cost to build a low-income kūpuna housing community in Pāhoa, next to the micro-shelters constructed last year for lava evacuees.
     Factory-built at HPM in Keaʻau, a HalePlus one-bedroom could save a homebuilder up to 40 percent compared with the traditional building process. The homes will be delivered to the homebuyer within three months of the manufacturing start date. A unique feature is that they can be detached from the permanent footing and moved to another location intact, unlike standard pre-fabricated homes. Add-on modules can be built up front or after initial construction.
Using light to verify the structure is straight.
Photo from HPM
     Jason Fujimoto, president, CEO and fifth-generation owner of HPM Building Supply, said, "So many residents and families dream of having a home of their own but are faced with Hawaiʻi's high cost of living. Especially after the Kilauea volcano eruption last year, we wanted to do more to help our community and put homeownership within reach of more people. The future of housing in Hawaiʻi depends on speed, flexibility and affordability. We put our nearly 100 years of home experience and understanding of local family needs into developing HalePlus.
     "The beauty of the HalePlus modular housing solution is that it can be modified for whatever the community needs. It's the right size and price for a young family starting out or for retirees who are downsizing. It can be expanded over time as a family grows. And it provides a County of Hawaiʻi pre-approved, permittable, and high-quality option for developers, companies and government agencies seeking scalability and cost-effectiveness. We truly appreciate the partnership of the County of Hawaiʻi for their openness to explore innovative housing solutions in our community in partnership with the construction industry."
     Gilbert Aguinaldo of Pacific Rim Construction is collaborating on the project with HPM Building Supply. Said Aguinaldo, "After the devastation of last year's lava flow, and the impact I saw on friends, neighbors and our community, I wanted to make sure our solution provided mobility. With a little notice and a little work, these homes and their contents can be detached from their permanent footing and moved out of harm's way."
     Brandee Menino, Hope Services CEO, said, "The lack of affordable housing is the greatest obstacle to ending homelessness on Hawaiʻi Island. We're excited to work with HPM to make housing more accessible to members of our community."
HPM is offering affordable, moveable, modular housing to Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo from HPM
     Learn more about HalePlus at hpmhawaii.com/haleplus.


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COME DISPLAY YOUR SPECIAL ART WORKS. Well-known hair care specialist, Corrine Kaupu, will close her longtime business, Kamaʻaina Kuts, and reopen as Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop on Sunday, Sept. 1. She invites local artists to show their specialty works "for a possible placement at the gallery" on Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Kaupu said she's "looking forward to helping local artists and our community. I'm open to see what our community wants."

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THE IDEA ACT, to help close the gap faced by women, minorities, and others in procuring patent rights, was introduced Thursday by Sen. Mazie Hirono. The bicameral, bipartisan legislation, Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act of 2019, reports a release from Hirono's office, references studies that show that women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals apply for and obtain patents at significantly lower rates than their male, white, and wealthier counterparts. Only 21 percent of U.S. patents list at least one woman as an inventor. African American and Hispanic college graduates apply for patents at approximately half the rate of their white counterparts. Additionally, children born to families with incomes below the U.S. median income receive patents at less than ten percent the rate of children born to families in the top one percent.
Sen. Mazie Hirono
     The IDEA Act would close these gaps by directing the United States Patent and Trademark Office to collect demographic data – including gender, race, military or veteran status, and income level, among others – from patent applicants on a voluntary basis. It further requires the USPTO to issue public reports on the data, allowing outside researchers to conduct analyses and offer insights into the various patent gaps in our society. The full text of the IDEA Act is available here. A one-page summary of the bill is available here.

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THE NEWLY FORMED CONGRESSIONAL PACIFIC ISLAND CAUCUS is co-chaired by Rep. Ed Case, who formerly represented Kaʻū in congress and now represents urban Oʻahu. The bipartisan group will focus on issues "critical to the Indo-Pacific region Alliances and relationships," said a release from Case. "Defense, trade, and environmental challenges top the agenda." The other chairs are Congressman Don Young (R-AK), Dean of the House; Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation; and Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL), the ranking member of that Subcommittee.
Rep. Ed Case. Photo from KITV
     Case said the Caucus will serve as a resource in educating on the importance of the Pacific Islands and the issues they face. He said they seek to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the Indo-Pacific, specifically to the Pacific Islands, and wish to "facilitate communication and cooperation on issues of shared interest… including development, trade, and regional stability and security." They will formulate and implement "sound national policy in the Indo-Pacific over the next generation," said Case, and they will focus on trade, development, security, climate change, and ocean conservation.
     Said Case, "I have been convinced for some time that our country's and world's future are in the Indo-Pacific, and the islands of the Pacific are a key yet too-often-overlooked part of that region. These islands and their maritime exclusive economic zones are not only part of our own Pacific ‘ohana but encompass an area larger than the land areas of Russia and China combined.
     "We have longstanding partnerships and critical strategic and other interests throughout the Pacific Islands, not to mention that whole generations fought and won the Second World War and earlier conflicts here. Yet now they are increasingly under severe economic and environmental stress, and China is actively seeking to grow its influence. We cannot now turn away from the Pacific, and our new Caucus is dedicated to assuring that that does not happen."
     Said Young, "We will work hard to increase the understanding of the Congress on issues related to trade, economic development, and shared security in order to ensure the prosperity for all in the region."

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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:
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
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

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UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, July 31 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.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, AUG. 1
Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival tickets go on sale Aug. 1 at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.

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

Mayor Kim & Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Aug. 1, 6:30-8:30p.m.Aspen Centerokaukakou.org

Registration Open: Sunflower Craft, through Monday, Aug. 5, Kahuku ParkHawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program for ages 6-12 takes place Tuesday, Aug. 6, 12:45-3:30p.m. Free. 939-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Registration Open: Shrink Art Keychain, through Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 2
Stewardship at the Summit, Aug. 2, 10, 16, 24, and 28, 8:45a.m.-noonKīlauea 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, AUG. 3
Edible Landscaping for Backyards and Beyond with Zach Mermel of Ola Design Group, Saturday, Aug. 3, 9a.m.-2:30p.m.Volcano Art Center. Learn how to transform lanai and lawn, field, and fence into an abundant oasis of edible and multifunctional plants. $30/VAC member, $40/non-member, plus $15 materials fee. Class size limited; register early. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Aug. 3 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Saturday, Aug. 3, and Sunday, Aug. 4, 2-4:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited; advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, AUG. 4
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Aug. 4 – 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/viewith southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058

MONDAY, AUG. 5
Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Accepting Enrollment Applications - orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 and 6, with programs in Nā‘ālehu/Wai‘ōhinu at Kauaha‘ao Church on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala Community Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30-10:30a.m. Limited space. 939-8573, pidfoundation.org

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and Sept. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.

Talk Action, Take Action: surveys available through Aug. 4recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. The surveys focus on different areas of recovery after the 2018 Kīlauea eruption: households, businesses, and community.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

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., Saturday, 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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