Thursday, January 09, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, January 9, 2020

As rain moved in to Kaʻū offsetting the drying winds, these rainbows colored skies above Pāhala Preschool. 
Read the weather update, below. Photo by Kirk Slack
A WAR POWERS RESOLUTION passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution to require congressional approval of any military action against Iran was co-introduced by more than 130 House members, including both Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Rep. Ed Case. The vote was approved, 224 to 194, with the sole Independent, 220 House Democrats, and three House Republicans voting yea. Eight House Democrats voted against the resolution.
     Before the vote, Gabbard took to the House Floor, saying Pres. Donald Trump "has committed an illegal and unconstitutional act of war, pushing our nation headlong into a war with Iran without any authorization from Congress – a war so devastating and costly it would make our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan look like a picnic.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard voted to require congressional approval for action
against Iran and told reporters her opinion on the situation.
Image from MSNBC
     "In doing so, he has undermined our national security in two critical ways. Number one, Iran is no longer complying with the Iran Nuclear Agreement and is quickly speeding forward in developing their nuclear weapons capability, putting us and the world at greater risk.
     "Number two, our troops in Iraq are no longer focusing on preventing a resurgence of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, instead all of their efforts are now focused on Iranian forces and Iranian-backed Shia militias."
     See the video of her remarks.
     Case said, "We just passed (resolution) 224-194 to require the President to obtain Congress' approval to engage in hostilities against Iran except in limited situations including imminent armed attack. There may be circumstances in which we should engage, but neither this nor any other President should be able to do so alone without Congress agreeing. That's been the basic rule throughout our history and we should not ignore or weaken it."
     Hawaiʻi's senators also commented. Sen. Brian Schatz said: "No war with Iran."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said Trump's "lack of impulse control and inability to plan ahead has created an international crisis that requires a diplomatic response. Congress needs to assert our constitutional authority to ensure we do not engage in war with Iran."

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NEW INVESTMENTS IN NATIVE COMMUNITIES is the goal of a bill introduced by Senators Mazie Hirono and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), co-sponsored by Senators Brian Schatz and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The bipartisan Inspiring Nationally Vibrant Economies Sustaining Tribes Act (INVEST Act) aims to promote new investments in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities through the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program.
    The INVEST Act would establish a 10 percent set-aside within the NMTC program for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs) and other qualified entities to invest in Native communities. The bill would also support technical assistance for those Native CFDIs.
     In Hawaiʻi, the NMTC program has provided tens of millions of dollars to support the construction and development of health centers, clean energy projects, and other community initiatives. Recently enacted spending legislation reauthorized the NMTC program at $5 billion in 2020.
     The bill has been endorsed by the Native CDFI Network, the Native American Finance Officers Association, and the Alaska Federation of Natives.
     Hirono said, "The New Markets Tax Credit program has been an effective tool for promoting community development and economic growth across the country, but more can be done to ensure Native communities share in that success. Under this legislation, Native Hawaiian communities in our state and other Native communities across the country will benefit from new access to much-needed resources. I am proud to join Senator Murkowski to introduce this legislation to support Native communities and build on the program's success."

A rainbow brightened the sky over the pine tree entrance
to Pāhala today, while inclement weather continues
to affect Kaʻū. Photo by Jana Kaniho
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KAʻŪ IS UNDER A FLASH FLOOD WATCH through Saturday afternoon, states the National Weather Service: "An unstable airmass will move over the islands tonight and into the weekend, bringing an increase in enhanced showers across the area but primarily" Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. Showers will be possible over most areas. The most susceptible places for flooding will be windward locations which have already received rain this week, states NWS.
     The public should be aware of possible debris in streams and gulches clogging bridges and culverts, and some roadways becoming impassable. Strong winds may cause tree branches to fall which will potentially add to the
amount of debris, states NWS.
     High surf on east-facing shores are expected to continue through 6 p.m. Saturday.
     Maunakea has some snow, and Mauna Loa is expected to receive some in the next few days. Mauna Kea Observatories forecast states that "extensive fog, ice, high humidity and flurries are likely to plague the summit through the next 5 nights. There is also a chance for periods of heavy snow at virtually anytime, mainly after tonight. Extensive daytime clouds are expected throughout the forecast period."
     Recently reopened Maunakea Access Road to the summit is closed to the public at the 9,200 foot level, at the Visitor Information Station, due to icy road conditions.
Double rainbow this morning welcomed teachers and students to the Pāhala school campus. 
Photo by David Berry
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A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING will be held by County of Hawai‘i Department of Environmental Management's Solid Waste Division on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Nā‘ālehu Clubhouse, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
     The public, and users of the residential transfer stations, are encouraged to attend and give input. The Solid Waste Division will be discussing the facilities' operating days and the possibility of modifying the current schedule for transfer stations.
     Visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call the Solid Waste Division Office at 961-8270 for more.

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FRIENDS OF THE KAʻŪ LIBRARIES' ANNUAL MEETING will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House on Maile Street. Elections for officers will happen during the short business meeting, followed by potluck pūpū.
     Sandra Demoruelle, president of Friends, told The Kaʻū Calendar, "Everyone is encouraged to attend and share their ideas on how to improve our libraries. We all benefit by having great libraries, so we welcome old and new members who want to join our team and help promote our motto: 'Want to succeed? Read!'"
     Questions? Contact Demoruelle at naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or 808-929-9244.

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MAUNA LOA VOLCANO is not erupting. The Current Volcano Alert Level is ADVISORY, Current Aviation Color Code: YELLOW. Rates of deformation and seismicity have not changed significantly over the past week and remain above long-term background levels.
     During the past week, HVO seismometers recorded 56 small magnitude earthquakes beneath the upper elevations of the volcano. Most earthquakes occurred at shallow depths of less than 5 km (~3 miles) beneath the volcano.
     Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements show continued slow summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system.
     Gas concentrations at the Sulphur Cone monitoring site on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable. Fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit have not changed significantly.
     For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.

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.

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball
Fri., Jan. 10 host Honokaʻa
Tue., Jan. 14 host Konawaena
Thu., Jan.16 @Kealakehe

Boys Basketball
Sat., Jan. 11, @Konawaena
Mon., Jan. 13 host Hilo
Wed., Jan. 15 host Kealakehe
Fri., Jan. 17 @Parker

Soccer
Wed., Jan. 8 host Kealakehe, 2pm
Sat., Jan. 11 @Honokaʻa
Wed., Jan. 15 @Konawaena

Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kealakehe
Sat., Jan. 18 @HPA

Swimming
Sat., Jan. 11 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
Sat., Jan. 18 @Kamehameha

UPCOMING
FRIDAY, JAN. 10
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, Jan. 10 – second Friday, monthly –  9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

SATURDAY, JAN. 11
Nā Mamo o Kāwā Community Access Day, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – gates open 6a.m.-6p.m., Kāwā. All cars must park at end of road fronting Kāwā Flats. Dogs must be on leash. No driving through fish pond. 557-1433, nmok.org, facebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Swap Meet, Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25 – second and fourth Saturday, monthly – 8-12:30p.m., Cooper Center in Volcano. thecoopercenter.org

Sharp Turns – The Creative Art of Woodturning Exhibit, Saturday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, Feb. 16, daily, 9a.m.-5p.m. Volcano Art Gallery features works of Aaron Hammer and Mark and Karen Stebbins. Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7p.m. Live woodturning demonstration will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 11a.m.-2p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Stained Glass Basics I with Claudia McCall, Saturday, Jan. 11, 18, and 25, 9a.m.-1p.m. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, Jan. 11 - second Saturday, monthly - 10a.m.-4p.m. Each month, the entire Volcano area hosts a wide array of entertaining, engaging, educational, and delicious activities from  Free family fun, open to the public. For more details and information, call (808)985-8979 or visit experiencevolcano.com, volcanogardenarts.com, or cafeono.net.

 Hike the Path on Mauna Loa's 1868 Lava Flow, Saturday, Jan. 11, 10a.m.-1p.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. RCUH-HVO geologists Katie Mulliken and Lil DeSmither lead this guided hike along the Pu‘u o Lokuana trail. Free; bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Zentangle Embedded: It Grows Like Coral!, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 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 Nā Kumu Pelehonuamea Harman & Kekoa Harman with Hālau I Ka Leo Ola O Nā Mamo and Nā Mea Hula with Loke Kamanu & ʻOhana, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 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

Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Hula Moses Kaho‘okele Crabbe, Saturday, Jan. 11 – second Saturday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org

House Concert and Silent Auction Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi Fundraiser, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6-9p.m., 19-3938 Keonelehua Ave. off Wright Rd in Volcano Village. Parking available but carpooling from Cooper Center advised.
     Entertainment will include Americana and World Music by Anomaly, Virtuoso Guitarist and Violinist, Lauren and Loren. $20 suggested donation includes heavy pūpū and refreshments, BYOB. Tickets available hawaiicountydemocrats.org/bw2020. For further information contact Ann Oshiro-Kauwe, 808-282-3107.

Sounds at the Summit: Muriel Anderson Live in Concert, Saturday, Jan. 11, 6:30p.m. The guitarist/harp-guitarist leads a journey in music and stories, with a backdrop of visuals artfully compiled by award-winning photo-artist, Bryan Allen. Tickets available online or at any VAC location. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Girls Night Out Band, Saturday, Jan. 11, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. $5 cover charge, free to in-house guests. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 12
Puʻu o Lukuana, Sunday, Jan. 12, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, .4 mile hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Sunday Walk in the Park: Halemaʻumaʻu Trail, Sunday, Jan. 12 – second Saturday, monthly – 10a.m.-noon, meet at Kīlauea Visitor Center, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate 1.6 mile round trip hike. Free for members. Register online. Park entrance fees apply. 985-7373, admin@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org

Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, Jan. 12 and 26 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527, volcanoartcenter.org

TUESDAY, JAN. 14
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Tuesday, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 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, Jan. 14 and 28 – every other Tuesday, monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment: Lauhala Weaving Ku‘uipo Kakahiki-Morales, Tuesday, Jan. 14 – second Tuesday, Monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park – What's Happening at Kīlauea Volcano's Summit?, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. What are the potential hazards at Kīlauea’s summit? Could explosive activity return? What is known about the water lake? How is it monitored? Join USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists Matt Patrick and Tricia Nadeau as they answer these questions and more. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Jan. 15 – third Wednesday, monthly – 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Jan. 15 – third Tuesday, monthly – 6-7p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free,

THURSDAY, JAN. 16
Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1-3:30p.m., Jan. 16 through Feb 20, Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. Enroll online by Friday, Jan. 10 at alohakidney.com or call (808) 585-8404.

Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Jan. 16 – third Wednesday, monthly – 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

ONGOING
Deadline to Sign Up for Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū is Friday, Jan. 10. Classes run Thursday afternoons, 1-3:30p.m., Jan. 16 through Feb 20, at Kaʻū Resource Center, 96-3126 Puahala St. in Pāhala. The free class series on Chronic Kidney Disease is lead by retired kidney doctor Ramona Wong. Bring a pen and whomever cares/cooks/shops for the person(s) with CKD. Enroll online at alohakidney.com or call (808) 585-8404.

Apply for Mosaics of Science by Monday, Feb. 3. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's 12-week paid summer internship position is designed to engage university students and recent graduates with on-the-ground work experience in the National Park Service. A $4,800 stipend, and all travel costs are covered, including a week-long career workshop in Washington,  D.C. to meet with NPS managers.
     The internship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents ages 18-30, and to military veterans up to age 35. Funding is provided under a cooperative agreement for youth conservation activities as part of the Public Lands Corps program, which mandates that these age ranges are followed. 
     The selected intern will assist with the development of education curriculum for Kīpukapuaulu and Pu‘u Loa trails in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     For more information, contact Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Education Specialist Jody Anastasio by email at jody_anastasio@nps.gov. To apply go to go.nps.gov/mosaics or mosaicsinscience.org.

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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