Monday, April 25, 2022

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

                            




See The Ka'u Calendar April edition at
www.kaucalendar.comon newsstands and in the mail.

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, April 24, 2022

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinā‘ala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin took both the
Kahiko and 'Auana titles at Merrie Monarch Festival. Photo from Merrie Monarch

MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL WRAPPED AFTER MIDNIGHT, SUNDAY MORNING with announcement of the winners in the traditional Kahiko and modern 'Auana hula competition with Kāne and Wahine categories. 
     Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi took First Place in Kāne Kahiko and First Place in Kāne ʻAuana to take  First in Kāne Overall, under the direction of  Nā Kumu Hula Haunani and ‘Iliahi Paredes.
Hālau Kekuaokalā‘au‘ala‘iliahi took the overall mens title after winning First Place in Kāne Kahiko and First Place
 in Kāne ʻAuana at Merrie Monarch competition this past week. Photo from Merrie Monarch
First Place in the Wahine Kahiko and Wahine 'Auana, earning First Place Wahine Overall went to Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leinā‘ala, under the direction of Kumu Hula Leinā‘ala Pavao Jardin.
     See archived footage and still photos galleries and much more on the history of the event online. See all the results at www.merriemonarch.com

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

KAʻŪ IS ONE OF THE DARK SKY CAPITALS OF THE PLANET, with people staying here and moving here because they see an abundance of stars in clear skies, far away from manmade light pollution. Dark Skies preservation is mentioned in the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. This is 

International Dark Skies Week and here are activities for learning more about Dark Skies:
    Monday, April 25 - Instagram Live Conversation with Ashley Wilson, of International Dark-Sky Association and John Rowden and Audubon's Senior Director Bird-Friendly Communities on IDA's Instagram account. They will chat about light pollution and why dark skies are important for birds.     Tuesday, April 26 - April 27 - International Dark Sky Week Paint and Sip with IDA Advocate Nurul Syahirah Binti Nazarudin The event will be live-streamed on IDA's social media at facebook.com/IDAdarksky and youtube.com/user/IntDrkSkyAssoc
     Saturday, April 30 - Join Babak Tafreshi, National Geographic photographer and founder of The World at Night, and Bettymaya Foot, IDA Director of Engagement, for a live conversation on IDA's Instagram account about International Dark Sky Week, astrophotography, light pollution, and dark skies.
See more and the complete schedule at https://idsw.darksky.org/

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

JEANNE KAPELA HAS AN ENDORSEMENT FROM THE PATSY MINK PAC. Kapela, who is running to be reelected to represent Kaʻū into Kona at the state House of Representatives, released 
this statement this weekend, entitled Women's Rights are Human Rights:
    "Equality is a fundamental principle of our society. Over the last few years, though, we have witnessed a shocking effort to undermine the rights of women, including attacks on reproductive care and the

ongoing erosion of economic prosperity for working families. In the face of discrimination, we must always defend Hawai'i's women. That is the cornerstone of the legacy of Patsy Mink, who authored the Title IX law that transformed our efforts to end sexual harassment and guarantee gender equity in educational programs throughout the United States. I am proud to be endorsed by Patsy Mink PAC in my campaign for re-election to the State House. As your representative, I will steadfastly support solutions to critical women's issues, like expanding access to reproductive healthcare, eliminating the gender pay gap, and passing a paid family leave program. To help me uplift women's rights at the Hawai'i State Legislature, please donate today to our movement for equality. Every contribution you make will be spent strengthening women's medical, social, and financial well-being. Hawai'i has always been a leader in reproductive freedom and gender equity. I am committed to safeguarding that heritage for generations to come."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

A MISSING OCEAN VIEW MAN IS PAUL CALVERASE. Hawai`i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance with locating him. The 61 year-old is described as Caucasian, 6-foot-3-inches tall, 180 pounds, having brown hair and hazel eyes. He walks with a cane and was last seen in the Ocean View area on March 26, 2022. Calverase may also be driving a gray colored 2014 Jeep with Hawai`i License Plates, ZCU 359. Anyone who may have information on his whereabouts is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.

KAʻŪ HIGH DEFEATED KOHALA IN BOYS VOLLEYBALL ON SATURDAY, 5-4. In the first quarter, Kohala bested Kaʻū, 27-25. In the second Kaʻū took down Kohala 25-17. In the third,
Kaʻū tromped Kohala 25-17. Kohala came back in the fourth, 25-19. The fifth saw Kaʻū triumphant with 15-4.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at. www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.
See The Ka'u Calendar April edition at
www.kaucalendar.comon newsstands and in the mail.