Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023

Congressman Ed Case and Congresswoman-elect Jill Tokuda expected to take their seats in the U.S. House of Representatives
 on Jan. 3. There was no swearing in without a Speaker of the House. Voting for Speaker is set to continue Thursday.
Photo from Congressman Ed Case

Jill Tokuda has an office but can't be sworn in to her new seat
 in the U.S. Congress representing Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i
 until a Speaker of the House is selected. Photo from Tokuda

KA'Ū'S NEW CONGRESSWOMAN JILL TOKUDA has yet to be sworn in. Without a Speaker of the House, all members of Congress are waiting to be seated in the 118th Congress. Tokuda wrote: "Yesterday, newly elected members of the 118th Congress were supposed to be officially sworn into office so we could finally get to work! Instead, we watched as embattled Republicans fought over who should lead their party. After three failed attempts yesterday and three today, they don't seem any closer to a resolution to elect a new Speaker. This is historic.     

    "The last time a Speaker election required more than one floor vote was in 1923. But worst of all, until Republicans can agree on a Speaker candidate, we cannot be sworn in or begin the critical work of the people's house. .....It's clear that no matter who is elected Speaker, the new Republican majority will continue to operate in disarray. Our country needs stable leadership to get things done, so I'm working hard to do what I can to help take back the House in 2024."

     Tokuda also invited all Second District constituents, including Ka'u citizens, to Washington. "If you’re ever in DC, come visit us in Longworth 1005."

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.

Ikaika Anderson, nominated by Gov. Josh Green to lead DHHL
 announced on Wednesday that a new water system in Ka'u starts
 construction on Monday. Photo from HPR

DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS and Isemoto Contracting Co., Ltd are scheduled to
begin construction on the County of Hawai'i Department of Water Supply Public Water System #108 – Waiʻōhinu-Naʻalehu.
    The improvements include the construction of a 100,000-gallon water storage tank and appurtenances. A water filling station with a spigot will also be placed in the Kamāʻoa subdivision on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    According to a DHHL statement from Ikaika Anderson, who was nominated to head the department by Gov. Josh Green, work is scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 9, and is anticipated to conclude at the end of the year. The public should expect construction materials and work crews along South Point Road throughout the construction period. For more information, call 808-620-9500.

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.

HELICOPTER OPERATIONS BY HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK will be conducted in January:
    Jan. 9 and 12 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for survey and control of invasive Guinea grass along Keauhou Trail between sea level to 2,400-ft. elevation. Flights include transportation of natural resources crew,

Helicopter flights to Keauhou in Hawai'i Volcanoes
will deliver crew to reduce invasive fountain grass.
NPS photo

camp gear and supplies.
    Jan. 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for survey and control of invasive Guinea grass along Keauhou Trail from sea level to 2,400-ft. elevation.
    Jan. 19 between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for survey and control of invasive fountain grass from park's west boundary to Keauhou, between sea level and the 4000-ft. elevation.
    In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    A statement from the Park says, "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

 Kaʻū took down Pahoa on Tuesday.
Photo by Deanna Navarro

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.

KA'Ū BEAT PAHOA IN BOYS BASKETBALL on Tuesday night, led by Coach Troy Gacayan. The score was 44-22. Pahoa hosted the game.  Kaʻū Trojans will host St. Joseph this Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym.

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. Masks and social distancing required.

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.

'O 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.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023

Eric Silberger, on violin, returns to Pāhala Plantation House this Sunday, Jan. 8, with a concert to honor Kaʻū Coffee farmers.
 See more below. See www.himusicfestival.com.  Photo by Carlin Ma

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE KA'Ū RESILIENCE FAIR on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Hongawanji where more than 20 community organizations will share information, entertainment and resources. It is sponsored by Vibrant Hawai'i and Miloliʻi Kalanihale, Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub, Oceanview Marshallese Hub, Pāhala Resilience Food Hub, and Root & Rise. A statement from the Resilience Hubs says they extend a heartfelt mahalo to Kaʻū's former Council Member Maile David and HPM Building Supply for their generous support.

    Kaʻū Resilience Fair will feature performances and storytelling about the history and cultural practices of the Marshall Islands. Performances by Kaʻū youth will highlight resilience and sense of place.
    Kupa Aloha Awards will be presented to honor exemplary community contributors. There will be free keiki activities including, roping, face-painting, and art.
    The Kaʻū Resilience Fair will host more than 15 booths sharing a variety of emergency resources and opportunities. While supplies last, those who visit at least ten booths receive a free five-gallon bucket. Presenters include Hawaiʻi Community Lending, Parents Inc., Kumukahi Care Van, Hawaiian Electric, the County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development, Hawaiʻi Animal Kuleana Alliance, and KTA Pharmacy.
    There will be a Flu Shot Clinic sponsored by KTA Pharmacy. Free COVID Home Test Kits will be given out while supplies last.
    Since 2020, Kaʻū Resilience Hubs have collaborated to distribute hot meals, fresh farm produce and other foods, access to technology to support keiki during school closures, surgical masks and COVID test kits. Hubs have also provided programming, and invested in training and certification to build disaster response readiness.
    The Kaʻū Resilience Fair is one of a series of community events planned by the Vibrant Hawai'i Resilience Hub network during the season of Makahiki to spotlight the work of over 40 Resilience Hubs across the island and increase community awareness and access to resources that build preparedness and resilience to both social vulnerabilities and natural disasters.
    Vibrant Hawaiʻi is a non-profit organization on Hawaiʻi Island with a mission to dismantle silos and increase collaborative partnerships. "Our network of over 40 Resilience Hubs are trusted, people-powered venues that support residents, adapt to the changing needs of the community, and activate in times of disaster to support emergency response and recovery efforts," says a statement from Vibrant Hawai'i.
    To learn more about Resilience Hubs, visit www.vibranthawaii.org/hubs.

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.

See www.himusicfestival.com

AN EVENING OF OPERA AND SONG is coming up this Sunday at Pāhala Plantation House at 7 p.m.

    The community concert is preceded by this week's workshops led by Amy Shoremount Obra, of the Rusty Obra Ka'u Coffee family. Shoremount Obra is a soprano with the New York Metropolitan Opera and has brought classical music and opera to Pāhala since 2009.

    She brings to Pāhala many top musicians on violin,  piano and other instruments. 

    Obra, internationally acclaimed violinist Eric Shilberger and Carlin Ma, Creative Director and Festival Photographer/Videographer, founded Hawai'i International Music Festival in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The aim is "celebrating music and Hawai'i by bringing internationally acclaimed musicians to the communities of Hawai'i through innovative, interdisciplinary concerts and educational outreach opportunities. Through these unique activities, HIMF builds artistic and educational partnerships to help strengthen the classical music landscape throughout Hawai'i" says its mission statement. "HIMF re-imagines the normal classical music concert into a community-driven, holistic arts experience."

    See www.himusicfestival.com.

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.

Josh Ortega, named BIIF Division II Coach of the Year,
 encourages his team. Photo by Julia Neal

GUY ENRIQUES AND JOSH ORTEGA ARE BIIF COACHES OF THE YEAR. Enriques, of Punalu'u, is named Division I Coach of the Year for Big Island Interscholastic Federation Girls Volleyball, in his position leading the Hawai'i Island Kamehameha School team to the finals for the state championship. 

    Joshua Ortega, of Pāhala, is named Division II Coach of the Year for his role in leading Kaʻū High School Girls Volleyball. Ortrega, in addition to coaching girls volleyball, teaches physical education at Pāhala Elementary. He is a long time worker and volunteer for many duties at the school campus.

  Kaʻū players honored by Big Island Interscholastic Players Federation are: Kyla Hashimoto, Leahi Kaupu, Jazmyn Navarro, and Hayden Quihano.

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. Masks and social distancing required.

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.

'O 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.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

Increased regulation of fireworks is in the future with a bill becoming law Jan. 1 that requires all county fire departments to
 report fireworks licensing and sales to the Hawai'i Legislature each year. Photo by Julia Neal

BILLS BECAME LAW ON JAN. 1 AFTER PASSING THE HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE:
    Act 15 repeals and eliminates the deferred payment purchase option for cigarette tax stamps. It requires 
licensees to pay for stamps at the time of purchase using cash, certified check, or bank transfer.
    Act 47 establishes ranked-choice voting, where voters can choose candidates from first to last, so the winner is the candidate who ranks highest in the number of votes cast. A candidate with a majority of first choice votes wins. If there is no winner with more than 50 percent, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. The second-choice votes for the eliminated candidate are counted - that repeats until a candidate wins with a majority
    Act 49 requires the auditor of fireworks and articles pyrotechnic records for each county fire department to submit to the Legislature an annual report detailing inventory, recordkeeping, and sales of fireworks to license or permit holders.

Hawai'i, at $3.20 per pack, has one of the highest cigarette taxes
 in the country and is further regulating issuance of cigarette
stamps to vendors. Image from Wikipedia

    Act 56 Establishes provisions relating to peer-to-peer insurance coverage.
    Act 57 establishes requirements and permitting procedures for transportation network companies operating in the State. Makes permanent insurance requirements for transportation network companies and transportation network company drivers.
    Act 58 establishes provisions relating to care obligation of insurers and producers.
    Act 62 amends provisions relating to contents of declarations under condominiums laws.
    Act 69 establishes provisions relating to cumulative voting for directors under the planned community associations law.
    Act 76 amends provisions relating to cooperation between the Department of Taxation and county liquor commissions.
    Act 88 regulates the purchase of catalytic converters by used motor vehicle parts dealers and palladium, platinum, and rhodium by scrap dealers and recyclers. Subjects persons who violate related provisions to a class C felony. Establishes the felony offense of theft of catalytic converter.

It is no longer legal in Hawai'i to release balloons lighter than air.

    Act 94 amends provisions relating to operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant under use of intoxicants while operating a vehicle law.
    Act 97 establishes a statewide interoperable communications executive committee and subcommittee for public safety communications and the position of the statewide interoperable communications coordinator. Defines "interoperable communications".
  Act 141 prohibits the intentional release of balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air.
    Act 159 extends the renewal period from two years to four years for drivers who are seventy-two years of age or older but younger than eighty years of age.
    Act 161 establishes an Accessible Parking Special Account within the Disability and Communication Access Board Special Fund. Increases the state annual vehicle registration fee by $1 and requires that $1 from each annual vehicle registration fee be deposited into the Accessible Parking Special Account.
    Act 165 requires state legislators and employees to complete mandatory live or online ethics training courses every four years, subject to certain requirements.
    Act 169 establishes provisions relating to donors; consent; notice.
    Act 217 establishes provisions relating to withholding of tax by persons claiming the motion picture, digital media, and film production income tax credit under the general excise tax law.

    Act 218 amends provisions relating to the taxation board of review; appointment; removal, compensation.
    Act 283 prohibits elected state and county officials from holding any fundraiser event to raise contributions for which any price is charged or any contribution is suggested for attendance during a regular session or special session of the state legislature.
    Act 286 adopts a new Hawaiʻi Code of Military Justice to promote order and discipline in the state military forces by fostering an independent military justice system and updating nonjudicial punishment and courts-martial procedures.
    Act 298 subjects U-drive motor vehicles to the same motor vehicle registration fees as other motor vehicles. Authorizes the counties to use certain motor vehicle registration fees to mitigate and address the impacts of tourism-related traffic congestion

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.

John Ah San discusses land security with Congressman Kai Kahele as coffee

 farmers moved toward owning their own land. Photo by Hanale Lee Loy

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF KAI KAHELE IN THE U.S. CONGRESS are outlined in a statement from his Chief of Staff Christy Wagner. Issued on Monday, the review notes that Kahele's term in the 117th Congress will come to an end the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 3 when Jill Tokuda is sworn in. Kahele refrained from running for a second term.
    During his term, Kahele frequently visited Ka'ū and Miloli'i, a place of his family roots. He met with community, participated in strategy and provided staff support regarding the acquisition of Ka'ū Coffee
farms, COVID vaccinations and health screenings, preservation of historic sites and coastal lands, improving education at schools and through culturally based organizations, and more.

    The statement calls the 1117 Congress where Kahele served "the most productive Congress since President Johnson's Great Society accomplishments two generations ago—and under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Democratic control of both chambers of Congress—the 117th Congress delivered historic results for the American people and the State of Hawaiʻi."
    It lists these major pieces of federal legislation: The American Rescue Plan; The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act; The Inflation Reduction Act; The CHIPS and Science Act;The Honoring our PACT Act; The Safer Communities Act and The Respect for Marriage Act.
    The statement says that Kahele delivered over $26 million in community project federal funding to Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District. which includes Ka'ū and all of rural Hawai'i. The funding supports nonprofits, county and state priority projects, and Federally Qualified Health Centers on every island.
    Kahele is the 18th person to serve in Congress representing the State of Hawaiʻi since Statehood. His time in elected office comes to an end after serving one term in Congress and two terms in the Hawaiʻi Senate following his appointment and election to the seat following the untimely death of his father, the state Sen. Gilbert Kahele.
    On the final day of the 117th Congress, Congressman Kahele and his senior staff shared a video message to thank the constituents and communities throughout the 2nd Congressional District of Hawaiʻi.

Kai Kahele returns to employment as a full time pilot
 with Hawaiian Airlines after leaving Congress on
 Tuesday. Photo from Kahele

    "It has been my greatest honor to serve as your United States Representative for Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District," said Kahele. "Just two years ago, I was sworn into office with my wife Maria and our daughters by my side holding the personal bible of Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka. Two years later, as I leave Washington, I am extremely proud of the work Team Kahele accomplished and the aloha spirit we brought to our nation's capital." See https://youtu.be/kwq3TFG9X0o
    The statement notes that with the conclusion of the 117th Congress, Congressman Kahele will return to full time employment as a Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 Captain and continue his service to Hawaiʻi and the Nation as a Lt. Colonel in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard, where he currently is a graduate student in the United States Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.
    Kahele and the Communications Directors of Hawaiʻi's 2nd Congressional District Office stated that they would "like to thank the Hawaiʻi media and local news organizations for their tireless work throughout the 117th Congress to keep the people of Hawaiʻi informed on federal issues that affect the State of Hawaiʻi."

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. Masks and social distancing required.

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.

'O 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.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.