Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023

Hawaiian indigenous food systems go deeper than the lu'au depicted in the art above. Tune in and participate in University of Hawai'i's forum on Feb. 23 from 10:30 to 1 p.m. It's called Indigenous Food Systems and features experts in redeveloping sustainable Hawaiian agriculture. See more below.

A CALL FOR NEW POLICE OFFICERS is underway from Hawai‘i Police Department. HPD released a statement Sunday, saying it is looking for qualified people interested in serving the Hawai‘i Island community as part of its upcoming recruitment for entry-level police officers. Recruitment opened Sunday, and will close at 11:59 p.m., Hawai'i Standard Time, on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

    “Police work is a very dynamic profession where no two days are ever the same,” said HPD Sergeant Jason Grouns. “The challenges are real, but so are the rewards of knowing that you made a difference in someone’s life. If you feel that you’re up to the challenge and have what it takes to work in a high-paced environment, then I strongly encourage you to apply,” said the 23-year veteran.

    Starting salary for Police Officer I positions is $68,940 a year with benefits, including paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, health insurance, group life insurance, a uniforms and equipment stipend, automobile subsidy, and retirement. For the first time ever, Police Officer I positions may be eligible to receive a $1,000 recruitment incentive (conditions apply.) 

    Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:

    Graduated from high school or obtained a GED.
    Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and word usage.
    Possess a valid driver’s license.
    Be at least 20 years of age at the time of filing, and at least 21 years of age by the time of graduation from the Police Academy.

   Be qualified to carry and/or possess firearms or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws.
    Must not have any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions.
    Meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations, such as have a correct ratio of weight to height; possess good eyesight and good physical condition and agility according to standards set by the County of Hawai‘i.
    Submitting an application is the first of several steps to becoming an officer with the Hawai‘i Police Department. The HPD statement says, "The department prides itself on its rigorous screening and training program that graduates highly

qualified officers. Applicants that meet the initial minimum requirements must then pass a written test, physical agility test, stringent background check, polygraph examination, psychological test, formal interview, medical clearance, and drug screening.
    "Upon hiring, they will then undertake six months of academy training five days a week. After successful completion of academy training, new recruits will transition from an academic setting to four months of field training where they are paired with an experienced officer and gain hands-on experience, forming the foundation of their career."
    Applicants must apply using the County of Hawaiʻi Job Opportunities web page and create an account. For more information, visit the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Police Officer Recruitment page at www.hawaiipolice.com. Hawaiʻi County is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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HOW TO HIRE EMPLOYEES, MANAGE THEM AND PAY THEM is the subject of a class announced to local farmers and ranchers by University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources. The session is online this Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The Webinar costs $15 and registration is being taken at https://clients.hisbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=5430003.

     The class is facilitated by Hawai'i Small Business Development Center, which notes in the class description: "It's a big step in the life cycle of your company's development. Join us and learn what employers need to do before hiring employees. Learn about the staffing decisions you need to make, developing policies and procedures, processing payroll, and wage and hour compliance. We will also be discussing different recruitment strategies to attract candidates and the various employment laws you need to know when hiring employees."

    The speaker is Mislyn Alensonorin, Manager & Sr. HR Consultant, Vantaggio HR Hawai'i.

DON'T BURN YOUR BRAND: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES FOR FOOD BUSINESS. Learn about branding and protecting the name of a business during a free Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership online seminar on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The class description asks, "Are you a restauranteur? A chef? A food truck operator? Do you want to learn how intellectual property rights can help you protect your business? If so, this event is a must-attend! Join a trademark attorney from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for an overview of trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets in the food service industry. You will learn about these intellectual property rights and how to use them to protect what makes your restaurant special!"
    The speaker is Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademarks Customer Outreach, U.S. Patent Trade Office.

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.

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.

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.

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.