Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, December 2, 2019

Ikaika Grace and Lorilee Lorenzo represented Kaʻū in the Hilo Christmas Parade on Saturday.
Photo from Lorilee Lorenzo

REP. TULSI GABBARD'S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN reached the 200,000 individual donor qualification for the December debate on Dec. 19. Said Gabbard, "This campaign milestone represents so much more than an arbitrary (Democratic National Convention) requirement for a presidential debate. It represents the continued strength and momentum of our grassroots movement to usher in a 21st century of peace, human dignity, and true equality."
     The December presidential primary debate is the sixth of 12 Democratic primary debates scheduled for the 2020 presidential election. Gabbard has qualified for all but one so far. She, and Entrepreneur Andrew Yang, both need one more poll with four percent support to qualify.
     Qualified candidates include: Former Vice President Joe Biden; Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren; Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders; South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg; Billionaire and climate advocate Tom Steyer; and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. California Sen. Kamala Harris has dropped out of the race.
     Candidates have until Dec. 12 to qualify.

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.

GIVING TUESDAY IS TOMORROW. Habitat for Humanity, which has helped people use their sweat equity to become homeowners in Ocean View and elsewhere around the island, is asking for assistance. So is Bay Clinic, with its Kaʻū facility in Nāʻālehu, and Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, with its health outreach in Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Food Basket, Inc. which brings fresh produce and other edibles to Kaʻū, is also asking for help through Giving Tuesday. See the links above to local organizations and see givingtuesday.org.

A Giving Tuesday request from Habitat for Humanity.

     Habitat for Humanity posted a statement: "Every day, we are thankful for our donors, supporters, and volunteers who have partnered with us to provide affordable homes for our Habitat families and much needed assistance for those that were displaced during the eruption last year on Hawaiʻi Island. The work continues and we are truly grateful for your continuous support.

     "There are no words to describe what an impact that leaves on the families we help. The smiles, and having a secure and safe place to call home, are priceless. You are transforming lives of families in need in our island community."

     Bay Clinic is the largest non-profit community health center on Hawai’i Island. The group employs approximately 180 health care professionals and support staff, which is about $13 million in annual salaries and wages for East Hawai’i residents, a significant contribution to the local economy and workforce infrastructure. Bay Clinic provides access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare on Hawai’i Island, serving 22,096 East Hawai’i residents with approximately 80,000 visits annually.

     Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi is "dedicated to improving the wellness and well-being of Hawaiʻi Island so that all residents can Live Longer & Feel Better, Together." A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, incorporated in 1991, Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi serves as the Native Hawaiian Health Care System for Hawaiʻi Island. The group provides medical, behavioral health, and community education services "with the sole objective of improving access to quality healthcare, education, and services for the people of Hawaiʻi County."

     Hawaiʻi Food Basket's mission is "To end hunger in Hawaiʻi County." The group's vision is that Hawaiʻi County will be "a model for food security and sustainability."

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.

Kaʻū High graduate Jacob Edwards has won three top 

short film awards at Laramie Film Festival. 

Photo by Aubrie Shindler

JACOB EDWARDS, KAʻŪ HIGH and University of Wyoming graduate, won top honor at the Laramie Film Festival for the third year in a row in November. He scripted, scored, and directed the short film, Spoopy. The film description reads: "Post college, a young girl (Ashley Kennah), encounters bumps in the night as she attempts to move forward and out of the oppressive world around her, aided only by her naive roommate (Kristian Kennah)."

     Edwards' two previous wins are Sock and A Potion. He earned a bachelors in Sociology and Business Communication and a minor in criminal justice at UW. He works for the state of Wyoming as a program trainer at the ARC of Laramie, teaching direct service workers who provide assistance to persons with head trauma and developmental disabilities.

     The filmmaker is son of Ocean View resident Lisa Edwards and brother to Larissa Edwards, a 2008 graduate of Kaʻū High. Both won track scholarships to University of Wyoming and reside in Laramie. Larissa has worked as a school teacher and has a family.
     All three films can be watched on YouTube on Edward's channel RAC For The People, https://youtu.be/kvLaGacYa7U.

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.

Brig. Gen. Roy J. Macaraeg, wife Bene, and daughter Chloe Anne,
with Governor and Mrs. Ige. Photo from the governor's office

BRIGADIER GENERAL ROY J. MACARAEG IS THE FIRST FILIPINO-AMERICAN TO BECOME A GENERAL IN THE HAWAIʻI ARMY NATIONAL GUARD. At Washington Place, Gov. David Ige recently administered the oath of office to Macaraeg, who was promoted from the rank of colonel.

     Macaraeg is a graduate of Farrington High School and UH-Mānoa. He has held posts at the Pentagon and was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait and Kosovo. He earned numerous awards.

     Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara has been appointed to be the Adjutant General for the state's Department of Defense, effective Dec. 6. Hara replaces Maj. Gen. Arthur "Joe" Logan, who will retire from this position at the end of the year.  Hara has served as deputy adjutant general since January 2015. He also heads the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.

Brig. Gen. Kenneth Hara. 

Photo from the governor's office

     Hara has served in command positions during deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. In addition, he played key roles in the response to Hurrican Iniki in 1992, and was Dual Status Commander of Joint Task Force 5-0 for the Kīlauea eruption and Hurricane Lane responses in 2018. Hara's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

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.

THE ROUGH WEATHER of the last few days will calm down by tomorrow, according to the forecast from the National Weather Service. Temperatures will stay between the high 50s to the low 80s; winds will drop down to six to nine miles per hour; and rain is forecast for, at most, a 20 percent chance.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

UPCOMING

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, 17 and 31 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 1, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Basics class focuses on vocabulary, counting, simple conversation, grammar, and sentence structures. No textbook or previous knowledge required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 2, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 4-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class focuses on expanding vocabulary, using longer snippets of conversation, and understanding how repeating Hawaiian word and phrase patterns can be used to communicate using many types of sentences. Class taught using Hawaiian as language of instruction about 10% of the time to help with listening comprehension. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Hawaiian Language Classes Level 3, Tuesdays, Dec. 3-Feb. 4, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $95/non-member. Class taught over 50% in the Hawaiian language to increase comprehension and to "immerse" the student. Class is ideal for teachers, cultural practitioners, and those with the goal of using Hawaiian language on a daily basis. No textbook required. No class Dec. 24 or 31. Instruction by Kumu Kaliko Beamer-Trapp. volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park: Reintroduction of the ‘Ālala - Two Years Later, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Rachel Kingsley of The ‘Ālala Project provides an update. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, DEC. 5

Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Dec. 5 – 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, Dec. 5, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 8-9a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $36 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs, or prorating for missed classes. Limited to 15 people. Must call to reserve spot in advance. No drop-ins. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

Stewardship at the Summit, Dec. 6, 13, 21 and 28, 8:45a.m., meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in the park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, sunscreen, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/Guardian accompaniment or written consent required for under 18. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo/

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Dec. 6, 10-11a.m.,Volcano Art Center. Payment in full of $45 due at first class session, check or exact change. No make-ups, roll-overs or prorating for missed classes. No drop ins. Limited to 15 people. Reserve spot in advance. Puakea, 315-9130, volcanoartcenter.org, soulfitnesshawaiipksm.com 

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

AdvoCATS, Saturday, Dec. 7, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Painting from Observation with Lisa Maria Martin, Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 9a.m.-3p.m., Volcano Art Center. For beginners and intermediate. All supplies provided. $220/VAC member, $240/non-member. See supplies required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 7, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Dec. 7 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

Blackwater Railroad Company Band, Saturday, Dec. 7, 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. 8

41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, starts at Pāhala Armory. Eddie Andrade, 928-0808

Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

MONDAY, DEC. 9

Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u District Gym. Program takes place Wednesday, Dec. 18, 3:30-5p.m., multipurpose room. Grades K-6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation

ONGOING

Pom Pom Wreath Registration, through Dec. 4. Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Program takes place Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3-4p.m. Ages 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. 928-3102, 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 to 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 apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League Registration and First Practice: Ocean View Team - Monday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 5, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice and registration. T-Ball, 3:30-4:30pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30-6p.m., ages 7-8. Programs take place through April 16. Wear cleats or tennis shoes, bring a glove if possible. Extras gloves available for use. All skills and genders welcome. $35 per teammate. See Ka‘ū Youth Baseball on Facebook. Josh or Elizabeth Crook, 345-0511

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.

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.