Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017

A climbing fig, a fruit introduced to Hawai`i in the 1800s. See story on Hawai`i Tropical
Fruit Growers Conference below. Photo from University of Hawai`i

THE PUBLIC AUCTION OF THE OLD PAHALA MILL SITE IS DELAYED until Dec. 1. The plaintiff in the foreclosure asked for the delay saying the parties will attempt to work out their differences. The group owing money on the 60-plus acres in Pahala had been granted permission from the former County of Hawai`i Planning Director to build a water bottling plant there, along with a commercial center with parking for tour buses, vans and cars.
     Plans included a new 81,250 square foot warehouse, a 33,000 square-foot processing and bottling plant and renovation of the existing 12,000 warehouse on the property.

A site map submitted to the county showed large warehouses,
and commercial development for a water bottling plant.

     However, the holder of a loan on the land foreclosed on the property, which was scheduled for auction on the Hilo Courthouse steps last Friday, July 28, but delayed.
     In the meantime the land has been placed on the county's Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation list for acquisition.
     Ka`u residents submitted the request and proposed multiple uses, including a community park and venue for such large events as      Ka`u Coffee Festival, vocational education facilities, historic preservation of remnants of the old sugar mill for which the town was founded, a campground, and a possible site on one end of the property for the Pahala sewage treatment plant. In order for the county to consider purchasing the site, there would have to be a willing seller.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A SCIENCE LAUREATE FOR THE UNITED STATES is proposed by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Zoe Lofgren. Today, they introduced the Science Laureates of the United States Act of 2017, bicameral legislation.

Sen Mazie Hirono proposes a
U.S. Science Laureate program.

     Hirono said, "Our country’s scientific achievements contribute to our national economy, while also improving and enhancing our local communities, but American students continue to lag behind their international peers in STEM proficiency. The Science Laureate of the United States will help motivate our students to enter into scientific fields – increasing their ability to compete in the global economy.”
     Lofgren pointed out that “Scientists like Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, or Sally Ride can capture the public's attention and inspire Americans. Establishing a Science Laureate will provide a platform for more scientists to inspire us. Science and technology is ever more important to the United States’ competitive edge in the modern world. A Science Laureate can elevate, articulate, and promote science to the broader public, as well as be a role model for students by encouraging and inspiring them to be the innovators of tomorrow.”

Sen. Spark Matsunaga formalized
the Poet Laureate program, funding
it through Congress in 1985.

     Similar to the Poet Laureate of the United States, a position that was formally established by Hawai`i Sen. Spark M. Matsunaga in 1985, the Science Laureate of the United States "would promote a greater appreciation of a field important for all Americans—raising the public’s awareness about scientific feats and accomplishments, and inspiring others to pursue innovations in the science field," said a statement from Hirono's office.
     The legislation would require the National Science Foundation to appoint a Science Laureate of the United States based on recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. The Science Laureate would be appointed on an annual basis, with an opportunity to serve for a longer period of time, as determined by NSF.
     The bill is supported by Research!America, Council on Undergraduate Research, American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Geophysical Union, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, and the American Chemical Society.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

THE 27TH ANNUAL HAWAI`I TROPICAL FRUIT CONFERENCE is set for Hilo the week of September 22, with travels to Kona, Maui, Moloka`i, O`ahu and Kaua`i for mini-conferences.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the eight-day event is presented by the statewide Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers and open to the public.

Dragonfruit grow well in Hawai`i.
Photo from University of Hawai`i

     The conference is titled Facing Challenges and offers a lineup of visiting researchers and agro experts sharing information and breakout sessions on a variety of topics. They include Ed Stover on Huanglongbing and the U.S. Citrus Industry: Status and Ongoing Research, Lindsay Basik on Durian Cultivation Around the World, and David Karp on the History and Genealogy of Citrus.

     HTFG Executive Director Ken Love says Hilo activities include UH, USDA and NASS updates, a report and survey on specialty crops, Q & A with guest speakers, Sunday tour of OK Farms with Brian Lievens, networking and fruit tasting.
     Mini-conference activities on the other islands include farm tours and speaker presentations and meetings. Registration forms and fee schedule are available at www.HTFG.org or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at suiso@aloha.net. Conference room rates are available through August 9, 2017 at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel using code HH7027. Conference is made possible through funding from the County of Hawai`i and Hawai`i Department of Agriculture.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Blue Zones Project Gardening Demo, Wed, Aug 2, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Pāhala Community Center. RSVP at jadeiokepa@healthways.com

Open Mic Night, Wed, Aug 2, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Open to authorized and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka`u News Briefs Monday, July 31, 2017

Summertime activities are ending, like weeks of fishing at South Point, as students head back to school in Ka`u next week.
See stories below. One of the classic Ka`u photos by Peter Anderson

ITS FIRST ANNUAL FESTIVAL FOR KEIKI IN KA`U was announced today by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi. The non-profit will host Mālama Nā Keiki Festival at Na'ālehu Park on Saturday, Aug. 26. The Mālama Nā Keiki Festival promotes prenatal, children’s, and family health by providing a festival of health education, community resources, and interactive keiki activities. The festival is free and open to the public, aiming to serve expecting and first-time mothers, women considering pregnancy, young families, and supporting ‘ohana from across the county.

     Hawai’i Island family health agencies will participate in the event to share about their services. Participants will have the chance to learn about local prenatal, postnatal, and keiki health services available to their families. Clinical health screenings will a be offered, including hearing screenings and vision tests, along with immunization information and prenatal education. It will be a family fun day with keiki activities and local healthy food available to all participants.
     The Mālama Nā Keiki Festival will launch an island-wide Healthy Hapai prenatal cohort program. Each prenatal cohort will meet monthly in their regional area with a Hui Mālama health educator, for hands-on learning about maternity health and wellness practices. Interested women can sign up for the cohorts at the festival.
     The festival is made possible through support of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. "Hui Mālama strives to help participants develop a strong network of prenatal and postnatal support, and learn best practices to prevent potential health problems, raise healthy happy children, strengthen family, and fulfill OHA and Hui Mālama's shared goal of a strong and healthy Hawaiian nation," says a statement from the organization.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Raina Whiting has been selected for the
Rural School Leadership Academy.

NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN TEACHER Raina Whiting has been accepted to a national program to support emerging teacher leaders who teach in rural schools. The 2017-2018 Rural School Leadership Academy consists of 39 Teach For America alumni across the country who teach in or are leaders of rural schools.
     The goal of the program is to train emerging school leaders by preparing them to lead schools as a principals or vice principals or to participate in chartering new schools. The cohort of 39 spent this past week in New Mexico focusing on leadership skill building, relationship building and learning from current school leaders.
     Whiting will attend leadership summits in several rural locations over the next year. Whiting joins educators from Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, North Carolina, Louisiana, Hawai'i, Idaho, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and other parts of the U.S. that are considered rural regions.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U SCHOOLS LAUNCH THE FALL SEMESTER next week, with the following schedule:

     Ka`u High & Elementary School will have a Back-to-School Kick Off this Friday, Aug. 4 from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the gym for families and students to meet the faculty, with a spaghetti dinner to follow.
     Ka`u Learning Academy Charter School starts classes on Monday, Aug. 7.
     Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences Charter School starts for new students on Monday, Aug. 7 and for continuing students on Tuesday Aug. 8.Na`alehu Elementary School starts classes on Tuesday, Aug. 8 for grades first through sixth and pre-kindergarten. Kindergarten starts on Aug. 9 and 10.

     Ka`u High & Elementary School starts the fall semester with a transition day Wednesday, Aug. 9 for orientation for Pre-K through sixth grade as well as seventh and ninth grade students. All students start school on Thursday, Aug. 10.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA'U HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Kalei Namohala has announced the following opportunities for student athletes and prospective staff from the following coaches:
     Football with Coach Duwayne Ke: Started July 17 with Eight-Man Football practices Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Coach Tammy picks up students who are interested at Hele On Park and Ride at 1:15 p.m. in Ocean View and 1:30 p.m. at 76 Gas Station in Na`alehu until start of school.
     Girls Volleyball with Coach Joshua Ortega: Starts Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Ka'u District Gym, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Coach Tammy picks up students who are interested at Hele On Park and Ride 1:15 p.m. in Ocean View and 1:30 p.m. at 76 Gas Station in Na`alehu until start of school.

Ka`u High School's Athletic Director
Kalei Namohala

     Bowling with Coach Hiilani Lapera: Starts Tuesday Aug. 22. Sign up with Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, once school starts, from Aug. 9 to Aug. 18.
     Cross Country with Coach Erin Cole: Starts Aug. 14. Sign up with Athletic Director Kalei Namohala, once school starts, from Aug. 9 to Aug. 18.
     Cheerleading with Coach Jessica Carroll: See Coach Carroll first day of school to sign up.
     In order to participate, all students 9th to 12th grade must have a current physical and participation on file with Athletic Trainer Moses Whitcomb. For more information or questions contact the Athletic Director.
     Coaching Position Openings: Ka'u High is seeking head coaches for varsity boys and girls Swimming, varsity Baseball, varsity Softball and varsity Tennis.
    Seeking Assistant Cross Country Coach - works under the supervision of the Head Varsity Boys / Girls Cross Country Coach Erin Cole.
     Positions will include staffing the varsity and junior varsity programs. Applicants for coaching must have prior high school or college coaching experience. College diploma is recommended and must clear D.O.E. background check. Email resumes with at least three references to Athletic Director Kalei_Namohala@notes.k12.hi.us or fill coaches application form in school office. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

A MULTI-STATE CYBERSECURITY COMPACT was signed by Gov. David Ige today, as Hawai‘i joins 3 other states to enhance state cybersecurity and develop the cyber workforce. The Compact to Improve State Cybersecurity is part of the National Governors Association’s Meet the Threat: States Confront the Cyber Challenge initiative. The compact makes recommendations to better secure states’ cyber infrastructure by building cybersecurity governance, preparing and defending the state from cybersecurity events, and growing the nation’s cybersecurity workforce, said a statement from the governor.

A reminder image from the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services.

   “The top priority of any governor is the public’s welfare and safety, which now includes protecting citizens from cyber threats,” Ige said. “I am proud to join my fellow governors in signing this compact and committing to its recommendations.”

      The compact specifically recognizes that a “competent and plentiful workforce” is critical to successful cybersecurity policy.

      “Hawai`i has already taken proactive steps toward the compacts goals,” said state Chief Information Officer Todd Nacapuy, who leads the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, the agency responsible for securing state government information resources and infrastructure. “These include establishing a state chief information security officer, reclassifying IT security positions to align with modern industry best practices, offering cyber internship opportunities, and supporting programs such as SANS Institute’s CyberStart program that encourages high school and college students to explore careers in cybersecurity.”

      Read the full Compact to Improve State Cybersecurity here:

https://ci.nga.org/files/live/sites/ci/files/1617/docs/1707CybersecurityCompact.pdf

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Association Meeting, Tue, Aug 1, 6 – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Blue Zones Project Gardening Demo, Wed, Aug 2, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Pāhala Community Center. RSVP at jadeiokepa@healthways.com

Open Mic Night, Wed, Aug 2, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Open to authorized and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371

www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017

Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, July 30, 2017

Hawai`i Police Department officers converged on the late Officer Bobby Gomes' home base, Ka`u Police Station, on
Saturday for a "Last Call Bobby Gomes." Photo by Alan Moorse

True community policing officer
Bobby Gomes.
Photo by William Neal

BOBBY GOMES SEEMED TO BE EVERYWHERE, helping out during his entire life in Ka‘ū. He was a true community police officer every day, a peacekeeper, patient, kind and understanding to all who met him no matter their race, creed, faith or culture. He made time for everyone. 

     Gomes emceed the groundbreaking of the new Ka‘ū District Gym & Shelter with the Rev. Martin Mwashibula and was there for the ribbon cutting with Mwashibula when it opened last year. Gomes and wife Phoebe, for whom he always showed a public endearment, emceed the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Pageant at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, and the couple served as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for keiki at Hana Hou Restaurant’s Christmas party.

       At KAHU, Ka‘ū’s community radio station, he hosted a show with live music from keiki, interviews and call-ins. It was one of the most listened-to programs until the station shut down, its license sold to Hawai‘i Public Radio, which now sends its signal from the same building. Gomes was an occasional photographer for The Ka`u Calendar.
     After his retirement from a 53-year career in the Hawai‘i Police Department, Officer Gomes directed traffic and people for many local events, including the Independence Day Parade in Nā‘ālehu. Last year, he served as its Grand Marshal.

Pahala Volunteer Fire Department salutes Bobby Gomes
during Saturday's procession. Photo by Alan Moores

         Gomes treasured democracy and campaigned to involve the community in local elections, offering support to many candidates, including close friend and current County Council member Maile Medeiros David. Serious about the future of Ka‘ū, Gomes testified during public meetings on the controversial biofuels factory that was proposed for Wood Valley. He sought preservation of history and historic buildings and took part in Ka`u Plantation Days. 

Phoebe and Bobby Gomes and family with County Council
member Maile David at last year's council swearing in
ceremony. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Immersed in local culture, he danced hula, played guitar and sang, accompanying his lifelong partner Phoebe at many events in Ka`u, including the Ka`u Coffee Festival, the opening of the Punalu`u Bake Shop Cookie Factory, and the annual Ka‘ū Christmas Parade where he rode, sang and played guitar with his Holy Rosary Church members.
     His funeral at the overflowing Holy Rosary Church in Pāhala on July 29 showed that his influence spread enormously beyond Ka‘ū. Police cars came from around the island and proceeded to Ka‘ū Police Station in Nā‘ālehu. Along the way, the public, police and firefighters stood in reverence with a salute of respect. At Nā‘ālehu, a Last Call sounded over the communications system: “Last Call Bobby Gomes.”

     Last year the County Council honored Gomes for his public service and community advocacy. Gomes launched his career with Hawai‘i County Police Department in 1962.

Bobby Gomes dances hula at the opening of Punalu`u Bake Shop
Cookie Factory. Photo by Julia Neal

Said Ka‘ū’s council member Maile David, “You nurtured several generations of children in Ka‘ū through tough love and constant reminders about the importance of ‘ohana, of helping your community and of treating everyone with honesty and respect.
     “As we all know, a man’s greatness is attributed to those closest to him. Your soul mate, guiding star, voice of reason for the past 59 years, is Aunty Phoebe. The kupuna dynamic duo that you are would help anyone in need without question or hesitation and always with aloha and compassion. You are an icon at parades and community events, an avid hula dancer and love playing the role of Santa because it brings joy to the faces of children who you love so dearly.

Bobby Gomes, fourth from left, during Plantation Days in Pahala.
Photo by Julia Neal

     “Leading by example, and always with humility and respect for others, you have shown us what it means to truly ‘live aloha.’” Bobby Gomes was 81, March 5, 1936- July 1, 2017.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

KA`U VOICES STAND UP FOR AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE: Placard waving members of Ka‘ū Voices lined up along the road near the swap meet in Ocean View on Saturday to voice their support of the Affordable Care Act. Commonly called Obamacare, it has been threatened with repeal by the legislature in Washington, DC.

Holding signs for passing motorists to read were, from the left, 

Tim Houle, Linda Morgan, Sterling Robbins, Claire Underwood

and Edna Montague of Ka‘ū Voices. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Last week, three Republican U.S. senators voted with 48 Democrats to stop the repeal – an historic vote, which Sen. Brian Schatz said was prompted by the call of the people. Schatz wrote, “Thank you for all of your calls, your petitions, your tweets and for making your voices heard. Your activism made this victory possible.”
     An organization of activists, Ka‘ū Voices participated in the Women’s March after the inauguration of Pres. Trump. Its members meet monthly, and the next scheduled meeting is Sunday, Aug. 13, from 2 p.m – 3 p.m. at Punalu’u Bakeshop in Na’alehu.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Working for more CERT certified volunteers are (front row) President of
Discovery Harbour Community Association Irene Eklund and
Volcano CERT Team Leader Nancy Lakin. Back Row: Civil Defense
official Barry Periatt, Volcano Fireman Paul Lakin, Discovery Harbour
board member Doug Flaherty, Orchidland Team Leaders Sharon
and Dennis McCartin, Civil Defense official Patti Pinto, and Discovery
Harbour board member Doug Castro. Photo by Alan Stafford

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAMS TRAIN. Ka‘ū residents received training this summer for Community Emergency Response Teams. The course held at Discovery Harbour Community Hall over four Saturdays included instruction from county Civil Defense, the trainers specializing in various skills, including firefighting, triage for injuries, first aid and search and rescue. The classes wound up with a graduation and practice disaster activation on June 24. Graduates joined the Discovery Harbour/Na`alehu and Ocean View CERT teams.
     The graduates in the Discovery Harbour/ Nā‘ālehu CERT Team are: Jeanne Taylor, Richard Taylor, Diane Porter, Mary Henderson and Connie Hand. Ocean View received one new CERT member, Marty Marsh. Three other Ocean View residents recertified.
     Dina Shisler, Team Leader for the Discovery Harbour/ Nā‘ālehu CERT Team, said CERT teams are trained to serve in their own communities during emergencies and disaster response. “We hope to see more Ka‘ū residents take the CERT training and for there to be more teams formed to serve our communities.” She said she hopes to help build a separate team for Nā‘ālehu. Ocean View has a separate CERT team. The leader is Rick Ward.
     Monthly CERT meetings are held at Discovery Harbour Community Hall, the second Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Planned for Aug. 15 is a mock search and rescue at night. Call Shisler at 410-935-8087.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Association Meeting, Tue, Aug 1, 6 – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.

Blue Zones Project Gardening Demo, Wed, Aug 2, 9:30 – 11 a.m., Pāhala Community Center. RSVP at jadeiokepa@healthways.com

Open Mic Night, Wed, Aug 2, 6 – 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Open to authorized and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371

www.kaucalendar.com

http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017