Sunday, December 29, 2019

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, December 29, 2019

Former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, shown with Boys & Girls Club members in Dec. 2010 at Pāhala Plantation House, is co-chairing the bid by Kai Kahele to become the next Congressman representing Kaʻū and the rest of rural Hawaiʻi. Abercrombie is asking that current Rep. Tulsi Gabbard step down now. Photo by Julia Neal
TULSI GABBARD MADE NATIONAL NEWS SHOWS OVER THE WEEKEND, as they took up her voting kanalua (present - rather than yes or no) during the recent impeachment of Pres. Donald Trump by the House of Representatives. She told ABC News, on Saturday, that the impeachment will create "lasting damage" to the country. She called the possibility of Trump winning a second term a "serious concern" and said, "I think impeachment, unfortunately, will only further embolden Donald Trump, increase his support and the likelihood that he'll have a better shot at getting elected, while also seeing the likelihood that the House will lose a lot of seats to Republicans."
     She contended that her kanalua vote was "not a decision of neutrality" and claimed that she was "standing up for the people of this country and our ability to move forward together. Thinking about what's politically advantageous, whether for me or for my party, does not enter into my mind around these decisions that have really great consequence."
Gabbard in a town hall in New Hampshire yesterday, where she defended
her unwillingness to vote for Trump's impeachment. Image: Tusli2020.com
     She called the impeachment vote the fallout of a "zero sum mindset" between Republicans and Democrats. Gabbard was one of three Democrats to decline from voting yes to impeach the President. Rep. Jeff Van Drew voted no and switched from the Democratic to Republican Party. Rep. Collin Peterson also voted no.
     Some opinions on Gabbard's vote include accusing her of "getting attention. We're talking about her, and really we shouldn't spend any time talking about her," said Democrat and former senator Claire McCaskill, an MSNBC contributor.
     Gabbard doubled down in campaign speeches this weekend, predicting that, should the U.S. Senate exonerate Trump, he will take the message across the country and his support for a second term as president will grow.
     In the meantime, last week, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie called on Gabbard to resign her post as congresswoman representing Kaʻū and the rest of rural Hawaiʻi. Abercrombie is honorary co-chair of the campaign of state Sen. Kai Kahele, who seeks to replace her. Abercrombie criticized Gabbard for missing many votes in the House during her campaign for President. In October, Gabbard stated she would not seek reelection to Congress, and would continue with her presidential campaign.
Kai Kahele is running for
Gabbard's seat.
     Said Abercrombie, "Whatever her future holds in terms of a presidential campaign, I think in order for the people of Hawaiʻi to be properly represented, she should resign the seat and allow a special election to take place."
     Ilihia Gionson, Gabbard's Hawaiʻi Island liason, responded: "Just this session, she has secured major legislative wins for Hawaiʻi, including better reporting on Red Hill aquifer protection, consultation between the military and Native Hawaiians, helping our veterans affected by toxic burn pits, opportunities for defense contracting for Native Hawaiian companies, and more. Her pursuit of the highest office in the land has not compromised her and her team's commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi in her fourth term in Congress."

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DRIVERS IN HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES ARE ASKED TO BE CAUTIOUS of road workers who are repairing and maintaining the 157 miles of roads in the development. Road workers have reported recent "near hits," which HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation states is "dangerous, reckless, and disrespectful."
     Also of note: four new bus stops for Kaʻū High and Intermediate school students have been announced: Aloha Blvd. and King Kamehameha Blvd., King Kamehameha Blvd. and Kailua Blvd., Kailua Blvd. and Trade Wind Blvd., and Trade Wind Blvd. and Aloha Blvd.
     According to the HOVE Road Maintenance Corporation website: "HOVE covers over eighteen square miles – almost twelve thousand acres – which contains about 11,500 lots. Development began in the late 1950s, and a trust fund was established by the developer for the maintenance of the roads, equivalent mileage to about halfway around the island. Over time, the trust fund proved inadequate, and by the early 1980s, many (HOVE) roads were virtually impassable without a 4-wheel drive. HOVE RMC, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation, was established by the Hawaiʻi Third Circuit Court in 1983 for the purpose of rebuilding and maintaining the roads within the subdivision, without assistance or support from the County or State.
     "According to local remembrance, we started out with 'a truck, two shovels, and a bucket of bitumen.' In 1985 RMC acquired some second-hand equipment, and began rebuilding in earnest. Today, Ocean View has one of the best privately-maintained road systems on the island, and perhaps in the state.
     "As the population of our area continues to grow, we are constantly pressed to keep pace with the times and traffic conditions. 'Road Maintenance' now includes stop and street signs, line markings, road patching, repair and resurfacing, shoulder maintenance, and line-of-sight clearing. All lot owners within the HOVE subdivision are members of the Road Maintenance Corporation. This website has been developed for the purpose of keeping our members informed, and making it easier for them to communicate with the Board of Directors and the Office Staff."
     The next Board of Directors will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m.
     See hoveroad.com for more.

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HOLIDAY HUGS, NOT SYMPATHY HUGS is the message from Hawaiʻi Police Department, for driving safely and unencumbered during the holiday season:
     "This Holiday Season make sure your loved ones get a holiday hug and not a sympathy hug.  It’s terrible how a fatal crash impacts a family. From 2013 to 2017, there were 4,110 drunk driving U.S.). In 2018, during Christmas and New Years Eve, 285 people died in drunk driving related fatalities in the U.S.
related deaths in the month of December (in the
     "Remember, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicating substance is illegal in Hawaiʻi. If you use an intoxicant it impairs your thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. Drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, using illicit drugs, or using some medications can put you and others in serious danger. If you consume any of these, don't drive.
     "This weekend Officers from the Hawaiʻi Police Department will be searching for drivers who are under the influence. When they are located they will be stopped and they will be arrested. You have been warned. Drive Sober or get pulled over."

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TROJANS JUNOIR VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL team won its last game of the year. On Saturday, Dec. 28, the JV team won by two points, taking down the guest team, Kohala. With 44 points, Kaʻū's Jensen Navarro-Villa and Jocyiah Mukini each scored 10 points, Ivan Ramos scored 8, Micah Espejo scored 7, Waiola Akiu scored 4, Lentron Jara scored 3, and Jezekial Jara scored 2.
     The Varsity team game ended 68-36, the game going to Kohala. The Trojans' Daysen Burns scored 9 points, Blake Nakano scored 8, Raymond Polido-Kalili and Kealiikoa Reyes-Nalu each scored 6, Elijah Evangelista scored 5, and Kyson Toriano scored 2.

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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
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
Tue., Jan. 14 host Konawaena

Boys Basketball
Fri., Jan. 3 host HPA
Sat., Jan. 4 host Pāhoa
Thu., Jan. 9 @Waiakea
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Mon., Jan. 13 host Hilo
Wed., Jan. 15 host Kealakehe

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

Soccer
Sat., Jan. 4 Girls host Honokaʻa, 3pm
Mon., Jan. 6 @HPA
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Wed., Jan. 15 @Konawaena

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

UPCOMING
TUESDAY, DEC. 31
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday – last Tuesday, monthly – Dec. 31, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333

KMC New Year's Eve Party, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 5-8p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. Blue Tattoo and midnight toast. $10 cover charge for non-KMC guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com

THURSDAY, JAN. 2
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, Jan. 2 – 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, Jan. 2, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, Jan. 2, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org

FRIDAY, JAN. 3
Fit & Firm Volcano Medium Intensity Strength Adult Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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 

Strong Seniors Chair Exercise Class - 4 weeks, Fridays, starting Jan. 3, 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, JAN. 4
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Dec. 4, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Keiki Science Class, Saturday, Jan. 4 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 5
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Jan. 5 – 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

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.
     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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