Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Visit Kīlauea Military Camp to see the seasonally-decorated cottages and vote on the best decorated one. Photo from KMC 
THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IMPEACHED PRES. DONALD TRUMP TODAY. It is the third impeachment among 45 presidents to serve the United States. The two articles of impeachment go to the U.S. Senate for a trial to decide whether to remove him from office. Ousting Trump would require approval by two-thirds of senators.
     The first article of impeachment charges Trump with abuse of power for pressuring a foreign power, Ukraine, to assist his re-election campaign by investigating his Democratic rival, Joe Biden. The second article charges him with obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and refusing to provide documents in response to House subpoenas in the impeachment inquiry.
     The House voted to impeach Trump on the first article 230 to 197, largely along party lines. Every Republican voted "no," accompanied by two Democrats. One Democrat, Tulsi Gabbard, who represents rural Hawaiʻi, including Kaʻū, voted "present," which is known in Hawaiʻi as kanalua. See story below.
     The vote on the second article was 229 to 198, with Gabbard again voting "present." Every Republican voted "no" again, accompanied by three Democrats.
     The sole House Independent, Justin Amash of Michigan, who switched from being a Republican over the summer, also voted for both articles of impeachment.

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KANALUA, NEITHER YEA NOR NAY in Hawaiʻi voting, was exercised by Kaʻū's Congresswoman today in the U.S. House of Representatives, which impeached Pres. Donald Trump. During the vote, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard declared kanalua - only that she was "present."
     During the proceedings, Gabbard called for censuring the President rather than impeaching him, earlier explaining that the U.S. Senate, which is majority Republican, will unlikely remove him from office through a trial next year, resulting in a perception that Trump will be exonerated.
     Gabbard also took a stand earlier that voting for or against Trump in the 2020 presidential election would be the most efficient way to deal with him. Gabbard is also a presidential candidate.
     Today, Gabbard was the only member of Congress to vote "present," instead of for or against the two articles of impeachment levied against Trump.
     Gabbard released the following statement this evening:
     "Throughout my life, whether through serving in the military or in Congress, I've always worked to do what is in the best interests of our country. Not what's best for me politically or what's best for my political party. I have always put our country first. One may not always agree with my decision, but everyone should know that I will always do what I believe to be right for the country that I love.
     "After doing my due diligence in reviewing the 658-page impeachment report, I came to the conclusion that I could not in good conscience vote either yes or no.
     "I am standing in the center and have decided to vote Present. I could not in good conscience vote against impeachment because I believe President Trump is guilty of wrongdoing.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard
     "I also could not in good conscience vote for impeachment because removal of a sitting President must not be the culmination of a partisan process, fueled by tribal animosities that have so gravely divided our country. When I cast my vote in support of the impeachment inquiry nearly three months ago, I said that in order to maintain the integrity of this solemn undertaking, it must not be a partisan endeavor. Tragically, that's what it has been.
     "On the one side — The president's defenders insist that he has done nothing wrong. They agree with the absurd proclamation that his conduct was "perfect." They have abdicated their responsibility to exercise legitimate oversight, and instead blindly do the bidding of their party's leader.
     "On the other side — The president's opponents insist that if we do not impeach, our country will collapse into dictatorship. All but explicitly, they accuse him of treason. Such extreme rhetoric was never conducive to an impartial fact-finding process.
     "The Founders of our country made clear their concerns about impeachment being a purely partisan exercise. In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton warned against any impeachment that would merely 'connect itself with the pre-existing factions,' and 'enlist all their animosities, partialities, influence, and interest on one side or on the other.' In such cases, he said, 'there will always be the greatest danger that the decision will be regulated more by the comparative strength of parties, than by the real demonstrations of innocence or guilt.'
     "Donald Trump has violated public trust. Congress must be unequivocal in denouncing the president’s misconduct and stand up for the American people and our democracy. To this end, I have introduced a censure resolution that will send a strong message to this president and future presidents that their abuses of power will not go unchecked, while leaving the question of removing Trump from office to the voters to decide.
     "I am confident that the American people will decide to deliver a resounding rebuke of President Trump's innumerable improprieties and abuses. And they will express that judgment at the ballot box. That is the way real and lasting change has always occurred in this great country: through the forcefully expressed will of the people.
     "A house divided cannot stand. And today we are divided. Fragmentation and polarity are ripping our country apart.  This breaks my heart, and breaks the hearts of all patriotic Americans, whether we are Democrats, Republicans, or Independents.
     "So today, I come before you to make a stand for the center, to appeal to all of you to bridge our differences and stand up for the American people.
     "My vote today is a vote for much needed reconciliation and hope that together we can heal our country. Let's work side-by-side, seeking common ground, to usher in a bright future for the American people and our nation."

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CONGRESSMAN ED CASE, who represents urban Oʻahu, voted today to impeach Pres. Donald Trump. His statement: "The President has been impeached for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. I have upheld my oath to support and defend our Constitution to the best of my ability. Our country is strong and we will persevere through this together."

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STATE SENATOR KAI KAHELE, candidate for Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District – Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's seat – issued the following statement regarding the presidential impeachment vote:
     "As someone who has sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States both as a lieutenant colonel in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard and as an elected official, I understand the heavy burden and responsibility placed on public servants who are entrusted to protect the core pillars of our democracy. Instead of draining the swamp, President Donald Trump's corrupt actions have eroded the public's trust in our government.
     "President Trump has abused the powers of his office. He has put his own political self-interests above the national security interests of the United States by soliciting a foreign government to interfere in our elections while withholding crucial military aid needed to combat escalating Russian aggression against an ally. Rather than honoring his oath, he has obstructed the lawful and constitutional process of Congress exercising its oversight responsibilities over the executive branch. It has become clear to me that impeachment is now the only remedy to hold this President accountable and prevent him from further weakening the foundation that our representative democracy is built on, and that all Americans are entitled to free and fair elections.
     "The House of Representatives upheld its constitutional duty this evening, now it is time for the United States Senate to put country above party loyalty and do the same."

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The evolution of cell phone coverage. Infographic from Pinterest
MAJOR CELL PHONE CARRIERS ARE PROMISING 5G COVERAGE eventually in Kaʻū and throughout Hawaiʻi. However, some physicians and researchers are questioning the possible health effects.
     WebProNews reports today on an Op Ed in Scientific American by Joel Moskowitz. WebProNews reports "several attempts to reassure the public that 5G is safe, with Australian telcos and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) weighing in most recently. With the 5G market starting to take off, not to mention the revolutionary potential the technology promises, it's understandable why everyone wants to believe it is safe.
     "In spite of that, Joel M. Moskowitz, PhD, director of the Center for Family and Community Health in the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, has written an op-ed in Scientific American to make the case that there is no reason to believe 5G is safe," notes WebProNews.
     The Scientific American op-ed begins with Markowitz writing, "We believe it is our ethical responsibility to inform the public about what the peer-reviewed scientific literature tells us about the health risks from wireless radiation."
     After highlighting the FCC's recent decision not to change the cellular safety standards that were established back in the 1990s, Moskowitz continues: "Yet, since the FCC adopted these limits based largely on research from the 1980s, the preponderance of peer-reviewed research, more than 500 studies, have found harmful biologic or health effects from exposure to RFR at intensities too low to cause significant heating.
     "Citing this large body of research, more than 240 scientists who have published peer-reviewed research on the biologic and health effects of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) signed the International EMF Scientist Appeal, which calls for stronger exposure limits. The appeal makes the following assertions:
     "'Numerous recent scientific publications have shown that EMF affects living organisms at levels well below most international and national guidelines. Effects include increased cancer risk, cellular stress, increase in harmful free radicals, genetic damages, structural and functional changes of the reproductive system, learning and memory deficits, neurological disorders, and negative impacts on general well-being in humans. Damage goes well beyond the human race, as there is growing evidence of harmful effects to both plant and animal life.'"
Joel Moskowitz
     Moskowitz then goes on to discuss the specific dangers of 5G, especially the millimeter wave (mmWave) variety that provides the revolutionary speed 5G promises. Because of its extremely short range, mmWave requires base stations, repeaters and cell antennas to be placed every couple of hundred meters apart, at the farthest. This results in a much greater saturation of EMF and radiation as previous generations of wireless technology.
     Moskowitz ends his op-ed by suggesting that the only safe way to proceed is to "support the recommendations of the 250 scientists and medical doctors who signed the 5G Appeal that calls for an immediate moratorium on the deployment of 5G and demand that our government fund the research needed to adopt biologically based exposure limits that protect our health and safety."
     This is similar to the stand a number of Swiss cantons have taken, calling for a halt on 5G deployments until further research can be done.

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A HEAD-ON ACCIDENT IN VOLCANO LAST NIGHT, near the 22-mile marker, left the driver of one vehicle, a 79-year-old male resident of Volcano, with minor injuries, and 45-year-old Francis B. Makaiwi, of Hilo, dead. At Highway 11 and Kahaualea Road, at 9:26 p.m., units responded to the accident, using a roadblock to divert traffic through Fern Forest.
     At the scene, Hawaiʻi Police Department members determined that a 2018 Alfa Romeo Sport Utility Vehicle was heading south, Volcano-bound, on Hwy 11, when it crossed a double-solid yellow line, striking a 2003 Mazda Passenger Van that was heading north, Hilo bound.
     The driver of the van was not responsive at the scene, and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead on Dec. 18 at 12:35 a.m. The driver of the SUV was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he remains in stable condition.
     Police believe inattention and alcohol are factors in the crash.
     An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
     The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Clifford Antonio of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at 961-2339. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
     This is the 25th traffic fatality this year compared to 31 at this time last year.
     The 24th traffic fatality of the year, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, was recently identified as 83-year-old Frances Souza of Volcano. She died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 11, near the 13-mile marker. She was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu sedan south, Mountain View bound, on Highway 11, when she crossed into the opposite lane of traffic, striking a 2010 Ford F-350 pickup truck that was heading north, Hilo bound.
     Souza was not responsive at the scene, and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead at 6:23 p.m. The driver of the Ford F-350 pickup truck, a 57-year-old male from Hilo, did not sustain any injuries in the crash. 
     Police believe that speed was a factor in the crash.
     An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
     The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Erhard Autrata of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at 961-2339.

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN JANUARY AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP are open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park; entrance fees apply:
     Amahl & the Night Visitors Show runs Friday and Saturday, Dec. 27 and 28, and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Jan. 3, 4, & 5, 2020, in the Kīlauea Theater. Presented by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Tickets are $15 general, $12 for seniors 60+ and students, $10 for children 12 and under. For more information or reservations, call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
     New Year's Day Buffet, Wednesday, Jan. 1, Crater Rim Café, from 7 a.m. to noon. Menu features Roast Beef, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, Bacon SOS & Biscuits, Waffles, Breakfast Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Fresh Fruit, Ice Cream Sundae Bar, Brownies, and a beverage. Adult, $19.95. Child, 6-11 yrs old, $10.95 . For more information call 967-8356.
     Grand Slam Band, Saturday, Jan. 4, Lava Lounge, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $5 cover charge.
     Soul Town Band, Saturday, Jan. 11, Lava Lounge, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $5 cover charge.
     Pupule Papales Band, Saturday, Jan, 18, Lava Lounge, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. No cover charge.
     Blue Tattoo Band, Saturday, Jan. 20, Lava Lounge, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. $5 cover charge.
     See more at kilaueamilitarycamp.com.

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.

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

2019-2020 Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball
Tue., Jan. 7 @Kohala
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa

Boys Basketball
Sat., Dec. 21 @St. Joseph
Sat., Dec. 28 host Kohala
Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA
Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena

Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 4 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe

Soccer
Sat., Dec. 21 Boys host Christian Liberty, 3pm
Mon., Dec. 23 Boys host Kohala, 3pm
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa

Swimming
Sat., Jan. 4 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

UPCOMING
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Dec. 19, 4-6p.m.Cooper CenterVolcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Dec. 19, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Dec. 20, 6-7:30p.m.Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com

SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Free Haircut Day, Saturday, Dec. 21, 9a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Kady and Drew Foster. 12 slots available. Also, Free Shower Day and The Big Island Giving Tree hand out clothes and items like razors and toothbrushes. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org

Nature & Culture, Saturday, Dec. 21, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate hike, approx. 2 miles. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle - Inspired Art Pop-Up Exhibit & Reception, Saturday, Dec. 21, 10a.m.Volcano Art Center. Meet the artists and discover art created using the Zentangle method. Bring friends, art, and a light pupu to share. Make and take home a Zentangle Inspired ornament. Door prizes. No registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Ka‘ū Community Cleanup, Sunday, Dec. 22. Space available. BYO-4WD also welcome. R.S.V.P. in advance to 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.comwildhawaii.org

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

MONDAY, DEC. 23
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Kapa Aloha ‘Āina, the fabric of Hawai‘i with Puakea Forester, Monday, Dec. 23, 11a.m.-1p.m.Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
Kōnane, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 10a.m.-noonKīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ancient Hawaiian game similar to checkers. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Christmas Buffet, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 5-8p.m.Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, in HVNP. Main entrees of Prime Rib, Roast Turkey, and Holiday Lamb Stew. $29.95/adult, $16.95/child (ages 6-11). Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

ONGOING
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

Vote for the Best Cottage Decorations at Kīlauea Military Camp through Tuesday, Jan. 1. 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. 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.

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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