Said
Gabbard, "Our troops put their lives on the line to support and defend the
Constitution of the United States ,
and ensure the safety and security of the American people. President Trump's
deployment of US troops to secure Syrian oil fields that do not belong to us,
with talks of welcoming in private oil corporations to take the oil, is
unconstitutional and a violation of International Law. Syria 's
natural resources belong to the Syrian people. Congress must fulfill its
Constitutional mandate and vote for this resolution to bring our troops home
from Syria ."
Said Erik
Sperling, Executive Director of Just Foreign Policy, "Congress has not
authorized troops to 'secure oil' in Syria
or to participate in hostilities against the governments of Russia ,
Iran , or Syria .
Under Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the
President cannot deploy troops into hostilities without prior Congressional
authorization. I commend Rep. Gabbard for introducing this resolution which will
compel all members of the House to vote yes or no on endless war in front of
their constituents."
According to a statement from Gabbard, "Earlier this month, Trump announced the removal of U.S.
troops from northern Syria ,
transferring them to other locations within Syria
or Iraq . The
move provided the opening for Turkey
to invade Syria
and commence ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Kurds who have been trusted
partners in the battle to defeat ISIS ."
Gabbard's statement says she opposes "unauthorized Presidential wars", that she called on the Trump administration to "end its armed
support of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen's Civil War," that she has highlighted the catastrophic impact it has had on Yemen's
civilian population, and that she led bipartisan efforts to oppose U.S. involvement
in the conflict.
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NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL'S FRIENDRAISER last weekend hosted about 250-300 people, despite the high winds. Held on the school grounds, the annual event raises funds for the Nāʻālehu School Council, but the main intent is creating a space to "raise friends." Attendees enjoyed carnival-style games, food and fun, as well as a rummage sale tent where nothing was priced over 50 cents.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou gave out free shave ice
to excited students last weekend at the
Nāʻālehu Elementary Friendraiser.
Photo by Amberly Javar
|
Former school staff also reunited during the Friendraiser, with current teacher Janice Ogi giving a guided tour of the campus. "Everyone was happy to see each other after so much time," shared former teacher Masako Sakata.
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FLIGHT PLANS from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park for
December are as follows:
Monday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to shuttle crew and equipment from Chain of Craters Road at 2,000-ft. elevation to ‘Āpua, Keauhou, and Halapē beaches, and extract hawksbill turtle monitoring equipment.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 5, from7 a.m.
to noon , for petrel monitoring from
the summit of Kīlauea to Mauna Loa
between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 4, from6
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. , for
crew and equipment transport to the Kahuku-Kapāpala boundary between 5,000- and
9,000-ft. elevation.
Tuesday, Dec. 10,6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. ,
for ungulate surveys near the Ka‘ū desert boundary between sea level and
1,500-ft. elevation.
Tuesday, Dec. 10,7 a.m. to noon , for petrel monitoring from the summit of Kīlauea
on Mauna Loa between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 13,8 a.m.
to 10 a.m. , for transport of field equipment from the end of Hilina
Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin for vegetation
monitoring.
Tuesday, Dec. 17,9 a.m. to noon , for transport of fence material and field
equipment from the ‘Ōla‘a Tract.
Wednesday, Dec. 18,6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
for ungulate surveys near Mauna Loa Road
from 4,000- to 9,000-ft. elevation.
Thursday, Dec. 19,8 a.m. to 11 a.m. ,
for transport of fence material and field equipment from the Kīpuka Kī and
Keauhou-Ka‘ū boundary to 4,000-ft. elevation.
In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations overKīlauea and Mauna
Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
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.
Monday, Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to shuttle crew and equipment from Chain of Craters Road at 2,000-ft. elevation to ‘Āpua, Keauhou, and Halapē beaches, and extract hawksbill turtle monitoring equipment.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 5, from
Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Wednesday, Dec. 4, from
Tuesday, Dec. 10,
Tuesday, Dec. 10,
Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Wednesday, Dec. 13,
Tuesday, Dec. 17,
Wednesday, Dec. 18,
Thursday, Dec. 19,
In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over
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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New this year,
there will be art making demonstrations at each studio/gallery location on
Sunday, Dec. 1. "Make and take" earrings with Zeke Israel, watch
Ira Ono create a clay mask at 11 a.m., and see demonstrations of various other
clay techniques by Erik Wold, Emily Herb, and Charlotte Forbes Perry, all at
their respective studio locations. Lisa Louise Adams and Joan Yoshioka
will be showing their painting skills, Liz Miller will share her metal tooling
techniques, and Joe Laceby will be doing hot metal forging demos at the Volcano
Art Center location throughout the day on Sunday, just to name a few of the
offerings. Also showing their work this year will be Pam Barton, Mag Barnaby,
Misato and Michael Mortara, Ricia Shema, Cynee Gillette-Wenner, Randy Sutton,
and Scott Pincus.
A special drawing
for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the
sale. Sale hours are Friday,
Saturday, and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, call (808) 987-3472. Maps to the artists' studios
will be available at local businesses and galleries in the Volcano, and
at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com.
Christmas in
the Country, the Volcano Art
Center holiday exhibit, will also expand
to the Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village
on Friday and Saturday. The Hale Hoʻomana building will feature a preview of
the exhibit and program offerings for the upcoming year and host members of
the Volcano Hui, displaying handmade art and gifts as part of the
annual Volcano Hui Tour. Live poinsettia will be on display and available
for purchase as a fundraiser for Volcano
School of Arts & Sciences.
KAMAHALO CRAFT FAIR will be held Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 12th annual event offers a
selection of more than 30 vendors of local crafters with quality homemade and
homegrown products. Cooper Center Council volunteers will make hearty soups and
food for hungry shoppers.
The
Kamahalo Craft Fair is a project of the Cooper Center Council. Proceeds are
used to fund community activities and projects such as the Friends Feeding
Friends hot meal program.
VOTE FOR THE BEST COTTAGE DECORATIONS at Kīlauea Military Camp beginning Friday, Nov. 29. The public is invited to stroll along the sidewalks around the KMC Cottages where the staff has entered a contest for best Christmas decorations. The outdoor displays are best seen at night. Voting runs through Jan. 1. KMC is located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
KMC hosts a Christmas Day dinner buffet, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. , on Dec. 25 at Crater Rim Café. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child for ages 6-11, five and under free. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
The KMC New Year's Eve Party on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. at the Lava Lounge will have live music from Blue Tattoo. The $10 cover charge includes a champagne toast at midnight . Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Call 967-8356 or see kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
KMC Cottages light up the night, competing for best décor. Photo of past display by Dave Berry
|
HVO SCIENTISTS MENTORED STEM STUDENTS at this year's national
conference to promote diversity in Honolulu .
Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geophysicist
Jefferson Chang covers what happened at the conference:
About a month
ago, I attended the 2019 National Diversity in STEM Conference, an annual meeting
organized by the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native
Americans in Science (SACNAS) and held in Honolulu
this year.
SACNAS STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) conferences are unique in that they
focus on fostering diversity and inclusion. They are attended primarily by
students and professionals. As a student, it is an invaluable experience to see
examples of and interact with successful professionals that look like you. As a
professional, it is an opportunity to mentor future scientists.
The conference got me thinking about where I came from, and how I ended up as a geophysicist at USGS HVO. I did not have a mentor or example to guide me.
I grew up on the windward side of O‘ahu, in a modest family that barely made ends meet. I rode my bike or walked to Waimānalo Intermediate, and later caught TheBus to Kailua High School . I was an average kid.
Sometimes, I made good grades; other times, I made poor decisions. My teachers often sent home progress reports that said or hinted at something to the effect of "has potential" or "needs to apply himself." Come to think of it, I probably made more poor decisions than good grades.
I finished high school, ranking somewhere in the middle of my class. I had no plans—and no clue.
Through a
bizarre turn of events, I enrolled at Leeward
Community College on the other side
of the island from where I lived. There, I took an introductory geology class,
which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was the first in a series of fortunate
events.
While taking
18-21 credits per semester at LCC, I worked full-time to pay for housing. I
also had a second full-time job to pay for food and expenses. This was the
normal hustle for my peers and me. I was just an average adult on Oʻahu.
After a few
years of working toward a two-year degree, I decided that it was not
sustainable. I left Hawaii to
find a college on the mainland. I now had a plan—but still no clue.
While
enrolling in Northern Arizona
University , I was caught off-guard
when the admissions official asked me to declare a major. As I strained to
remember the classes I took in high school and LCC, the word "geology"
came out of my mouth. I said it on a whim. It was a topic that I had only known
for one fleeting semester.
Geology—the
study of the earth. That one word impetuously muttered so many years ago set
the course for the rest of my life.
During my
undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies, I received grants and awards. I
conducted and presented my research around the world. I advised policy-makers
on state-wide legislations. I also drifted a long way from the little town of Waimānalo .
Living in
Hawaiʻi and being a scientist had never connected in my head. I had no role
model, so the two seemed disconnected. That changed when I met a stranger at
the airport after attending an American Geophysical Union conference.
"You’re from Honolulu , right?" he asked, which seemed oddly specific. Maybe he noticed my Locals® slippers.
Locals® "slippahs" are a distinctive item of clothing to USGS HVO geophysicist Jefferson Chang |
He was an
HVO research geophysicist and reminded me that the Island
of Hawai ‘i has active volcanoes,
which generate substantial seismicity. More importantly, he made me realize
that there was indeed a place for local scientists in Hawai ʻi .
About a year
after that chance meeting, I started my career as a USGS HVO geophysicist,
monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes.
There is a
disturbing lack of diversity in science, so representation matters. SACNAS
works to ensure that underrepresented students in STEM get the support they
need to succeed.
Not all
scientists look like Einstein or wear lab coats. Some of us lucky ones get to
wear "slippahs."
Because of
my past experiences, I engage with students whenever possible, which is why I
attended the SACNAS STEM conference. My hope is that students never have to
choose between pursuing their dream careers and staying close to their roots.
Volcano
Activity Updates
Kῑlauea
Volcano is not erupting and its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL .
Kīlauea monitoring data showed no notable changes over the past week. Sulfur
dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and below detection limits at Puʻu
ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone (LERZ). The water lake at the bottom of
Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen.
Updates for Kīlauea , volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html,
are issued monthly; Mauna Loa , volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/status.html, updates
are issued weekly.
One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.7 quake 25 km (16 mi) west of Pepeʻekeo at 30 km (19 mi) depth on Nov. 23 at9:41 a.m.
HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity. Visit volcanoes.usgs.gov/hvo for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.One earthquake with three or more felt reports occurred in Hawaiʻi this past week: a magnitude-2.7 quake 25 km (16 mi) west of Pepeʻekeo at 30 km (19 mi) depth on Nov. 23 at
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
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
|
UPCOMING
FRIDAY, NOV. 29
Holiday Challenge, Friday, Nov. 29, through beginning of Jan. 2020. Community invited to come out and vote for their favorite decorated cottage/activity. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
12th Annual Kamahalo Craft Fair, Friday, Nov. 29, 9a.m.-4p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9a.m.-3p.m., The Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Food vendors, homegrown products, and quality homemade crafts for sale. 936-9705, thecoopercenter.org
Kahuku Coffee Talk: Creatures that Have Evolved in the Dark, Friday, Nov. 29, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Join local experts to learn about lava tubes and some interesting animals that call them home. Free. nps.gov/havo
Volcano Village Artists Hui 33rd Annual Studio Tour & Sale, Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, 10a.m.-4p.m., map available at volcanovillageartistshui.com. Meet artists and view wide variety of artwork on display and available for purchase.
Program Preview Exhibit, Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30, 10a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. See what programs, events, and exhibits VAC has lined up for 2020. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
SATURDAY, NOV. 30
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United,
Kaʻū Chapter, meeting on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. All persons working or
interested in agriculture are invited. A potluck lunch will be served. Learn of
plans for 2020, including agriculture education, events, and reviewing
legislation and issues before the county, state, and federal policymakers that
affect Kaʻū. Rep. Richard Creagan, Chair of the state House of Representatives
Committee on Agriculture, will announce his 2020 legislative goals. For more
information on HFUU, call Pres. Matt Drayer at 808-339-8737.
AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
AdvoCATS, Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Palm Trail, Sunday, Nov. 30, 9:30-12:30p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult hike - 2.6 mile loop. nps.gov/havo
Girls Nite Out Band, Saturday, Nov. 30, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SUNDAY, DEC. 1
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Dec. 1, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Dec. 1 – 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
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Dietrich Varez Block Printing with Desiree Moana Cruz, Monday, Dec. 2, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. No registration required. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Dec. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Name that Holiday Tune Registration, Dec. 2-5, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Friday, Dec. 6, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
TUESDAY, DEC. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Dec. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Dec. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17, 9a.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Call to confirm location before attending. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Empower Meeting, Tuesday, Dec. 3 and 17 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
Holiday Ornament Registration, Dec. 4-16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Pom Pom Wreath Registration, through Dec. 4. Kahuku Park , Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ag es 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Santa's Workshop Event Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-31 02, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, through Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K t o 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Holiday Ornament Registration, through Dec. 16, Kahuku Park. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees app ly. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
P&R T-Ball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Kahuku Park . Ages 5-6. Program to take place Dec. 2 - April 16, 3:30-4:30pm. Athletic shoes required. Contact Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511.
P&R Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration, through Jan. 6, Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.
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