Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Congressman Ed Case and Congresswoman-elect Jill Tokuda expected to take their seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
 on Jan. 3. There was no swearing in without a Speaker of the House. Voting for Speaker is set to continue Thursday.
Photo from Congressman Ed Case

Jill Tokuda has an office but can't be sworn in to her new seat
 in the U.S. Congress representing Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i
 until a Speaker of the House is selected. Photo from Tokuda

KA'Ū'S NEW CONGRESSWOMAN JILL TOKUDA has yet to be sworn in. Without a Speaker of the House, all members of Congress are waiting to be seated in the 118th Congress. Tokuda wrote: "Yesterday, newly elected members of the 118th Congress were supposed to be officially sworn into office so we could finally get to work! Instead, we watched as embattled Republicans fought over who should lead their party. After three failed attempts yesterday and three today, they don't seem any closer to a resolution to elect a new Speaker. This is historic.     

    "The last time a Speaker election required more than one floor vote was in 1923. But worst of all, until Republicans can agree on a Speaker candidate, we cannot be sworn in or begin the critical work of the people's house. .....It's clear that no matter who is elected Speaker, the new Republican majority will continue to operate in disarray. Our country needs stable leadership to get things done, so I'm working hard to do what I can to help take back the House in 2024."

     Tokuda also invited all Second District constituents, including Ka'u citizens, to Washington. "If you’re ever in DC, come visit us in Longworth 1005."

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Ikaika Anderson, nominated by Gov. Josh Green to lead DHHL
 announced on Wednesday that a new water system in Ka'u starts
 construction on Monday. Photo from HPR

DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS and Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd are scheduled to
begin construction on the County of Hawai'i Department of Water Supply Public Water System #108 – Waiʻōhinu-Naʻalehu.
    The improvements include the construction of a 100,000-gallon water storage tank and appurtenances. A water filling station with a spigot will also be placed in the Kamāʻoa subdivision on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    According to a DHHL statement from Ikaika Anderson, who was nominated to head the department by Gov. Josh Green, work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 9, and is anticipated to conclude at the end of the year. The public should expect construction materials and work crews along South Point Road throughout the construction period. For more information, call 808-620-9500.

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HELICOPTER OPERATIONS BY HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be conducted in January:
    Jan. 9 and 12 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for survey and control of invasive Guinea grass along Keauhou Trail between sea level to 2,400-ft. elevation. Flights include transportation of natural resources crew,

Helicopter flights to Keauhou in Hawai'i Volcanoes
will deliver crew to reduce invasive fountain grass.
NPS photo

camp gear and supplies.
    Jan. 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for survey and control of invasive Guinea grass along Keauhou Trail from sea level to 2,400-ft. elevation.
    Jan. 19 between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for survey and control of invasive fountain grass from park's west boundary to Keauhou, between sea level and the 4000-ft. elevation.
    In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    A statement from the Park says, "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

 Kaʻū took down Pahoa on Tuesday.
Photo by Deanna Navarro

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KA'Ū BEAT PAHOA IN BOYS BASKETBALL on Tuesday night, led by Coach Troy Gacayan. The score was 44-22. Pahoa hosted the game.  Kaʻū Trojans will host St. Joseph this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.  Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet 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.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.