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Thursday, December 12, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.12, 2024

May be an image of 11 people and crowd
Kūpuna Jessie Ke gives the blessing for the expansion of Kaʻū Hospital & East Hawai'i Health Clinic this past Monday. Below
the staff celebrates the future in the expansion area under the building. Photos from Hilo Benioff Medical Center
KAʻŪ HOSPITAL & ITS EAST HAWAI'I HEALTH CLINIC CELEBRATED ITS UPCOMING $9 MILLION EXPANSION with a blessing on Monday. On hand were state Sen. Dru Kanuha and Rep. Jeanne Kapela, who helped with the state funding, as well as hospital and clinic administrators and staff, representatives of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association and Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation.
    Hilo Benioff Medical Center, which oversees the facility, announced it will add five exam rooms to the existing four at Kaʻū Clinic. They are slated for primary care and behavioral care. Much of the expansion will be constructed under the hospital building.
    Also on the agenda are updating the clinic interior, new flooring, paint and ceiling tiles; relocating administration and business offices to the lower level; relocating and updating the laboratory; and upgrading wastewater infrastructure. The project is expected to last 18-24 months, with an estimated completion in mid-2026.
   Sen. Dru Kanuha issued a statement saying, “During my visits to Kaʻū Hospital it became clear just how vital this CIP project is to ensure quality access to medical services for the Kaʻū community. I’m excited that these funds will enable Hawai'i Health System Corp. to expand and modernize the hospital, and l look forward to working with HHSC to create opportunities for improved care for our local residents.”
    Jessie Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, said,“As an advocate of the community, I think any services that can be expanded is an asset to our people. It was nice to see all of the elected officials and the staff and representatives of Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation come together to celebrate. It was a good day to fulfill our mission to continue networking and advocating for the people of Kaʻū.”
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Lexi Manilla-Louis
THE FIRST KAʻŪ TARO FESTIVAL ALI'I YOUTH COURT HAS BEEN
Arabella Ortega
NAMED. The court is comprised of Arabella Ortega, 13, from Pāhala, Ioane Naboa, 12, from Nāʻālehu, Alazae Forcum, 15, from Ocean View and Lexi Manilla-Louis, 18, from Pāhala. Manilla-Louis is a college student and recipient of an O Kaʻū
 Kākou scholarship.
    The Festival raises money for the OKK scholarship fund.
    The Youth Court will reign over the Kaʻū Taro Festival this Saturday at the Herkes
Ioane Naboa
Kaʻū District Gym Complex from noon to 5 p.m. The court will also join the Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, riding on a float. The Taro Festival is organized by O Kaʻū Kākou's Tim DeLozier, of Pāhala, and numerous volunteers.
Zae Forcum

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Teresa Fitzgerals with her Kaʻū Keiki Singers and Teresa's Music Studio students with their Christmas Concert.
Photo form Teersa's Music Studio

A FULL HOUSE FOR KAʻŪ KEIKI SINGERS AND TERESA'S MUSIC STUDIO filled Ocean View Community Center last Saturday. Seventeen 17 performers from Kaʻū Keiki Singers and eight students from Teresa's Music Studio took to the stage to create the concert. It featured a variety of holiday songs ranging from the 16th century to contemporary tunes, highlighting the dedication and passion of the young performers.
    The choir is part of an innovative community outreach program aimed at providing local children with access to the transformative benefits of music education. "I believe every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music," said Teresa Fitzgerald the choir's director. "Each of our performances is a celebration of that mission."
    Seven young pianists and one vocal soloist also took center stage to perform beautiful solo pieces,
A soloist at the full house concert in Ocean View.
Photo from Teresa's Music Studio
impressing the audience with their skill and composure. Even with the obvious nerves the students' hard work was evident.
The audience responded with warm applause, showing their support not only for the performances but also for the broader goal of the program— to enrich the lives of young people through the arts.
The choir program has rapidly grown in popularity, with 36 students taking part over its three year existence. For many children, the program provides not just an introduction to music, but also a sense of belonging and achievement that extends far beyond the stage.
    "It's amazing to see how music brings us together," said one parent in the audience. "This program has made such a difference in my child's life, and it's clear that the children love being part of it."
    As the night ended, "the smiles on the young performers' faces spoke volumes. Thanks to the support of the community and the dedicated leadership of the choir program, these children are gaining more than just musical skills— they're building confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts," said Fitzgerald.
    The choir will begin rehearsals on Thursday, Jan. 16 for the spring concert. For more information about the choir or Teresa's Music Studio, and to find out how to get involved, visit https://musicwithteresa.mymusicstaff.com.

Teresa's Music Studio begins practice for the Spring Concert on Jan. 16. Photo from Teresa's Music Studio

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