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Monday, November 22, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Nov. 22, 2021

Untying the maile for opening the new Nāʻālehu Library were Sara Kamibayashi, Sherlene Rosario and Maelene Kaapana.
Photos from Na`alehu Library
 
Kahu Debbie Wong Yuen led the blessing
at the opening of the Na'alehu Library.
A REPORT ON THE OPENING OF THE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDING AT NA'ALEHU was released today. Librarian Sara Kamibayashi said last week's event "was a lovely opening day. In the morning, Pastor Debbie Wong Yuen performed a beautiful blessing, and shared the history of how the Nāʻālehu Library began a few days per week at the fruit stand in town, then moved to the old gas station, then to its current location as a single-wide trailer, and now as the wonderful new building we have today."
    In attendance for the blessing were State Librarian Stacey Aldrich, state House of Representatives member Jeanne Kapela, and Dennis Onishi representing Gov. David Ige. Also on hand were representatives of the USDA which provided grant money for the project, Executive Director of the Friends of the Library of Hawai'i Nainoa Mau, and Sandy and Joe Demoruelle of the Frienda of the Kaʻū Libraries.
    Staff members Maelene Kaapana, Sherlene Rosario, and Kamibayashi untied the maile lei. "The late Lisa Cabudol, beloved previous Nāʻālehu librarian, was remembered for her dedication to the library and for beginning the process that lead to the library's expansion," said Kamibayashi.
    The library opened to the public at 1 p.m. and welcomed a steady stream of patrons throughout the afternoon, with live music by Sonny Ramos and Tui Masaniai, refreshments, and a lucky winner raffle. "It was a great day, and the staff look forward to welcoming everyone and serving our community in our new and improved space," said Kamibayashi.
    Hours at the Nāʻālehu Library are Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p .m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays noon to 4 p.m. The Pāhala Library opens Tuesdays noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.to 4 p.m.  While a COVID vaccination card is required to enter the libraries, the staff offers door service to those who are unvaccinated.

Inside the new Nāʻālehu Library with security Mary Lester, maintenance manager Quentin Corpuz, staff Sherline Rosario and  Maelene Kaapana, and librarian Sara Kamibayashi. Photo from Na'alehu Library

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Hawai'i U.S. Senator Brian Schatz is quoted in The Atlantic magazine regarding legislation he is sponsoring to push back on
 imports of commodities grown on illegally deforested land. Photo from The Atlantic

DEFORESTATION IS A CRIME, according to a headline being circulated by Hawai'i Sen. Brian Schatz. It comes from a story by Robinson Meyer in The Atlantic magazine that says "If deforestation were a country, it would be the world's third-largest source of climate-warming pollution."

    A message from Schatz says, "Deforestation accounts for roughly 15% of the world's annual greenhouse gas emissions. It threatens local wildlife and communities and is linked to organized crime and human rights abuses."
    The Atlantic quotes Schatz, saying, "This is a real problem, and there has not been major federal legislation yet in this space, and we wanted to announce to the world that we're serious."

      The Atlantic story explains that "Congress may amend the century-old law that prevents companies from importing illegally trafficked animals and plants into the United States for the first time in more than a decade. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has proposed expanding that law, called the Lacey Act, to cover six commodities—palm oil, soybeans, cattle, rubber, pulp, and cocoa—that are among the largest drivers of illegal deforestation.
    "The new bill would require companies to generate a paper trail for certain commodities to make sure that they were not derived from illegal deforestation, which customs officers could then check at the border."
    A bill proposed by Schatz would disincentivize American corporations from trafficking products that come from illegally deforested land, "helping curtail this major climate change driver and re-establishing
the U.S. as a global leader committed to serious climate action," says a statement from the Senator's team.
    Read The Atlantic story at https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/10/new-bipartisan-plan-reduce-illegal-deforestation/620361/.

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HAWAI'I ISLAND POLICE ARRESTED 14 MOTORISTS during the week of Nov. 15 through 21 for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 962 DUI arrests compared with 884 during the same period last year. This is an increase of 8.8 percent.
    There have been 716 major accidents so far this year compared with 691 during the same period last year, an increase of 3.6 percent.
    To date, there were 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities, compared with 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 78.6 percent for fatal crashes, and 78.6 percent for fatalities.

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HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION WILL HOST ITS ANNUAL CUPPING & CONFERENCE IN KONA. The chosen venue for the live event is Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou. The chosen date is May 19-21, 2022. The 26th HCA Annual Conference & Cupping Competition follows two years of virtual conferences. A statement from HCA released today says, "More information about sponsorship opportunities, trade show and silent auction will be sent out soon. We hope to see you then!"
    Coffee broker Chris Manfredi is the longtime President of HCA, an organizer of Kaʻū Coffee Festival and frequent buyer of Kaʻū Coffee.
    Kaʻū Coffee farmers and brokers among the 197 members of HCA, include: Manfredi and his Kaʻū Farm and Ranch company; Alla Kostenko, of Kaʻū Mountain Farm, who also works for HCA; Ralph Gaston of Isla Custom Coffees; Lorie Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian; Lou Daniele, of  Kaʻū Coffee Mill; and Kim Koch and Wai'ohinu Coffee Farms.

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Candice Keohuloa is headed for the
state championships on O'ahu for
high school bowling.
CANDICE KEOHULOA IS HEADED TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ON O'AHU for individual high school bowling on Thursday, Dec. 9. She qualified last Saturday at Kona Bowl. The islandwide finalists include Keohuloa from Kaʻū High, two each from Konawaena and Kealakehe and five from Kamehameha. The state championships will be held at Leeward Bowl in Pearl City.  Her coach is Hi'i Lapera. No spectators are allowed due to COVID concerns.

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David Wells, Coach for
Trojan track, is leading two
of the runners to states.
ALDEN WELLS AND MARIA CHESKA AURELIO QUALIFIED FOR THE STATE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS to be held Saturday, Dec. 4 at Hawai'i Preparatory Academy in Kamuela. They qualified last Saturday at the islandwide meet at Hawai'i Prep. 
    This year's Trojan track team combined students from Kaʻū High and Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, mentored by Coach David Wells. Spectators are allowed at the state meet, provided they are vaccinated for COVID.

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KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.

ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..

KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg

WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.

CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.

EDUCATION

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.

Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.

Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.

COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.

WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.

GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.