Thursday, May 09, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 9, 2024

Reverendo William Tulua, of Mexican and Tongan heritage, will lead mass in the Spanish language
starting this Sunday at Sacred Heart Church in Nāʻālehu. Photo from Sacred Heart

CATHOLIC MASS IN THE SPANISH LANGUAGE begins this Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church in Nāʻālehu at 1 p.m. Reverendo William Tulua will be the celebrant at the mass delivered second Sunday of each month. If needed, he said, the mass will be twice a month.
    Aloha Latinos Hawai'i Association sent out the message. "Reverendo Guiermo Tulua - Todos estan invitado a La Misa Católica en Espaniol cada segundo Domingo del mes a 1 p.m. en La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon en Na'alehu. Los esperamos, gracias."
    Tulua's father is Togan, mother Mexican. He said the mass serves the increasing number of Spanish people working and living in Kaʻū. Most arrive here to work in agriculture; some become farm owners.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

MACADAMIA BRAND PROTECTION was approved last week in the Hawai'i Legislature and sits on Gov. Josh Green's desk awaiting his signature. The new law would require Mauna Loa and other macadamia-nut processors to disclose on their labels when a portion of the nuts included in their Hawaiian product come from outside this state. The label must state country of origin.
Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company advocates
for truth in labeling through state and federal protection.
    Kaʻū macadamia nut growers who sell 100 percent Hawaiian lobbied for the measure. They include small farmers and those with thousands of acres, including Hamakua Macadamia and Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co.
    Australia, South Africa and China are some of the countries sending mac nuts to Hawai'i to sell to blenders, who use packaging that indicates the nuts are from Hawai'i.
   Representatives of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. said they are also looking into macadamia brant protection through existing federal laws. A bill to protect coffee branding is also on the governor's desk.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CU HAWAI'I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAS DONATED $20K on Hawai'i Island. The donation goes to Hawai'i Island Community Development Corp, leveraging a matching grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. CU Hawai'i’s donation and matching grant to HICDC will support the development of additional self-help housing units. HICDC’s mission is to facilitate the development of housing for low- and moderate-income households on Hawaiʻi Island through direct development and self-help development coordination. HICDC Executive Director Keith Kato said, “These matching gifts will help our organization create more housing for those in our community who many times need the most help to become homeowners.”
    CU Hawai'i serves Kaʻū through a location in Nāʻālehu on weekdays and a location in Pāhala on Fridays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

Bob Northrop, killed by dogs in OV. Under
new law such a death would likely bring a
felony charge to dog owners.
OWNERS OF DOGS WHO SEVERELY INJURE OR KILL A PERSON would be subject to felony penalties under the new law passed by the 2024 Hawai'i Legislature. Gov Josh Green is expected to sign the bill into law. Under current law, owners whose dogs seriously injured or killed a person are subjected to a petty misdemeanor. The new Class 3 felony requires incarceration for no less than one year and up to five years in prison. The fine is no less than $1,000 and as steep as $10,000.
     One of the tragedies that prompted the passing of the new law was the death of Bob Northrop, father of Shannon Matson. She lobbied for the tougher penalties with help from attorney Teresa Tico who was also attacked by a vicious dog. 
    Northrop died after being attacked by a pack of dogs while walking to a friend's house in Ocean View.
    Matson noted that the public can contact the governor to encourage him to sign the legislation. "The bill number is HB2058 and while it is expected Gov. will sign it, it doesn’t hurt for people to voice their support for its passage here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/cont.../comments-on-legislation/"

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

THIRTY-TWO INDIVIDUALS ON THE POLICE WANTED LIST WERE ARRESTED in a sweep April 27-May 2 in West Hawai'i. They were taken in to custody for a total of 55 charges. Conducted by detectives from Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Vice Section, Area I Special Enforcement Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, the sweep resulted in offenses ranging from contempt of court, probation violation, probation no bail, failure to appear, and other related offenses. The sweep resulted in the recovery of 300 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of heroin, an illegal assault rifle, and $17,000 in currency seized for forfeiture.
    Police encourage the public to call the Police Department’s 24-hour ice hotlines to provide anonymous information about “ice” and other illegal drugs and the whereabouts of wanted fugitives. The hotline phone numbers are 329-“ZERO-ICE” (329-0423) in Kona and 934-“VICE” (934-8423) in Hilo.
    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

JOHN P. ALAMODIN IS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES for the state of Hawai'i. Gov. Josh Green appointed him and said he will will start on June 16. OVS is a division in the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Defense and Alamodin will oversee a staff of 25. The longtime former Director, COL (RET) Ron Han, passed away in August of 2023.
    Alamodin comes to the state from the Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani where he served as the Senior Director since 2022. Alamodin is currently a Major in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard as serves as a Behavioral Health Officer. He has over eight years in the Hawai‘i Guard and served as the Headquarters Commander of the Medical Readiness Detachment. He has supported state responses such as COVID-19 and as the Senior Behavioral Health Officer in the Hawai‘i National Guard’s Joint Task Force Maui for a multi-governmental agency during the Maui wildfires recovery effort.
John Alamodin is new Diretor of Veterans' Services for State of Hawai'i.
    Some of the previous civilian positions he held were as Clinic Director for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child and Family Service, as the Deputy Director for the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers in Wailuku, a Training and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Lincy Institute (UNLV), Senior Social Worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas, and as the Director of Health, Human Services and Housing for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
    In 2011, Alamodin direct commissioned into the Army for active duty service at Fort Hood, Texas. Alamodin has deployed three times, initially in 2012-13 in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom as a Behavioral Health Officer in Charge with the 44th Medical Brigade. In 2014, he transitioned to the Texas Army National Guard and deployed in 2017-18 as a Behavioral Health Officer in Charge for the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade in Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait. Following his return, he inter-state transferred back home to the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard. In 2022-23, he deployed again with the Texas Army National Guard and the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade for Joint Task Force Mustang in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, and served as Senior Field Grade Officer in Charge of a Combat Aviation Combined Joint Task Force for 1,500 Soldiers from Texas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New York, Puerto Rico, and Hawai‘i Army National Guard units deployed in theater for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
    The Office of Veterans’ Services has its main office at the Tripler Army Medical Center. They are responsible for development and management of policies and programs related to Veterans’, their dependents, and/or survivors. OVS acts as a liaison between the Governor and veterans’ organizations and between the Department of Veterans Affairs and individual veterans. OVS has counselors on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and two on Hawai‘i. OVS also manages the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com.
7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

A FLOOD WATCH FOR ENTIRE ISLAND AND STATE is the Alert from Hawai'i Country Civil Defense Agency. National Weather service reminds that a Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding and notes the following:
    Flooding may not occur, but is possible.
    Due to the Flood Watch, be advised:
    Thunderstorms will produce heavy rains, high winds and lightning.
    Residents in flood prone areas should be prepared for heavy rains and potential flooding
    Be aware that road closures may occur without notice
    Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown.
    If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.
    You will be informed as conditions change.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com.
7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

HOME HERBALIST WORKSHOP WITH HEATHER PENFIELD is Saturday May 11 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn germ boosting powers of plants & herbs and discover how to use them, learn the art of making effective remedies at home. Watch how products are made from start to finish. Includes: class handout with recipes and samples. Class fee is $60/$55 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

NA'OHULELUA HISTORICAL GARDEN, NURSERY & NATIVE PROPAGATION CENTER IS OPEN Saturday, May 11, Sunday May 19 and Saturday May 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 94-6488 Kama'ōa Road, Nāʻālehu. Offering rare & endangered native Hawaiian plants, several varieties of organic Moringa "The Miracle Tree" & more, ready to plant. A Mission of Alanui 'O Ka'ū a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Private appointments, special orders, volunteer opportunities and other inquiries text (808) 256-3193.

ZENTANGLE® RIXTY VARIATIONS WORKSHOP WITH IRIS THORNTON is Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Rixty is a simple and dynamic tangle that is odd and familiar at the same time. This class is open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. Students are encouraged to bring snacks/beverages to share. Cost is $35/$30 VAC members plus a $15 supply and facility fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

HULA KAHIKO UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU KINI KAʻAWA is Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. Presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. For more information call (808) 967-7565.

SOUTH HAWAI`I SYMPHONY PRESENTS: MOTHERS' APPRECIATION CONCERT. Saturday, May 11 from 2 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center, 94-1604 Makali`i St, Nāʻālehu. With classical pieces by Mozart and Shubert and popular music from movies such as Star Wars, Ben Hur, Harry Potter, E.T. and more. Farley Sangels will conduct 15-piece orchestra. Free event. Donations welcome.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST: "TAKE A GIANT STEP OUTSIDE YOUR MIND – A HISTORY OF JAZZ GUITAR MUSIC" is Saturday, May 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Featuring internationally known and respected guitarist and vocalist Benny Yutake, along with JP and the Jazztones featuring JP Thoma on saxophones and clarinet, Joey Carroll on vocals, acoustic as well as electric bass, and Owen Matsui on percussion. Tickets are $25 for VAC members and $30 for non-members. Purchase tickets at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village.

VOLCANO WINERY'S MOTHER'S DAY MARKET is Sunday, May 12 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Volcano Winery, 35 Piʻi Mauna Drive, Volcano. Featuring wine, crafts, food and more. More information at https://m.facebook.com/volcanowinery/.

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT: FEATURING THE VOLCANO CHAMBER PLAYERS is Sunday, May 12 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Dietrich Varez Hall in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert is a special tribute to mothers. Beverages and pupu will be available for purchase. Tickets available at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/purchase-tickets-to-vac-events/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com
7,500 copies the mail and on stands.