Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Sen. Kai Kahele again calls for a moratorium on construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, but that Maunakea needs a
change in management regardless of the project. Photo from BIVN
MAYOR HARRY KIM'S IDEA FOR MAUANKEA drew support and suggestions from state Sen. Kai Kahele. He said today that Kim's plan, called A Way Forward is a good start. Kahele made suggestions, recommending that management of Maunakea be controlled by the governor, the mayor, and the state legislature, along with the community.
     Kahele proposed "extensive community conversations" before finalizing a management plan for  Maunakea. He said the issue of people protesting building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea cannot be resolved in a few months, but will "take a lot of time and effort, a lot of community consultations." He gave the example of the island of  Kahoʻolawe, which transitioned from a military bombing range to a place of restoration.
     Kahele said that the Thirty Meter Telescope issue is separate from changing Maunakea management. He said the situation at Maunakea Access Road needs to be de-escalated so people can be "active participants" in the conversation on how to make management changes.
    He said the impending construction and "potential threat of a law enforcement sweep" against those protesting at the access road "doesn't help at all in getting people to want to come to the table and have meaningful conversations." He suggested a moratorium be placed on construction of TMT until management can be revamped. Kahele said there is a loss of trust, with promises broken, that has exacerbated the situation.
Sen. Kai Kahele. Photo from BIVN

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HAWAIʻI'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IS REQUESTING HELP from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Department of Agriculture, to provide "much needed relief" to Hawaiʻi farmers and agricultural producers who were uniquely affected by the Kīlauea eruption.
     In a letter to Perdue, Hawaiʻi's representatives in Washington wrote that Hawaiʻi producers face unique losses – including permanent loss of land – due to lava inundation.
     "We understand that you have to consider the entire country when making policy. However, we cannot impress upon you enough the unique nature of the losses experienced by our producers impacted by the volcanic eruption. While USDA's existing disaster assistance programs and WHIP+ provide adequate relief for victims of natural disasters such as drought, flooding, wildfires, and hurricanes, they do not provide adequate relief for victims of volcanic eruptions. This inadequacy is understandable given the infrequency of devastating volcanic eruptions in the United States. However, we urge the USDA to acknowledge the unique circumstances surrounding the impacts that the eruption has had on our producers to date." The delegation asks USDA to "make an exception and work with us and our Hawaiʻi producers to provide unique assistance to farmers that were impacted by a truly unique disaster."
     The Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation has written to the Secretary of Agriculture three times, requesting the agency's flexibility in helping impacted farmers recover from the natural disasters that occurred in 2018. They most recently wrote to Perdue in March, asking for more than the current programs to adequately meet the needs and provide the relief necessary for farmers. Read the letter here.

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BILLS TO IMPROVE STEM OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES is the goal of Sen. Mazie Hirono. Last week, she reintroduced her legislative plan to improve opportunities for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
     Said Hirono, "Women and minorities in STEM fields face obstacles at every step of their careers. The STEM Opportunities Act and Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act will break down barriers and promote opportunities to engage our entire talent pool. As the demand for STEM workers grows in Hawaiʻi and across the country, we must ensure that pathways to these jobs are inclusive of all Americans."
Image from teachhub.com
     Hirono's plan consists of two bills. The STEM Opportunities Act, which, following Senate introduction last week, passed the House by voice vote, requires increased data collection to better understand who receives federal grants, clarifies guidance for grant reviewers to minimize the effects of implicit bias, and establishes federal grants to promote research-based recruitment and retention practices for minority faculty and students at institutions of higher education. Additionally, the bill requires guidance for federal laboratories and institutions of higher education to identify any cultural or institutional barriers that limit the recruitment and retention of women and minorities in research careers. The legislation builds on progress made through the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, which President Obama signed into law in early 2017 with several provisions that were championed by Hirono. The Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas).
     Said Johnson, "I am happy to see Senator Hirono leading a companion to the STEM Opportunities Act, which was considered on the House floor last week. The goal of our legislation is to develop and implement evidence-based policies to promote the progress of women, minorities, and other groups underrepresented in STEM studies and research careers. The need for full engagement in STEM by women and underrepresented groups goes beyond enabling individuals to fulfill their dreams of becoming a scientist. Our economic future relies on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent that will be necessary to meet the demands of an increasingly technological and knowledge-based economy."
     The second bill, Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.). The Act establishes grants to support programs designed to increase participation for women and minorities in STEM. Under the bill, these programs would include online workshops, mentoring programs to connect professionals with students, internship programs for undergraduate and graduate students, outreach programs for K-12 students, retention programs for STEM faculty, and other related programs.
Sen. Mazie Hirono supports bills to help women and
minorities with STEM opportunities.
Photo from Hirono's Facebook
     Said Maloney, "Women today make up half of the current workforce, yet they still hold less than a quarter of all STEM jobs. Many groups including African-American, Hispanic, and Asian populations, make up only a quarter of the STEM workforce. It is all too clear that women and minorities are being left behind. That needs to change. This bill will help bring more women and minorities into STEM education and help diversify our country's potential in the manufacturing sector, a vital industry that will allow for America to remain competitive in the global economy."
     Hirono has been a longstanding advocate for federal programs that improve opportunities for women and minorities in STEM. Last Congress, she introduced a similar legislative plan, and, earlier this year, she led a letter with 11 of her colleagues calling on the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue its efforts to strengthen the STEM pipeline by maintaining funding for its programs that broaden participation for underrepresented groups.
     In 2016, Hirono also convened a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee field hearing at Maui High School to hear from national experts, including NSF, and local stakeholders regarding the importance of promoting more women and minorities in the STEM workforce.
     Leslie Wilkins, President & CEO, of the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and Founding Director of the Women in Technology Project, said, "Locally in Hawaiʻi, high-paying STEM jobs are spurring growth and boosting our island economy. MEDB's Women in Technology and STEMworks™ initiatives continue to engage girls and women who are underrepresented in technology fields so that we can grow the STEM workforce pipeline and keep up with demand through hands-on STEM curriculum, training, mentoring and internship programs that have had a significant impact statewide. However, these programs still need support."
     Numerous national groups have also endorsed the STEM Opportunities Act, including the American Council on Education, American Society for Engineering Education, American Society for Microbiology, Computing Research Association, IEEE-USA, Society of Women Engineers, American Physiological Society, and American Association for the Advancement of Science.

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Surveying and controlling invasive banana poka is one cause for helicopter overflights from
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in October. Photo from DLNR/Forest and Kim Starr
FLIGHTS OVER HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK for October began today, with passengers and gear for petrel monitoring shuttled from the summit of Kīlauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft elevation. On Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., this will happen again.
     The skies will be quiet from Park helicopters until Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., to again shuttle passengers and gear for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kīlauea to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft elevation. 
     Wednesday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Park staff survey and control invasive banana poka on Mauna Loa Road between 5,000-ft. and 6,000-ft elevation.
     Thursday, Oct. 17, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., helicopters again shuttle passengers and gear for petrel monitoring from about 9,000-ft elevation on Mauna Loa to the summit of Kīlauea.
     Skies go quiet again, from Park sources, until Tuesday, October 29, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in the Kahuku Unit, between 4,000-ft and 6,500-ft elevation.
     On Wednesday, Oct. 30, two projects require helicopters: 8 a.m. to noon, invasive Guinea grass surveys and control along Keauhou Trail, from the coast to 2,000-ft elevation; noon to 1p.m.shuttle passengers and supplies to control invasive plants from ʻĀinahou to ‘Āpua Point.
     The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.

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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., 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:
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

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See monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
Hula Voices with Practitioner Randy Lee, Wednesday, Oct. 2 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

THURSDAY, OCT. 3
Grand Opening of the Temporary Nā‘ālehu Library Location at the Nā‘ālehu State Office, Thursday, Oct. 3, 10a.m.. Popcorn, lemonade, and fines forgiveness offered in celebration. Library hours normal, except closed during Hawai‘i County Council Committee and Council meetings, first and third Tuesday and Wednesday, monthly. 939-2442, librarieshawaii.org

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

Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, OCT. 4
31st Trash Show, Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 4-25, 10a.m.-4p.m., East Hawai‘i Cultural Center. Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30-7p.m. Started in 1988 by Volcano Village artist Ira Ono, the show exhibits works of art made from trash, such as debris from Ka‘ū beaches. $15 general admission, $12 seniors and children. No pre-sale; tickets sold at door 961-5711, ehcc.org

Oktoberfest, Friday, Oct. 4, doors open 5:30p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Boiled Potatoes, Drinks and Dessert. Live music by Last Fling Band. Tickets at door: $8/person, $15/two, $20/family. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Fabulous Fabric Fun, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Lisa Louise Adams teaches fabric print design, bamboo stamping style. Irene Tye teaches Yo-Yo quilt making and easy ways to cut fabric. Catherine Wynne teaches how to make Japanese-style gift bags. Glorianne Garza teaches Stitch Meditation. $75/person, all materials included. No machines needed. Register - 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Paths and Trails, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo/

Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake, Saturday, Oct. 5, 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. Register online. Park entrance fees may apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Oct. 5 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 5, 5-8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Plated German Sausage Dinner Special - Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German Potato Salad, Salad Bar, Ice Cream Bar, and Fountain Drink. $13.95/person. Lava Lounge to serve variety of German Beers, not included. Open to all eligible patrons, has certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

Grand Slam performance, Saturday, Oct. 5, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to eligible patrons; certain Terms of Service. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, OCT. 6
People and Land of Kahuku, Sunday, Oct. 6, 9:30a.m.-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, 2.5 mile hike over rugged terrain. nps.gov/havo/

Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Oct. 6 – 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, OCT. 7
Hawai‘i Public School Fall Break - Monday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 11.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Oct. 7, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 (field-trip), 1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351

Empower Meeting, Monday, Oct. 7 and 21 – 1st and 3rd Monday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Oct. 7, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Volcano Draft General Plan Mini Speakout Event, Monday, Oct. 7, 6-8p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Information provided on specific topics most relevant to the region. Thoughts from the community welcome. 961-8228, hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/

TUESDAY, OCT. 8
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 8-10a.m., Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park - Parking Lot, HVNP. Led by retired USGS Biologist Nic Sherma. 2 hour birding tour. $40/person. Register online. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.orgfhvnp.org

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Shape America's Future: Find Your Fit in the Federal Government, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Ranger Ben Hayes shows attendees how to find career opportunities in the Federal Government including navigating the USAJobs website, share resume writing tips, etc. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

ONGOING
Help Shape Hawaiʻi Island at upcoming SpeakOuts and workshops on the General Plan. The community is encouraged to "come share your manaʻo," opinion.
     The meeting will be held in Pāhoa, Saturday, Oct. 56 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pāhoa High School Cafeteria; and Volcano VillageMonday, Oct. 76 p.m. to 8 p.m.Cooper Center. Other SpeakOut events in Kona, Kealakekua, and Waikaloa dates and times are still to be announced.
     Topic Workshops will be held in Kona on Saturday, Oct. 19 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the West Hawaiʻi Civic Center Council Chambers. In Hilo, on Saturday, Oct. 12, workshops on Land Use from 9 a.m. to noon and Economics from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m and on Saturday, Oct. 26 on Infrastructure from 9 a.m. to noon and on Natural Resources from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, in the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Aging.
     Submit feedback online by Thursday, Oct. 31. See more Info on the Draft General Plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

Nationwide 2019 Congressional App Challenge submissions from middle and high schoolers are open through Friday, 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.

Tiny Treasure Invitational Exhibit at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; Park entrance fees apply. The exhibition also celebrates VAC's 45th anniversary, Oct. 21.
     Artists include Daniel Rokovitz, Stone O'Daugherty, Kristin Mitsu Shiga, Pat Pearlman, and Amy Flanders, Karen and Mark Stebbins. Also on display, small works from the annual Volcano Art Collaboration from June, featuring Rose Adare, Nash Adams-Pruitt, Lisa Louise Adams, Ed Clapp, Amy Flanders, Bill Hamilton, Liz Miller, Joe Laceby, and Erik Wold. volcanoartcenter.org

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.

Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 299 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.

Girls Exploring Math and Science Registration is open to Kaʻū students The annual event for fifth graders will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel. The mission of the American Association of University Women is to advance equity for women and girls though advocacy, education, and research.
     "First Come, First Served" registration forms were mailed to all West Hawaiʻi and Kaʻū schools on Sept. 9. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need. Once the 336 available spots are filled, no registrations will be accepted.
     All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawaiʻi School complex and Kaʻū who attend public, private, or home schools are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to volunteer or sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Applications are also available at Kona-hi.aauw.net.

Two Used Commercial Freezers are for sale by Kaʻū Hospital. The hospital states they work, and they "would like to offer to the community on a best offer basis." Interested parties may submit a bid in writing with name, address, and phone number to the Kaʻū Business office by 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
     The first freezer is a double door Centaur Plus by Entrée, LLC, Model # CSD-2DF-BAL, Serial # 1106CENH01077.
     The second freezer is a single door Centaur Plus by Entrée, LLC, Model # CSD-1DF-BAL, Serial # 1107CENH01513.

King Cab 2016 Nissan Frontier for Sale by Holy Rosary Church of Pāhala and the Sacred Heart Church of Nāʻālehu. The parishes are selling the truck to raise funds to benefit both churches. The truck is a great 6 cylinder, 2WD automobile. The churches are asking for $21K or best offer. Only cash or cashier's check will be accepted. Anyone interested should contact the parish secretary Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at 928-8208.

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