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| Measles has killed nearly 70 in the Independent State of Samoa and nine cases are confirmed in American Samoa. Both governments shut down schools and launched mass inoculations for those four months to 60 years of age. Photo by Logan Church RNZ |
AMERICAN SAMOA ANNOUNCED NINE MEASLES CASES ON FRIDAY and will shut down all schools and public gathering in parks, starting this Monday, announced the U.S. territorial government. Health Department Epidemiologist Dr. Aifili John Tufa made the announcement on American Samoan television saying that samples from infected American Samoans were tested in Hawaiʻi, leading to confirmation that "We are currently in the state of emergency" and "measles outbreak." The spread of the virus comes during an epidemic in the nearby Independent State of Samoa that has killed nearly 70, most of them children, four and under. Neighboring Pacific Island countries Tonga and Fiji are under a state of emergency.
Seventy Hawaiʻi health workers began returning from the Apia, the capital of Independent State of Samoa, on Friday after helping to inoculate more than 40,000. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who began his Hawaiʻi medical career in Kaʻū, joined the mission to administer the vaccine to as many people as possible in 48 hours. Aid from all over the world has flooded into Samoa, including from organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
Green applauded Samoan officials for the immunization campaign, "the bold action you've taken. But there is going to continue, I would presume, to be some fatalities, less and less I would expect, because you have done such a good job of getting people immunized so quickly."
About 89 percent of Samoa's population of 201,300 is now inoculated and health officials say they are hoping that the epidemic will be over soon. Measles has infected about 4,460 Samoans since October when the virus began to spread quickly.
In late October, the Samoan government based in Apia declared a state of emergency and made vaccinations compulsory. All Samoan schools were closed and children banned from public gatherings. On Dec. 2, the government implemented a curfew and cancelled all public gatherings. Last Thursday and Friday, Samoan officials told the entire population, except essential public utilities workers, to stay home. Roads closed to nonessential vehicles. Teams traveled door-to-door to administer vaccines to those who hung red flags from their houses – indicating that un-immunized people lived there.
Seventy Hawaiʻi health workers began returning from the Apia, the capital of Independent State of Samoa, on Friday after helping to inoculate more than 40,000. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, who began his Hawaiʻi medical career in Kaʻū, joined the mission to administer the vaccine to as many people as possible in 48 hours. Aid from all over the world has flooded into Samoa, including from organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
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| Lt. Gov. Josh Green, left, with Samoa PM
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo from the |
About 89 percent of Samoa's population of 201,300 is now inoculated and health officials say they are hoping that the epidemic will be over soon. Measles has infected about 4,460 Samoans since October when the virus began to spread quickly.
In late October, the Samoan government based in Apia declared a state of emergency and made vaccinations compulsory. All Samoan schools were closed and children banned from public gatherings. On Dec. 2, the government implemented a curfew and cancelled all public gatherings. Last Thursday and Friday, Samoan officials told the entire population, except essential public utilities workers, to stay home. Roads closed to nonessential vehicles. Teams traveled door-to-door to administer vaccines to those who hung red flags from their houses – indicating that un-immunized people lived there.
Samoa's Prime
Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said the death toll could be attributed
to lack of immunization and seeking medical assistance too late. The immunization level was about 30
percent last year, according to the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
A sharp drop in measles vaccination followed "an
incident in 2018 when two infants died shortly after receiving measles
vaccinations, which led the country to suspend its measles vaccination program. The
reason for the two infants' deaths was incorrect preparation of the vaccine by
two nurses who mixed vaccine powder with expired anesthetic," according to a post on Wikipedia.
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The country of Samoa's website, health.gov.ws, overflows
with advice on measles, vaccinations, and more,
in both Samoan and English.
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Tuilaepa said he wants to bring Samoa
to 90 percent vaccination coverage, and will implement penalties for
parents who don't vaccinate their children.
Green said,
"Your government is doing a very smart thing to immunize people
aggressively." He said that global support for Samoa shows care for the Samoan people. Donations funded almost all of the $2 million expended by the team from Hawaiʻi for the rapid
immunization project.
This week, WHO
announced that measles infected nearly ten million people worldwide in 2018. Most of the
140,000 who died were children. WHO said provisional data for 2019 up to
November shows there are three times as many cases this year than in 2018. Kate
O'Brien, WHO's top executive on immunization, stated, "The reason we're
having increases in cases and deaths of measles has to do fundamentally
with people not getting vaccinated."
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| Vincent Kapoi. Photo from his family |
According to a statement
from his family, Kapoi was a husband, son, brother, and uncle, and was of
Native Hawaiian and Filipino heritage. Kapoi was a metals inspector apprentice
through the shipyard's Intermediate Maintenance Facility Apprentice Program.
Agustin was a shop planner.
On Wednesday,
around 2:30 p.m. , while guarding the
USS Columbia, 22-year old Navy submariner Gabriel Romero, of Texas, fatally shot Kapoi and Roldan, and injured the third man, using an M4 service rifle. Romero used his M9 service pistol to kill himself.
According to numerous reports, the shooter faced disciplinary issues, involving several review board appearances, regarding neglecting his duties and punching equipment such as lockers. He was under review for a Captain's Mast, a disciplinary action one step lower than a court marshal, meant for minor criminal offenses.
According to numerous reports, the shooter faced disciplinary issues, involving several review board appearances, regarding neglecting his duties and punching equipment such as lockers. He was under review for a Captain's Mast, a disciplinary action one step lower than a court marshal, meant for minor criminal offenses.
Hawaiʻi has the
lowest gun death rate in the U.S. ,
with 2.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The state's strict firearms laws are rated seventh in the
nation, and include bans on assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition
magazines.
In a second
shooting incident at a U.S. Navy base this week, a Saudi
national, in aviation training for two years in Pensacola, FL, opened fire in a classroom building, leaving
three victims dead and eight wounded. The shooter killed
himself. The New York Times reported the shooter showed films of mass shootings at a dinner party the night before he killed his victims.
THE 78TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WORLD WAR II ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR is commemorated today all over Hawaiʻi. On Oʻahu a total of 2,403 died from the attack: 2,008 Navy personnel, 218 Army, 109 Marines, and 68 civilians. About half as many suffered wounds: 1,143, including 710 Navy, 364 Army, 69 Marines, and 103 civilians.
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Iwao Yonemitsu (left) and the late Toku Nakano, of the
Greatest Generation, served in the 442nd Combat Team
in World War II and
returned to Kaʻū to lead very
productive lives as Japanese Americans.
Photo
by Julia Neal
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Sen. Brian Schatz
posted this message today: "Seventy-eight years ago, more than 2,400
American patriots lost their lives at Pearl Harbor .
"Today, we
remember their service, salute their heroism, and honor their families. We also
give thanks to the veterans and survivors who answered the call to defend our
nation.
"The Greatest Generation faced one of the darkest moments in
human history with bravery and resolve. They achieved what President Roosevelt
foretold would be their inevitable triumph: they defeated the forces of tyranny
and secured freedom for all the generations that followed.
"Let us draw
from their strength, learn from their love of country, and always strive to
live up to their example."
A statement from Sen. Mazie Hirono's office read: "Every year on December 7th, we honor the
tremendous sacrifice of the more than 2,000 service members who lost their
lives on this solemn day.
"In the weeks, months, and years that followed,
brave Americans answered our country's call to serve, and together triumphed in
WWII. The veterans of this conflict – including the Congressional Gold Medal
recipients of the 442nd Infantry Regiment, the 100th Infantry Battalion, and
the Military Intelligence Service from HI – are called the Greatest Generation
because they fully embody the values of our country.
"It is incumbent on all of us to continue
to defend the values of democracy and freedom they fought so hard to protect."
Rep. Ed Case
wrote, "Remembering today all those we lost 78 years ago, with the
heartfelt hope that you would be proud of what we have accomplished since on
your sacrifice. #PearlHarborRemembranceDay"
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CONTINUE THE CELEBRATION OF THE ANNUAL MAKAHIKI tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 8, at Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach Park. Festivities begin at noon. At the celebration of Hawaiian values, culture, talent, and food, local bands volunteer to come out and play. Free food is on offer. Hawaiian crafts, including weaving coconut frond hats, are among the cultural practices that have been featured over the many years of the Makahiki.
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| Holy Rosary singers ride a trailer during last year's parade through Pāhala. The church hosts refreshments after the parade. Photo by Julia Neal |
Expected are floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups representing the holiday spirit. Receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves. After the parade, Holy Rosary Church traditionally hosts participants and attendees for refreshments on the church grounds. For more, call Santa and organizer Eddie Andrade, 928-0808.
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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
MONDAY, DEC. 9
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center
After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10,7-8p.m. , Kīlauea Visitor Center
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a with Unuokeahi and Unuiti, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:30-11:30a.m. , hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Christmas Lighting Parade, Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 p.m., along Hwy. 11, from Nā‘ālehu Elementary School to Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Refreshments to follow at Community Center. Ka‘ū Roping & Riding Association. Participants sign waiver by 5p.m. at school.
Soul Town 7-10p.m. , Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park e
Volcano Chorus: 25th Annual Holiday Concert, Saturday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.
ONGOING
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. 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.
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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
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UPCOMING
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
41st Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sunday, Dec. 8, starts at Pāhala Armory. Parade participants can still sign up by calling Eddie Andrade at 928-0808. See floats and trailers with Christmas characters and music, classic cars, Kaʻū Coffee farmers, churches, schools, and community groups representing the holiday spirit. Receive the well wishes of Santa and candy thrown with help from his elves. After the parade, Holy Rosary Church traditionally hosts participants and attendees for a free lunch on the church grounds. 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
Pele & Hi‘iaka, Sunday, Dec. 8,
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Dec. 8 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Accordion Paper Reindeer Activity Registration, Dec. 9-17, Ka‘u Distri
Birding at Kīpukapuaulu, Tuesday, Dec. 10 and 24, and Thursday, Dec. 12 and 26, 8-10a.m. , Kīpukapuaulu - Bird Park Volcanoes National Park
After Dark in the Park: 100th Anniversary of the Mauna Iki Eruption, Tuesday, Dec. 10,
Moa Pahe‘e Games, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 10a.m. -noon , Kīlauea Visitor Center
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, Dec. 12, 6:30p.m. , United Methodist Church
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Dec. 13, 9a.m. -noon , Ocean View Community Center
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Dec. 14, gates open 6a.m.-6p.m. , Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs mus
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Dec. 14, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Guided Hike On A 60 Year Old Lava Lake , Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-2p.m. , Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Holidays at Kahuku: Hawaiian-Made Craft Fair, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m.-3p.m. , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free entry. Entertainment, food, shave ice. nps.gov/havo
Ocean View Keiki Christmas with St. Jude's Christmas Celebration, Saturday, Dec. 14, 10a.m-2p.m., Kahuku Park and lower parking lot of St. Jude's
Zentangle Artist Inspired Workshop with Lydia 10a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center. Creative tangle techniques inspired by Gustav Klimt and Keith Haring. Art supplies provided. Open to all levels. No experience required. Potluck, bring snack to share. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $15 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Kapuaikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a with Unuokeahi and Unuiti, Saturday, Dec. 14,
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Dec. 14, 11a.m.-1p.m. , Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967
Jazz in the Forest : Christmas Jazz, Saturday, Dec. 14, 5:30p.m. , Volcano Art Center
ONGOING
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
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 app
T-Ball and Coach Pitch Baseball League: Ocean View Team - Mondays and Wednesdays, Kahuku Park. Nā‘ālehu Team - Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nā‘ālehu Park. Pāhala Team (seeking coaches) - attend Nā‘ālehu practice. 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, 345-0511Tūtū & 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.
