Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 18, 2024

On national television, online and in print, Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green opposed the nomination of Robert Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of Health & Human Services during interviews over the weekend.
Image from CNN interview

GOV. JOSH GREEN HAS TAKEN ON THE NOMINATION OF ROBERT KENNEDY, JR., selected to become Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. On national and in the Hawai'i press over the weekend, Green, a physician who practiced in Kaʻū, opposed the RFK choice by President-Elect Donald Trump.
      "RFK, Jr. is the worst possible nominee for HHS Secretary," said Green. He told the story of Samoa in 2019 where RFK "went and torpedoed confidence in the vaccination of that country." Green said thousands and thousands of measles cases were spreading in Samoa and its Prime Minister called on Hawai'i to lead a medical mission to give the vaccinations. As Lt. Governor, Green traveled to Samoa with over 70 health care workers and vaccinated some 36,997 in two days and "the measles stopped."

Gov. Josh Green says RFK, Jr. damaged  confidence
 in measles vaccinations in Samoa, leading to a deadly
 outbreak and Hawai'i health care providers coming
 to the rescue.

    Green said, "What he did by destroying confidence in that nation's health care system directly resulted in the deaths of up to 83 people," most of them under the age of five. 
    Green said he worries about RFK further spreading vaccination fear in the U.S., saying there are challenges to getting vaccination programs to many communities in this nation. "When he throws this program under the bus, or doesn't show commitment to it, or spreads false information or false claims about vaccinations and their safety, millions of people will stop getting vaccinated and then you'll get surges in measles, you'll get surges in polio, you'll get surges in meningitis, and it will either kill young individuals and our children or leave them with neurological damage. I'm a physician. I came to Hawai'i with the National Health Service Corps. I practiced fulltime all the way until I became governor."
    Green said, "This is a cruel joke that President Trump is playing on the American people. The Republican Senators have to reject this nomination. It would be ok, I suppose, for RFK to go and work in the environmental sector of the Trump Administration." RFK has led environmental causes and was associated with Save Our Seas in Hawai'i.
   Green said RFK has no experience as a nurse, as a doctor, as a social worker. "He's never had a degree in public health. He's simply a bombastic personality. And this time people are going to die if he is confirmed."
   Green also pointed to RFK's views on fluoridation of water, with Green saying that children's oral health is better with it. He also said he is concerned about RFK possibly lifting restrictions on sales of raw milk. Green offered to testify during any Senate confirmation regarding RFK.

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HAWAI'I COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION SEEKS APPLICANTS. The County of Hawai'i is encouraging residents, ages 14 to 24, to apply to serve a two-year term on the Youth Commission. "This is a valuable chance for youth to get involved in local government and directly impact decisions that shape Hawai'i Island's future," says its statement.

     The Youth Commissioner for District 6, which includes parts of Puna, all of Kaʻū into Kona, is Marquis Fonoimoana who was chosen in 2023. County Council member Michelle Galimba described him: "A lifelong resident of Hawaiʻi and Senior at Konawaena High School, Marquis is prepared to take on the role of youth commissioner. He is committed to serving his community and peers and would like to work toward improving youth programs and access to education.
    "Marquis currently serves as the Student President and Board of Director of the Student Credit Union and is also an active member of the Konawaena Leo Club. Marquis has an extensive background in planning and coordinating community events and fundraisers like Relay for Life, Real Men Wear Pink and the Childrenʻs Miracle Network as well as participating in various food and clothing drives held throughout the year.

    "Marquis is also a member of the Konawaena Lacrosse Club and the Captain of the Konawaena Bowling Team. He also enjoys playing and creating music in his free time and can play the guitar, ukulele and the Tahitian banjo."
    While his term continues into 2025, interested Kaʻū young people who would like to serve on the Youth Commission can apply for one of the three appointments to be made by Mayor-elect Kimo Alameda.
    The Youth Commission's goals are to identify the aspirations, needs, and concerns of the county's youth. This includes examining and devising strategies that support or improve existing social, economic, educational, health, and recreational programs for youth, or develop new programs and submit recommendations to the Council or Mayor for consideration or action. The Commissioners are also responsible for advising the County Council and Mayor on the effects of legislative policies, needs, assessments, priorities, programs, and budgets concerning the county's youth.

Eric Pomaikai Gee is Chair of
Hawai'i County Youth Commission

    Council Member Jenn Kagiwada, ex-officio member of the Commission, says "serving as a Youth Commissioner is a great introductory experience into understanding how government works and a rewarding way to engage in service to our community. I am encouraging all youth who may be interested to find out more or apply today."

    As half of the Commissioners' terms are scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2024, open positions will be available for District 1, District 3, District 5, District 7, District 9, as well as three Mayoral appointees.
    The public is always welcome to attend meetings of the Youth Commission. Chair of the Youth Commission, Eric Pōmaikaʻi Gee is encouraging all to attend the final meeting of the year to bid farewell to outgoing Commissioners. The meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hawai'i Council Chambers at the West Hawai'i Civic Center.
    Chair Gee shared his thoughts, "It has been my pleasure and honor to serve as the inaugural Chairperson of the County of Hawaiʻi Youth Commission. Over the past year, I have seen our island's youth come together and advocate for positive change around Hawaiʻi. As the commission approaches a transitional time, I hope for the incoming cohort to have the same passion and flare that I have seen during my time as chairperson."
    For more information or to apply to become a Commissioner visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/youth-commission or contact Council Member Kagiwada's office at (808) 961-8272 with questions.

Hawai'i County Youth Commission is seeking new members. The District 6 commissioner who
represents Kaʻū and beyond is in back row, gray shirt. He is Marquis Fonoimoana. Photo from Youth Commission

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COUNTY COUNCIL COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP ROLES for 2024-2026 have been accepted by Kaʻū's Council Member Michelle Galimba.  She will serve as Chair of Communications, Reports & Council Oversight Committee and Vice-Chair of Policy Committee on Planning & Land Use.

Kanikapila at VAC every Wednesday.

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KANIKAPILA JAM SESSIONS are every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Volcano art Center's Niaulani campus. Bring instruments and enjoy garage-style jamming. Donations accepted, $5 recommended. The location is 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. Call 808-967-8222.

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