Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, September 17, 2019

A Roller Skate Rink, planned to open in 2021 in Ocean View, is in the works. Kaʻū Skate Club's three founding members
are the driving force behind the idea. Left to right: Erika Prowse, Lisa Olivarez, and Lzena Barrett. See story below.
Photo from Kaʻū Skate Club
THE PROTECT AMERICAN VALUES ACT was introduced today by Sen. Mazie Hirono and 26 of her colleagues. The legislation would prohibit the Trump Administration from preventing  immigrants from coming into and staying in the United States based on wealth, family size, age, skills, level of education, and ability to speak English, through its "public charge rule." The Trump administration is planning to use federal funds to implement the "public charge rule" starting Monday, Oct. 15.
     Hirono, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Center for Law and Social Policy Executive Director Olivia Golden, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum President and CEO Kathy Ko Chin, and National Immigration Law Center Senior Policy Attorney Sonya Schwartz unveiled the Protect American Values Act at a press conference in the U.S. Capitol. Watch the press conference.
     Said Hirono, "The true effect, and therefore, the true intent behind the Administration's public charge rule, is to create a climate of fear among immigrant families, and it's working. I've heard from a number of hardworking, taxpaying immigrants in Hawaiʻi, many not even subject to the rule, who are afraid to see their doctor or access essential services. Instead of harming immigrant families seeking a better life, our bill protects them. Our bill keeps families together. And our bill supports the rich diversity that has enabled our country to thrive and excel throughout its history. I'm proud that 26 of my colleagues support this legislation already, and I will continue working toward passing it."

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The facility, like the one above, will be more than a roller rink, multifunctional, with a walking path around it.
Image from Kaʻū Skate Club
A ROLLER SKATE RINK FOR OCEAN VIEW is in the works. Kaʻū Skate Club received permission to site the rink on a portion of ten acres of county land near Kahuku Park on Paradise Circle. The budget is $300,000 and fundraisers are planned, including a yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 92-8907 Paradise Parkway, cross street Aloha in Ocean View, and a concert with Dave Lawrence & Green Machine at Tiki Mama's on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. Tickets at the door of the concert are a suggested donation of $15, plus one can of food, which goes to the Hawaiʻi Island Food Bank.
Lzena Barrett, 
Kaʻū Skate Club President. 
Photo from Kaʻū Skate Club
     Kaʻū Skate Club is a non-profit that aims to provide a place and activities for OV and other Kaʻū youth. Founders are Lzena Barrett, Lisa Olivarez, and Erika Prowse. Barrett is President and told Kaʻū News Briefs that the Club was "born over coffee" at her dining room table. "We were discussing how fun it would be to have a roller rink here for the entire community. We decided on starting a co-ed, recreational, all ages skate club. We skated a few times at Kahuku Park, watching the smiles on the kids' faces. They would be ready to go, race with us – we laughed along with them, taught them a few tricks. It was obvious then, we really needed something for everyone. And there it was: 'Let's do this for real.' The three of us met daily and talked about the ins and outs, and what was needed to build a skate rink." The roller rink will be a multifunctional facility with a walking path around it.
     Barrett said a member of ʻO Kaʻū Kākou mentioned they should contact Kaʻū County Council member Maile David. They called and left a message with her secretary, and "to our surprise, Maile called back with the hour. She wanted a meeting with the three of us, was very interested in our vision."
     Barrett said they met with the council member in early March, after applying for non-profit status for the Club. They presented a business plan, concept pictures, and ideas. "She asked questions, like why we thought this would work well in Ocean View, what our complete vision was, and how long we thought it would take us. She was very excited about a roller rink here. She said, 'OK, let's do this,'" said Barrett.
Lisa Olivarez, 
Kaʻū Skate Club Vice President. 
Photo from Kaʻū Skate Club
     In June, the Kaʻū Skate Club founders met again with David, this time with Department of Parks and Recreation staff, to go over the business plan, projected dates, concept pictures, and costs. "We left that meeting with all positive feedback," said Barrett. Soon after, Kaʻū Skate Club became an official non profit 501 (C) (3).
     On Aug. 6, the Club received a letter from county Parks & Recreation, allotting a portion of ten acres for the rink. A survey will help determine the best location, possibly followed by an Environmental Assessment. Said Barrett, "We are not sure if an EA has been done there before, if we need to update one or start from scratch."
     Barrett projects a finish date in September of 2021 – two years. "We have a lot going into this. We are always working on fundraisers for this project. One hundred percent of our proceeds go directly to the skate club." They are looking for nonprofit partners, grant writers, corporate sponsors, and community volunteers.
Erika Prowse, Kaʻū
Skate Club Treasurer
and Secretary. Photo
from Kaʻū Skate Club
     On Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, Saturday and Sunday, the club held its first fundraiser, a garage sale. Barrett said the sale went "amazingly," with a lot of support from the community in donations and purchases. "Almost everyone that came by knew it was for the Kaʻū Skate Club and had a lot of questions," said Barrett. "Some kids were expressing how happy they were to learn something new, and some of our older community members were smiling ear to ear, sharing the memories of Roller Skate Rinks growing up and how much fun this is going to be. In fact, one gentleman in his 60s, I believe, said he cannot wait to get his roller skates back on."
     The next fundraiser will be Saturday, Oct. 12. "We have already started collecting donations – we sold almost everything at the last one, which is great. Super excited!"
At the rink, skates will be rented for a small fee. 
Photo from Kaʻū Skate Club
     Another fundraiser is a concert featuring Dave Lawrence & Green Machine at Tiki Mama's on Saturday, Oct. 19.
     Lzena Barrett, Kaʻū Skate Club President, has lived in Ocean View for three years, after splitting time between Hawaiʻi Island and California, where she "grew up on roller skates." At a young age, she was an artistic and competitive roller skater. She continues with Roller Derby, both playing and coaching. She and her husband owned and operated a roller skate rink in Northern California.
     Lisa Olivarez, Kaʻū Skate Club Vice President, originally from Northern California, has lived in Kaʻū for seven years. "She's definitely our athletic skater," said Barrett. "She very much enjoys fast paced, heart pounding roller skating. She has been skating now for a few years as an adult, but like many others, she remembers birthday parties and school functions at the skate rink."
     Erika Prowse, Kaʻū Skate Club's Treasurer and Secretary, is also from Northern California and has been in Kaʻū for five years. Said Barrett, "She is our go-to business woman. She's the one who knows all the ins and outs of the business part of the skate club. She began roller skating a couple years ago as well. Erika is always learning new styles and always has a smile."
     Prowse and Olivarez work together at a local bee farm. Barrett is a stay at home mom.
     Barrett said Kaʻū Skate Club will serve the community of Kaʻū district and beyond. The rink will be open to all, "a safe and fun place for families to come and enjoy."
     Kaʻū Skate Club board members and committees will schedule use of the facility for skating and other activities. Someone from the Club will be on site at all times during operating hours, Barrett said, and a skate floor monitor will be in charge, "to ensure the safety of everyone using the Roller Skate Rink."
     Said Barrett, "Our organization is volunteer based only. No one person will be paid any type of salary. We want to do this for our community, not for money." She said admission will be charged for open skating, and there will be a fee to rent skates, "reasonably priced," she said. The fees will go toward utility bills, skate maintenance, and building upgrades and upkeep, said Barrett.
     Kaʻū Skate Club plans to have open skate on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 2 p.m to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
     "The Rink will have all the lights, music, and events," said Barrett, "Too many to list, really. We would eventually love to do roller skate lessons for all ages, and possibly roller hockey. Though none of us have played roller hockey, I do know a hockey coach. So many things to look forward to. We are always looking for more volunteers."
     To donate to the Oct. 12 yard sale fundraiser or become involved, call Barrett at 808-747-1147.

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KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN is still taking registrations for the annual events, this Saturday, Sept. 21, starting at 7 a.m. at Kaʻū Coffee Mill on Wood Valley Road. The organizers expect more than 250 competitors. ʻO Kaʻū Kākou secretary Nadine Ebert said the public is invited to gather at Kaʻū Coffee Mill for entertainment, food, and to watch the racers run over the finish line.
     The Trail Run is an important fundraiser for OKK, generating about a third of its budget for such projects as scholarships for local youth, school tools for keiki starting their education, and many other activities for the community. The race is put on by volunteers, with all income going to the community. Eddie O is the emcee. Taiko drummers will send off the racers. Food will be sold by youth groups raising money to visit Washington, D.C.
     Register here through this Friday, Sept. 20 – midnight before race day. Fees are $55 for the 5K, $65 for the 10K, and $75 for the Half-Marathon. On race day, registration closes at 6:30 a.m. Entrants receive a race goodies bag, t-shirt, and more.
     The sixth annual Coffee Trail Run offers moderate to highly challenging courses. Historically, athletes from all over the world flock to Kaʻū to take part in the races that take them through macnut and coffee fields, and up into the rainforest on the slopes of Mauna Loa. A contingent from Japan is scheduled to participate. Miss Kaʻū Coffee 2019, Helena Sesson, will hand out the awards.
     The 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail.
     The 10K is a moderate run.
     The Half Marathon follows the 5K and 10K course, continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, then traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road along marked trails, undulating through grazing pastures.
     Chip timing is by RFID. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Edmund C. Olson Trust II, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, BioAstin, and County of Hawaiʻi. "All proceeds from this event stay in Ka‘ū to benefit the Ka‘ū community," said Ebert.

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TROPICAL STORM KIKO is forecast to develop back into a hurricane by Friday. With 50 mile per hour winds, Kiko was traveling westward at five mph, about 2,000 miles east south east of Hawaiʻi Island, at 5 p.m. Kiko is still too far away and unpredictable for forecasters to say whether she will affect Kaʻū or any of the other Hawaiian Islands.
The orange "X" marks the center of a weather disturbance, set to bring rain and wind to the island north of the main six.
Image from NOAA
     Another set of possible storms are south of the major islands. One storm, about 500 miles southeast of Hawaiʻi Island at 5 p.m., has a 50 percent chance of developing into a tropical storm. It is moving northwest, away from the major islands, but forecast to affect Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument with gusty winds and heavy rains. The other weather disturbances are forecast to die off before they could affect Kaʻū.
     Coming up behind Kiko, Tropical Storms Lorena and Mario are both forecast to hug the Central American coast.

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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 Fall Athletics Schedule
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates

Football, Division II:
Thu., Sept. 19, 7 p.m., Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū
Thu., Oct. 3, 7 p.m. Kamehameha hosts Kaʻū
Sat., Oct. 12, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts HPA
Sat., Oct. 19, 11 a.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Sat., Oct. 26, 1 p.m., Kohala hosts Kaʻū
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 1 and 2, Div II BIIF Championship
Fri. and Sat., Nov. 15 and 16, HHSAA Div II Semifinals
Fri., Nov. 29, HHSAA Div II Championship

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
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
Wed., Oct. 2, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Pāhoa
Fri., Oct. 4, 6 p.m., Parker hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Ehunui
Thu., Oct. 10, 6 p.m., Konawaena hosts Kaʻū
Mon., Oct. 14, 6 p.m., BIIF Div II First Round at Keaʻau
Tue., Oct. 15, 2:30 p.m., BIIF Div II Semifinals at Keaʻau
Wed., Oct. 16, 4 p.m., BIIF Div II Finals at Keaʻau
Wed.-Sat., Oct. 23-26, HHSAA DII Tournament, Oʻahu

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, SEPT. 18
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, Sept. 18, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Sept. 18, 12:30-1:30p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Office of Hawaiian Affairs Community Mtg., asking for input from Kaʻū residents on what Kaʻū needs, happens Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Agenda TBA. oha.org

Kanaka Tree in Concert, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 7p.m.Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Hawaiian music. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, SEPT. 19
Registration Open: Colorful Craft, Thursday, Sept. 19-24, Ka‘ū District Gym multipurpose room. Program for grades K-8, takes place Wednesday, Sept. 25, 3:30-5p.m. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Race Day, Saturday, Sept. 21, 7.a.m, Ka‘ū coffee Mill. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through macnut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Online registration open through midnight, Sept. 19: webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. Race day (not online) registration closes at 6:30a.m. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com

Exhibit - 45th Tiny Treasures Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 21, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m.,Volcano Arts Center Gallery. Features small works created at the Volcano Collaboration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

Free Haircut, Shower, Clothes, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster, 12 haircut slots available. Free hot showers. Big Island Giving Tree will hand out clothes and personal care items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice with Tom Peek, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9:30a.m.-4p.m.Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

1st Annual Church Bazaar, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m., Pāhala Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Auction, thrift shop, baked goods, craft goods, plants, and more. $10/steak plate; priority to pre-sale ticket holders. See church member or call Parish Office at 928-8208 for tickets.

Mixed Media Encaustic - Beginner and Intermediate with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-2p.m.Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a.m.-1p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Paul Neves with Hālau Ha‘a Kea o Kinohi, Saturday, Sept. 21, 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 Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Hālauolaokalani, Saturday, Sept. 21, 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, Sept. 21, 2-3p.m.Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Dances of Universal Peace, Saturday, Sept. 21, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Community Coastal Cleanup and Debris Survey, Saturday, Sept. 22. Free; donations appreciated. Limited space available; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. 769-7629, wildhawaii.org

Palm Trail, Sunday, Sept. 22, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo

Kahuku ‘Ohana Day, Sunday, Sept. 22, noon-3p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Live music, family-friendly activities, hikes and more. Free. nps.gov/havo

TUESDAY, SEPT. 24
H.O.V.E. Road Maintenance Corp. Board Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 24, 10a.m., H.O.V.E. RMC office, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. 929-9910, hoveroad.com

Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

Operatic Theater with Artist-in-Residence, Alan Olejniczak, Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m.KīlaueaVisitor Center Auditorium. Olenjniczak, playwright and librettist, presents excerpts from the first draft of an audio drama about the natural history and future of Hawai‘i Island. Free; park entrance fees apply. 965-6101, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING
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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