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| Pāhala staff kept Bank of Hawaiʻi in Pāhala open until 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve and wishes everyone a Happy Holidays. The bank reopens on Wednesday. Photo by Michael Worthington |
Will a population decrease lead to an ease in the affordable housing crisis? Will it decrease the labor force further, putting more strain on employers who already face a 2 percent unemployment rate?
Associated Press is carrying the story nationally about Hawaiʻi and quotes economist Eugene Tan, of the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. He told AP that fewer residents "will reduce economic growth," since "70 percent of gross domestic product is due to consumer spending."
From July 2016 to July 2017, the state's population decreased by 3,800. From July 2017 to July 2018, the population dropped by 3,712. Some 12,430 residents left for the mainland, decreasing the population by ten people a day. The U.S. Census Bureau reported 17,326 births, 12,660 deaths, and 4,075 people migrating to the islands from foreign countries. In-migration and births failed to overcome loss of population.
The birth rate consistently decreased during the last decade. With Hawaiʻi being the seventh oldest state - with 17.8 percent of the population at lease 65 years of age - there are more deaths each year.
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| The Christmas Comet shines blue in a radio image and green in an optical image. Images from ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), M. Cordiner, NASA/CUA; Derek Demeter, Emil Buehler Planetarium |
AN OBSERVATORY ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND HAS CAPTURED THE CHRISTMAS COMET. "Just in time for Christmas, the latest apparition of a comet shines like a beautiful ornament in the sky — a delightful green-shrouded treat for amateurs and scientists alike," reports space.com. "Comet 46P/Wirtanen made its closest approach to Earth in more than 20 years... At the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaiʻi, a group of scientists led by Boncho Bonev - a physicist at American University - were giddy with anticipation."
Bonev said, "It is very exciting because the comet is so close and sufficiently bright for detailed astronomical studies. Comet Wirtanen is only 30 lunar distances from our planet, meaning that it is about 30 times the distance to the moon. That is nothing compared to the vast distances astronomers typically work with."
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Bonev said, "It is very exciting because the comet is so close and sufficiently bright for detailed astronomical studies. Comet Wirtanen is only 30 lunar distances from our planet, meaning that it is about 30 times the distance to the moon. That is nothing compared to the vast distances astronomers typically work with."
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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Kahina Tayamen prepares to slide a spear at the Makahiki games station.
Photo by Nalani Parlin
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HAWAIIAN CULTURAL ACTIVITIES and knowledge filled a morning at Nāʻālehu Elementary School in December when some 25 Office of Hawaiian Education kūpuna and staff and DOE complex-area representatives gathered for a day of professional development.
OHE staff came from around the island and Oʻahu to join Kaʻū kumu to teach the children, as well as learn from each other. "Did you know are at the southernmost school in the whole United States. You should be proud!" Kumu Kimo Awai, coordinator of the PD day, told keiki.
Kumu Leialoha Roy-DeAguira, from the west side of the island, shared that kūpuna program staff strive to learn place-based info from kūpuna of those areas and visit areas of significance to that place. She emphasized the importance of experiencing a place. "When you watch video, it's not the same as feeling the wind and touching the waters. How else are you going to know? When you experience it yourself, you can relay it to the next generation."
OHE staff came from around the island and Oʻahu to join Kaʻū kumu to teach the children, as well as learn from each other. "Did you know are at the southernmost school in the whole United States. You should be proud!" Kumu Kimo Awai, coordinator of the PD day, told keiki.
Kumu Leialoha Roy-DeAguira, from the west side of the island, shared that kūpuna program staff strive to learn place-based info from kūpuna of those areas and visit areas of significance to that place. She emphasized the importance of experiencing a place. "When you watch video, it's not the same as feeling the wind and touching the waters. How else are you going to know? When you experience it yourself, you can relay it to the next generation."
Students rotated through stations focusing on moʻolelo, hula, mele, waʻa, lei making and Makahiki games.
OHE Hawaiian Studies kumu Maile Tavares, new to Nāʻālehu since last year, said, "We are super blessed to have them all come and share."
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.
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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| Iwao and Alice Yonemitsu sponsored the new lectern. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
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Vice-principal Christina
Juan announces the winter
program commencement
following lectern dedication.
Photo by Nalani Parlin
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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
VOLCANO ART CENTER HOSTS A MOVIE SCREENING NIGHT FOR STOKE - a 90 minute narrative that was shot on the island in 2017 - on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The feature film follows Jane, a struggling tourist who hires two wannabe tour guides to take her to an active volcano - rated R for language and brief nudity. The film's directors will be in attendance to answer questions.
The films synopsis as described on volcanoartcenter.org reads: "A year after the sudden death of her fiancé, Los Angeles litigator Jane is stuck, unable to let go and move forward. Searching for clarity and closure, she makes a spontaneous trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i to visit an active volcano.
"Upon arrival, Jane enlists the help of Dusty and Po, two locals pretending to run an adventure tour company. As the trio drive across the island en route to the volcano, an unexpected detour takes the group in a new direction as the story explores love, loss, and lava."
Stoke is the fourth film from Larkin Pictures, an award-winning production company located on Hawai‘i Island. Stoke is currently playing at film festivals and will be released in early 2019. For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
The feature film follows Jane, a struggling tourist who hires two wannabe tour guides to take her to an active volcano - rated R for language and brief nudity. The film's directors will be in attendance to answer questions.
The films synopsis as described on volcanoartcenter.org reads: "A year after the sudden death of her fiancé, Los Angeles litigator Jane is stuck, unable to let go and move forward. Searching for clarity and closure, she makes a spontaneous trip to the Big Island of Hawai‘i to visit an active volcano.
"Upon arrival, Jane enlists the help of Dusty and Po, two locals pretending to run an adventure tour company. As the trio drive across the island en route to the volcano, an unexpected detour takes the group in a new direction as the story explores love, loss, and lava."
Stoke is the fourth film from Larkin Pictures, an award-winning production company located on Hawai‘i Island. Stoke is currently playing at film festivals and will be released in early 2019. For more, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25
Christmas Day Buffet, Tue., Dec. 25, 4-7pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Entrees: Prime Rib, Roast Turkey w/Stuffing, Holiday Lamb Stew. $28.95/Adult, $15.95/Child (6-11 yrs). KMC open to all patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, 967-8371
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
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
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.
