Sunday, October 02, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022

How to Apply for a Federal Job is the subject of an After Dark in the Park presentation this Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m in Kīlauea
 Visitor Center Auditorium. See more below. NPS photo
BRANDY EBANEZ WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER IN WASHINGTON STATE on Tuesday and police and family suspect murder connected to domestic violence. Her body was found floating downstream of the cable bridge across the Columbia River in Kennewick, WA. by a fisherman.
    Family members have flown from Hawai'i in an attempt to retrieve her two children and bring them
The late Brandy Ebanez
back to her family home town of Pahala. See https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-the-loving-memory-of-brandy-ebanez.
    Brandy Ebanez is the daughter of Joanne Ebanez, of Pāhala, and the late Almarich Douglas Ebanez, two of Ka'u's first coffee farmers.
    A message from Brandy Ebanez's siblings, entitled Justice for Brandy, says, "She was a mother, a daughter, a sister an auntie and a niece. She was beautiful, feisty and kind-hearted.
    "But she was also a vicim of domestic violence. Because of this heinous act of violence, she will never get to teach her two girls how to drive. She will never get to watch them graduate. She won't get to watch them walk down the aisle when they get married and all of the little beautiful and precious moments in between that a mother should be experiencing with her babies."
    "Our sister, Brandy Elizabeth Irene Ebanez, was born and raised in Pāhala, Hawai'i and was 34 years young and left us way to soon by the worst imaginable way to be taken. Let's just call a spade a spade she was murdered. She was killed, then her body was put into the water to not be found, like she didn't matter, like no one was out there worried and wondering where she was for weeks. But by the grace of God, she was found and we thank the fisherman who did find her. Because of him/her, we get to bring her home where she belongs and we're sure her soul is now resting in peace.
    "Because the laws of domestic violence being light, he continued to do what he did, not caring for the consequences. And if we had more harsh laws, this could have been prevented. But now our mom has to

say goodbye to her baby girl before any parent should bury their child.
    "Our sister Brandy was loved wholeheartedly, so if you have any information about this case please contact Kennewick Police in Washington. Please share our sister's story so it's out there and her story is told. Justice for Brandy."
    Brandy Ebanez's sister Breann Ebanez, of Pāhala, said, "I don't think anybody should go through this, especially that she leaves two young kids behind." Friend Melrae Smith told Hawai'i News Now that Brandy Ebanez is remembered her for her kind and loving nature. "Brandy has a heart of gold. She is loved everywhere she touches. We work in the medical field and everybody loves her.” Hawai'i News Now reported that Ebanez’s friends encourage anyone who experiences domestic violence to seek help. Hawai'i News Now also reported that it is "unclear if the suspect has been charged." Media in Washington state reported that the apartment where she lived with her boyfriend and two children was being scoured by police during their investigation. Anyone with any information can call the Benton County Sheriff's Office at 509-735-6555.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

West Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives
 Jeanne Kapela. Photo from Office of Kapela
MINIMUM WAGE IN HAWAI'I ROSE TO $12 AN HOUR from $10.10 an hour on Saturday. The hike was approved by the 2022 Hawai'i Legislature and signed by Gov. David Ige. The rise in minimum wage will continue incrementally. Minimum wage will go up incrementally to $14 on Jan. 1, 2024, $16 on Jan. 1, 2026 and $18 on Jan. 1, 2028.    
    West Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives Jeanne Kapela said, "Finally, the workers on whom our economy relies are getting a raise. Yet, we must do more to deliver prosperity for working families. That's why I'm fighting for paid sick and family leave, truly affordable housing, a state child tax credit, and an education system that gives all keiki the opportunities they deserve. This is a good day for our islands' workforce. Together, we can ensure that the future includes many more victories for the people of Hawai'i Nei."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

Top job: Hawa'i Volcanoes Superintendent Rhonda Loh. After
 Dark in the Park this Tuesday helps people to apply for
employment at the Park and other federal agencies. NPS photo
AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: How Do I Apply for a Federal Job? Shape America’s Future: Find Your Fit in the federal government. Join Park Ranger Ben Hayes, this Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, as he explains how to find and apply for federal career opportunities. Hayes will demonstrate navigating the USAJobs website, share resume writing tips, and "how to find your fit" in the National Park Service and other federal agencies.
    Program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. For information, call (808) 985-6011. A $2 donation helps to support park programs. Park entrance fees apply.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

OCTOBER IS ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH. Hawai'i Energy issued a statement: "As we face record-breaking (and not in a good way) climate impacts and sky-high expenses, making smart choices about how and when we use energy matters more than ever. Hawai'i Energy encourages everyone to

"Level Up. Try one new habit as a family, like taking shorter showers, or maybe finally give that contractor a call about a more efficient water heater replacement." Hawai'i Energy urges replacing old appliances with ENERGY STAR® models, switching from incandescent or CFL to LED bulbs and "consider producing your own energy with renewable technologies, like a solar photovoltaic system."    For more ways to #LEVELUPNOW visit HawaiiEnergy.com/EAM.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

KA'Ū SCORED ONE TOUCHDOWN AGAINST HONOKA'A on Saturday, with the Dragons taking hold to the win the game on the Pāhala ballfield 36-6.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.