Sunday, August 07, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022

Artist's conception of the multiple planet system, initially discovered with Gemini North optics. The art is used to 
explain the National Science Foundation's interest in funding TMT, with a public scoping meeting planned for this
Wednesday at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gemini Observatory Artwork by Lynette Cook

THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE MEETING IN NĀ’ALEHU THIS WEDNESDAY is preceded by an explanation online regarding National Science Foundation's decision to seek public input to determine whether to further fund TMT. The scoping meeting will be held at Nāʻālehu Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m..
    NSF poses the question, "Why is NFS considering funding a new telescope? NFS states, "The field of astronomy is entering a new era. In the next two decades, a new class of telescope — known as Extremely Large Telescopes — can be built with capabilities well beyond that of space-based telescopes.
    "These new telescopes will explore the signatures of life on other worlds, answering fundamental questions about humans' place in the universe: Is there other life out in the vast expanse of space? Are there other worlds with life that future generations can explore?
    "NSF is considering a potential future investment in the construction and operations of an Extremely Large Telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, the Thirty Meter Telescope. NSF understands that the possible construction of this telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai'i, is a sensitive issue that requires extensive engagement and understanding of various viewpoints.
    "NSF will not make a funding decision until after it considers the following: Public input; the environmental review of the telescope; the project's technical readiness; the project proponent's management capabilities; the availability of federal funding; and the telescope's alignment with other NSF priorities."
    NSF also states: "A decision by NSF not to go forward with an investment in the construction and operations of the Thirty Meter Telescope could be made at any time, including before the environmental review process has concluded."

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HAWAI'I'S U.S. SENATORS VOTED YES DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT on Sunday. The legislation aims to lower costs for families by investing billions in renewable energy, allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, and requiring wealthy corporations to pay their fair share in taxes.
    "The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic investment in our families, our climate, and our future. From tackling inflation, to combating climate change, to making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, this bill makes meaningful progress on some of the most pressing challenges families in Hawaii are facing, all while ensuring working families don't pay a cent more in taxes," said Sen. Mazie Hirono. "In order to reduce the deficit, this legislation also closes outrageous tax loopholes that have allowed the largest corporations to avoid paying anything in taxes. Once again, Democrats delivered for our families while Republicans sat on their hands."
     More information on the health care in the bill is available from Hirono at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Health%20FINAL.pdf.          
More information on the climate provisions in the bill is available at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Climate%20FINAL.pdf.        
More information on the tax provisions in the bill is available at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Taxes%20FINAL.pdf.

    Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This is a historic victory for the United States and the planet. We have met the ambition this crisis requires, and passed the biggest climate action in American history. By investing in clean energy, clean transportation, and climate-smart manufacturing, we’ll cut emissions 40 percent by the end of the decade. And we’re going to pay for it all by making billion-dollar corporations finally pay their fair share of taxes. We’re also lowering the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and making health care more affordable – all while saving taxpayer dollars.”

    Schatz pointed out that investing in residential clean energy, the bill extends residential clean energy credit for ten years at the full 30 percent rate, which Hawai‘i residents can use for rooftop solar and battery storage purchases. It gives Hawai‘i residents access to $9 billion in new rebates for home electrification. It revises the expired energy efficiency home improvement credit and increasing its limit from $500 lifetime to $1,200 annually per taxpayer, which Hawai‘i residents can use for heat pumps, doors and windows, home energy audits, and other efficiency upgrades. It revives the expired tax credit for new energy-efficient homes.

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James Yamaki heads up this year's Kaʻū High Alumni & Friends
Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 21 at Pāhala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal
KA'Ū HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS ANNUAL REUNION IS LIVE on Sunday, Aug. 21. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. All are welcome; just bring a potluck dish. A message from organizers says, "The County has eased COVID-19 rules to allow the public to meet for social gatherings at the center. This is the 19th potluck reunion. The potluck was canceled the last two years due to the corona virus pandemic."
    Chase Cabudol and Calvin Ponce are featured entertainers. "Their music will give the reunion an air of festivity. Their upbeat tempo is conducive for dancing," said organizer James Yamaki. "Past potluck reunions have been a showcase of Kaʻū talent and this year is no exception. Expect the unexpected."
Chase Cabudol. Photo by Julia Neal
    He said that this year's reunion is informal and set up for participation by the broader community. The potluck reunion is held annually on the Sunday of the Statehood Admission Day weekend. It is designed so that classes can hold their own reunions during the weekend and wrap them up by joining the other alumni and friends at the Sunday gathering. He said, "Younger alumni are encouraged to attend to keep the tradition going."
    The class of 1958, which started this annual gathering in 2002, is hosting this year's event. Yamaki is in charge, assisted by registration chair Richard Fujioka and food-line coordinator Mary Gravel Peralta. Assisting are Ernest Kalani, entertainment; Lovey Gerantz, decoration, publicity and program and Ju Ann Kai, assisting with the program. Lisa Dacalio has been the featured artist creating whimsical posters publicizing the annual events. Her poster is of Punalu'u Beach.

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