Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Tuesday, May 3, 2016

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT KAHUKU PARK was on the agenda of Hawai`i County Council’s Public Works & Parks & Recreation Committee this morning. One testifier said that alcoholism and drug use are “all over the park, which is the only one on the island” that permits it.

      Pastor Rod Ducosin, who works with Boys & Girls Club, testified that he wants the park to be non-drinkable “for the safety of our children.” He said it is a major bus stop for schoolchildren, and that drinkers are everywhere and “out of control.” According to Ducosin, club membership is down from 50 to a handful because parents are afraid to have their children in the park.

      Lisa Bedgood said kids want to play but are surrounded by drinkers and drug users. There is “no safe place for any of our children to play,” she said. “It needs to be stopped.”
      “I don’t like the drinking,” Bedgood’s daughter Olivia said. “It endangers us. All these drunks are very dangerous, and they’re very creepy. It makes kids not want to come to the park.”
      “I think this is the first step,” Ka`u’s Hawai`i County Council member Maile David said.

      David’s Bill 201 received unanimous support and now moves on to the full council.

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MAY IS ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN Heritage Month. The observance originally began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, which was established through a joint Congressional resolution in 1978. The month of May was chosen due to two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: May 7, 1843, when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States, and May 10, 1869, when the first transcontinental railroad was completed with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrant workers.

      “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have built a long legacy of achievements throughout our nation’s history,” Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said. “The exceptional contributions of AAPIs in government, business, military service, culture and arts, technology, sports, education, science, health and so much more have enriched and strengthened our country. As we celebrate our shared heritage and history this month, we must also honor and continue the tireless work of those who came before us – leaders like Sen. Daniel Inouye, Sen. Daniel Akaka and Congresswoman Patsy Mink – who broke down barriers, challenged the status quo and fought to ensure a better future for the next generation.”

      “Asian Pacific American Heritage Month reminds us to honor the deep roots and valuable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “Their accomplishments in business, science, public service, the armed forces and the arts help sustain our country’s evolving economy and support global understanding and collaboration. In Hawai`i, Asian American and Pacific Islander traditions are a part of our daily lives, strengthening our communities and making our lives richer and better every day. Join me in celebrating the diversity and vibrancy that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders bring to Hawai`i and our country.”
      “We celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders toward a strong and vibrant American,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “From Chinese railroad workers who built the transcontinental railroad to plantation workers in Hawai`i who faced great odds to organize the first unions in Hawai`i … my story is like that of so many others. During AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate our stories and build on our rich history to work toward bettering our country.”
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     The next Ka`u Coast Cleanup is on Saturday, June 9 at Kamilo Point. Register at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

FUNERAL SERVICES FOR PELE HANOA are at Dodo Mortuary in Hilo at 11 a.m. this Saturday, May 7.

      Winifred Pele Hanoa, 92, of Wai`ohinu, died at home on Wednesday, April 6. She was born in Punalu`u and was a retired practical nurse with the former Hilo Hospital. She served as one of the first Kupuna Consultants for the Hawai`i Burial Council and as Director Emeritus for Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi. She was also co-founder and President of Punalu`u Preservation and Ka`u Preservation societies and a lifetime member of the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka`u. She was one of the first state Dept. of Education Kupuna and served as a Hawaiian Cultural Advisor for the University of Hawai`i-Hilo, Kamehameha Schools, Ka`u High School, Pahala Elementary, Na`alehu Elementary and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.