Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

A wide variety of art will be available at Volcano Artist Hui's 29th annual Tour and Sale opening a week from today on Friday, Nov. 27. See more below. Image from VAC

FEDERAL AGENCIES ARE INVOLVED in Hawai`i Island’s current dengue fever outbreak, Gov. David Ige said during a press conference yesterday. The governor said the state has weekly conversations with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and has briefed the White House, as well. National Guard and Navy personnel are being deployed to support the county with additional resources as requested by Hawai`i County Civil Defense Administrator Darryl Oliveira and Mayor Billy Kenoi. “We are applying the resources necessary to contain and manage the situation,” Ige said.

Aedes albopictus is one of two species of mosquitoes on Hawai`i Island
that can transmit dengue fever. Photo from DOH

      The state is also transferring Department of Health personnel from other islands to Hawai`i Island, he said.
      The Aedes aegypti mosquito, found only on Hawai`i Island in the state, has been found only on the west side so far, according to state Environmental Health Services Director Lynn Nakasone. Aedes albopictus, which also transmits dengue, is found on all islands.
      This weekend, vector control crews plan to spray at 10 schools that are in hot spots, which DOH reported as Kona and Ka`u. The Ka`u Calendar was unable to contact DOH regarding possible spraying at Ka`u schools.
      Director Virginia Pressler said DOH will be distributing free mosquito repellent, long-sleeved shirts and long pants in an effort to keep vulnerable people from being bitten.
      Also, Hawai`i County Environment Management Department announced that all transfer stations will temporarily accept up to 10 tires (rims not accepted) per resident per day during business hours. Tires can be sources of standing water, where mosquitoes breed. If there is a community clean-up of tires, coordinate disposal with Solid Waste Division at 961-8270.
      DOH added nine more confirmed cases of dengue fever today, bringing the total to 88. Seventy-five are Hawai`i Island residents, and 13 are visitors. Onset of illness has ranged between Sept. 11 and Nov. 15.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Luis P. Salaveria

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, Economic Development project that Hawai`i`’s economy will continue stable growth in the next few years.
      Labor market conditions continue to improve though the first three quarters with civilian labor force, employment and payroll jobs setting historical high levels during the first nine months of 2015.
      DBEDT’s report indicates a shift in the visitor market. Reflecting the strong U.S. dollar and weakening Japanese yen, Japanese arrivals declined by one percent through September this year, and spending by Japanese visitors declined by 10.1 percent. However, visitor arrivals from the U.S. West market increased 7.5 percent, and visitor expenditures from this market increased by 6.9 percent.
      “We are pleased that Virgin America started a new daily flight from San Francisco to Honolulu on Nov. 2 and will start a new daily flight from San Francisco to Kahului on Dec. 3 this year,” DBEDT Director Luis P. Salaveria said. “This will bring more West Coast visitors to our state and offset the decline in Japanese visitors. This news and the continued growth in our local job market are positive trends in our state’s economy.”
      DBEDT revised the economic growth rate for 2015 to two percent from 1.9 percent projected last quarter and keeps the economic growth rate the same as projected in August at 2.3 to 2.4 percent until 2018. These rates are slightly lower than the U.S. economic growth rates of 2.4 percent for 2015 and 2.6 percent for 2016. Hawai`i’s economic growth has been below the U.S. since 2012, and DBEDT expects that the trend will continue for the next few years.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Image from Office of the Senator

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SPOKE on the Senate floor against anti-immigrant sentiment and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling against President Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programs.
      “Together, the expanded DACA and DAPA programs will mean that around five million more individuals will be able to work legally, pay their taxes and care for their families,” Hirono said.
       “Today, politicians – from Presidential candidates to sitting governors – appeal to our nation’s fears in arguing against any meaningful reform of our broken immigration system. Conjuring up shadowy images fuels these fears. Violent gang members from South America. Terrorists from the Middle East,” Hirono said, referring to some politicians calling for the U.S. to reject Syrian refugees in the wake of terrorist attacks last Friday in which they may have involved.
      “In their divisive rhetoric and in their rush to build walls and close our borders, they neglect the faces of those they demonize. And they forget the facts,” Hirono said.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

REP. TULSI GABBARD AND A COLLEAGUE, both members of the House Armed Services Committee, introduced a bipartisan bill to end U.S. efforts to overthrow the Syrian Arab Republic led by President Bashar al-Assad.

 Gabbard, a twice-deployed combat veteran, said the intent of the bill is to “bring an immediate end to the illegal, counter-productive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad. The U.S. is waging two wars in Syria. The first is the war against ISIS and other Islamic extremists, which Congress authorized after the terrorist attack on 9/11. The second war is the illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad.
      “The war to overthrow Assad is counter-productive because it actually helps ISIS and other Islamic extremists achieve their goal of overthrowing the Syrian government of Assad and taking control of all of Syria – which will simply increase human suffering in the region, exacerbate the refugee crisis and pose a greater threat to the world. Also, the war to overthrow Assad is illegal because Congress never authorized it.
      “To destroy ISIS will take international alliances. If we are serious about defeating ISIS and solving the refugee problem, we’ll work in partnership with Russia, France and anyone else who is serious about destroying ISIS and affiliated Islamic extremist organizations worldwide.
      “The problem is, because the U.S. is trying to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad and Russia is supporting the government of Assad, it is impossible for us to have an effective, cooperative relationship with Russia in our mutual fight against ISIS. Our focus on overthrowing Assad is interfering with our ability to destroy ISIS.
      “We must immediately end the illegal, counter-productive war to overthrow the Syrian government of Assad and ally ourselves with any countries willing to focus on destroying the Islamic extremists who pose a genuine threat to civilization,” Gabbard concluded.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Harry McKee established a scholarship foundation
for Ka`u students. Photo from Harry McKee
Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors

THE HARRY MCKEE SCHOLARSHIP Foundation Board of Directors invites Ka`u’s college-bound high school seniors to apply for the 2016 McKee Foundation $1,000 scholarship.
      To be eligible, students must be residents of Ka`u and plan to attend any accredited college, university, vocational school or training program. Students must enroll full-time as first-time freshmen in the fall of 2016. There is no specific major required, and selection is based on the comprehensive application.
      McKee left a legacy of commitment to the youth of Ka`u. His foundation exists to give students an opportunity for higher education.
      McKee was a musician, a gardener, a WWII decorated veteran, an outdoorsman and an active civic leader. He was well known for reaching out to local youth to support their education goals and to encourage young people to share aloha and celebrate `ohana.
      The McKee Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors strives to carry on McKee’s work in Ka`u.
      Applications are available online at mckeescholarshipfoundation.weebly.com. Applications must be mailed to the foundation office in Ocean View by Feb. 16,, 2016. For more information, see the foundation website.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers free programs this weekend. Participants learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the `oh`ia lehua tree and its flower tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.
      Palm Trail Hike on Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is a moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop trail providing one of the best panoramic views Kahuku has to offer.
      See nps.gov/havo.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI Tour & Sale begins a week from today on Friday, Nov. 27 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Volcano Village. Meet artists in their studios throughout the village. Maps and more information are available at VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com, as well as at Volcano Village businesses.

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S 13th annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit opens tomorrow and continues through Jan. 3 at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Artists working in a wide variety of media, materials and techniques present their highly creative concepts of “wreath.”
      Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free; park entrance fees may apply.
      See volcanoartcenter.org.

KAHIKAHEALANI WIGHT SIGNS HER BOOK Rainforest Pu`uhonua Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of Volcano Art Center’s Christmas in the Country celebration. Rainforest Pu`uhonua tells the story of five years spent living in a Hawaiian rainforest in the 1980s.
      The event at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is free; park entrance fees may apply.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_November2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015

Ka`u is one of two potential areas of Hawai`i Island now with a high risk of dengue fever infection. Map from Hawai`i Department of Health

KAHUA `OLOHU MAKAHIKI GROUNDS in Na`alehu are on their way to preservation. Hawai`i County Council yesterday unanimously approved Council member Maile David’s resolution authorizing the county to negotiate purchase of the 13 acres owned by James Weatherford, who initially intended to use the property for agriculture. His plans changed when the county did an archaeological survey and found artifacts related to makahiki practices, including a bowling field. 

      The property is listed for purchase in the county Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Committee’s 2014 Annual Report for its historical significance and cultural importance. PONC funds, which come from two percent of property taxes, will be used for transaction.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Aedes aegypti is one of two mosquito species that can transmit dengue fever.
Photo from DOH

AREAS OF KA`U FROM NEAR Punalu`u to South Point hold a high risk for potential dengue fever infection, according to Hawai`i Department of Health. A new map released yesterday shows Ka`u as a second high-risk area for the disease. South Kona was recognized as Hawai`i Islands single high-risk area until yesterday. According to DOH, “risk levels of areas where confirmed cases may have contracted the disease are determined by factors including the number of confirmed cases who reported visiting those areas, as well as observed mosquito activity.” 

      Extra protection should be taken in areas of risk. Measures include applying insect repellent; wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks; avoiding activities in areas with a lot of mosquitoes; and staying indoors at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
      DOH today reported that confirmed cases now number 79, seven more that yesterday. Sixty-eight are Hawai`i Island residents, and 11 are visitors. “A total of 120 reported potential cases have been excluded based on test results and/or not meeting case criteria,” DOH reported.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U LAWMAKERS WANT PROFESSIONALS from the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization to assess Hawai`i Island’s dengue fever outbreak. “A very modest investment now will pay dividends long-term,” Sen. Josh Green and Rep. Richard Creagan wrote in a letter to Gov. David Ige and Department of Health Director Virginia Pressler. “The dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island is at a point where it may likely take a very significant turn for the worse,” the legislators wrote. “There are huge groups of migrant workers that can and likely will move dengue throughout the Big Island if immediate action isn’t taken.”

Hawai`i Department of Health
Directory Virginia Pressler

      Green and Creagan seek resources to communicate with Micronesian and Hispanic workers about the disease and how to protect themselves. They call for workers to have free mosquito repellent and free additional work gear to cover exposed skin. They also pursue support for workers who may lose wages because of the disease and farmers who experience decreased productivity.
      The legislators also want more local testing capacity and access to healthcare to be immediately provided in certain targeted Big Island areas, “per the collaborative recommendations of our local healthcare personnel, the DOH team and CDC/WHO recommendations,” the letter stated.

       Sen. Russell Ruderman told Bret Yager, of West Hawai`i Today, that the state’s response to the outbreak has been weak and slow. He compared it to how the state has dealt with rat lungworm disease. “Too often, the state ignores Big Island problems, but it’s a foolish approach,” Ruderman said. “Because once they are well established, they will spread to the other islands. Someone infected is going to get on a plane.”

      Green and Creagan said their constituents have described the response they have received from DOH as “demeaning, dismissive or not in tune with the culture and expectations of the Big Island. This is not what we expect to hear from the community, and we know it is not what the department leadership means to convey. However, it is a reality. …
      “Please act today to save tomorrow,” the letter concluded.

      See westhawaiitoday.com.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

OUTREACH TO AGRICULTURAL WORKERS and farm owners about dengue fever is the goal of Comunidad Latina de Hawai`i, a nonprofit organization in Kailua-Kona. The hui and state Department of Health offer information in Spanish and English tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Konawaena High School cafeteria.
      “We are seeing an increase in confirmed cases of dengue within our farm worker community,” said hui President Angela Dean, “and find it imperative that we reach out to you and this community so that together as a community we may effectively combat or decrease the exposure to dengue.”
      For more information, email adean@comunidadlatinadehawaii.org.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Gov. David Ige accepted an award on behalf of Hawai`i.
Photo from Office of the Governor

GOV. DAVID IGE ACCEPTED a $660,422 award on behalf of the state of Hawai`i from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Jesus Mendoza, administrator of the Western Regional Office of the Food and Nutrition Service. The award recognizes exceptional performance by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and acknowledges exemplary work of the Department of Human Services’ Benefits, Employment and Support Services Division over the last four years to improve efficiency and effectiveness in determination of SNAP eligibility for people in Hawai`i. In fiscal year 2014, BESSD achieved a 94.4 percent timeliness rate, placing Hawai`i in the top six states for highest timeliness rates. 

      The bonus award will help further transform SNAP processes and services. Ige said this achievement is integral to his administration’s promise to deliver efficient, effective and open government.
      “This bonus award demonstrates that the state of Hawai`i SNAP eligibility team is a leader in service and performance nationwide,” Ige said. “The award is also a promise to reinvest in Hawai`i’s future, as the funds will further transform and improve the way the state of Hawai`i serves its people.”
      BESSD plans to reinvest the money from the bonus award into their processes and services. Specific plans are forthcoming, but the monies will help the BESSD achieve the DHS goals of nurturing human potential by connecting Hawai`i residents to community resources.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Sen. Sam Slom

HAWAI`I’S REPUBLICAN PARTY disagrees with Gov. David Ige’s plan to accept Syrian refugees into the state. Earlier this week and following terrorist attacks in Paris, France on Friday, Nov. 13 which may have involved Syrian refugees, Ige said, “Hawai`i is the Aloha State, known for its tradition of welcoming all people with tolerance and mutual respect.”

      State Sen. Sam Slom is calling for Ige to reconsider his position, according to Nathan Eagle, of Civil Beat. Slom, Hawai`i’s only Republican state senator, said, “I celebrate Hawai`i’s unique Aloha Spirit, openness and sense of welcome. However, there are limits and practical realities to every stated policy.”
      Slom pointed to the state’s high cost of living and the burden the state carries in accepting Micronesian migrants. “We can be compassionate; we can extend the Aloha Spirit, but it is important to also be realistic and pragmatic with our state resources,” he said.
      Hawai`i Republican Party Chair Fritz Rohlfing said, “We feel sympathy for the refugees coming from Syria and the Middle East, but Hawai`i is still grappling with a homeless crisis that has yet to be resolved by our local politicians.”
      According to Eagle, Hawai`i GOP said it agrees with U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan’s statement that, “our nation has always been welcoming, but we cannot let terrorists take advantage of our compassion.”

      See civilbeat.com.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard supports labeling of GMO food products.

U.S. REP. TULSI GABBARD IS ASKING Ka`u residents to sign an online petition calling for the U.S. Senate to reject a bill pertaining to labeling GMO food products. “A challenge that exists for the people of Hawai`i and across the country is the fact that huge agribusiness corporations hide their use of GMOs and keep consumers in the dark about what’s in their food,” Gabbard said. 

      “Earlier this year, the House passed a bill that opponents call the DARK Act – Denying Americans the Right to Know. I opposed and spoke out against this bill because it would prevent states and counties from passing legislation to increase transparency. It would keep American consumers in the DARK about what’s in their food. If it becomes law, it’d be a huge win for agribusiness and a massive setback for consumers.
      “Right now, the Senate is getting ready to vote on a similarly disastrous bill, and it’s up to us to put a stop to it before it’s too late. Will you join me and add your name to tell the Senate to vote “no” on keeping Americans in the dark about what’s in their food?”
      The petition is available at go.democrataction.com/page/s/we-need-a-food-labeling-standard?source=gabbard&email.

      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Handmade ornaments are available during
Christmas in the Country. Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART CENTER’S 16th Annual Christmas in the Country opens to the public on Saturday at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Special holiday celebrations include art demonstrations, print and book signings by VAC Gallery artists, plus a selection of handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during the holiday season. 

      Kathy Long will be signing her extensive collection of prints from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Long’s prints represent her many years of dedication to Hawai`i’s unique culture captured in paint and pastel. Her work is featured in Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawai`i Artists, highlighting 50 of Hawai`i’s award-winning artists.
      Vicki Penney-Rohner also signs books and offers a painting demonstration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Well-known for her love of color and light, Penney-Rohner will also sign copies of Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawai`i Artists, in which she and her work is featured.

      A members-only preview takes place tomorrow from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Joining is easy and secure at volcanoartcenter.org, or participants can purchase a one-day membership upon arrival for $15.
      Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
      Christmas in the Country events and activities are free; park entrance fees apply.
      For more information, call 967-8222.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_November2015.pdf.

Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015

Volcano Art Center's 16th annual Christmas in the County celebration begins with a members-only preview party Friday evening.
Photo from VAC

KA`U’S STATE SEN. JOSH GREEN yesterday hosted Department of Health epidemiologist Sarah Park on Health Care in Hawai`i, his weekly program on Think Tech Hawai`i. They, along with Lynn Nakasone and Ka`u’s state Rep. Richard Creagan, discussed Hawai`i Island’s current  dengue fever outbreak. Green and Creagan, both doctors, previously called for DOH to step up its actions to stem the outbreak. As of this morning, confirmed cases number 72, with 62 being residents and 10 visitors.

Sen. Josh Green, Dr. Sarah Park, Lynn Nakasone and Rep. Richard Creagan
discuss dengue fever. Image from Think Tech Hawai`i

      “We are working with the county very, very closely,” Park told Green. “Actually, we’re letting them take the lead because they know their island best. We’re letting them tell us where the areas are and how we can support them best in reaching those areas.”

      Park said that all health care providers she has reached out to assured her that all persons who enter their facilities would receive appropriate care regardless of their ability to pay. 

      “Public health’s role is really to facilitate access to health care, and this outbreak has really served to shine a beacon light on the bigger root cause issue in Hawai`i as a whole, which is the health care crisis. Especially on the Big Island, we have a shortage of primary care physicians and nurses and physician assistants, so this is a definite concern on the part of our director, on the part of the governor, and we’re working together. Our solution right now is in the future to try to reach out to all our partners to try to address this issue.”  

      Green said, “There are these real fundamental impediments that we’ve been working on for years.”
      A link to the archived program is available at facebook.com/SenatorJoshGreen.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Henry Yang, of TMT

HAWAI`I SUPREME COURT HAS GRANTED a stay on the Conservation District Use Permit for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. The stay is effective until Wednesday, Dec. 2 or until further order of the Court. 

      TMT opponents on Tuesday filed a motion asking the court to prevent TMT crews from accessing the summit. Their request followed a Nov. 10 announcement by Henry Yang, chair of the TMT International Observatory Board of Governors, that a small crew of local workers will conduct site preparation activities at the site this month, starting with equipment maintenance and repairs. On Monday, Hawai`i News Now reported that work crews were expected to ascend the mountain this morning.
      Opponents’ motion for a stay reads in part, “This Honorable Court has not yet entered its decision, and TMT is doing anything but being respectful to this Honorable Court with its decision at this point to go forward with construction when a decision has not yet been rendered. Further, TMT has no respect, nor conscience to the Conservation District and Mauna Kea, and, of tremendous significance, no respect, nor conscience to the public safety of the large number of protectors, who will undoubtedly be responding to the TMT announcement, law enforcement personnel and others, in a potential faceoff on Wednesday, because of TMT’s blatant disregard for the legal process and the major decision that is still pending before this Honorable Court. It is because of this blatant disregard and disrespect of the legal process by TMT, and this Court’s decision that is still pending following the oral argument that was held on Aug. 27, 2015, that this Emergency Motion for a stay is being brought.”
      Gov. David Ige said, “The maintenance and equipment repair work TMT plans to undertake will protect the environment and enhance public safety as we head into the winter season. This is not the start of construction of the telescope.
      “As governor, I am committed to upholding the law and providing safe access for those who need to get to the summit of Mauna Kea, and that includes those involved with the TMT project. Our primary concern is for the safety of all.
      “If this work is stopped, it is not a victory. It will harm the environment. If there is violence, as some have suggested, that is not a victory. We are one community, and we must continue to search for a resolution that will keep this community together.”
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

KA`U LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM begins in January. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands brings the program to build leadership skills that may be used in community service, participants’ jobs and personal life. There is no cost to participants for the program that has a value of up to $2,000 per person. 

      The program consists of a series of four two-day sessions and one orientation in 2016: Jan. 9, Jan. 23–24, Feb. 27–28, March 19–20 and April 23–24. Participants must commit to attend all class sessions. In addition, participants are expected to volunteer for a total of 20 to 40 hours to complete a class project within six to nine months after the last class session.
      Classes are held at Pahala Community Center.
      Hawaiian Home Lands Trust beneficiaries and other residents of Hawai`i Island are eligible. Eligible participants include high school students, kupuna, emerging beginner to experienced leaders, community/nonprofit members, private sector individuals, government workers, people in farming/agriculture, arts/culture, education, environment, health and human services and faith-based environments. Maximum class size is 30.
      Topics include the practice of leadership, interpersonal communication, marketing, stakeholders, resource development and development of class projects.
      For an application form, contact Gigi Cairel at 808-620-9461 or Gigi.O.Cairel@hawaii.gov.
      DHHL expects the class to include diverse participants of all ages and levels of experience.
      The sessions incorporate activities that apply to real projects. The format is a facilitated learning style that draws from the experiences in the group.
      Participants gain skills that can be used in professional and personal settings. Skills learned are include how to run effective meetings, how to work with different personality types and public speaking.
      They network with a diverse group of people in the community – making connections for potential collaborations and also have the opportunity to make a difference and give back to the community.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

Sen. Mazie Hirono

SEN. MAZIE HIRONO, A MEMBER of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, voted against two resolutions to overturn standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency as part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to reduce pollution that harms public health and contributes to climate change. President Obama announced his intention to veto both resolutions.
       “President Obama has taken important steps to clean our air and help reduce the harmful effects of climate change,” Hirono said. “The Clean Power Plan will save thousands of lives nationwide annually. Instead of fighting Presidential actions that will have a huge benefit in the lives of so many, Congress should support efforts to address the environmental and national security consequences of continued dependence on fossil fuels and move forward with cleaner energy.”
       The Clean Power Plan would reduce emissions from existing power plants. The EPA has deferred setting standards under the Clean Power Plan for Hawai`i, Alaska, and the U.S. territories until the agency is able to gather additional information. The President's Climate Action Plan also sets nationwide performance standards for new or modified power plants.
      Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.

THE ART EXPRESS COMES to Discovery Harbour Community Hall Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. At the painting workshop, participants can learn something new or work on forgotten projects. Instructions will be on oil, acrylic or watercolor.
Sign up with and receive instructions from Meliha at himeliha@yahoo.com.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY BEGINS with a Volcano Art Center members-only preview party at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. On Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., VAC members are invited to be the first to view the full collection of unique wreaths and handcrafted decorations and gifts offered. Enjoy complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and membership discount.
      Joining is easy and secure at volcanoartcenter.org, or purchase a one-day membership upon arrival for $15.
      Park entrance fees apply.
      For more information, call 967-8222.

LA KU`OKOA, HAWAIIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY, will be celebrated with potluck and music at Kahuku Park in Ocean View on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 12 noon until pau.
      Call 896-9201 for more information.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf
and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_November2015.pdf.