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| The Ka‘ū Valley Farm team invites the public to visit during Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Week on Thursday, May 3. Front and center is President and CEO Xiaoyuan Liu. Among others shown are VP Louis Leong, Managing Director Joshua Wang, General Manager John Cross, Farm Manger Lee Segawa, Farm Advisor Richard Loero and Executive Assistant to the President Hanfeng Wu. See story below. Photos from Ka‘ū Valley Farm |
KAʻŪ LEARNING ACADEMY COULD SHUT DOWN SOON, AT THE END OF THE YEAR, OR NOT AT ALL, according to discussions at the state Public Charter School Commission on Thursday. During the Commission meeting on Oʻahu, with no Kaʻū Learning Academy staff or board members invited, the Charter School Commission decided to confer with the state Attorney General for help in deciding what to do.
The Commission concluded that late last year, four of six board members operated with conflicts of interest, having worked for the school or being related to those currently or formerly employed by the school. The rules allow for only 30 percent of the board to work for the school or have relatives working there.
Current KLA Board Chair Jack Richard said today that one board member mentioned was the cousin of an employee, and resigned when the relationship became an issue. Three new community members with no relatives or jobs at the school have become members of the board, he said, with another expected to join the board soon.
Conflict of interest can happen when board members try to help and sometimes draw in their families to improve the school. Richard himself is a general contractor and said that before he was named chair, he volunteered his labor by helping with permits, inspections, and other aspects of building handicapped restrooms. He said he was reimbursed for materials and that other persons working on the project were paid by the school. Nevertheless, he has asked for a waiver from the Commission to remain on the board.
"We are working with the board and I am in contact with them every week and I think these things can be resolved," he said. "They have checks and balances and they have to follow them. We are here - all about the kids - and we are going to work to clear this up."
Richard said minutes of board meetings, when new board members were named, minutes were recorded and turned over to the commission.
The Commission concluded that late last year, four of six board members operated with conflicts of interest, having worked for the school or being related to those currently or formerly employed by the school. The rules allow for only 30 percent of the board to work for the school or have relatives working there.
Current KLA Board Chair Jack Richard said today that one board member mentioned was the cousin of an employee, and resigned when the relationship became an issue. Three new community members with no relatives or jobs at the school have become members of the board, he said, with another expected to join the board soon.Conflict of interest can happen when board members try to help and sometimes draw in their families to improve the school. Richard himself is a general contractor and said that before he was named chair, he volunteered his labor by helping with permits, inspections, and other aspects of building handicapped restrooms. He said he was reimbursed for materials and that other persons working on the project were paid by the school. Nevertheless, he has asked for a waiver from the Commission to remain on the board.
"We are working with the board and I am in contact with them every week and I think these things can be resolved," he said. "They have checks and balances and they have to follow them. We are here - all about the kids - and we are going to work to clear this up."
Richard said minutes of board meetings, when new board members were named, minutes were recorded and turned over to the commission.
A report from the Charter School Commission administration is available online.
During the Commission meeting on March 29, the immediate closure of the school was discussed. Objections
were made, contending it could be harmful to the students. A decision was reached to
delay action until the Attorney General is consulted on the
next steps with KLA. The next Commission meeting is April 12.
Issues regarding
the board were brought up after response was made by KLA about the audit last
year. KLA board members were not asked to attend the meeting.
The meeting is documented in an hour-long audio-only recording.
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| Photo from Hawai‘i Public Radio |
Removing abandoned vehicles
in Hawai‘i currently has no time limit placed on the counties.
Currently,
registered owners of abandoned vehicles are sent a letter by their county. Under the new law,
owners would only be notified if the vehicle was reported as stolen.
Once picked up from the side of the road, the counties dispose of abandoned vehicles at auction. The bill does not specify how these vehicles would be dealt once the new law is passed. The definition of an abandoned vehicle would change to include a vehicle owner not transferring title to their name within 30 days of notice to the county of purchase. Any vehicle not registered for more than a year would also be considered abandoned.
Once picked up from the side of the road, the counties dispose of abandoned vehicles at auction. The bill does not specify how these vehicles would be dealt once the new law is passed. The definition of an abandoned vehicle would change to include a vehicle owner not transferring title to their name within 30 days of notice to the county of purchase. Any vehicle not registered for more than a year would also be considered abandoned.
William Kucharski, Hawai‘i County's Environmental Management director, stated: "Requiring (Hawai‘i County) to
take all abandoned vehicles into custody within 10 business days of abandonment
imposes a burden on us to meet this timeline, while juggling manpower and
budgetary constraints."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
The tour costs $35 per person, and will include lunch and transportation through the property. Participants will meet at the Ka‘ū Valley Farms Nursery at 9 a.m. to park their private vehicles. To reach the site, turn mauka in Nā‘ālehu at Ka‘alaiki Road at the intersection of H-11 and Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Proceed up Ka‘alaiki Road to just beyond the County cemetery, and then follow the signs to the nursery. The tour is expected to finish back at the nursery by 2 p.m. at the latest.
Reservations can be made by calling John Cross at 987-4229 or Brenda Iokepe-Moses at 731-5409.
See more Ka‘ū Coffee Fest events at www.kaucoffeefest.com
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| Camelia sinensis tea, grown at Ka‘ū Valley Farms. |
KA‘Ū VALLEY FARMS OPENS UP TO LOCALS AND VISITORS on May 3, with a new event in the Ka‘ū Coffee Festival lineup.
Tour the nursery where Ka‘ū Valley Farms grows hydroponic vegetables for local restaurants and public sale. See the plantings of Ka‘ū Coffee and tea, Camelia sinensis. Proceed up the slopes of Kahilipali Ahuapua‘a, to view the expansive green pastures above Nā‘ālehu. Enjoy lunch provided from a local restaurant, which includes farm-produced vegetables from the soils of Nā‘ālehu.
At the summit of Pu‘u Ho‘omaha (Hill of Leisure), listen to stories of the Ahupua‘a and land tenure from the times of the Kingdom to present, and gaze upon the coastline of Ka‘ū from Puna to South Point. Look mauka, and see the hills of the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in the distance, and the Makino Valley fields on the Ka‘ū Valley lands. Makino is relatively unknown to many, as it lies hidden from below by the summit of Ho‘omaha.
The tour includes visiting the water system being developed from the old Kahilipali and Kapuna Tunnels, from old sugar plantation days. The tour ends with a brief walk into the 85-acre Native Forest upon the lands. This forest area was never converted into sugarcane and provides a glimpse into original, pristine native Hawaiian forest.Tour the nursery where Ka‘ū Valley Farms grows hydroponic vegetables for local restaurants and public sale. See the plantings of Ka‘ū Coffee and tea, Camelia sinensis. Proceed up the slopes of Kahilipali Ahuapua‘a, to view the expansive green pastures above Nā‘ālehu. Enjoy lunch provided from a local restaurant, which includes farm-produced vegetables from the soils of Nā‘ālehu.
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| Farm manager Lee Segawa slicing into an avocado. |
The tour costs $35 per person, and will include lunch and transportation through the property. Participants will meet at the Ka‘ū Valley Farms Nursery at 9 a.m. to park their private vehicles. To reach the site, turn mauka in Nā‘ālehu at Ka‘alaiki Road at the intersection of H-11 and Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Proceed up Ka‘alaiki Road to just beyond the County cemetery, and then follow the signs to the nursery. The tour is expected to finish back at the nursery by 2 p.m. at the latest.
Reservations can be made by calling John Cross at 987-4229 or Brenda Iokepe-Moses at 731-5409.
See more Ka‘ū Coffee Fest events at www.kaucoffeefest.com
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
The MTA is presenting for public review a plan whose goal is to improve transit and paratransit for the island, so that is it safe, reliable, and accessible to all users.
Ocean View Community Center hosts the OV meeting on April 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. Other meetings are being held in Pāhoa on April 7, Waimea on April 10, Kona on April 12, Kea‘au on April 15, and Hilo on April 16.
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JAZZ IN THE FOREST for Saturday, April 14, will be celebrating the creative gifts of trumpet icon Miles Davis, and the different chapters of his amazing productivity which did so much to add to the history of American jazz music. Davis' compositions extend from the 40's with classics such as "Four" and "Round Midnight" , to the 80's when Miles followed - or led - more pop-oriented styles. He was a leader in most of the styles he chose.
The Jazztones will feature pianist Loren Wilken, trumpet master and vocalist Andrea Lindborg, Jean Pierre Thoma on winds, Matt Spencer on bass - both electric and acoustic - and percussionsit Noa Eads.
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| Jazz in the Forest to celebrate Miles Davis. |
"We apologize for the confusion of last month, and hope to see you all again next month," states the notice for the event. The next event is May 12, when the Django Reinhardt Hot Club of Volcano will return with irrepressible French classic swing stylings.
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KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
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SATURDAY, MARCH 31
SECOND ANNUAL KA‘Ū WELLNESS FAIR, GET YOUR SPRING, Sat, Mar 31, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., multi-purpose room at Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala. The event features an Egg Hunt and Healthy Fun-Run-Walk, both of which begin at 9:30 a.m. - registration begins at 9 a.m. Also offered are a Blue Zones Purpose Workshop, from 10 a.m. to 11 a..m., and Book Time - Read A-Loud with Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries, starting at 10 a.m. P.A.T.H. makes a presentation at 10:30 a.m. Vision Screenings, Keiki I.D.s, and Biometrics from Ka‘ū Public Health will be available. Several organizations will also provide information booths for the event: Bay Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Health Clinic, Ka‘ū Rural Hospital, Project Aware - Your Mental Health First Aid, HSTA, Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool and Home Visitor Program, and more.
The campaign for the positions starts April 16. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily,
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
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Girls Softball: Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a
Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala
Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa
Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 31
LAST 2018 SANCTUARY OCEAN COUNT, Sat, Mar 31, 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive 30 min. prior for orientation. Four locations near/in Ka‘ū: Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, and Ka‘ena Point - hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov for directions; park entrance fees apply. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, and a cushion to sit on. Pre-registration required: sanctuaryoceancount.org
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Sat., March 31. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center 8:45 a.m. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm
VOLCANO ART CENTER GALLERY PRESENTS HO’OKU’I I NĀ KIKO, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , from Saturday, Mar. 31, to Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
A free lecture titled "The Last Truth," offered by Lucia Tarallo, takes place at 3pm on the opening day of the exhibition. The lecture will be followed by an opening reception where the public is invited to meet the artists.
A free lecture titled "The Last Truth," offered by Lucia Tarallo, takes place at 3pm on the opening day of the exhibition. The lecture will be followed by an opening reception where the public is invited to meet the artists.
PU‘U LOKUANA, Sat, Mar 31, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time, and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
SUNDAY, APRIL 1
EASTER BRUCH, Sun, Apr 1, 7 a.m. to noon. Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Main entrees: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations required. $17/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 9 a.m., ‘Ōhi‘a Room, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Open to keiki 10 years and under. Registration accepted from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Bring a basket. KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Pre-register children: 967-8352, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
MONDAY, APRIL 2
DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETINGS & TRAININGS, Tue, Apr 3 & 24, 4 - 6 p.m., Apr 17, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
EASTER BRUCH, Sun, Apr 1, 7 a.m. to noon. Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Main entrees: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations required. $17/Adult, $9.50/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC is open to all authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
FOURTH ANNUAL KA‘Ū COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT, Sun, Apr 1, 1 - 3 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Park. Over 6,000 candy filled eggs, over 300 prizes. Free chili & rice bowls. Donations welcome. Free; open to all ages, infants to adults. Pam/Lance, 929-8137, Henri, 464-5042
SLOGAN/MOTTO CONTEST - Pāhala Public & School Library, continues through Mon, Apr 2. Submit ideas to Nā‘ālehu or Pāhala Library. $55 grand prize awarded on Fri, Apr 13. Friends of Ka‘ū Libraries President Sandra Demouruelle, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com, 929-9244
EASTER EGG HUNT, Mon, Apr 2, noon, Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee, CU Hawai‘i lawn, Nā‘ālehu. Judy Knapp, 640-4712
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Apr 2, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
TUESDAY, APRIL 3
SPECIAL MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL EVENTS, Tue, Wed, Thu, Apr 3, 4 & 5, 11 - 1 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Honoring 55th Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, live music. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
KAʻŪ COFFEE GROWERS MEETING, Tue, Apr 3, 6 - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
HOW THE PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER WORKS, Tue, Apr 3, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Dr. Nathan Becker, Senior Oceanographer describes PTWC operations. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/HAVO
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283
OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Apr 4, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org
OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4
ADVOCATS, Wed, Apr 4, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283
THURSDAY, APRIL 5
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Apr 5 & 19, Thu, 8:30 - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/ VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org
OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETING, Thu, Apr 5, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
ONGOING
ONE COMMUNITY AND ONE PARENT REPRESENTATIVE are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. Nominations will be accepted from April 2 through April 16 at 3 p.m. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee.
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
