Friday, January 17, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, January 17, 2020

New and transient face of Kāwā after last weekend's storm. Stones and sand shift to new locations.
 Freshwater pondsand streams change. See more below. Photo by Clarissa Pua/Nā Mamo O Kāwā
COST OF LIVING IS WORTH ATTENTION as the 2020 Hawaiʻi Legislature starts its work, states Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. The organization urges people to review its report, noting that a pound of bananas averaged 68 cents nationwide, $1.51 in Hawaiʻi. See the video.
     The video shows that a gallon of milk costs $3.11 average, nationwide. In Honolulu, $6.32. According to numbeo.com, average rent is $1,767 in Hawaiʻi versus $1,286 on average in other states.
See the cost of living video.
     The video reports that U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that $100 in Hawaiʻi buys $84 in the average cost of goods nationwide. It's "the worst among all the states."
     In comparison, the lowest cost-of-living state is Mississippi, where $100 in buys $116 in goods.
     The solution, suggests Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, is to lower cost of living by cutting taxes, reducing regulations, allowing more homes to be built, and increasing business opportunities.

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TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works Traffic Division will convert the intersection of Pikake Street and Kamani Street in Pāhala to an all-way stop.
     The intersection is the site of the Hele On Bus stop, entrance to Kaʻū High School & Pāhala Elementary, the Kaʻū District Gym, tennis courts and swimming pool, Pāhala Library, Bank of Hawaiʻi, the U.S. Post Office, Longs Drugs, and two food stores. It's Pāhala's busiest corner.
     The all-way stop will be installed in response to community concerns for pedestrian safety at the intersection, says a statement from County of Hawaiʻi.
A four-way stop will assist the cross walk overseers with their
job ofprotecting students and the public going to the Pāhala 
campus. Photo by Julia Neal
     The work – which includes enhanced striping, pavement legends, and signage – is scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Friday, Jan. 24, between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather and construction conditions permitting.
     During this work period traffic flow will be controlled by special duty officers. Motorists are advised to expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.
     The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the community for patience and understanding.
     If there are any questions or concerns, call the Traffic Division at 961-8341.

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PARENTS OF PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN are encouraged to fill out the annual School Quality Survey. The deadline to complete and return the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education survey is March 13. All responses will remain anonymous. The survey provides information on how schools are doing with respect to campus culture, satisfaction, safety, and engagement. The feedback supports planning and improvements, and fulfills legislative and Board of Education requirements.​
     Parents/guardians of students in grades K-12 receive a hard copy of the survey form and prepaid postage envelope. Replacements for lost survey forms can be requested at the child's school office. Students in grades 3-12 took the survey online at school. Teachers, administrative office staff, and instructional support staff have the opportunity to take the survey until March 13. 
     Rodney Luke, assistant superintendent, Office of Strategy, Innovation and Performance, said, "We highly encourage parent participation in this feedback survey as last year's return rate was only 28 percent. This is a great opportunity for parents to share their feedback on what works and where we can improve in providing a quality education for their children. We want them to know that their voice matters and the Department is listening."
     The public can view the SQS reports for their community schools and statewide results via HIDOE's Accountability Resource Center Hawaiʻi website, http://arch.k12.hi.us/. Hover over the "School" tab on the main page, then click "SQS: School Quality Survey" to search by year and school.
     Anyone with questions about the survey can contact HIDOE toll-free at 855-276-5801 or email SQS@k12.hi.us.

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SOUTHWEST AIRLINES LAUNCHES FLIGHTS BETWEEN HILO AND HONOLULU this Sunday, Jan 19. It also launches direct flights between Kona and Oakland on Sunday and Kona and San Jose this Tuesday, Jan. 21. Southwest said it will operate as many as 12 daily Hawaiʻi-California flights and up to 34 interisland flights by the end of January.
     Southwest's president, Tom Nealon, said today that demand for service to and within Hawaiʻi "continues to be very, very strong, and our load factors continue to exceed our system average."
     John Aitken, San Jose's director of aviation, said today that Hawaiʻi is a year-round in-demand destination for Silicon Valley. "We are pleased that Southwest Airlines has responded by adding service to meet our community's needs." He noted that Hawaiʻi Island is one of its "popular leisure destinations," now more accessible "through Southwest's competitive fares and excellent service levels."
Waterlogged plants along the new edge of the fresh water
flowing to brackish water at Kāwā.
Photo by Clarissa Pua/Nā Mamo O Kāwā
     Hawaiian and Alaska Airline companies are competing with Southwest for a piece of the action: Hawaiian has daily flights between San Jose and Honolulu, and San Jose and Kahului; Alaska will begin daily summer flights between San Jose and Kona, Honolulu, Kahului, and Lihue, according to San Jose airport officials, reported the East Bay Times.

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A BROWN WATER ADVISORY is in effect for all east-facing shores of Hawaiʻi Island. The recent heavy rains – the largest since Hurricane Lane in 2108 – resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters.
     Nā Mamo o Kāwā sent The Kaʻū Calendar photos of the impact at Kāwā, the coastal surf spot, county preserve, and conservation area. The storm brought changes to streams and ponds in the area, and sand and stones moved locations.
     The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch stated the public should stay out of "flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris." Not all coastal areas may be impacted by runoff. However, if the water is brown, stay out. Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow-up with a physician with health concerns.
This fresh and brackish water at Kāwā is framed by
stones and storm debris.
Photo by Clarissa Pua/Nā Mamo O Kāwā

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HILO WOMEN'S MARCH, Hawaiʻi Counts!, will be held Sunday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. at Moʻoheau Bandstand, 329 Kamehameha Ave. Groups that have taken part in the past include Kaʻū Voices, AiKea Movement, UNITE HERE Local 5, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, National Organization for Women, and American Association of University Women.
     The announcement from the organizers of the national march, said, "This month, over two hundred Republicans in Congress urged the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. In July, Donald Trump's Supreme Court could deny access to safe, legal abortion to millions of Americans.
     "This is exactly why we must show up in full force for the Women's March 2020 ... Our reproductive freedom is truly at stake in 2020 - along with so many other crucial issues."
     See womensmarch.com/sister-march.

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TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL team faced off against Kealakehe yesterday in Kona. The Waveriders won both games. The Junior Varsity game ended at 42 to 17, the Varsity game much closer, at 31 to 29.

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
Wed., Jan. 22 @HPA
Tue. and Wed., Jan. 28 and 29 BIIF @Civic
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 HHSAA on Oʻahu

Boys Basketball
Mon., Jan. 20 @Honokaʻa
Mon., Jan. 27 @Kamehameha
Tue. and Wed., Feb. 4 and 5 BIIF @ Kealakehe
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 HHSAA on Oʻahu

Soccer
Sat., Jan. 18 Girls @Kamehameha
Wed., Jan. 22 and Sat., Jan. 25 Girls BIIF
Wed. thru Sat., Feb. 5-8 Girls HHSAA on Oʻahu
Sat., Feb. 1 and 8 Boys BIIF
Thu. thru Sat., Feb. 13-15 Boys HHSAA on Oʻahu

Wrestling
Sat., Jan. 18 @HPA
Sat., Jan. 25 @Kamehameha
Sat., Feb. 1 @Hilo
Sat., Feb. 8 BIIF @Konawaena
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 21 and 22 HHSAA

Swimming
Sat., Jan. 18 @Kamehameha
Sat., Jan. 25 @Kona Community Aquatic Center
Fri., Jan. 31 and Sat., Feb. 1 BIIF @Kamehameha
Fri. and Sat., Feb. 14 and 15 on Maui

UPCOMING
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.-noonKīlauea 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

THURSDAY, JAN. 23
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Free Clinic for Cats and Dogs, Thursday and Friday, Jan. 23 and 24, Ocean View Ranchos. Registration: contact Bridget at (808)990-3548 or petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 24
Old Style Pau Hana Mele & Hula ‘Auana, Friday, Jan. 24 – fourth Friday, monthly – 4-5:30p.m.Volcano Art Center. Held outdoors, weather permitting. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

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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