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| Keiki can sign up for the Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held in March. See more below. Above, Alysha Gacayan offered her photos last year, featuring images of Kaʻū. The Avenue family purchased a turtle image. Photo by Julia Neal |
EXPANDING EARLY EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES for three and four year olds is the goal of bill in the state House of Representatives. The House Committee on Lower & Higher Education and the Committee on Finance heard testimony on Tuesday from groups and individuals in a joint hearing on HB 2543 HD 1. The bill would increase funding for early learning schools and expand the number of school facilities "in areas they are needed the most," says a statement from the House.
Higher & Lower Education Chair Justin H. Woodson said the early education bill is part of a joint economic package introduced by the House and Senate, and supported by Gov. David Ige 's Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles. The joint working class economic
package is designed to tackle the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored
report, ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi.
Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke said most of the testimony is in support with families in desperate need of more early education availability. Luke said providing expanded early education for young children can reduce the cycle of poverty for parents who cannot work because they must stay home to care for their young children. Subsequently, those children don't get the early learning they
need to become better educated citizens, she said. The bill includes:
Requiring Department of Education to adopt a standardized assessment model for all kindergarten students. It would require parents or guardians of public school kindergarten students to disclose information on the child's prior child care program or prekindergarten attendance to determine areas
with the highest need for prekindergarten and child care programs;
Expanding the Preschool Open Doors Program eligibility from four-year-old children to all children who are three to four years old or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year. It also would establish the Preschool Open Doors Trust Fund with annual reporting regarding the revenues and expenditures of the fund;
Higher & Lower Education Chair Justin H. Woodson said the early education bill is part of a joint economic package introduced by the House and Senate, and supported by Gov. David Ige 's Administration to address Hawaiʻi's cost of living obstacles. The joint working class economic
package is designed to tackle the issues highlighted in the Aloha United Way sponsored
report, ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi.
Finance Committee Chair Sylvia Luke said most of the testimony is in support with families in desperate need of more early education availability. Luke said providing expanded early education for young children can reduce the cycle of poverty for parents who cannot work because they must stay home to care for their young children. Subsequently, those children don't get the early learning they
need to become better educated citizens, she said. The bill includes:
Requiring Department of Education to adopt a standardized assessment model for all kindergarten students. It would require parents or guardians of public school kindergarten students to disclose information on the child's prior child care program or prekindergarten attendance to determine areas
with the highest need for prekindergarten and child care programs;
Expanding the Preschool Open Doors Program eligibility from four-year-old children to all children who are three to four years old or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year. It also would establish the Preschool Open Doors Trust Fund with annual reporting regarding the revenues and expenditures of the fund;
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| Early education can break the cycle of poverty, according to ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaii. |
Establishing a program in the Department of Human Services to award grants for preschools and to fund positions for the Preschool Open Doors Program. It would appropriate funds for the Department of Human Services to expand its information technology system for the purpose of managing information on prekindergarten attendance and child care need and to contract for and operate preschool and child care programs;
Establishing the Early Learning Coordinator position within the Office of the Governor. The Early Learning Coordinator would have the responsibility of reaching the goal of providing all children who are 3 to 4 years old, or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year, with enrollment in a preschool program by the year 2030;
Appropriating funds for the University of Hawaiʻi's ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo to build classrooms for Hawaiian language immersion pre-kindergarten programs. The bill would appropriate funds for building early learning services classrooms on public library property.
Committee members will review the testimony and return for decision making at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 25.
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.Establishing the Early Learning Coordinator position within the Office of the Governor. The Early Learning Coordinator would have the responsibility of reaching the goal of providing all children who are 3 to 4 years old, or will not be at least five years old on or before July 31 of the current school year, with enrollment in a preschool program by the year 2030;
Appropriating funds for the University of Hawaiʻi's ʻImiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo to build classrooms for Hawaiian language immersion pre-kindergarten programs. The bill would appropriate funds for building early learning services classrooms on public library property.
Committee members will review the testimony and return for decision making at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 25.
SIGN UP KEIKI FOR KAʻŪ CHILDREN'S BUSINESS FAIR, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. This second annual event features young entrepreneurs between the ages of seven and 18. They share their talents by selling handmade items and services. One application may be submitted for each business. Children can sign up for booth space at no charge. Children working as a group submit one application that includes each child's information; no more than three children per business.
The fair started as Acton Children's Business Fair last year in Kaʻū; it "inspires children to discover their inner entrepreneur." It is "the largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America," according to promoters, and the one-day market "gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses."
Last year, Kaʻū saw keiki participate, with offerings from hand made signage, photography of nature and greenhouse flowers, to jewelry, variously decorated brands of "slime," food and drink, cookies, and sweet and sour libations. The venue was River of Life Church in Pāhala. The program was open to everyone of all faiths. Children who presented their products came from home schooling, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, and public schools. Students ran their own booths, booths, accepting money, with some using Square to take credit cards. They explained their ideas, and their execution and pricing, to customers.
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Addy Jensen, last year, offered photographs of flowers grown at Hawaiian
Flowers on South Point Road. Photo by Julia Neal
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Last year, Kaʻū saw keiki participate, with offerings from hand made signage, photography of nature and greenhouse flowers, to jewelry, variously decorated brands of "slime," food and drink, cookies, and sweet and sour libations. The venue was River of Life Church in Pāhala. The program was open to everyone of all faiths. Children who presented their products came from home schooling, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, and public schools. Students ran their own booths, booths, accepting money, with some using Square to take credit cards. They explained their ideas, and their execution and pricing, to customers.
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| Eli Crook makes specialty signs as his business start-up last year. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Kaʻū Children's Business Fair guidelines are designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children (under eight years old) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may aid a child, but the child runs the business.
The original Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin Texas in 2007 was founded by Jeff and Laura Sandefer, and other families who wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children. Seven youth entrepreneurs hosted around 25 attendees. The event grew over the years to 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.
Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).
The original Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin Texas in 2007 was founded by Jeff and Laura Sandefer, and other families who wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children. Seven youth entrepreneurs hosted around 25 attendees. The event grew over the years to 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.
Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).
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.
URGING PEOPLE TO COME TO A PĀHALA MEETING ABOUT THE UPCOMING CENSUS COUNT, the County of Hawaiʻi sent out a message today. The 2020 Kick-Off Event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon next Wednesday, Feb. 26 at Pāhala Community Center.
"The public is invited to learn about Census 2020 at this free event hosted by the County ofHawaiʻi Department of Research and Development." Doors open at 9 a.m. The program begins at 9:30 a.m., with a County Proclamation followed by a presentation by Hawaiʻi Island's Census Representative. A question and answer period will round out the meeting, which ends at noon.
"Census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more.," says the County statement. "The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It's an opportunity to shape the future of your community."
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KAI KAEHELE won the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC. The political arm of the Congressional Progressive Caucus announced its endorsement today. The state Senator is running for Tulsi Gabbard's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She announced earlier that she will not run, as she if focusing on her campaign for U.S. President. The congressional district serves Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi."On behalf of the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, I am proud to announce our endorsement of Sen. Kai Kahele," said Congressman Mark Pocan, Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC Co-Chair. "We believe in Kai; his values, vision, talent, enthusiasm, and character. We have no doubt that he will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi's Second Congressional District and be a true champion of progressive values here in Congress."
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.
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See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise,
meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule
Wrestling
Fri., Feb. 21 HHSAA
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. , @Waiakea
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m. , host Kealakehe
Boys Baseball
Wednesday, March 4, 3 p.m. , host HPA
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m. . @Waiakea
Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m. , @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m. , host Kealakehe
Boys Volleyball
Friday, Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m. , Preseason at Christian Liberty
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m. , host Christian Liberty
Wednesday, March, 6 p.m., @Hilo
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. , host Makualani
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m. , host Konawaena
Judo
Saturday, Feb. 29, 10:30 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. . @Kealakehe
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, FEB. 20
2020 U.S. Census Workshop, Thursday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. , Pāhala Gym Multipurpose room. Dinner and light refreshments will be provided. Census takers pay is $20/hour. Gas is reimbursable. Eligible applicants will be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security Number, and pass a criminal and background check. Those with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will have their Census income counted as exempt. See 2020census.gov/en/jobs.html for more and to apply.
FRIDAY, FEB. 21
Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser for St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Friday, Feb. 21, Paradise Circle-Mauka. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is served 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dinner includes Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, Cornbread, Drink, and Dessert. Tickets at the door, $8 per person, $15 for two, and $20 for family.
Free CERT Basic Training, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's 12th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament and Canned Food Drive, Saturday, Feb. 22, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration closed today at noon . Poles, gear, and bait, and lunch for all, provided. Each child receives a prize, chosen during registration, in the order they register; register early. Keiki one to 14 years old register online at okaukakou.org, or pick up form at Nāʻālehu Elementary School, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, Pāhala Elementary School
Fused Glass Basics Workshop with Claudia McCall, Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m. volcanoartcenter.org
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
Kaʻū Portuguese Exhibit, Sunday, Feb. 23 atCarvalho Park Hilo 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Exhibit by Kaʻū Multicultural Society.
Kaʻū Portuguese Exhibit, Sunday, Feb. 23 at
ONGOING
Aloha Kidney in Kaʻū, Thursday afternoons, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. , 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. See alohakidney.com. Call (808) 585-8404 to enroll.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Hawaiʻi International Music Festival, Sunday March 8, 6:30 p.m. , Pāhala Plantation House. The concert will feature music that will celebrate native plants of the Kaʻū Dryland Forest and will raise funds for Hoʻomalu Kaʻū.
Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays,8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.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 p.m. to 4:30 pm, ages 5-6. Coach Pitch, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.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
Register for a Free CERT Basic Training Course, four Saturdays starting Feb. 22 through March 14 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Performers are Maya Hoover , Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi
Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays,
Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org
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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