Sunday, May 24, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, May 24, 2020

Virtual Graduation for Sixth Grade at Nāʻālehu Elementary School last Friday. Screenshot from Olivia-ann Thomas
THE FIRST VIRTUAL GRADUATION FOR NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL sixth graders involved 100 students, staff, and well-wishers on Friday, May 22. Students virtually shared stories about the time they spent learning at Nāʻālehu Elementary, on campus before the pandemic, and recently online and with distance learning materials. They presented ideas about what they want to be when they grow up. They also talked about their favorite memory from school and about those they want to thank. The graduation ended with a hat toss and "Cheeeehuuu!" Hoʻomaikaʻi iā ʻoukou!

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Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Island Class of 2020 includes two Kaʻū graduates, Dane Masazo Shibuya, Jr and
Jeysiah Demitri Camba-Penera. Photo from Kamehameha Schools
THREE KAʻŪ STUDENTS GRADUATED FROM KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL in Keaʻau on Saturday. Ohuʻohu Keaʻau i ka liko Lehua, Keaʻau is adorned with beauty of our children, states the school motto.
Dane Masazo Shibuya, Jr
     Dane Masazo Shibuya, Jr said he plans to attend a four-year program at Univertisy of Hawaiʻi, with a focus on administration of justice. He said his favorite moments from high school were playing Varsity football and lifting weights. His most influential adult throughout his K-12 journey is Manly Kanoa. He is most looking forward to becoming a police officer, in order to impact lives. His father is Dane Shibuya, Sr.; mother Terry-Lee Shibuya; sister Kassie Shibuya; grandmother Jade Andrade; sister Tiare-Lee Shibuya; niece Keulu.
     Izayah Ua Ikaikamekekaiwailanaʻikeikikaneʻokeaʻau Chartrand-Penera, of Pāhala, said he plans to attend UH-Mānoa to study architecture. His favorite moment from high school was playing football and basketball games "with the boys. Those were always a blast. Win or lose, we always had fun. Thank you to all my teammates that always had my back. I am definitely going to miss those days." His most influential adult throughout his K-12 journey is his mother. She "has been my rock. She supports me in everything and anything I do. She pushes me past my limits even when I feel like giving up. She has shaped the person that I am today and I thank her for all that she has done for me. He is most looking forward to "seeing everyone again when we are older. Especially the boys. I can't wait to see everyone old with families and living life."
Izayah Ua
Ikaikamekekaiwailanaʻikeikikaneʻokeaʻau
Chartrand-Penera
     Jeysiah Demitri Camba-Penera, Cum Laude, plans to attend UH-Hilo, with a focus on digital art, 2D animation, and/or traditional art. His favorite moment from high school was "finding a group of people that I really vibe with, and also maybe the Keʻei trip (that was really fun)." He said the most influential adult throughout his K-12 journey is Mr. Pao: "He taught me a lot about art and helped me improve drastically in just the 2-3 years he was here." He said he is most looking forward to "escaping quarantine and being able to experience all that college life has to offer."
     The Class of 2020 wrote a song, Hīhīmanu a Kāne. Composer Kyra Michiko Poʻipe Gomes said, "Each verse of this mele honors the different people in our lives who have helped us reach this point: our family, our teachers, and each other. Before writing this, I asked my fellow graduates to describe one another and utilized their responses to create the bridge of this mele. We have accomplished so much as a class and this song is no exception." Lyrics by Nāmelemanukukalaao Kapono and Gomes, with input from the Class of 2020:
Jeysiah Demitri Camba-Penera
     Ke kaʻao o Hāloa, Pili ke aloha ʻoiaʻiʻo, Haʻahaʻa, ʻAlakaʻi ʻana i ke ala kūpono
     Hui: Mau ka hoʻoilina a mākou, Me ka piha o ka na'au no ia papa nei
     Bridge: He ikaika ma loko o ka likeʻole, Hoʻohui me he ʻohana lā, E mau ka holomua a puka mai ke ao.
     Wrapped in your light, You have shielded us from the fears of the night, Ever kind, You treated us as one you call your own
     Chorus: Take these thoughtful years and carry on, Though we may be far away
     Bridge: Strength shown through our differences, Connected as a family, Let us continue to lead our lāhui towards the rising horizon of a new day.
     The Valedictory Address was given by Travis Kanoa Chai Andrade; Poʻo Kula (Head of School) Address and Presentation of the Class of 2020 was given by Mrs. M. Kāhealani Naeʻole-Wong. Reading of Graduates and Diplomas, and Acknowledgement of Honors and Endorsements, was by Dr. Lehua Veincent and Angela Pōmaikaʻi Baptista. The Benediction was given by Naomi Kaleonahenaheonālani Schubert, Keiki Kahu. The Invocation was given by Kamakana Rodrigues, Keiki Kahu. The Welcome was given by Salesi Malu Haunga, Senior Class President. The Salutatory Address was given by Kayla Leigh Kealani Enanoria. The Guest Speaker was Angela Pōmaikaʻi Baptista.
Father Dane Shibuya, Sr.; mother Terry-Lee Shibuya; sister Kassie
 Shibuya; grandmother Jade Andrade; sister Tiare-Lee Shibuya; niece
Keulu; graduate Dane Shibuya, Jr. Photo from the Shibuya family
     The graduation aired on Nā Leo TV, Channel 53, at 4 p.m. Saturday, and is available On Demand at naleo.tv/channel-53/.

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 KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SHARON BECK GAVE THESE REMARKS TO THE CLASS of 2020 on Friday: "I want to start by acknowledging the loss our graduates have suffered during this time. They lost their senior prom, May Day, athletics, trip to Japan, and finishing the year hugging their classmates goodbye. Our graduates have demonstrated strength and resilience during this time.
     "Graduation is a special occasion: the culmination of years of hard work and investment in our futures. I would like to recognize the support and commitment from those who have made graduation possible... our parents and families, our teachers and school staff, and our community. You have provided strength, grounding, and love that contributed to our students' success.
Principal Sharon Beck during on-campus activities before the pandemic. Photo by Julia Neal
     "That same strength and love was the inspiration for the ʻAʻaliʻi Ku Makani sculpture you see on campus. ʻAʻaliʻi Ku Makani refers to the lowland plant that thrives in the strong winds. Local artist, Randy Shiroma, created the sculpture to represent the strength of the people of Kaʻū. The ʻaʻaliʻi plant has many different uses and represents the different individual skills and talents necessary to become who you are. Standing strong and tall, the sculpture alludes to the tough independent nature of Kaʻū and the beautiful tough land of where we live. The two parts of the sculpture together represent nurturing or love and relationships. The sculpture takes the form of a mother and child alluding to the grounding and nurturing that are different facets of strength.
     "The sculpture reminds us of our strength, of the relationships that are our foundation, and our connection to place, this place, Kaʻū.
     "Parents, families, faculty, and staff you have much to be proud of. Graduates, you, too, should be proud of your accomplishments and remember while this may be the end of one long journey in your life, it is also the beginning of another. You now stand at a crossroads in your life where you will need to make wise decisions and commitments. Be proud, stand tall, and stay strong. With love, I wish you all the best! "   
     The graduates are:
Maliah Ababa, Summa Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Destenie Alani Horan, Magna Cum Laude
Ashli-Nikol Alley, Career Technical Education Completer
Mhay Rose Baradi, Magna Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Daysen Burns, Magna Cum Laude
Sidrelle Candaroma, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Janelle Zharyne Cardenas, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Weston Davis, Career Technical Education Completer
Melinda Eder, Magna Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Seth Eder, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Elijah James Evangelista, Career Technical Education Completer
Angelica Felipe, Magna Cum Laude
Valany Gonsalves, Career Technical Education Completer
Kaʻohinani Grace, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Isaia Hashimoto-Kainoa
Ashantee Holeso
Sierra Kaawa, Career Technical Education Completer
Sarah Kailiawa-Escobar, Career Technical Education Completer
Janne Labin, Career Technical Education Completer
Marilou Mae Manantan, Cum Laude
Fancis Ivan Mararac, Career Technical Education Completer
Stacy Mattos-Kaluau
Stephanie Mauricio, Career Technical Education Completer
Kahiau Medeiros, Career Technical Education Completer
Jeremiah Nurial-Dacalio, Career Technical Education Completer
Kyle Pensula, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Raymond Polid-Kalili, Cum Laude
Winston Pumarus
Lilliana Rabang, Career Technical Education Completer
Alethea Joy Ramones, Summa Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Michael Rodarte
Ziggy Rodrigues, Career Technical Education Completer
Gabrielle Anne Santos, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Emalia Tiner, Magna Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Kyson Toriano, Career Technical Education Completer
Ruth Vega, Career Technical Education Completer
Krystal Jane Velasco, Summa Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Shailani Vierra, Career Technical Education Completer
Kellsie Wakimoto, Cum Laude and Career Technical Education Completer
Luke Watson
Jyron Young, Career Technical Education Completer
Anthony Ysawa, Career Technical Education Completer

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano, 
Pāhala, and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light 
yellow indicates one to five cases. The 96772 area in 
Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES IN HAWAIʻI, reports the Department of Health. Eighty-one cases of COVID-19 have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island since the pandemic began, with 78 recovered. The remaining three victims are quarantined and monitored by DOH. Statewide, 643 people – 414 in Honolulu County, 20 in Kauaʻi County, and 118 in Maui County – have been confirmed positive for the virus since the pandemic began.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "It has been announced that medium risk places such as hair salons, restaurants, and places of worship may reopen beginning June 1st. Know that all restrictions and social distancing requirements will continue to be enforced to ensure the Public's safety. If you need assistance in providing a safe and healthy place in your reopening for employees and customers, please call the County's COIVD Task Force at 935-0031. This service will be provided at no cost. Please be safe on this very special weekend of remembrance in honor of the men and women who died serving our great Nation. Thank you for listening. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
     In the United States, more than 1.68 million cases have been confirmed. The death toll is over 98,035.
     Worldwide, more than 5.4 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is over 345,000.

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of May.

MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.

ONGOING
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
     The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
     A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     Wearing masks is required for everyone.
     To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
     Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
     For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.
     A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.

Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

 Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through May. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.


The Food Basket's ʻOhana Food Drop is available once a month at four Kaʻū and Volcano locations. People can receive a multi-day supply of shelf-stable and fresh food, depending on supply. Call The Food Basket at 933-6030 for Pāhala and Volcano or at 322-1418 for Nāʻālehu or Ocean View. Food can be picked up from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at:
     Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, May 26 and Tuesday, June 30.
     Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, May 27 and Wednesday, June 24.
     Nāʻālehu's Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy on Monday, June 1.

     Ocean View's Kahuku Park on Tuesday, June 8.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.

Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.
     Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program which provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.
     The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"
     See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.

 Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seating limited due to social distancing. Dinner also available to go. The main course is Prime Rib and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake, with side dishes and dessert, for $27.95 per person. Call 967-8356 for dine-in reservations, to-go orders, and current event information. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.


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