The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island: Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, April 25, 2022

Hano Grace, Grand Marshal of Merrie Monarch Parade, is a longtime paniolo and brother of the late Roland Grace, Sr.,
of Pāhala. Hano works with Wally Andrade, of Na'alehu. Photo by Jovena Moses

KA'U CONNECTIONS TO THE MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL are coming in through photos of local participants circulating in the community. Grand Marshal in the Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday was Hano Grace, a longtime paniolo and brother of the late Roland Grace, Sr., of Pāhala. Hano works with Wally Andrade, of Na'alehu.

One of the judges selected for the Merrie Monarch Parade was Bernadette Freitas, of Pāhala. In addition, Hui Malama workers decorated a vehicle to promote their health care work in Ka'u and beyond.

Grand Marshall of the Merrie Monarch Parade Hano Grace on second horse on left, with
his Pa'u Rider team and family support. Photo by Jovena Moses

Merrie Monarch Parade Judge
Bernadette Freitas, of Pāhala

ALASKA AIRLINES, A MAINSTAY FOR FREQUENT TRAVEL BETWEEN KAʻŪ AND ALASKA, has cancelled nonstop flights between Anchorage and all Hawaiian Islands for summer and fall. The direct flights to Kona usually stop during this time, with travelers routed through Honolulu. Without direct Honolulu flights Alaska-bound travelers will have to stop in Honolulu and change planes for another stop on the mainland before reaching Alaska.

The stop in direct flights between Anchorage and Honolulu was attributed, in part, to a pilot shortage. Direct flights to Honolulu are expected to resume in November and continue into June. The Kona flights are also expected to return.

Connecting flights on Alaska Air to Honolulu are in Seattle, Portland and LA.

PAUL CALVERASE OF OCEAN VIEW has been located in good health in Kailua-Kona, according to Hawai‘i Police Department's Kaʻū Patrol Officer, Sgt. Chris Correia. Calverase was previously reported missing. He was located on Monday.

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COURSES IN FILIPINO CULTURE AND HISTORY will come to local schools if the Department of Education decides to implement a resolution passed by both the House and Senate of the Hawai'i Legislature this session.

The DOE submitted testimony saying that the "resolution is not needed at this time," and referred to

Hui Malama ready for Merrie Monarch Parade.

"opportunities to study Filipino history, culture and history in four social studies courses required for graduation." However, numerous educators, including those in the University of Hawai'i system sent in testimony for the measure and Big Island Rep. Greggor Ilagan, of Puna, became a chief proponent of the resolution, shepherding it to success. West Kaʻū state Senator Dru Kanuha also supported the measure.

The resolution points to anti-Asian hate crimes increasing 150 percent, according to reports in 2020. It says that "research on the use of racist language shows that language does have a profound impact on how people behave towards marginalized groups.

The resolution contends that "increased education and understanding of Asian-American history and culture, and the contributions of Asian-Americans can reduce incidents of hostility, violence, and discrimination toward Asian Americans." It points out the lack of Asian American history curriculum in Hawai'i schools and states that "Filipinos are the largest Asian ethnic and non-white group in Hawai'i, at more than 25 per cent of the population, and have had a long presence and cultural footprint" throughout the state.

State Rep. Greggor IIegan championed the resolution to put more Filipino
language, culture and history in schools, along with more Filipino school staff.
Photo from Llegan

"Despite 23 percent of Hawai'i's public-school students being Filipino, the largest ethnic group in the Hawai'i department of education system, there is a lack of Filipino representation in the education system," says the resolution, contending that "Filipino educators are underrepresented in higher education and K-12 education, with Filipino teachers representing eight per cent of the teaching force and five per cent of administration."
The resolution advises that "when students are represented, they feel a stronger ethnic pride and identity, and are more empowered to positively contribute to their communities." It points to research showing that a "family-school connection, teacher-student ethnicity match, culturally and linguistically responsive curriculum, and language programs where students' multilingual assets are utilized," leads to "students more engaged and connected to their learning, resulting in higher levels of academic performance."
The resolution asks for a social studies course for high school students to learn about Filipino history, culture, and identity; implementation of Filipino content into Department of Education content performance standards; and integration of this curriculum into existing Filipino language classes and other courses and curricula, including language arts, math, social studies, science, and visual and performing arts.
It formally requests that Department of Education recruit Filipino teachers and support Filipino teachers to teach this course. The resolution was transmitted to the Chairperson of the Hawai'i state Board of Education and Superintendent of the Hawai'i state Department of Education.

Read testimony on the resolution at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=56&year=2022

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