Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, January 15, 2020

New preventative treatment for Rat Lungworm is recommended by Hilo Medical Center and its
sister Kaʻū Hospital. See details, below. Photo from UH-CTAHR

"A TALE OF TWO EVENINGS" is the Tulsi Gabbard presidential campaign's description of Democratic debate night Tuesday. The campaign staff for Gabbard, Kaʻū's representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement saying, "On the presidential 'debate' stage: The least representative group of candidates to date delivered 60 second sound bites to the corporate media, partaking in irrelevant he-said-she-said squabbles that have no bearing on the big issues facing our country today."

     It contrasted Gabbard's appearance: "On a stage in Concord, New Hampshire: Tulsi sat down with leading anti-war experts, Dennis Kucinich, Stephen Kinzer, and constitutional authority Lawrence Lessig to speak directly with the people of New Hampshire about how we got into these wars, how they impact all of us, and how we get out of them and get our troops home."

Tulsi Gabbard last night with Denis Kucinich and Stephen Kinzer.

See the peace talks.

     The Gabbard 2020 statement said, "Last night highlighted the difference between Tulsi and every other candidate: Some people pay lip service to service and 'peace seeking' while working or voting to fund for-profit wars, while Tulsi leads with her actions. Tulsi has been asking the common sense, bi-partisan questions that impact every American: Do these wars make our people safer? Are they constitutional? What's the real cost of these wars?

     "Tulsi is the only candidate who deeply and personally understands the terrible cost of war. And she will keep fighting for all of us, for peace and the safety and security of all Americans – as long as we stand with her."

     Gabbard stated earlier that she will not run for reelection the congressional post representing Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi. State Sen. Kai Kahele is running to take her place.

     On Tuesday's Democratic Party debate stage in Des Moines, Iowa, six candidates debated: Former Vice President Joe Biden; former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg; Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar; Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders; businessman Tom Steyer, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren. It was the last debate before the Iowa caucuses on Monday, Feb. 3. The next Democratic Party debate will be on Friday, Feb. 7.

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Sen. Kai Kahele, who is running
for U.S. Congress.

KAHELE FOR CONGRESS FUNDRAISING NUMBERS for 2019 are released by the campaign committee. State Sen. Kai Kahele's campaign ended the year with $718,568.20 raised. During the 4th quarter of 2019, the Kahele for Congress Committee reported $216,985.62. The committee also reported through 2019 the campaign received more than $385,000 through online donations from over 14,600 individual donors, with an average contribution of $26.32.

     Kahele is running for the 2nd Congressional District seat, now held by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard who announced she will not run for reelection, in order to focus on her presidential campaign. The 2nd District encompasses Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kaua'i, Niʻihau, and the rural parts of Oʻahu, including Waimānalo, Kailua, Kāneʻohe, the North Shore, and the Leeward coast. 

     Kahele said, "My wife Maria and I remain humbled by the outpouring of aloha we have received from every corner of the State of Hawaiʻi. Thank you for your generosity and support. Over the last year, we have laid a solid foundation for our campaign to represent Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District. As we begin the next phase of this endeavor, we march into 2020 towards the August 8th primary election with a strong grassroots organization and the necessary resources to get our message out to the voters."

     Kahele serves as Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Committee on Water and Land in the Hawaiʻi State Senate where he represents his hometown of Hilo. He is an 18-year combat veteran aviator and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard.

     Former Hawaiʻi Governors John Waiheʻe, Ben Cayetano, and Neil Abercrombie serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the Kahele for Congress Campaign Committee. Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean, Honolulu City Council Chairman Ikaika Anderson and former Kauaʻi Mayor Bernard Carvalho have formally endorsed Kahele's candidacy. 
     See kaikahele.com.

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Rat Lungworm lifecycle.

A PREVENTATIVE FOR RAT LUNGWORM disease is a new protocol at Hilo Medical Center and its sister Kaʻū Hospital. Emergency Department and outpatient clinics are encouraged to prescribe pyrantel pamoate, a medication to treat pinworms, to those who have just eaten a snail or slug, the carriers of rat lungworm.

     The treatment is a "promising" preventative measure, said Dr. Jon Martell, Chief Medical Officer at Hilo Medical Center. The Rat Lungworm expert said it has the potential to immobilize Angiostrongylus cantonensis   larvae, which could be expelled through the victim's stool without causing an infection. The treatment came from an unpublished study, authored by researchers John Jacob, Ingo Lange, Ghee Tan and Susan Jarvi at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.

     Martell said, "Based on this recent research, we will inform patients that pinworm medication might have benefit if taken immediately after accidental consumption of a snail or slug. The potential, though not proven, benefits appear to outweigh the minimal risk of the treatment. Snails and slugs in East Hawaiʻi often carry the parasite and the pinworm medicine is available over-the-counter and safe if given as instructed on the package. We are recommending that people who have been exposed read the patient information for the medication and make an informed decision. The sooner you take the pinworm medication the more likely it is to help. We also recommend that you get the snail or slug tested later if you can, and absolutely go to see your primary care provider within a couple of days for assessment and possible use of additional treatment."

Rat Lungworm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, parasite.
Image from UH-Hilo Jarvi lab

     As the leading hospital in the country for diagnosing and treating Rat Lungworm, Hilo Medical Center has made this information available on its website, and will initiate an education program for providers and the public.

     Hilo Medical Center hosts and facilitates the Rat Lungworm Support Group on the second Wednesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Keaʻau Community Center. Survivors of Rat Lungworm, their caregivers, and other supporters are invited to join in-person and via the Zoom online meeting platform. For more information, go to hilomedicalcenter.org/our-services/support-groups/rat-lungworm-support-group. See hilomedicalcenter.org, halehoolahamakua.org or kauhospital.org.
      Acquiring Rat Lungworm is often related to eating unwashed fresh vegetables exposed to slugs carrying the disease.

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Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Photo by Julia Neal

FRIENDS OF THE KAʻŪ LIBRARIES held its annual meeting tonight at Pāhala Plantation House. During the business meeting, officers for 2020 were elected: Pres. Linda Morgan, VP Debra Lynn Dickerson, Secretary Sandra Demoruelle, and Treasurer Debbie Wong Yuen.

     During the meeting, the group reported that kids with books in their homes have "higher achievement." Nāʻālehu school library gave away 500 books before winter break, "getting books into the homes." During discussion, a public librarian quipped: "Audio books are a good gateway drug."

     Also during the meeting, those in attendance voted to fund the milling of the monkeypod tree which was removed for the Nāʻālehu library expansion. Idea is to create a monkeypod bench to honor late librarian Lisa Cabudol and to make other hardwood creations to honor the tree.
     Contact Demoruelle, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com or 808-929-9244, with questions.

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BIG ISLAND GIVING TREE will be at St. Jude's Episcopal Church on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. Free clothing, shoes, linens, toiletries, and cleaning products will be offered for humans; free dog and cat food from the Humane Society. Grab a free hot shower, a free hot meal, use free wifi or a computer, and charge electronic devices for free at the church, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers welcome; contact Don Hatch at don.hatch@hatchville.com.

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THE TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM traveled to Konawaena on Tuesday to do battle against the Wildcats. Junior Varsity player Hulali Baji scored the only 4 points Kaʻū managed during the four quarters. Konawaena won the game with 56 points. Kaʻū's other JV players are Dallas Carlos, Sanoe Kihe, Mahea Cachero, Faith Masuhara-Molina, and Jasmine Cardeiro.

     The Varsity ladies spread the points scoring around a bit more, with Melinda Eder and Kaohinani Grace each scoring 2 points, and Grace Smith scoring 1. The Wildcats won the game, 99 to 5. The other Trojans Varsity players are Kaliana Salazar-Harrell, Jayla Medeiros, Caiyle Kaupu, Kayla Pak, Braelyn Kauhi, Kassie Alapai, Juliana Losalio-Watson, and Grace Hing.

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.

See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

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

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

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

Kaʻū Winter Sports Schedule

Girls Basketball

Thu., Jan.16 @Kealakehe

Wed., Jan. 22 @HPA

Tue. and Wed., Jan. 28 and 29 BIIF @Civic

Boys Basketball

Fri., Jan. 17 @Parker

Mon., Jan. 20 @Honokaʻa

Mon., Jan. 27 @Kamehameha

Soccer

Sat., Jan. 18 Girls @Kamehameha

Wed., Jan. 22 and Sat., Jan. 25 Girls BIIF

Wrestling

Sat., Jan. 18 @HPA

Sat., Jan. 25 @Kamehameha

Swimming

Sat., Jan. 18 @Kamehameha

Sat., Jan. 25 @Kona Community Aquatic Center

Fri., Jan. 31 and Sat., Feb. 1 BIIF @Kamehameha

UPCOMING

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

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

Hawaii Wildlife Fund - Ka‘ū Community Cleanup, Saturday, Jan. 18. Space available. BYO-4WD also welcome. R.S.V.P. in advance to 769-7629, mattieHWF@gmail.com, or kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com. wildhawaii.org

Big Island Giving Tree at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Saturday, Jan. 18, 9a.m.-noon. Free clothing, shoes, linens, toiletries, and cleaning products for humans. Free dog and cat food from the Humane Society. Grab a free hot shower, a free hot meal, use free wifi or a computer, and charge electronic devices for free at the church, 9a.m.-1p.m. Volunteers welcome; contact Don Hatch at don.hatch@hatchville.com.

Soft Pastel Still Life Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Jan. 18, 9a.m. Beginner and intermediate artists welcome. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

Birth of Kahuku, Saturday, Jan. 18, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy-to-moderate hike. Bring snack and water. nps.gov/havo

Hike Back in Time To The 1969-74 Mauna Ulu Eruption, Saturday, Jan. 18, 10a.m.-1p.m., Mauna Ulu parking lot. USGS HVO geologist Dr. Carolyn Parcheta leads a two-hour guided walk along the fissure that started the Mauna Ulu eruption, the longest observed effusive rift eruption at the time which built lava shield, Mauna Ulu, growing mountain, a prominent landmark on Kīlauea's East Rift Zone. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 4 – every other Tuesday – 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. Jan. 4 meeting canceled due to septic work at OVCC. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Pupule Papales Band, Saturday, Jan. 18, 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. 19

Hi‘iaka & Pele, Sunday, Jan. 19, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderate, one-mile walk. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

MONDAY, JAN. 20

Fee Free Day at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Monday, Jan. 20, midnight-11:59p.m. Park entrance fees waived for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

AdvoCATS, Monday, Jan. 20, 7a.m.-4:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

TUESDAY, JAN. 21

Cultural Understanding through Art & the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Jan. 21 – third Tuesday, Monthly – 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park – Kīlauea Lower East Rift Zone 2019: Quiet But Insightful, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7-8p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Why did the fissures erupt along a linear pattern?  How long will it take for the lava to solidify? Why is vegetation still dying in the area? Join USGS HVO geologist Carolyn Parcheta as she explores these and other queries, and shares recent observations and findings by HVO scientists. Free; Park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22

Kuʻi Kalo: Pound Poi, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lanai, HVNP. Make poi, the staple food of the Hawaiian diet. The root of the kalo plant is cooked and ku‘i (pounded) to create this classic Hawaiian dish. Join Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘a as he shares his knowledge of kalo. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops. Free; Park entrance fess apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

ONGOING

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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