Sunday, September 08, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, September 8, 2019

The unpermitted structure, purportedly a library and study for keiki at the Protector's camp near Puʻuhuluhulu at Maunakea 
Access Road, was demolished Friday. See stories, below. All Maunakea photos from Karyn Spencer's Facebook
PROTECTORS OF MAUNAKEA ISSUED A CALL TO THE MAUNA after police cut through a Hawaiian flag during demolition of an unpermitted wooden structure on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands property near Maunakea Access Road.
     The statement, issued yesterday, predicted the closing of Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Saddle Road, Sunday night and law "enforcement action" as early as pre-dawn Monday: "After 56 days of peacefully protecting Maunakea and holding off the TMT, we have received information from multiple sources that has given us reason to strongly believe that law enforcement action to clear Puʻuhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu and the Maunakea Access Road for TMT construction is imminent.
The structure, just prior to demolition.
     "TMT will be meeting with State and County officials this Sunday to coordinate their attack on peaceful and nonviolent protectors of Maunakea. We are asking all Kiaʻi Mauna to come to Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu before Sunday evening and to be prepared to stay as long as you can. We need as much people as we can get to stand in Kapu Aloha to protect Maunakea from further desecration through the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
     "Kiaʻi coming to Maunakea should be prepared to camp out at Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu and should bring clothing and supplies suitable for cold weather and harsh conditions. Kiaʻi should also come to the Puʻuhonua with a true commitment to protect Maunakea in Kapu Aloha, peace, nonviolence and respect. Our strong commitment to Kapu Aloha is the foundation of the success of this movement, and our success moving forward relies on it as well.
     "To all of our Kiaʻi Mauna, now is the time. Maunakea needs you. See you on the Mauna!"

Buku Gamayo was arrested prior to the demolition.
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DEMOLITION OF AN UNPERMITED STRUCTURE near Maunkea Access Road on Friday has sparked reaction from Protectors of Maunakea. The structure was intended as a library and study space for keiki, according to a statement from leaders at Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu, where Protectors of Maunakea have gathered since July 13. The Kiaʻi, Protectors, protest the building of the planet's largest terrestrial telescope atop a mauna they hold sacred. Maunakea Access Road, which has been peacefully blocked by the Kiaʻi since July 15, is the only way to the summit for the heavy machinery required to construct the Thiry Meter Telescope.
A power saw was used to cut through
the Hawaiian flag, placed across
the door of the structure.
     About the demolition of the structure, Gov. David Ige said, "Law enforcement has deliberately refrained from escalating its approach to the current protest because it was important to provide some meaningful space and time for all of us to find a peaceful resolution to this situation. However, this type of permanent structure erected without (Department of Hawaiian Home Lands) permission, and without being regulated or inspected in any way, cannot be allowed. The safety risk is too great."
     A livestream video from Ikaika Marzo, well know for his coverage of the Kīlauea eruption last year, shows the cutting of the Hawaiian flag, which was attached across the building's entry door. Video released from Department of Land and Natural Resources did not show the sawing. Marzo's video also shows the arrest of two men, one of them visibly upset.
     Said Marzo, while recording: "Sad that our flag, our flag was on the door… All you have to do is take down the flag, and saw down the door. But instead he like…. he like saw right through the flag."
     After the event, State Highways director Ed Sniffen stated, "The officers had to cut through the flag in order to get through the building because all the windows were blacked out. There was no way for our law enforcement to see inside the building to see if anybody was there or if it was safe to take down."
     Marzo posted to Facebook, "Tell me the flag could have come down easier then sawing it down. Are you serious Ige? You had all the time in the world to peacefully and respectfully take it down with honor and integrity. Mahalo to HPD Big Island for taking down the 2nd flag with aloha and integrity. Bradda's much respect!"
A photo of a young wahine helping to build the structure, left.
Right, the same young wahine is embraced
as she cries while watching the demolition.
     According to multiple sources, Buku Gamayo, one of the arrested men, cried out, "Mom! They cut the flag! They cut the flag – they could have pulled it off! How can they wear it on their uniform to show who they represent then do something like that, mom?!"
     Darde Gamayo, mother of Buku Gamayo, said in a post to Facebook: "The pain from yesterday's incident is going to remain in everyone's heart & memory for a long time."
     The Office of Hawaiian Affairs issued a statement on the demolition, remarking that there is a "longstanding and particularly abhorrent double standard the state uses to enforce land use laws against Native Hawaiians as opposed to others."
     OHA contends that the state has allowed other "unpermitted and unauthorized astronomy structures that were far larger and located in far more environmentally- and culturally-sensitive areas of the mountain." They gave examples: the first three telescopes built on the summit of Maunakea "failed to apply for a conservation district use permit and therefore were unpermitted for at least six years." OHA states an unauthorized structure was "discovered" in 1976, but the $85,000 fine against the building contractor "appears to have never been collected." OHA states that, in 1982, Bureau of Land and Natural Resources approved the Caltech telescope permit "with an explicit requirement that no further astronomy development occur until the University of Hawaiʻi completed a new master plan. Two months later, BLNR approved a new telescope before the master plan was completed, thereby endorsing a violation of the Caltech permit." In 1997, states OHA, BLNR approved four after-the-fact subleases for telescopes already built or in the process of being built on the summit.
Light is clearly seen through two windows on either side of the door of the
structure. State Highways director Ed Sniffen stated the Hawaiian flag
that was across the door was cut through because of safety issues
related to the windows being "blacked out."
     "This selective enforcement re-enforces the State Auditor's finding in 1998 that the state and the University of Hawaiʻi manage Maunakea for astronomy at the expense of everything and everyone else. Moreover, the particularly offensive way today's selective enforcement was carried out, which included the wholly unnecessary sawing of a Hawaiian flag, is deeply troubling, and further adds to the trauma of the Native Hawaiian people and could have escalated an already tense situation."
     Read more on the developments at Maunakea in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.

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UNDERSTANDING SCIENCE AND ITS CULTURAL BRIDGE in the context of Maunakea and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is the theme of an article in Gov. David Ige's monthly newsletter. Opened in 2006, ‘Imiloa works to integrate modern science and indigenous culture. Hawaiian immersion students and teachers, working with ‘Imiloa, garner attention with a program that
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Photo from ‘Imiloa
aims to make Hawai‘i the first place in the world to weave indigenous practices into the process of officially naming astronomical discoveries — specifically those by telescopes on Maunakea and Haleakalā.
     The newsletter reports ʻImiloa executive director Ka‘iu Kimura said that ‘Imiloa was "founded on the idea of bringing culture and science together. We were born from the confluence of parallel trends – the revitalization of Hawaiian language and culture and the understanding of the universe enabled by the Maunakea observatories. We are about enhancing culture and science – together – in a way that promotes mutual understanding and respect between communities."
     Asked about it by the governor's office, Kimura said the environment at Maunakea was "just as complex" in 2001, when planning for ‘Imiloa first started. "There weren't many science centers founded on indigenous and modern scientific knowledge coming together. I think it was the first time that members of our Hawaiian and astronomy communities came together to create something."
ʻImiloa executive director 
Ka‘iu Kimura. 
Photo from ʻImiloa
     The teams of culture specialists and astronomers forged ahead, states the newsletter, and the result is a center that has drawn worldwide recognition. ‘Imiloa attracts about 100,000 visitors a year to learn about Polynesian voyaging, Hawaiian mythology, the Maunakea observatories, planetarium shows, and more – all in bilingual English and Hawaiian exhibits. A recent program featuring renowned UH-Hilo professor Larry Kimura (Ka‘iu's uncle) and Dr. Doug Simons, director of the Canada-France-Hawai‘i telescope on Maunakea, drew a standing-room-only crowd.
     Said Ka‘iu Kimura, "We have a strong commitment between ‘Imiloa, UH-Hilo's College of Hawaiian Language, and Culture and the Maunakea Observatories to continue this work. I'm aware there are some who see ‘Imiloa as a proponent of astronomy and, by extension, TMT. But I see our role as critical to bringing the work of the observatories to the community and sharing the culture and values of the community with the astronomical community, both locally and globally. I think it's important to have a voice that reflects our community's voice.
     "Our programs, like A Hua He Inoa, help our youth statewide engage in scientific, astronomical inquiry in a way that reflects the Hawaiian practice of naming celestial objects." She told the governor's newsletter that forming a "true partnership that advances both the science and the indigenous language and knowledge" is "critical. That co-dependency is so important as we, as a community, move forward so we can advance one another. We feel it's important to support all of the perspectives on Maunakea and its future. We're a product of convergence of the Hawaiian language and culture and the revolutionary astronomy being done.
     "We want to share the amazing attributes of Maunakea – culturally, scientifically, environmentally. That's what keeps our staff going every day. ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center reflects the spectrum of opinion and how it's possible for people to come together, to bridge the past and the future, and to learn from each other."
     For more on ‘Imiloa's programs, go to imiloahawaii.org.
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KAHUKU UNIT'S PICNIC IN THE PARK event happens Sunday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park hosts taiko drumming and other live, musical entertainment from noon to 3 p.m. Food and shave ice available for purchase. Information booths will be set up. ʻOhana Day Hike & Craft Activity for attendees 18 and under runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon; registration required, leileni_rodrigues@nps.gov. Sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL played a strong game at their away game against the Christian Liberty Canefires on Wednesday. The Varsity-only sets saw Kaʻū take down their opponents 25 to 21 in the first two sets, 25 to 23 in the final set.
     On Friday, Kaʻū hosted Kamehameha Schools' Warriors. The Junior Varsity teams played two sets, Warriors taking down the Trojans 25 to 9 and 25 to 2. Varsity sets saw Kaʻū stronger, but Kamehameha winning with 25 to 11, 25 to 10, and 25 to 17.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Serve for Cash program at home volleyball games raised $1,000 for Kaʻū High School Athletics.
OKK's June Domondon is in blue. Ka’ū Athletics Director, Kalei Namohala, is far left. Photo from OKK
SERVE FOR CASH CONTEST raised $1,000 for Kaʻū Athletics at Friday's volleyball game. Cy Lopez, Kayla Nishimura, Albert Pacheco, and Douglas Gora each earned the school $250, and received a $20 gift certificate, courtesy of the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou program.

TROJANS FOOTBALL played an away game yesterday, traveling to Waimea to go up against Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy's Ka Makani. Kaʻū began the game strong, with 6 points scored in the first quarter, to HPA's 3.
     In the second quarter, HPA scored 7 to Kaʻū's 6.
     The second half of the game saw Kaʻū shut out, with no points scored.
     The Ka Makani – which means the wind – scored 8 points in both the third and fourth quarters, for a final score of 26 over the Trojans' 12.

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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 September
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Sat., Sept. 14, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Tue., Sept. 10, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kealakeha
Fri., Sept. 13, 6 p.m., Honokaʻa hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 17, 6 p.m., Waiakea hosts Kaʻū
Thu., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 24, 6 p.m., Makualani hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 27, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA

Cross Country:
Fri., Sept. 13, 3:30 p.m., @HPA
Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m., @Kealakehe
Sat., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., @Keaʻau

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UPCOMING
MONDAY, SEPT. 9
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Net Recovery Patrol, Monday, Sept. 9. Free; donations appreciated. Limited space available; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. 769-7629, wildhawaii.org

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Sept. 9 and 23, 1p.m., field trips - contact for location. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

TUESDAY, SEPT. 10
Public Access Room in Ocean View, Tuesday, Sept. 10, noon to 1 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free session helps residents understand the legislative process, deadlines, and power dynamics at the Capitol. Residents can also learn how to effectively navigate the legislature's website to find pertinent information. See lrbhawaii.org/parpar@capitol.hawaii.gov; or toll free, 808-974-4000, ext. 7-0478.

Free Flu Shot Clinic, Tuesday, Sept. 7, 6:30-8p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Sponsored by Long's Drugs Pāhala.

Hawaiian Cultural Artifacts in the 21st Century, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Guests welcome to see and touch artifacts during presentation by Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā and Rick LaMontange. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11
Ho‘oponopono Demonstration, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Aunty Mahealani Kuamo‘o-Henry and friends journey through the teachings of Ho‘opono Pono Ke Ala. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12
Registration Open: Coffee Filter Art, Thursday, Sept. 12-17, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8 takes place Wednesday, Sept. 18, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Sept. 12, 6:30p.m.United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkeley Yoshida, 747-0197

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Sept. 13, 9a.m.-noonOcean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, Sept. 13, 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, SEPT. 14
Macadamia Nut Pest Workshop, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9-11:30a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Alyssa Cho, CTAHR, presents. Learn to manage pests in the orchard, with a focus on macadamia felted coccid - applications for use of application equipment on eligible farms after training. Free event, snack provided. Limited space, registration required. 430-1876, bigislandmacnut@gmail.com

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Sept. 14, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. nps.gov/havo

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, Sept. 14, 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

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-2p.m.Kīlauea Iki Overlook Parking Lot, HVNP. Moderate to challenging 2.4 mile hike (one way). $80/person. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Zentangle Knot Work Celtic Inspired with Ellen O‘Dunn, Saturday, Sept. 14, 10a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. All art supplies provided - returning students encouraged to bring favorite supplies. Experience with Zentangle recommended by not necessary. Potluck. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Soul Town band performance, Saturday, Sept. 14, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to all patrons, with Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15
People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, 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. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Nov. 1. Submit to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, CongressionalAppChallenge.us, apps "designed to promote innovation and engagement in computer science." All skill levels, all devices and platforms, and all programming languages, accepted. 

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