Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 2, 2024

Mazie Hirono, who represents Kaʻū and all of Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate, visited hotel workers
on strike on Labor Day. Photo from Hirono 

ON LABOR DAY, MAZIE HIRONO, who represents Kaʻū and all of Hawai'i in the U.S. Senate, released the following statement: "As we celebrate and honor working people this Labor Day, thousands of hotel workers in Hawai'i and across the country are on strike for better wages and fair treatment.
    "During the COVID crisis, cutbacks to hotel staffing and services forced workers to do more with less—cutbacks that have yet to be restored. While hotel profits are high, workers aren’t seeing the benefits they deserve.
    "I'm proud to join UNITE HERE! Local 5 workers on the picket line in Waikiki and I urge hotel management to come to an agreement with striking workers in Hawai'i and around the country."

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Rep. Jill Tokuda joins workers on strike. Photo from Tokuda

A MESSAGE SUPPORTING LABOR CAME FROM REP. JILL TOKUDA, who represents Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i in the U.S. Congress. She said, "Today, we honor the hard-working women and men who keep our communities thriving. Labor Day is a time to reflect on the immense contributions of workers and the rights we now hold dear, such as the eight-hour workday, a minimum wage, and employer-provided benefits.
    "Despite our progress, we can never take workers' rights for granted. We must continue to fight for affordable housing, fair wages that keep pace with the cost of living, and opportunities for our children to thrive here in Hawaiʻi.
    "As someone whose father was a Unite Here! Local 5 member, and as a former member myself, I know firsthand the importance of standing with our workers. As a member of Congress, the working women and men of Hawaiʻi can always count on my support.
    "On this Labor Day, please join me in expressing our gratitude to the labor movement and all who continue to push for a more just and equitable society."

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KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE TUESDAY MEETING at 5 p.m., Sept. 3, will be held at the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym at 5 p.m. On the agenda are:
    Update on 2024 coffee cherry prices.
    Managers of Kaʻū Coffee Mill and MTZ Coffee mill are scheduled to explain their requirements for purchasing Kaʻū Coffee from growers.
    Kaʻū Coffee farmer Joan Obra will give a report regarding the recent storm, created by Hurricane Hone that passed 45 miles south of South Point.
    Kaʻū Coffee Growers Cooperative President Gloria Camba said the cooperative is requesting reporting on number of coffee trees damaged.

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THE NEXT TROJAN LADIES HOME VOLLEYBALL GAME is this Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. when 

Lapahoehoe Community Public Charter School travels to the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym.

    Pahoa comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Trojans go on the road to Waiakea on Friday, Sept. 13 and again to Kamehameha on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Hilo comes to Kaʻū on Thursday, Sept. 19. Kea'au comes to Kaʻū on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Kaʻū travels to Christian Liberty on Saturday, Sept. 28 and to Lapahoehoe on Monday, Sept. 30. Ka Umeke comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Kaʻū travels to Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 12 and again to Pahoa on Monday, Oct. 13. Kamehameha comes to  Kaʻū on Wednesday, Oct. 16, followed by Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs.
   The Trojan varsity team is comprised of Mckenzie Decoito, Leahi Kaupu, Jezerie Rose Nurial-Dacalio, Kiara Ortrega-Oliveira, Jazmyn Navarro, Aubrey Delos Santos-Graig, Aljshae Barrios, CaLiya Silva-Kamei and Zia Rae Wroblewski.

    The JV team is comprised of Deijah Cabanilla-Nogales, Lily Dacalio, Christy Girl Grohs, Megan Pierpont, Kalesha Hashimoto, Alazae Forcum, Wailea Kainoa Haili-Barawis and Dhaylee Cabreros.

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Saturday, Sept. 7