Sunday, August 04, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 4, 2019

Hawaiʻi Police Chief Paul Fierreira swears in six new recruits, the 90th class. See story below.
 Photo from Big Island Video News
CEREMONY AND IDEAS FOR SOLUTIONS TO THE NATION'S MASS SHOOTING CRISIS came from public officials in Hawaiʻi today following 30 dead and 53 injured in two tragedies less than 24 hours apart. Gov. David Ige ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, Aug. 8 "as a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the terrible acts of violence in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. We cannot become desensitized as we experience more of these horrible and senseless tragedies in communities across our country. Each death is a heartbreaking loss, and each person wounded will need our support."
     Following the two tragedies, with El Paso at a Walmart on Saturday and Dayton at a bar past midnight this morning, Lt. Gov. Josh Green called for "American leaders to come together and compromise, to end mass casualty gun violence and to make gun safety a priority. There is a great divide in ideology on how to address guns in America and how to decrease gun violence but we can all agree on a few basics:
     "1. high powered weapons should be only in the hands of experts,
     "2. anyone with mental illness deserves better access to care,
     "3. we all love our children and would do anything to protect them.
Flags will fly at half staff through Thursday, in honor of
the dead and injured from two mass shootings on the
mainland this weekend.
     "Compromise isn't easy and both sides of the ideological spectrum might hate a grand bargain, but we need to do it for our country's future. I truly see this as a national public health crisis now, and will be working on it from that perspective."
     Sen. Brian Schatz remarked, "As we mourn, we prepare. And as we strategize and express ourselves, we need to know this one thing. It's gonna come down to door knocking, phone calls, and money."
     Schatz said, "The Republican Party has run out of good ideas. They are reduced to blaming video games and suggesting we put security guards in every public place.
     "Respectfully, I think the most important thing the White House could do is ask [Senate Majority] Leader [Mitch] McConnell to schedule the House-passes bills and utilize an open amendment process. Like the old Senate," said the senator.
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "This is a dark day in America. Less than 24 hours ago, it was El Paso. Today, Dayton. Tomorrow? These lives lost are an immediate and tragic consequence of racism and bigotry being used to divide us. Enough. We are one nation. We must stand together and end this madness."
     Gabbard also pointed out the heroics of a man at the El Paso shooting: "When the gunman opened fire inside the El Paso Walmart, instead of running away, Army Specialist Glendon Oakley ran toward the sound of the gunfire. He helped children escape, carrying them to safety. Glendon's courageous actions exemplify service above self."
     Gabbard's plan to help reduce mass shootings includes: banning military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, requiring pre-purchase background checks, and closing gun show loopholes. Gabbard has a grade of F from the National Rifle Association and a 100% score from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. She has included this platform in her candidacy for U.S. President.

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HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 90TH CLASS, with six graduates,  took the oath last week to serve as police officers. The ceremony at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel on July 31 drew ʻohana and friends. Chief Paul Ferreira conducted a badge pinning ceremony and issued certificates and awards.
Special persons in the lives of police recruits pinned on their badges.
     The police chief told the recruits, "You are taking an oath of honor that you will never betray your integrity, your character, or the public trust. You vow that you will always have the courage to hold yourselves and others accountable for individual actions. You swear you will always maintain the highest ethical standards, and to uphold the values of the Hawaiʻi Island community and the Hawaiʻi Police Department."
     Class President Lelauloto Tagaloa gave an address, saying, "Graduating means that we are in the real world now, dealing with real people and real scenarios. Let's continue to be patient, persistent, and remember what we're capable of." He said each person close to a police officer "plays a significant role" in their lives.
     Joseph Farias III, a retired Hawaiʻi Fire Department battalion chief and community college instructor, was the keynote speaker.
Police Class Pres. Leauloto Tagaloa.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     He told the new officers that "you guys are going to have the ability, the opportunity, to see people when they are at their lowest. They may have made poor choice or they may be the victim of somebody who has done something to them. You have the opportunity to take that time - that moment right there, because it's the only time it's going to be there - to make that impact on that person and make it a better situation. You can get the training... the skills, but it's that quality that's within you... you all come from different walks of life... so it's not only one type of person that has this quality... certain individuals have it... you have that drive, you have that compassion, that drive to take it that extra step. Keep that within you. That is the quality that the officers of this island need to protect us, to protect the community."
     Mayor Harry Kim and Police Commissioner Wayne DeLuz also spoke to the class.
     The graduates are Class President Lelauloto Tagaloa, Rodney Jerry DeLima-Forsythe, Lam Xuan Doan, Jonathan Michael Kaleo Matsutani, Richard J. Matsumoto, and Elijah Kauahaʻaheo Won.
      See more of the ceremony at Big Island Video News.

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THE END OF THE FILIPINO WORLD WAR II VETERANS FAMILY REUNIFICATION PROGRAM by the Trump Administration inspired a response from Sen. Mazie Hirono:
     "To serve his pathological need to treat immigrants as cruelly as possible, and to undo any program ever created by Barack Obama, Donald Trump is dishonoring Filipino World War II veterans by ending the program that allows them to reunite their families in the United States. The President's decision means many of these veterans in their 90s will likely die without seeing their families again.
     "The depths of Donald Trump's inhumanity where immigrants are concerned knows no bottom, but not even the most loyal of his supporters can be in favor of disrespecting the brave and distinguished service of veterans who fought alongside Americans and helped us win the war. There is no purpose to keeping the families of the quickly diminishing number of Filipino World War II veterans separated. They have been ignored and disrespected by this country for decades. They deserve our thanks, not spite from their unhinged president."
     Filipino veterans were granted citizenship in recognition of their service to the United States during World War II. Many of their children, however, were not. Due to the volume of immigrant visa applications from the Philippines, it can take more than 20 years for families to be reunited. Under the FWVP program, the adult children of Filipino World War II veterans, along with their spouses and children under age 21, can be together in the United States while they await an available immigrant visa. Hirono helped create the program in 2016 and encouraged the Trump Administration to continue the program in an April 2017 letter.
     In May, Hirono reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to build on the Filipino War Veterans Parole  program to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their families in the United States. Hirono has introduced the bipartisan legislation in the 113th, 114th, and 115th Congresses, and offered it as an amendment to the Senate's 2013 bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill, S. 744, which passed the Senate.

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Flossie's path is expected to take her over all the major islands in the next few days. Image from nhc.noaa.gov
TROPICAL DEPRESSION FLOSSIE has slowed her approach to the Hawaiian Islands, and her winds are weakening. She is expected to run over all the major islands as she dissipates. About 385 miles from South Point at 5 p.m., with 35 mph winds, Flossie is moving at 13 mph.
     Kaʻū is forecast to be on the edge of Flossie's effects. All the islands are expected to experience high surf, especially on eastern facing shores, and one to four inches of rain – with some areas receiving more – between now and Tuesday.
     Tropical Depression Gil, about 1,900 miles west southwest of South Point, is expected to dissipate before affecting Hawaiʻi.
     Civil Defense reminds the public that tropical storms are erratic and can change speed, direction, and intensity quickly. Residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared with at least 14 days of food, water, and other necessary supplies.

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Hawaiʻi Volcanoes' August Artist in Residence, Andy Jarema, will compose and perform music from his
experience in the Park. Courtesy photo
HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE for August is Detroit-based musician and composer Andy Jarema. This "young and innovative composer," states the announcement, creates site-specific work by using a mix of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring to make music inspired by the park's fauna and geology.
     Jarema will perform at an After Dark in the Park concert on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m., in the Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The program is free but park entrance fees apply.
     Jarema's compositions are defined by sharp contrasts, both in tone and texture. He says his creative aim for the residency is "to sonically capture the natural landscape of the park with my recording device: the quiet hiss of a steam vent, the screech of an ‘io flying overhead, the rush of the waves striking Hōlei Sea Arch. From there, I would integrate these recordings into various forms of music to stitch together a sonic portrait of the natural beauty of the park."
Andy Jarema. Courtesy photo
     In 2018, Jarema was an artist in residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to hosting workshops, he recorded natural sound throughout the park and created electronic soundscapes and nature beats with computer software, and collaborated with artist Alyssa Coffin. He is known for integrating hip-hop nature beats, music videos and classical music into his work.
     The artist in residence program is sponsored by the National Parks Arts Foundation, the National Park Service, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and other generous benefactors. NPAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the promotion of the national parks by creating dynamic opportunities for artworks that are based in natural and historic heritage. All NPAF programs are made possible through philanthropic support.

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FREE SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS comes to Ocean View Saturday, Aug. 24. KARES, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education Service brings the clinic to Kaʻū in an effort "to reduce the high euthanasia rate within our community. For more and to register, call 328-8455.

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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
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

Empower Girls Mtg., Monday, Aug. 5 and 19, from 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 6
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 6 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 7 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

AdvoCATS, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7a.m.-4:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

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

Paniolo: Hawaiian Cowboys, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Dr. Billy Bergin, local author and expert on Hawaiian ranching and all things paniolo, presents. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 7
Registration Open: Instructional Volleyball (8+, 10+, 12+, 14+), Aug. 7-15, Ka‘ū District Gym. Program takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 20-Oct. 17, 6-7:30p.m. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

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

Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Kindergarten Registration, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 9a.m.-5p.m, Ocean View Community Centerovcahi.org

THURSDAY, AUG. 8
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Aug. 8, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Peter Lee & the Road Ahead, Thursday, Aug. 8, 7-8:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Martha Hoverson discusses the role that Peter Lee, an immigrant from Norway, played in the early development of tourism in Hawai‘i. Free; $5 donation to VAC suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Registration Open: Watercolor Art, Thursday, Aug. 8-14, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Aug. 14, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 9
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Aug. 9, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Friday, Aug. 9, 10a.m.-noon, Devastation Trail Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate 2 mile hike. $40/person. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

Community Dance, Friday, Aug. 9, 7-10p.m.Cooper CenterVolcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, AUG. 10
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Aug. 10, 8-11a.m.Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Photographer Jesse Tunison, Aug. 10-Sept. 15, daily 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Opening reception Saturday, Aug. 10, 5-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Ti Leaf Lei Making Workshop with Jelena Clay, Saturday, Aug. 10, 9a.m.-12:30p.m.Volcano Art Center. Learn how to make basic ti rope, twist a ti leaf rose, and add ti leaf inserts. Class fee is $10/VAC member, $15/non-member. Bring 15-20 ti leaves - or $5 supply fee. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Aug. 10, meet 9:30a.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.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sat., Aug. 10, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle Inspired Labyrinth Shrines with Lois and Earl Stokes, Saturday, Aug. 10, 10a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All art supplies provided; returning tanglers encouraged to bring favorite supplies. No experience necessary. Potluck. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Jazz in the Forest: A Samba Trip to Brazil, Saturday, Aug. 10, 5:30-7:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Jean Pierre and the Jazztones with Sarah Bethany. Tickets, $20/VAC member, $25/non-member, available for purchase online. Beer, wine, and pūpū available for purchase at event. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town band performance, Saturday, Aug. 10, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp Lava Lounge. $5 cover charge. Open to all patrons, and has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, AUG. 11
People and Land of Kahuku, Sun., Aug. 11, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Aug. 11 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m.Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

ONGOING
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, 8:45-10:45a.m., and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30a.m. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale 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. 84-7p.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.

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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