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| A traditional Christmas Eve service last night at Nāʻālehu Methodist Church. Photo by Julia Neal |
PEOPLE WORKING IN THE MILITARY AND PARTIALLY CLOSED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT and those who lost jobs won the focus of Rep. Tusli Gabbard's Christmas message. "This time of year is so special to me as we remember the birth of Jesus Christ, and his timeless message of love for God and love for one another. We experience the joy and happiness found when we love and care for each other.
"My heart is with my brothers and sisters in uniform who are away from their loved ones today. We miss you and pray for your quick and safe return home. You are warriors, motivated by love, who put service above self, willing to sacrifice all in service to our people and our country. You are the perfect example of what it means to be an American, and the spirit of service and love that make our country great.
"The challenges we face are great. Darkness, divisiveness, and hatred surround us. But I am hopeful. Because I know that when we stand together, united by our love for each other and for our country, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
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WITH YESTERDAY'S WORST DROP IN THE STOCK MARKET ON A CHRISTMAS EVE, EVER, Hawaiʻi Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted his concerns after the Dow closed down more than 650 points, losing 4,000 points in three weeks. The S&P 500 dropped more than 20 percent from a recent high, indicating the possible transition from a bull to a bear market. The Nasdaq fell 2.2 percent and bonds rose.
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| Christmas moon. Photo by Julia Neal |
"'John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.'
"There is no force more powerful than love," wrote Gabbard, promising to fight for an end to "our country's unnecessary wars," and to care for veterans.
Gabbard reached out to government workers and their families, "struggling this Christmas – some not knowing when their next paycheck will come in because of a government shutdown that could have been avoided," and others also under financial stress "because they've recently been laid off due to corporate greed. People are suffering because self-serving leaders in positions of power, driven by a desire for money, power, and fame, sacrifice the well-being of the people for their own selfish gain. They dishonor our veterans and those who have sacrificed all in service to our people and our country, undermining the very values and principles they have fought to uphold and protect. They deserve better. You deserve better. We deserve servant leaders who will put the needs of the people and our country before their own.
"'1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.'"
She asked the public to sign a card to the troops "as we wish them well, and work to bring them home."
WITH YESTERDAY'S WORST DROP IN THE STOCK MARKET ON A CHRISTMAS EVE, EVER, Hawaiʻi Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted his concerns after the Dow closed down more than 650 points, losing 4,000 points in three weeks. The S&P 500 dropped more than 20 percent from a recent high, indicating the possible transition from a bull to a bear market. The Nasdaq fell 2.2 percent and bonds rose.
Schatz retweeted an NBC news report that "The plummet followed a tumultuous few days in Washington, amid reports that Trump was discussing how to remove Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell," who recently raised interest rates.
Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi released a statement: "It's Christmas Eve and President Trump is plunging the country into chaos. The stock market is tanking and the president is waging a personal war on the Federal Reserve — after he just fired the Secretary of Defense."
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| A hibernating bear stock market may overtake the aggressive bull market, both represented in these creations in front of the stock market in Germany. Photo from Wikipedia |
Numerous retirees responded to Schatz, with such tweets as "Trying to live on social security and savings in 401K which is crap now. Trump has made my life so much worse. No winning here at my house." Another said, "Lost most of our 401K in '09. built it up a bit since, now watching it shrink again. No time to rebuild - we are 63 and 64."
Said another, "I am one of those retirees whose 403 (b) and after-tax stock investments have been decimated by Trump's actions. If he wants to take (undue) credit for the rise, he owns the crash as well."
The New York Times reported today, "For anyone closely watching the financial markets, the calm of Christmas on Tuesday was infused with anxiety. Traders were bracing for the possibility of bad news on Wednesday... stocks fell for four consecutive days through Monday... Investors have looked past evidence of economic strength, however, and toward a potential slowdown in 2019."
In international markets, the dollar weakened and gold climbed to a six month high.
In international markets, the dollar weakened and gold climbed to a six month high.
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| Fireworks permits become available tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 26, and are good through New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal |
FIREWORKS AND FIREWORKS PERMITS go on sale tomorrow,
Wednesday, Dec. 26. Firework and permit sales end midnight, Monday, Dec. 31.
Setting off of fireworks for New Year celebrations is
allowed between 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec.
31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 . Permits should be visibly
displayed at the site of use during the time of firing.
Each permit costs $25 and will entitle the holder to
purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers - multiple permit purchases are
authorized. Permits will only be issued to persons 18 years or older, and are
non-transferable and non-refundable.
Permits are available at:
•Fire Administration Office, Hilo County Building,
25 Aupuni St., Suite 2501, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 26 through 28
•Kona Fire Prevention Office, West Hawaiʻi Civic
Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Building E, second floor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Dec. 26 through 30
•Parker Ranch Shopping
Center Food Court , Kamuela, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Dec. 26 through 31
Permits are also
available at the following firecracker vending outlets, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Dec. 26 through 31:
•J.
Hara Store, 17-343 Volcano Hwy ,
Kurtistown
•KTA Puainako, 50 E.
Puainako St. , Hilo
•TNT Tent
Hilo , 381 E.
Makaʻala St .
•Phantom
Tent Hilo , 325
E. Makaʻala St .
•Phantom
Tent Hilo , 111
E. Puainako St .
•Long's
Puainako, 111 E. Puainako St. , Hilo
•KTA
Kona, Kona Coast Shopping Center, 74-5594 Palani Rd.
•Pacific
Fireworks, 75-1022 Henry St. ,
Kona
•Phantom
Tent Kona, 74-5454 Makala Blvd.
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| In the street and in the air, fireworks will light up the sky, celebrated with sound and explosions on the streets and yards throughout Ka‘ū, starting just after sunset on New Year's Eve. Photo by Julia Neal |
It is illegal for
anyone to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework, or to throw
fireworks from, at, or into any vehicle. Fireworks must only be set off between
9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 1.
It is also illegal to set off any fireworks within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church while services are held: set off any fireworks on any school property without authorization from said school official(s); set off any fireworks on any public way, such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
Offering for sale, selling, or giving any fireworks to minors is illegal, as is possession, purchase, selling, setting off, igniting, or otherwise causing to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. Setting off any aerial luminary devices – commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns – or any other aerial devices – such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells – is also illegal.
It is also illegal to set off any fireworks within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, zoo, animal hospital or shelter, or church while services are held: set off any fireworks on any school property without authorization from said school official(s); set off any fireworks on any public way, such as a highway, alley, street, sidewalk, or park.
Offering for sale, selling, or giving any fireworks to minors is illegal, as is possession, purchase, selling, setting off, igniting, or otherwise causing to explode any fireworks, except under the immediate supervision of an adult. Setting off any aerial luminary devices – commonly called Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns – or any other aerial devices – such as bottle rockets, skyrockets, roman candles, cakes, mortars, or shells – is also illegal.
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Firework displays have toned down in Kaʻū since more than a
thousand people came to Pāhala to see the spectacular
Rodney Freitas show
in 2009. However, lots of backyard and street action is expected in all the
villages on Dec. 31,
and Hawaiʻi Fire Department warns everyone to
be careful. Photo by Kris Bakken
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•Use
extreme care when setting off fireworks. Children interacting with or near fireworks
should be under a sober adult's close supervision at all times. Even the smallest
of fireworks can cause severe injuries that will quickly ruin the holidays.
•Fireworks
should be set off in an area well away from dry grass or flammable materials.
•Fireworks
should be completely extinguished and cool before being disposed of.
•Have
a fire extinguisher and/or a water hose ready to use. Be sure water can reach all
areas fireworks activities and around any buildings. Wetting down any dry,
grassy areas before and after setting off fireworks is recommended. Preparing
will verify water can reach any places necessary in case of an unexpected fire.
For more information on purchasing fireworks
permits, or the use of fireworks, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 (Hilo )
or 323-4760 (Kona).
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APPLICATIONS FOR A PAID INTERNSHIP IN KAʻŪ for Kupu Hawai‘i
and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time
position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards
native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona .
Benefits offered include: a $1,600
monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards
higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and
receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Applicants must be at least 17 years
old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent.
Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's
license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered
through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application
at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon
as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or
call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment.
Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Kaʻū High Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 4, Fri., host Hilo , 6pm
Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Jan. 3, Thu., host Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 5, Sat., @HPA, 6pm
Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 11, host Konawaena, 6pm
Wrestling:
Jan. 5, Sat., @Waiakea
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Soccer:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kona
Jan. 3, Thu., Girls @HPA
Jan. 5, Sat., Boys host Kealakehe
Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo
Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Jan. 5, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
NEW and UPCOMING
LEARN TO WEAVE LAU HALA WITH LEAVES FROM THE ‘AHA PŪHALA O PUNA weaving club on Wednesday, Jan. 9, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the Kīlauea Visitor Center Lānai in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
"Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Come create, and take home your own small piece of lau hala art," states the event description on nps.gov/havo. Attendance to the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work event is free; however, park entrance fees apply.
"Hawaiians have used the hala (pandanus) tree to create many useful and beautiful items for centuries. Come create, and take home your own small piece of lau hala art," states the event description on nps.gov/havo. Attendance to the ‘Ike Hana No‘eau - Experience the Skillful Work event is free; however, park entrance fees apply.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Dec. 26, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
How to Make Haupia - ‘Ike Hana No‘eau (Experience the Skillful Work), Wed., Dec. 26, 10-2pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Made from the pia root (arrowroot) and mixed with coconut milk or cream, then steamed, boiled or baked into a pudding, haupia is a popular and authentic cultural dessert. Free; park entrance fees apply. Co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27
Craft Class, Thu., Dec. 27, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Dec. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Dec. 27, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Dec. 29, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/havo
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Dec. 26, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27
Craft Class, Thu., Dec. 27, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Dec. 27, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat., Dec. 29, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture, and observe the catastrophic change and restoration of the land as it transitions from the 1868 lava flow to deeper soils with more diversity and older flora. Free. nps.gov/havo
TUESDAY, JANUARY 1
New Year's Day Brunch, Tue., Jan. 1, 7-noon, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Menu includes: Roast Pork, Chicken Picata, Omelet Station, French Toast, Breakfast Potatoes, Rice, Patties, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, Cheesecake Bar w/Toppings, Brownies and Beverage. $17.95/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘iVolcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs thro ugh Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
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