Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, August 13, 2019

KaLae Quilters have come together for six years to donate hundreds of quilts for law enforcement to hand out to 
those in need, especially children. See story below. Photo from KaLae Quilters
THE NEW DRAFT HAWAIʻI COUNTY GENERAL PLAN shows likely areas in the district for growth in industry, commerce, housing, resort, agriculture, and conservation.
     The Land Use Map for the General Plan shows Pāhala as a lower density urban area with some medium density urban and some open space. Surrounding the village are lands dedicated to pasture and productive agriculture. The map shows Pāhala with several recreation areas at its county parks and ballfield. It also shows a light industrial area.
Pāhala (right) and Punaluʻu (left) have varying population densities, surrounded by lots of open spaces.
See more maps and map key below. Hawaiʻi County map
     Punaluʻu is shown as a medium density urban area with resort use near the ocean. It includes some low density urban and a rural designation on its golf course with some recreational areas along the shore. On each side of Punaluʻu are conservation lands with natural areas all along the shoreline.
Maps key.
     Nāʻālehu and Waiʻōhinu are shown with two concentrations of medium density urban use, surrounded by low density urban. The map shows the Waiʻōhinu and Nāʻālehu Parks as recreation areas. Nāʻālehu is mostly surrounded by pastoral and productive agriculture lands. Waiʻōhinu is mostly surrounded by rural, productive agriculture, and natural lands.
     Discovery Harbour is all low density urban, with its golf course shown as a rural area winding through the neighborhood. It is surrounded mostly by pastoral, rural, productive agriculture, and natural areas.
     Ocean View is largely rural, with a small medium density urban area, an even smaller low density urban area, and a light industrial area, all along Hwy 11. Ocean View is surrounded by natural and conservation lands.
     The public is invited to give input on the Draft Hawaiʻi County General Plan in person on Sunday, Aug. 25, at Nāʻālehu Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Download the Draft Hawaiʻi County General Plan. See more from the Draft General Plan in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A CHANGE IN REQUIREMENTS FOR IMMIGRANTS TO COME INTO AND STAY IN THIS COUNTRY has drawn choice words from Sen. Mazie Hirono, herself an immigrant to the U.S. from Japan. She pointed to the Trump administration's recent change in the Public Charge Rule, charging that it "terrorizes immigrant families by sowing confusion and keeping families apart." The rule could not only keep out immigrants who have little money, education and job skills – those who would be more likely to become a "public charge." Under the new rule, said Hirono, the administration can also deny green cards and visas to immigrants based on their family size, age, wealth, education, health status, English language ability, and other criteria.
Nāʻālehu (right) to Waiʻōhinu (middle) are shown as being a mix of densities, each with a recreation center.
Discovery Harbour has low population density, surrounding its rural area golf course. All three are surrounded by productive agriculture, conservation, pastoral, and natural lands. Hawaiʻi County map
     Hirono contends that the definition of "public charge" used by the Trump Administration is "legally suspect, allowing denial of visas and green cards to immigrant families not only for accessing essential food, medical care, and housing benefits they are entitled to, but also family size, education, English language ability, and income.
     "Most immigrants seeking visas or permanent residence are not eligible for these public benefits. But under this rule, many of them will be prevented from entering or staying lawfully in the United States based on the Trump administration's view of what education, family size, income, or English language ability deserves a visa or green card.
Ocean View is largely rural. See map key, above.
Hawaiʻi county map
     "In addition, this 'public charge' rule will scare many immigrants – including permanent residents and U.S. citizens who are not subject to this rule – from accessing critical services based on fear and confusion about how the administration will implement the rule. We have already seen this widespread chilling effect on immigrant families who are afraid to use needed government benefits, since the Trump administration proposed this rule months ago. She said the new rule will hurt children and vulnerable people, and undermine the health and stability of immigrant families.
     "Donald Trump claims this rule is about identifying immigrants who are likely to become a 'public charge' and making sure immigrants are 'self-sufficient,' but in fact, this discriminatory rule is really about shutting the doors on immigrants who do not meet his view of what being an 'American' means."

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ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN BIRDS MAY LOSE SOME PROTECTION, when the Trump Administration's changes to the Endangered Species Act take effect. The act has been credited with helping to save from extinction the nēnē – Hawaiian goose and state bird – along with many other Hawaiian plant and animal species. On the mainland, the bald eagle and grizzly bears are among those who have been protected by the Endangered Species Act.
     Sen. Brian Schatz said, "It is a cartoonish level of corruption that the Trump administration puts coal and oil lobbyists in charge of natural resources. This is about crooked people getting rich by destroying the planet's ability to sustain life as we cherish it."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Seventy-two hours after scientists warn we're at risk of losing two more endangered Hawaiian forest birds, the administration weakens the Endangered Species Act. Protecting our more than 400 endangered species in Hawaiʻi demands attention, not the padding around industry's pockets."
     Since 1973, the Endangered Species Act has been a major component of safeguarding the "nearly 1 million species at risk of extinction, according to a recent U.N. report," reports National Public Radio. Wildlife groups and Democratic lawmakers promise to challenge the new rules in court and Congress.
     However, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says the changes will "help conservation efforts and increase transparency around the law," reports NPR.
     Changes include allowing financial cost to be taken into account when determining if a species should be protected, weakening protections given to threatened species – those species one step shy of being endangered – and limiting which and how much of a habitat would be protected in determining if a species is endangered.
Download the draft.
     NPR reported that U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross aid the changes fit "squarely within the president's mandate of easing the regulatory burden on the American public, without sacrificing our species' protection and recovery goals."

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND FARMERS WHOSE CROPS WERE DAMAGED BY THE 2018 KĪLAUEA ERUPTION and other 2018 natural disasters are urged to send information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said Andrea Kawabata, Associate Extension Agent for Coffee and Orchard Crops at University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agricultural and Human Resources.
     A disaster bill passed by Congress earlier this year created a program that will compensate Hawaiʻi farmers for "crop losses due the Volcanic Eruption and the Hurricanes that passed through the islands back in 2018." She said the USDA is trying to determine a "crop disaster yield. For example, they know there was very low yield (production) or no production for the season for those crops destroyed by the lava. The ginger crop in Hilo did not produce well because of the flooding that occurred because of Hurricane Lane."
     The USDA is hoping that farmers will help to answer questions regarding all crops damaged here: Was the crop/production/yield affected by 2018 Volcanic Eruption, or 2018 Hurricane Lane, or 2018 Eruption and Hurricane Lane? Which crop(s) were affected by the eruption, hurricane, or both? Is the crop production in the lava flow area, or outside of the lava flow area? How was the crop affected? By vog, ash, a lack of rain, reduction in sunlight, excessive rain/flooding or other? What are the estimated losses? (percent crop loss, number of trees lost, total value of losses, etc.). Estimate for each crop affected.
KaLae Quilters presented over 75 quilts to police, to be distributed 
to those in need. Photo from KaLae Quilters
     Kawabata asks farmers to send answers directly to her at andreak@hawaii.edu. For those preferring to remain anonymous, let her know; she will provide the answers only to Lester Ueda of USDA Farm Service Agency.

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KALAE QUILTERS DONATED MORE THAN 75 QUILTS to the Kaʻū Police Department in July. For the sixth year, KaLae Quilters are providing quilts to comfort displaced children and stranded visitors who are in need of police assistance. Since the quilters started this project, over 300 quilts have been given out by the Police Department to those in need. The feedback from the recipients has been very positive and appreciative, said a statement from KaLae Quilters. 
Kenneth Makuakane
     KaLae Quilters has been making quilts for 26 years for many community needs, including to raise funds for equipment in the emergency room at Kaʻū Hospital and for Puna residents who were displaced during last year's lava flow.

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KENNETH MAKUAKANE WILL BE A HEADLINER AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF KAʻŪ HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB this Saturday at Pāhala Community Center from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The composer, musician, singer, and music producer has written more than 1,500 songs and recorded such Hawaiian musical talents as Nā Leo Pilimehana, HAPA, Amy Hānaialiʻi Gilliom, Obrian Eselu, Raiatea Helm, and the Pandanus Club. He has produced more than 130 albums, including many for Kamehameha Schools.
     The Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club celebration will also include hula, food, and history, as well as honoring one of its founders, Dante Carpenter. General admission is $20; kupuna for $10; keiki ages 6 to 17 for $8; keiki 5 and under, free. For more, email hawaiiancivicclubkau@gmail.com or call 808-747-0197.

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.

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:
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
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14
Lā‘āu Lāpa‘au Demonstration, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 10a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hawaiian herbal medicine practitioner Ka‘ohu Monfort demonstrates. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, AUG. 15
Private Guided Hike: Kīlauea Iki Crater, Thursday, Aug. 15, 10a.m.-2p.m.Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile (one way) hike. $80/person. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, fhvnp.org

Registration Open: Beaded Bracelet, Aug. 15-20, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Aug. 21, 3:30-5p.m. Free.928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

FRIDAY, AUG. 16
Hawai‘i Statehood Day

SATURDAY, AUG. 17
Taking the Pamphlet Stitch on a Romp – bookbinding workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-noonVolcano Art Center. No experience necessary. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. Supply list online. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Volunteer Fountain Grass Removal, Saturday, Aug. 17, 9a.m.-3p.m., meet at Ocean ViewCommunity Center parking lot. Bring lunch, water, hat, and sunscreen. ovcahi.org

Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Aug. 17, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit , HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 10a.m.-1p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima with Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E, Saturday, Aug. 17, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Nā Mea Hula with Wes Awana, Saturday, Aug. 17, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.comvolcanoartcenter.org

Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, Aug. 17, 2-3p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pāhala Hongwanji Bon Dance, Saturday, Aug. 17, 4-10:30p.m. Sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Food, dancing, fun, Taiko drums. All are welcome. Free. OKK President Wayne Kawachi, 937-4773

50th Anniversary of Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū, Kanani aʻo Kaʻū, Saturday, Aug. 17, Pāhala Community Center5-10p.m. History, food, and music. General admission is $20; kupuna are $10; keiki ages 6 to 17 are $8; keiki 5 and under are free. For more, email hawaiiancivicclubkau@gmail.com or call 808-747-0197.

SUNDAY, AUG. 18
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Aug. 18, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike. nps.gov/havo

Private Excursion: Trail Less Traveled, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2p.m.-4p.m., 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

MONDAY, AUG. 19
Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal (12+), register by Monday, Aug. 19 for Friday, Aug. 23 event from 8:30a.m.-1p.m., HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees may apply. Space limited. R.S.V.P. to Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

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

TUESDAY, AUG. 20
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Aug. 20 (Committees), Wednesday, Aug. 21, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Concert with Artist-in-Residence Andy Jarema, After Dark in the Park, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. The Detroit-based musician and composer uses a mixture of sound-collage techniques, his trumpet, and traditional scoring to make site-specific work. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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.

Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.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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