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What does the future hold for public libraries across the state like this one in Pāhala? The Hawai‘i State Public Library System is taking a public survey about Pāhala, Nā'alehu and other libraries, as it builds plans for future library services and programs. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| This photo has been widely circulated by news and social media and paranormal platforms in claims of sitings of a big cat on this island. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
HAWAI'I IS THE THIRD MOST DIVERSE STATE IN THE COUNTRY, according to a WalletHub study released on Wednesday. Hawai'i ranks first in Racial & Ethnic Diversity, second in Generational Diversity, third in Household Size Diversity and fourth in Worker-Class Diversity. Hawai'i is ninth in Income 
Diversity, 13th in Birthplace Diversity, 22nd in Industry Diversity, 25th in Occupational Diversity, 28th in Educational-Attainment Diversity.
The report publishes a quote about the positives of diversity. Rashwawn Ray, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute, said, "There are many pros to living in a diverse state. Exposure to different cultures and ways of life is important. It helps people to be more well-rounded, tolerant, inclusive, and equitable. There really are not too many negatives of diversity unless people native to an area are resistant to change and cultural exposure. This is often where conflict ensues and can lead to a tense environment. Most people who migrate to an area aim to integrate and want to be accepted."
proposed senior housing project, purchase of life-saving equipment for Kaʻū Hospital, restoration and maintenance of three historical cemeteries, sponsorship of a free Veterans Day celebration, and Fourth of July Parades and fun day.
After the race, hydration and light snacks will be provided to participants. Local vendors from the Kaʻū community will sell chili and rice bowls, Portuguese beach soup, nachos and other foods as well as beverages. Kaʻū Coffee Mill's shop will open at 8 a.m.
The race website says, "From Keiki to Kupuna, the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run is a challenging course that meanders over Pāhala’s unpaved trails. It is the perfect race venue, through coffee fields and macadamia nut groves. The Kaʻū Coffee Mill’s 1,900 acres features courses from 50K, Half Marathon and 5k distances. Please join us for the southern most race in the U.S. The run is done entirely on private property." See last year's results, photos and much more at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/
Aloha Project Chair Carly Bell said, “We are happy to be able to again offer these services to the public after taking a two-year break from in-person community-based events during the pandemic. Participants can choose the types of screenings and consultations they want, and our student pharmacists will provide screening results and helpful information, answer questions and can help to connect them with other resources, such as smoking cessation or nutrition management support groups.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
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For the full report, see https://wallethub.com/edu/most-least-diverse-states-in-america/38262.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i , Jill Takuda, issued a statement on Tuesday in response to a proposed bill that would ban many abortions at the federal level. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act would prohibit abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy and provides some exceptions in cases of rape or to protect the life of the pregnant person.
Tokuda condemned the legislation and called for the election of pro-choice candidates to Congress. "It is no secret that Republicans in Congress have been seeking to ban abortions nationwide." She called the proposal put forth by Sen. Lindsay Graham "a mockery of our rights as women."
"While Republicans are positioning this measure as a compromise, their efforts are insulting and an outright abomination. We, as women, are fighting not just for ourselves, but for our daughters, granddaughters and future generations. Our children should have absolute control over their own bodies – no judicial decision or piece of legislation should ever limit our basic human right to bodily autonomy.
"In order to protect the right to access an abortion and the freedom to make reproductive healthcare decisions, we must elect pro-choice candidates at all levels of government and fight to keep our majority in Congress.
"Hawaiʻi has long been a leader in protecting a woman's right to choose and ensuring access to reproductive healthcare. We will not go backwards in the defense of our rights as women. We must do what we can to expand access to those who need it and ensure that our existing protections remain in place," said Tokuda.
A NEW SOLID WASTE CHIEF WILL OVERSEE VEHICLE DISPOSAL, RECYCLING, LANDFILL DIVERSION INITIATIVES and other responsibilities. County of Hawai‘i announced the appointment on Wednesday of Michael Rivera as Solid Waste Division Chief for the Department of Environmental Management, starting next Monday, Sept. 19.
A graduate of the University of Illinois in Chicago with a BS in chemistry and biology, Rivera worked for Clean Harbors in the environmental laboratory analyzing waste samples for 14 years, conducting waste characterization and waste profiling. He was promoted to Laboratory Manager, leading the laboratory to
treat waste samples, conduct acceptance testing, and profiling waste streams. In 1991, Rivera managed the laboratory for the Laidlaw/Buttonwillow Hazardous Waste Landfill outside of Bakersfield, California. This facility processed and treated hazardous waste for land disposal. His responsibilities were to accept, treat and analyze hazardous waste for appropriate processing.
Beginning in 2002 and for the next 15 years, he worked for Waste Management as the laboratory/scale house manager at the Kettleman Hills Facility in California. The facility managed hazardous and solid waste for treatment, disposal, and transfer. He managed WM facilities in California, including the McKittrick Waste Treatment Site, Anderson Landfill, and the Guadalupe/Kirby Canyon Landfills, as the District Manager, ensuring the respective sites remained in safety, regulatory, and financial compliance. From 2006 to 2008, he was a leadership coach traveling to different facilities ensuring employees were engaged, productive, and efficient.
Since 2016, Rivera has served in the public sector as Manager or Director for solid waste matters for the cities of Garland, Texas, Watsonville, California, and most recently for Raleigh, North Carolina.
In his private life, Rivera is a husband, father of two, owner of four dogs, and an avid golfer, cyclist, runner, and outdoors enthusiast.
Following Rivera’s hiring, Hawai‘i County’s Acting Division Chief, Michael Kaha, resumes his duties as Deputy Chief. In addition, the Acting Deputy Chief, Gene Quiamas, resumes his duties as Environmental Compliance Specialist.
Tokuda condemned the legislation and called for the election of pro-choice candidates to Congress. "It is no secret that Republicans in Congress have been seeking to ban abortions nationwide." She called the proposal put forth by Sen. Lindsay Graham "a mockery of our rights as women."
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| Congressional candidate Jill Takuda presses back on a bill that would erode federal funding for abortions. Photo from Takuda |
"In order to protect the right to access an abortion and the freedom to make reproductive healthcare decisions, we must elect pro-choice candidates at all levels of government and fight to keep our majority in Congress.
"Hawaiʻi has long been a leader in protecting a woman's right to choose and ensuring access to reproductive healthcare. We will not go backwards in the defense of our rights as women. We must do what we can to expand access to those who need it and ensure that our existing protections remain in place," said Tokuda.
Her opponents in the General Election are Republican Joe Akana and Libertarian Michelle Rose Tippens.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
A graduate of the University of Illinois in Chicago with a BS in chemistry and biology, Rivera worked for Clean Harbors in the environmental laboratory analyzing waste samples for 14 years, conducting waste characterization and waste profiling. He was promoted to Laboratory Manager, leading the laboratory to
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| Mike Rivera is the new Solid Waste Division Chief for Hawai'i County. Photo from Dept. of Environmental Management |
Beginning in 2002 and for the next 15 years, he worked for Waste Management as the laboratory/scale house manager at the Kettleman Hills Facility in California. The facility managed hazardous and solid waste for treatment, disposal, and transfer. He managed WM facilities in California, including the McKittrick Waste Treatment Site, Anderson Landfill, and the Guadalupe/Kirby Canyon Landfills, as the District Manager, ensuring the respective sites remained in safety, regulatory, and financial compliance. From 2006 to 2008, he was a leadership coach traveling to different facilities ensuring employees were engaged, productive, and efficient.
Since 2016, Rivera has served in the public sector as Manager or Director for solid waste matters for the cities of Garland, Texas, Watsonville, California, and most recently for Raleigh, North Carolina.
In his private life, Rivera is a husband, father of two, owner of four dogs, and an avid golfer, cyclist, runner, and outdoors enthusiast.
Following Rivera’s hiring, Hawai‘i County’s Acting Division Chief, Michael Kaha, resumes his duties as Deputy Chief. In addition, the Acting Deputy Chief, Gene Quiamas, resumes his duties as Environmental Compliance Specialist.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN is this Saturday, Sept. 17. Organized by Hawai'i Island Racers, the very long distance 50K begins at 6 a.m., Half Marathon at 7 a.m. and 5K at 7:15 a.m., all starting from Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road in Pāhala. The 50K cutoff time is nine hours. RFID Chip Timing will come up with the results after the races take off with a gun start.
Proceeds go to support O Kaʻū Kakou, the Kaʻū nonprofit to fund local scholarships, land for a  |
| Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run is this Saturday, public invited to the start and finish line. Photo by Julia Neal |
After the race, hydration and light snacks will be provided to participants. Local vendors from the Kaʻū community will sell chili and rice bowls, Portuguese beach soup, nachos and other foods as well as beverages. Kaʻū Coffee Mill's shop will open at 8 a.m.
The race website says, "From Keiki to Kupuna, the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run is a challenging course that meanders over Pāhala’s unpaved trails. It is the perfect race venue, through coffee fields and macadamia nut groves. The Kaʻū Coffee Mill’s 1,900 acres features courses from 50K, Half Marathon and 5k distances. Please join us for the southern most race in the U.S. The run is done entirely on private property." See last year's results, photos and much more at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/
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| Liko A'e Fall Camp at Volcano Art Center is open for registration. Photo from VAC |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.Caption:
PĀHALA and NĀ’ALEHU LIBRARIES ARE ASKING FOR INPUT. Take a survey. A statement from Hawai'i State Public Library System says, "The Hawai‘i State Public Library System is building plans for future library services and programs. We are conducting a survey to make sure HSPLS is meeting the needs of your community." Take the survey at https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001OLfT6eODtNrDXbr8w6a8nlw8FV55Oi-SnaaSfVRqgDK7S_DBM39es6o-mq959seCcgqWkNFXCQGIuwdcDemxpk_c5nGPJw0A7Q_mANoqszloeF_cendXr1PQoCfZcai_lA0p8wDrjBQqqBSfReLMyA==&c=fsNb0tOSJUTUK8MSvQk1yv_vv4jhAp_4FHlPBHncYFFNWQy9awrNkw==&ch=Qs75PKSa-axCb5NOlGpMTQ-9afhBh6nWuEu9a25KtFeaaWERHpWBkg==.
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| Handbuilding with clay is one of the activities at VAC's Fall Camp. Photo from VAC |
THE LIKO A'E FALL CAMP at Volcano Art Center is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Oct. 7 for keiki seven to 13 years of age. The Camp will include: handbuilding with clay, creative dance, drawing, hula, 'ukulele, and more.
A weeklong Fall Camp will be held at at VAC’s Niaulani Campus from 8:30 a.m.. – 2:30 p.m. Call Volcano Art Center for more information (808) 967- 8222.
A weeklong Fall Camp will be held at at VAC’s Niaulani Campus from 8:30 a.m.. – 2:30 p.m. Call Volcano Art Center for more information (808) 967- 8222.
Cost is $250 per child/ $230 for members of VAC. Financial scholarships are available for those in need. Apply for a scholarship Here.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
HEALTH SCREENING BY STUDENTS AT DANIEL K. INOUYE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY start up this Saturday, Sept. 17 through its Aloha Project. While the first outreach since before the pandemic will be held on campus in Hilo, outreach to Kaʻū is expected soon.
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| School of Pharmacy held screenings in Miloli'i as early as 2011, when the late state Sen. Gil Kahele received health checks. The school returns to public screenings, beginning in Hilo this Saturday, following two years of COVID restrictions. |
This Saturday's event will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the pharmacy school's Hale Kiho'iho'i Classroom A, located at 722 South Aohoku Place in Hilo. No appointment required.
The College of Pharmacy has conducted health screenings in Kaʻū and Miloli'i, where it started its program in 2011, screening everyone, including the late Sen. Gil Kahele.
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| See September issue of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com, and in the mail - Volcano, Kaʻū to South Kona. |
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