Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The February count of humpback whales will be held this Saturday at Punaluʻu Beach and other sites
around Hawaiʻi Island and the state. See how to participate, below. Photo by Ralph Lee Hopkins
A TEMPORARY HALT OF TRAVEL BETWEEN KOREA AND JAPAN, AND HAWAIʻI, is the call from Kaʻū's member in the U.S. Congress. Tulsi Gabbard, released a statement today concerning the spread of the new strain of coronavirus:
     "The first responsibility of our leaders should be to protect the health, safety, and security of the people of Hawaiʻi and our country. This is why we've temporarily suspended flights from China, which has been very helpful. But, more is needed in order to protect the people of Hawaiʻi.
     "In order to protect the people of Hawaiʻi, we must now suspend flights from Japan and South Korea where the virus has been spreading. It is irresponsible for our leaders to endanger the health and wellbeing of Hawaiʻi's people by continuing to allow travel from Japan and South Korea. I know there will be economic hardship, but it will pale in comparison to the cost in lives and economic damage to Hawaiʻi and our country if we don't suspend travel from these countries.
     "Unfortunately, our leaders are depending upon the same procedures they used with the SARS epidemic — but that will not be sufficient. Because the coronavirus spreads much more easily than SARS. Once it enters Hawaiʻi, it will spread like wildfire and then it will be too late.
     "This suspension should last until tests are readily available either in the country of departure or for passengers that are arriving in the United States. The tests need to be done on the spot, preferably before they get on the plane. If they are cleared by the test, then they can come. If not, then they get turned back.
     "There is a high likelihood that such tests will be available within 30 days — possibly a little sooner, possibly a little later. The way that it is being done now is extremely unscientific and unreliable because patients can be asymptomatic yet still carry the disease and be contagious. We need to take action now to protect the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation."
     The state Department of Health is asking the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention to help Hawaiʻi to set up testing locally. Currently samples would have to be sent to the CDC on the mainland. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said today that Hawaiʻi should send samples for testing to the CDC now. He also asks that the Japanese testing system for coronavirus be allowed in Hawaiʻi.

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TULSI GABBARD'S CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT released a statement after Tuesday night's televised debate between seven candidates for the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. President. The statement asked what was missing at the debate, and provided a list: "A calm voice of reason; a beacon of hope and integrity; an authoritative voice on foreign policy — a combat veteran who knows the cost of war and is unafraid to go up against the powerful military industrial complex; a candidate who could credibly speak to racial equality and lift up indigenous voices; and audience representative of the people of South Carolina — instead of the establishment elite who paid between $1,750-$3,500 a ticket to attend." 
     Presidential candidates on the debate stage were: Sen. Bernie Sanders, former Mayor Pete Buttigeig, former Vice President and former Sen. Joe Biden, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Amy Klobochar, former New York Mayor and billionaire businessman Michael Bloomberg, and billionaire philanthropist and climate activist Tom Steyer.
     Gabbard also took her views on coronavirus and the debate to Fox News.

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THE PRINCE KUHIO DAY HOʻOLAULEʻA IS REBORN, through the efforts of local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū. Set for Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nāʻālehu County Park, the event features Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. The drug- and alcohol-free event will feature live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day.
     Hawaiian culture demos and activities, showcasing cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area, include lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, waʻa kaulua (double-hull canoe) tours, kākau (tattoo) artistry, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamps), traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
     Travel through time by walking through a photo exhibit showcasing the history of Kaʻū, set-up within the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū representatives said they intend this to be like a visit to a mini version of their proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, which has been their goal for the last 20 years. Visit Hana Laulima's booth at the hoʻolauleʻa to learn more about the revival of the Cultural Center project and membership.
     Choose from a variety of ono food including shave ice, korean chicken, roast pork plates, chili bowls, Kaʻū coffee, Big Island Candies Crunch Bars, and more. Local entrepreneurs will have pop-up shops displaying wares such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, jewelry, shirts, and hats.
     Learn more about Junior Rangers, and natural resource management, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers; ways to help free the coast of marine debris with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; staying healthy with state Dept. of Health; native Hawaiian healthcare with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi; ʻōpeʻapeʻa monitoring with Friends of the Kaʻū Bats; and more.
     The organization has adopted a new logo to symbolize its rejuvenation after a long hiatus. The revival of the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa – five were held annually until 2000 – was one of its first steps. The logo was created by Kaʻū High graduate and local artist Kaweni Ibarra, who is also a Hana Laulima board member. The logo color is inspired by ʻaʻaliʻi seed pods, a strong and resilient plant that is often compared to the people of Kaʻū. The new logo will be featured on Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū t-shirts sold at the hoʻolauleʻa.
     Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū promises that the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa will continue as an annual event.

     In addition to Ibarra, newly elected board members include Lisa Derasin, Kupuna Jessie Ke, president Terry-Lee Shibuya, vice-president Elizabeth Naholowaʻa Murph, secretary Nālani Parlin, and treasurer Kehaulani Ke. Membership is $10 per year. For more information about the hoʻolauleʻa, contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
     Prince Kuhio, 1871-1922, was Hawaiian royalty and a statesman, living through the annexation of Hawaiʻi to the U.S. and imprisoned during the kingdom's overthrow. He served on the first Hawaiian Homes Commission. He was a founder of the Hawaiian Civic Clubs and served in the U.S. Congress.

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ATTEND PUBLIC MEETINGS ABOUT RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS, hosted by Hawaiian Electric, in Kona on March 3 at Kealakehe High School cafeteria, 74-5000 Puohulihuli St., and on March 5 at Hilo High School cafeteria, 556 Waiānuenue Ave. The meetings will feature an open house from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., where attendees get information on topics ranging from rooftop solar programs to electrification of transportation, followed by a panel discussion from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
     Panelists who will share their perspective on getting to 100 percent renewables are:
Colton Ching, Senior Vice President of Planning and Technology at Hawaiian Electric;
Kevin Waltjen, Hawaiian Electric's Director for Hawai‘i Island; Lisa Dangelmaier, Director of System Operations and Planning at Hawaiian Electric; Riley Saito, Deputy Director of Research and Development for County of Hawaiʻi; Ron Terry, Principal at Geometrician Associates; and community member Carol Ignacio.
     In a statement from Hawaiian Electric, the utility states it wants community members to ask questions and offer their views as part of Integrated Grid Planning, a planning process to identify options for moving Hawaiʻi toward a clean energy future. "As part of the IGP process, we will collect public input and continue to collaborate with working groups, a stakeholder council and a technical advisory panel. These groups attend meetings, workshops, and review data, methodologies and reports to help the company develop strategies used for long-term decision-making relating to the state's energy landscape.
     "Ever wonder how Hawaiʻi will achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2045? Communities are an important part of the process, which is why Hawaiian Electric is hosting public meetings where residents can learn about the work to meet clean energy milestones and take part in the company's Integrated Grid Planning conversation.
     "It will take a collective effort to get to 100 percent renewables by 2045 – and Hawaiian Electric invites community members to partner with us to help make the best choices."
     For those who cannot attend in person, visit Hawaiian Electric's Virtual Open House March 2-20 at hawaiianelectric.com/igp.

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Denicia Derasin, of Kaʻū, urges her mount to great speed.
Photo by Solomon Sanoria of Wyrmfyre Productions
KAʻŪ PANIOLO MADE A GOOD SHOWING at the recent 28th Hawaiʻi Horse Owners' Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo. Kaʻū competitors faced off with riders from all of the state and beyond, showcasing their skills in a wide variety of events:
     Denicia Derasin (with Ryan Sanborn) broke the arena record and took first in Kane-Wahine Ribbon Mugging.
     Ikaika Salmo-Grace won the Novelty Chute Dogging Event.
     Kassey Hanoa (with Westin Joseph) took first in Kane-Wahine Team Roping.
     Kassey Hanoa and McKella Akana placed first in Wahine Double Mugging.
     Lenaia Andrade (with Shannon Benevides) placed second in Wahine Double Mugging.
     Rodney Kuahiwinui and Kalai Llanes placed second in Kane Double Mugging.
     Addie Rose Flores placed third in Youth Barrel Racing.
     Lorilee Lorenzo took fourth in Wahine Barrel Racing.
     Lenaia Andrade (with Kaili Brenneman) took fourth in Kane-Wahine Ribbon Mugging.
     See the full results and photos on the Feb. 21 Kaʻū News Briefs blog and in The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, March edition.

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

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
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
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., @Hilo
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

UPCOMING
FRIDAY, FEB. 28
TRAILBLAZERS: BUFFALO SOLDIERS IN HAWAIʻI will be the subject discussed at this month's Coffee Talk at the Visitor Center of Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Feb. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association Annual Health Conference, Friday, Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Register in advance: 808-928-0101.

Mardi Gras Dinner Fundraiser for St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Friday, Feb. 28 at the church, 92-8660 Paradise Circle, Ocean View. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person, $15 per couple, and $20 per family, for jambalaya, red beans and rice, cornbread, drink, and dessert. Pre-purchase from Thom White, Beverly Nelson, or Cordelia Burt. Questions? Call 808-939-7555 and leave a message.
SATURDAY, FEB. 29
Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, Feb. 29 and March 28, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included. Register at oceancount.org. Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.

Mixed Media Photo Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m. The class is slated for beginner to intermediate students. volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
Register for Free PETFIX Spay and Neuter 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.

Purchase Tickets for 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. Tickets are $30, available at kauconcert.bpt.me. See himusicfestival.com for more.
     Performers are Maya Hoover, Hawaiʻi based Mezzo-Soprano at Professor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Jonathan Korth, Hawaiʻi based Pianist and Professor at UH-Mānoa; and Joshua Nakazawa, Cellist from Hawaiʻi Symphony. They will be joined by the three HIMF co-founders: Amy Shoremount-Obra, Internationally Acclaimed Metropolitan Opera Soprano; Eric Silberger, Internationally Acclaimed Prize-Winning Virutuoso Violinist; and Carlin Ma, Multi-Media Artist and Pianist.

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. The annual event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.
     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.  
     Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Wednesday, March 18. Call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039 for the application.
     The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
     For more information, call 928-8039.

Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Open to young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 to 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.
     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.
    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).

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.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.

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

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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