Ka`u News Briefs Friday, Jan. 20, 2017

‘Alalā, the Hawaiian crows, are featured in a new documentary film by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.
It airs this weekend on KFVE-TV (K5). See story below. Image from DLNR

KA`U'S U.S SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO issued the following statement today on the inauguration of President Donald Trump: “I attended today’s inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump’s vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we’ve made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights.”

Barack Obama and Mazie Hirono
Photo from Mazie Hirono

      Hirono released a memorabilia photo and wrote a thank you note for Pres. Barack Obama as he wrapped up his presidency: "President Obama is our keiki o ka aina, and his deep understanding of Hawai`i and the Aloha Spirit clearly shaped his presidency. His actions demonstrated an enduring commitment to righting the inequalities in our world. Mahalo, President Obama."

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"CHANGE IS COMING TO WASHINGTON," Ka`u's member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Tulsi Gabbard, wrote in an Inauguration Day message. While on her Middle East fact-finding mission, away from Washington, D.C., she released a statement today, saying, "here is what we have a responsibility to do in the coming months: reject the status quo of the establishment in both political parties as we expand our political revolution and focus on real solutions that serve all Americans.

On Inauguration Day, Tulsi Gabbard was in Lebanon and met with
its Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibraham, according
to Lebanon's  National News Agency. See story below.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

     "That means taking steps every day to enact a vision of this country where the ultra-rich can’t game our political and economic systems for their own benefit -- a country where we all matter and where individuals of every walk of life are empowered to be part of this great democracy that we live in.
     "That means fighting for laws that protect the people of our country -- whether it be fighting for criminal justice reform to end needless mass incarceration, ensuring that every single American has health insurance, and fighting for the rights and freedom of all, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.
     "It’s about net neutrality, equal pay, protecting our precious world by stopping climate change, and preventing the deportation of millions of people who have known no other home than the United States.
     "And it’s about joining together to end the counterproductive war in Syria, which has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, created over a million refugees, torn a country apart and strengthened terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS."

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Tulsi Gabbard met with spiritual leader Cardinal Rahi in
Lebanon on Friday, the day of the Trump Inauguration.
Photo from Lebanon's  National News Agency

CONGRESSWOMAN TUSLSI GABBARD made news today in Lebanon, on the day Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Gabbard today met with Lebanon's Security Chief, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, "with talks touching on the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as on the situation in Syria and its repercussions on Lebanon." Her delegation, according to the News Agency, included former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Syrian-American peace advocates Elie and Bassam Khawam. 

    Lebanon's National News Agency also reported that they met with Army Commander General Jean Khawaji and that talks touched "on the latest developments in Lebanon and the broad region. Talks also dwelt on cooperation relations between the armies of both countries." 

    Gabbard, Kucinich and the Khawam's also met with the Maronite sprititual leader, Patriarch Cardinal Mar Beshara Boutros Rahi. According to the News Agency, the Cardinal welcomed them to discuss "latest developments on the regional and international scenes."

Gabbard met with Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Khawaji
today, according to the Lebanon National News Agency.
Photo from Lebanon's National News Agency

    The News Agency reported that Gabbard told reporters: "This is my first visit in Lebanon and the region and it has been a great experience, because I listened to the viewpoints of the political and spiritual leaders, among whom Cardinal Rahi, who are still working on enhancing religious freedom and preserving free and diversed communities, where people can live in peace regardless of their religious beliefs. This is a very important message, not just for this region, but also for the entire world. This why we must work together to assume this mission of peace," she said.
     The News Agency reported that Kucinich "highlighted the necessity that Congressmen visit Lebanon to take note of the situation, and carry back with them a message to the country 'on the necessity to work on fighting terrorism and supporting pluralism in which the U.S. strongly believes. The diversified communities in Syria and Lebanon rely on our respect for sovereignty and religious freedoms.'" 

     The News Agency reported that "Elie Khawam underlined that the U.S policy towards the region would 'completely change' with the election of President Donald Trump and his new administration."   Gabbard's mission was to form a clear idea on the situation in Lebanon. "Priority remains for fighting and eradicating the Islamized takfiri terrorism sweeping the region,'" said Khawam, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
    Gabbard also visited Syria, including the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.
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HALTING THE EXTINCTION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED FOREST BIRDS is core to the state Department of Land & Natural Resources' latest DLNR & You television special, which illustrates the efforts of dozens of organizations and hundreds of people across the state. The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, airs on KFVE-TV (K5) on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9:30 p.m. It will be available online after 7 p.m. on Jan. 21st at https://vimeo.com/199157463. The broadcast is funded, in part, by the Hawai`i Tourism Authority.

‘Alalā Project is one of the segments of the new DLNR film on
 endangered, forest birds which airs this weekend on K5.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

    DLNR chief Suzanne Case said, “We hope this show brings the serious plights of these native birds into our homes. When you see a tiny ‘Akikiki (Kaua‘i honeycreeper) in the forest or hear the call of the native crow, the ‘Alalā, it reinforces why so many people are undertaking some pretty extraordinary steps to reverse the downward trend of numerous forest bird populations. The birds have long been part of Hawaii’s natural landscape, and culturally they’ve been revered for centuries by Native Hawaiians.”
     Photographed over the course of nearly two years, The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai‘i, transports viewers deep into the Alaka’i Plateau on Kaua‘i, where the Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project is working with numerous partners to try and save three endangered species of tiny birds on the brink of extinction - the ‘Akikiki, ‘Akeke’e, and Puaiohi.
     Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton, the KFBRP Project Leader commented, “The most recent estimate for the number of ‘Akikiki is 450 birds, give or take 50. The worst thing that could happen is for any of these forest birds to join the list of 23 endemic bird species that have gone extinct since 1778. All of our partners and everyone working to reverse these trends are excited to show this movie. There are some pretty astonishing projects underway to save these amazing forest dwellers and their native homes.”

Endangered forest birds are raised in captivity, some from eggs gathered in the wild, as shown
in the new DLNR film to be aired this weekend.
Photo from The Endangered Forest Birds of Hawai`i

     The show chronicles projects and people working in some really tough environments, toward the common goal of preventing further population reductions and ultimately extinction. In one segment, a staffer from San Diego Zoo Global climbs a freely suspended ladder, 40-feet in the air, to collect marble-sized eggs from a treetop nest in an ʻōhiʻa tree.
     Of particular interest to Big Island viewers is a segment dedicated to The ‘Alalā Project, which for several decades has worked tirelessly toward the reintroduction of captive-raised ‘Alalā, back into the Pu’u Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve. The film shows first-hand, the tremendous amount of work being done by a broad collaboration of federal, state and non-profit partners to be sure the birds continue to exist and thrive in their natural habitats. Last month five ‘Alalā were released into the wild, but when three perished, the remaining two were recaptured and are now safely in captivity. It is presumed that the three were victims of the ‘Io, an endangered Hawaiian hawk.

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Keiki win at the ninth annual OKK Keiki Fishing Tournament.
Photo by Nalani Parlin

KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT, the ninth annual for `O Ka`u Kakou community organization, is tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Punalu`u Beach, with registration at the pavilion. The catch and and release event is open to all keiki, one to 14 years of age. Parents or legal guardians must accompany all children who enter. Only barbless hooks are allowed and families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food for the tournament's food drive. Check-in is at 8 a.m. Guidelines explained at 9 a.m. Fishing is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Free lunch and prizes provided. Contact Wayne Kawachi at 937-4773 or Guy Enriques at 217-2253.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

MONGOLIAN BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356. 

Ka`u News Briefs Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017

Hawai`i Sen. Brian Schatz took to the U.S. Senate floor yesterday to oppose the Donald Trump nomination of Scott Pruitt whom Shatz
called a "climate denier." Photo from C-SPAN

HAWAI`I SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ OPPOSED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NOMINEE OF PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP with an impassioned speech on the U.S. Senate floor yesterday:

     "Having Scott Pruitt in charge of the EPA is bad for the air we breathe and the water that we drink, and it’s bad for American leadership on climate. It’s not that I just have a different view from Mr. Pruitt on the Environmental Protection Agency. It’s that he has made a career out of undermining the federal Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

     "It’s not just that he’s a Republican or that he doesn’t share my views about clean energy. Look, I understand that when a Republican administration comes in, their EPA nominee is going to have a different view of what the agency should be doing. I’m not suggesting that we were going to get Henry Waxman or Jeff Merkley to run the President-Elect’s EPA. That’s not what’s going on here.
     "Here’s what it is, and I want people to listen carefully here. Scott Pruitt is a professional climate denier. That is his job. He has made his political bones trying to shred the EPA’s ability to enforce the laws that protect clean air and water.

Scott Pruitt, Trump nominee to run the EPA. Photo from C-Span

     "The core mission of the EPA is to safeguard public health by enforcing the laws on the books, and the cornerstones are the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. These laws were passed over 40 years ago with huge bipartisan majorities, and have been extremely successful.

     "It’s especially important for the dozens of young people watching CSPAN, to understand this: the state of the environment in the late 1960s was catastrophic, like out of a science fiction movie. But even for those of us who were around, it’s a good reminder of what the EPA does.

    "The Cuyahoga River in Ohio was so polluted that it caught on fire. Lake Erie was so polluted that almost nothing could live in it. Bacteria levels in the Hudson River were 170 times above levels that could be considered safe. Raw sewage was directly discharged into rivers and streams where children would swim. The FDA found that 87% of U.S. swordfish contained so much mercury that they were unfit for human consumption.
    "Then the Clean Water Act was passed, and we made incredible progress in the last 44 years. We still have a long way to go, as about one-third of our waterways are not yet fishable and swimmable, as the law requires.
     "But Scott Pruitt’s opposition for the Clean Water Act and EPA makes me terrified that we could go back to the bad old days of water pollution.
     "EPA’s enforcement of the Clean Air Act is an even bigger success story. This law has saved millions of lives, and improved the health of millions of others.

Windmills in Ka`u are part of clean energy progress for Hawai`i Island. Photo by Peter Anderson

     "EPA’s enforcement of the law has reduced air pollution by 70% since 1970. Smog levels in Los Angeles have fallen by two-thirds since its peak. Lead in our air is down 98%, carbon monoxide is down 85%, and sulfur dioxide is down 80%t. Acid rain is down over 50%t, and at a fraction of the anticipated cost.
     "But this progress is in serious jeopardy.
     "As Oklahoma’s Attorney General and as the head of the Republican Attorneys General Association, he dismantled the unit in his office charged with enforcing federal environmental laws and stood up a unit to undermine federal environmental law. He led opposition to the Clean Power Plan. He’s sued the federal government over a dozen times to prevent the implementation of rules that would protect our health and our environment. What he does is fight the EPA. That’s his thing.
     "As Oklahoma Attorney General—he literally—and I’m not making this up—he literally copy-and-pasted a letter from a major oil company onto official state attorney general letterhead and sent it to the EPA.
     "I’ve never met Mr. Pruitt, and I assume he’s personally a good guy, so I will say it like this: a person who works so closely with industries that pollute our air and water is an unusually bad fit to lead the EPA.
 

Solar panels on homes in Ka`u is are making the island more energy self-sufficient.
Photo by Julia Neal

 "Never before in the history of the EPA has a president nominated someone so opposed to the EPA to run the EPA. And, on the most significant environmental challenge of our generation, he’s aggressively wrong. He has said that the climate debate is 'far from settled,' and that 'scientists continue to disagree about the degree and extent of global warming and its connections to the actions of mankind.' This is, of course, nuts. The climate debate is settled, and has been for some time. More than 97% of climate scientists agree that the climate is changing, and that humans are responsible. Ask a scientist. Ask a farmer, ask a fisherman, ask a skier or snowboarder. If you don’t believe 97% of scientists, will you at least believe your own eyes?
     "His position even puts him at odds with the Department of Defense, which has called climate change a 'threat multiplier.'
     "But here’s the good news – we are actually making lots of progress in clean energy, almost all of it private sector driven. The cost of solar power has dropped by 60% in the last ten years, and more new solar capacity was added in 2016 than any other energy source. Wind power was by far the largest energy source added to the grid in 2015.
     "Renewable generation grew by about 20% over the last year, and the long-term extensions of renewable energy tax credits will help that trend continue in the future.
     "This comes at a time when public concern about climate change is at an eight-year high, and with three quarters of Americans -including half of Republicans – supporting federal efforts to reduce carbon pollution. But this progress is fragile, and confirming Scott Pruitt can undermine the momentum.

     "Again, here’s Mr. Pruitt, in his own words: About the Clean Power Plan, he has said: 'The EPA does not possess the authority under the Clean Air Act to accomplish what it proposes in the unlawful Clean Power Plan.' This is flat wrong.
     "Let me quickly explain a lawsuit called Massachusetts v. EPA. The Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Air Act requires EPA to regulate air pollution. Carbon pollution is a pollutant. So not only may the EPA regulate greenhouse gas emissions, they actually are required to under the law.
     "He has bragged that he 'led the charge with repeated notices and subsequent lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.' On climate change, he said “Is it truly man-made and is this just simply another period of time where the Earth is cooling, increasing in heat? Is it just typical, natural type of occurrences as opposed [to] what the administration says?”
     "I cannot think of a person more ill-suited to run this agency.
     "On clean energy, the Chinese are leading. Mexico is leading. Europe is leading, Germany, Africa. The question isn’t whether the clean energy revolution will occur – the question is whether or not we will lead it or get left in the dust.

Olson Trust plans to add to clean energy in Ka`u by using plantation water
sources to make hydroelectric power. Photo by Jesse Tunison

     "So this is where we are: A nominee who does not understand the vital role of clean air, clean water, and protecting the environment has been nominated to lead the EPA. Who denies decades of scientific research.
     "To my Republican colleagues, I have had many encouraging, rational conversations about climate with you, but mostly in private. I say this: this vote is the litmus test, the one your grandkids will ask you about.
     "Being in the Senate is about making choices, and a lot of times, it’s gray. But this issue, this vote, is absolutely simple. Don’t vote for the climate denier. You can’t dabble in conservation or energy efficiency, or vote for a budget amendment recognizing the scientific consensus on climate change, and then vote yes on this nominee.
     "If you say you are not a climate denier, this is the point in your career when you get to prove it. If we find another nominee, even one that hates the Clean Power Plan, who shares your views on federalism, who shares your views about the United Nations, who shares your views about President Obama – that’s fair, that’s fine. But this nominee is out of bounds.
     "Please, consult your voters, your university experts. Talk to your kids –it’s their planet, it’s their future. Or consult with your conscience. I know that sometimes politics is complicated and the right thing is not so easy to determine in the fog of the battle. This is not one of those times. For future generations, for the planet, for the future of the Republican Party, you have got to get this one right.
     "If you are not a climate denier yourself, do not put one in charge of the EPA," said Schatz. Interviews and testimony on Trump's nominees are expected to continue into next week.

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HAWAI`I'S U.S. SENATORS Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz plan to attend the Inauguration of Donald Trump who becomes the President of the United States on Friday. Neither of Hawai`i's Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives will attend the Inauguration. Ka`u's Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is on a fact-finding mission in the Middle East and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, who represents urban Hawai`i, said she is ill and has been told by the doctor to avoid flying. More than 60 U.S. House members have pledged not to attend the Inauguration. Pres. Barack Obama and second place finisher in the Presidential Electoral College election, Hilary Clinton, will also attend. Trump takes the oath at noon, East Coast time to become the 45th President of the United States.

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Grants for community stewardship of Kawa come before the County
Council Fincnace Committee on Tuesday. Photo by Julia Neal

STEWARDSHIP GRANTS FOR KAWA are on the Tuesday, Jan. 24 agenda of the Hawai`i County Council's Committee on Finance. Four requests for stewardship grants from four non-profit organizations promise to provide conservation and restoration services at Kawa, a 784-acre area that was acquired by the County through the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Commission with funding from government agencies.
     Kawa is a beach-front property located makai of Highway 11, between Whittington Beach Park and Pualu’u Black Sand Beach. The land is rich in archeological sites, a nesting spot for endangered Hawksbill turtles, and it is a popular surfing and fishing spot.
     The applications for funds to provide stewardship came from Na Mamo O Kawa ($48,850), Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund ($13,200), 
The Honu Project ($24,665), and Team Hawai‘i International Athletics ($354,190).
    The Council will review recommendations made by Charmaine L. Kamaka, Director of the County Department of Parks & Recreation, who reviewed the four applications. In her report to the County Council, she recommended the Hawai’i Wildlife Fund for funding. For more on Kamaka’s recommendations, please read the Ka’u News Briefs of Wednesday, January 11.

     Kawa is in the Ka’u district.  Maile David, who represents Ka’u on the County Council is also Chair of the Committee on Finance.  The committee on Finance can approve Kamaka’s recommendations, or make fresh recommendations, or table the applications or request more information.  The County Council has the final say in approving or refusing the applications. 

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOL PLAYED THE TROJANS in girls basketball at the new Ka`u Gym on Wednesay. In the JV game, Ka`u racked up 34 points wiht Chayla Ault making 8 of them. However, Kamehmeha scored 41 and took the win. In Varsity, Ka`u scored 26 With Alysha Gustafson-Savelia claiming 11 and Rishalyn Jara 6. Kamehameha won with 58 points.

PALM TRAIL HIKE, Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Voclanoes National Park near Ocean View. Free.

OIL PAINTING CLASS AT VOLCANO ART CENTER will be taught by Vicki Penne-Rohner on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the VAC campus in Volcano Village. 967-8222.

HULA KAHIKO, Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10:30 p.m. on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Kumu hula Pelehonuamea and Kekoa  Harman with Halau i Ka Leo Ola o Na Mamo perform. Na Mea Hula, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on the gallery porch with Kumu Ab Valencia and Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu.

Mongolian BBQ is Saturday, Jan. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Cafe in hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. 967-8356. 

Ka`u News Briefs Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017

The Miloli`i Canoe Club, once again on the water for the past three years, after a long history
of canoe culture and competition over the decades, is getting ready for paddling season and
inviting new members to join from Ka`u into Kona, keiki to kupuna.
See story below. Photo from Miloli`i Canoe Club

REP. TULSI GABBARD has been traveling. Foreign Policy broke a story today, revealing Gabbard has been on an unannounced trip to the Middle East where she visited the Syrian capital city of Damascus and the war torn city of Aleppo, with Lebanon also on her her agenda. It was unclear whether she met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Atlantic magazine pointed out today that "her visit to Syria, in theory, may constitute a violation of the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized individuals from contacting a foreign government that's engaged in a dispute with the U.S. It's worth pointing out, however, that no one has ever been prosecuted for alleged violations of the act," wrote The Atlantic reporter Krishnadev Calamur.

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with Trump in November and took an
announced trip to Syria in the last few days, after promoting her
bill to stop U.S. regime change operations that could wind up
funding terrorists.

     A statement from Gabbard spokesperson Emily Latimer, who called the trip a fact-finding mission, said: "As a member of the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees, and as an individual committed to doing all she can to promote and work for peace, she felt it was important to meet with a number of individuals and groups including religious leaders, humanitarian workers, refugees and government and community leaders."

     Gabbard has been testifying in Congress and going on national television to support her legislation that would attempt to prevent the U.S. from regime change operations, particularly those that can lead to weapons ending up in the hands of terrorists and death to civilians. She said she told Trump during their meeting in Trump Tower that a no-fly zone in Syria, which some in the the Trump team have suggested, could push the U.S. into a war with Russia and possibly a nuclear war. She said that some half million people have already died in the nearly six years of war in Syria and that the U.S. has been quietly supporting allies of terrorists in its Syrian efforts.
    Gabbard also called the war expenditures unfair to Americans and tweeted yesterday, "We’ve spent trillions on regime change wars while communities across our nation face a severe lack of resources and dire need."

    Gabbard is a veteran of Middle East wars and a Major in the Army National Guard. She was the Veterans Day speaker on Nov. 11 at Kilauea Military Camp in Volcano and recently met with Ka`u farmers about promoting their agricultural agenda in Congress this year.
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RANKING MEMBER OF THE U.S. SENATE ARMED SERVICES Subcommittee on Seapower is a title that will remain for Sen. Mazie Hirono during the 115th Congress. Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) made the announcement today.
    Said Hirono:  “Hawai`i continues to be the center of America’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I will continue to advocate for a strong Navy and Marine Corps, and in support of our service members and their families.” The Subcommittee on Seapower is responsible for overseeing the vast majority of Navy and Marine Corps programs, Marine Corps ground forces, Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, Navy and Marine Corps research and development, and strategic sealift and airlift research and development programs.

Rep. John Lewis and Sen. Mazie Hirono, who tweeted that
President-elect Donald Trump could learn from Lewis' example.
Photo from Office of Sen. Mazie Hirono

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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO PUSHED BACK ON PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP'S comments on civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis this past weekend. Lewis said he would not attend the Trump Inauguration and declared the Trump presidency illegitimate.
     Trump tweeted: "Congressman John Lewis should spend more time on fixing and helping his district which is in horrible shape and falling apart."
    Hirono came to Lewis' defense and tweeted, "My friend @repjohnlewis is an American hero. A champion for justice and reconciliation.
@realDonaldTrump could learn something from his example." On Martin Luther King Day, Hirono tweeted "Everybody can be great....because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." #MLKDAY".

     One reaction to Trump's tweet about Lewis, who represents Atlanta, with one of the world's busiest airports and a booming economy, was for more than 60 members of Congress to announce they will also refrain from attending the Inauguration ceremony for Trump in Washington, D.C. on Friday. 

      Ka`u's congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has traveled to Syria and Lebanon and it remains unclear as to whether she will attend. Hawai`i's U.S. Senators Hirono and Brian Schatz are expected to attend as is Hillary Clinton, who lost the electoral college vote to Trump.
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The Hawai`i Legislature opened today in Honolulu
with programs in Hawaiian and English.
Photo from Sen. Kai`ali`i Kahele

MAYOR HARRY KIM traveled to Honolulu for today's opening of the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature. In Harry Kim style, he takes the bus to and from the airport and the Capitol to save money.
      Kim said he also wants to keep more money in Hawai`i County by joining other mayors in asking for a higher retention of Transient Accommodations Tax. The TAT, which will fuel about  $19.5 million of Hawai`i County's budget, could bring in more money to each county government, if the state would take less of the total taxes raised from visitor accommodation rentals. The Legislature voted to take a higher percentage of the TAT from each county when times were hard. With a strong economy now, Kim reasoned, the counties should receive the  higher percentage again.
     However, Gov. David Ige, with a proposed statewide budget of $278.7 million, is asking the counties, and the Legislature, to let the state keep its current share of the TAT revenues. Said the governor, the TAT helps to pay for roads, bridges, airports, parks and other facilities across the state, which are used by visitors paying the TAT.

   

Mayor Harry Kim

  The TAT is 9.5 percent of the room, condo, cottage or house price charged by hoteliers, innkeepers, condo and homeowner who rent out units for less than six months at a time. The owners of the transient accommodation are responsible for collecting the TAT and the additional 4 percent sales tax and turning them over to the state.

     At the Legislature, the Hawai`i County Mayor made the rounds to Big Island state Senators and members of the House of Representatives, as well as leaders of various committees and state departments.

     The mayor, who is known for befriending houseless people and spending time with them, said he is also looking for solutions to homelessness. While not as big a problem as in Honolulu, where homeless people have lived on beaches and taken over parks and the sides of streets, homelessness in Kim’s view, could grow on this island and local government needs to get ahead of the problem, said the mayor.
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THE STATEWIDE HAWAI`I CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is camping out at the Hawai`i Legislature, testifying on many bills. A letter from its President and CEO, Sherry Menor-McNamara, says that the Chamber will promote its agenda “focusing on spurring economic development, investing in our future and lowering the cost of doing business. In addition, we will be reviewing more than 2,000 bills that will get introduced and identifying those that impact business.”
     Menor-McNamara said Chamber presidents are working across the country on “attracting, retaining and marketing to millennials, tax reform and improving state Chamber operations, with deep discussions on economic blueprint vision programs that focus on Chambers serving a 'futurist' role in this dynamic, challenging and ever-changing environment.” The Chamber is holding a legislative meet and greet function at SALT in Honolulu tomorrow. It also will sponsor a session “on the impact the new Trump administration and Congress will have on business priorities in Hawai`i and nationwide," on Friday in Honolulu. See more at http://cochawaii.org.

    The Ka`u Chamber of Commerce holds its annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 26 at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 6 p.m.

     The Ka`u Chamber hosts an annual art show, essay contest and the production of The Directory, the annual business and community guide for Ka`u. It raises scholarship money for Ka`u residents in higher education.
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Trojan Soccer Team at Ka`u High is comprised of front row- Rowlie Flores, Kyle Calumpit, Kun Monkeya,
Ryan Ah Yee, Mark Galacio, Brennan Nishimura, Ezra Ramores and Daryl Moreira;back row - Chaunalisa Velez,
Jamal Buyuan, Trevor Taylor, Brandon Ecalas, Jacob Wren, Josiah Barrios, Chadwick Pajimola and Chloe Gan.
Missing is Koby Moses. Photo by Pam Taylor

KA`U HIGH'S TROJAN SOCCER TEAM stood for its school photo this week. Head Coach is Crystalee Mandaguit. Assistant Coaches are Joenell Nullar-Freitas, Kayla Nishimura and Gennifer Shibuya. Athletic Trainer is Moses Whitcomb and Athletic Director is Kalae Nomohala. 

The Malolo, a koa canoe built in the 1920s was returned to

Miloli`i Canoe Club last April when she was welcomed 

by Rep. Richard Creagan, Sen. Kaiali`i Kahele and County

Council member Maile David. The club welcomes new 

members, young and old to start the 2017 season.

   Photo from Maile David     

MILOLI`I CANOE CLUB is gearing up for paddling season and invites Ka`u and South Kona residents to travel for practice and races. The canoe club will meet for recreational practices now and officially on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays at 8 a.m., beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 28 at the Awa in Miloli`i Village.
      The Moku o Hawai`i race season begins in May and ends the second weekend of September with a long distance race in the waters near Miloli'i.
     A statement from the club says, "We are seeking energetic, steadfast, team spirited paddlers."

    Keiki teams are planned for ages 8 and over. Parental supervision is required during practice and race days for those age 8-14. All must know how to swim.

     "Our purpose is to perpetuate the ancient art and culture of Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling as traditionally practiced. We welcome new and experienced paddlers of any age to join us on some of the most pristine and splendid waters in all of Hawai`i. Come and see just how fun and exciting this sport of Outrigger Canoe Racing can be. Bring a smile, a positive attitude, and a water bottle. Paddles are available for those who cannot afford their own," says a statement from Miloli`i Canoe Club. 

     All paddlers join and pay dues, sign a waiver, fill out a registration form with age verification, get a club t-shirt, insurance and Hawai`i Canoe Racing Association cards to make them eligible to race in regattas. Those who choose not to race will be asked to support the team in other ways and will be given opportunities to paddle recreationally." 

     Hoe wa`a, canoe paddling, is a longtime tradition in Miloli`i, dating back to the time when many launched their canoes daily to fish for `opelu to feed their families. Last Spring, the club's koa wa`a, the canoe called Malolo, crafted in koa in the 1920s, was restored and returned to Miloli`i Canoe Club.  Historically, Malolo helped give Miloli`i Canoe Club a winning tradition, with many titles, including the Moloka`i Channel race.

     For more information, call Patricia Mullen at 707-479-2659. Messages will be greeted with a return call.

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FAMILY READING NIGHT, Thursday, Jan. 19 at 5 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.

OVCA Board Meeting, Thirsday, Jan. 19 at 6 pm. Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033.