Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016

KILAUEA’S SUMMIT LAVA LAKE this morning was at one of the highest measured levels since May 2015, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Inflationary tilt, which began Sunday afternoon, continues, with the lake’s surface level rising in concert with the tilt. Spattering has been visible from the Jaggar Museum overlook during the past day. 

      See hvo.wr.usgs.gov.
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COULD A SURPLUS in Hawai`i's budget help cool schools?

      As kids sit overheated in public school classrooms, with the state unable to afford air conditioning, and teachers are underpaid, resulting in 625 vacancies in the public school system, Hawai`i state government reported a $1 billion surplus at the end of the 2015-2016 fiscal year.
      Kevin Dayton, of Honolulu Star-Advertiser examined what the funds may be used for. He said the surplus may provide raises to public workers, including members of Hawai`i State Teachers Association. “All of the state public worker unions from the United Public Workers and the University of Hawai`i Professional Assembly to the Hawai`i Government Employees Association and the Hawai`i State Teachers Association have contracts that expire June 30,” Dayton said.

      Lawyer Ted Hong told Dayton that with such a large surplus, a significant pay increase for public workers “is a given. Absolutely, that’s a given. The first, fundamental issue is always whether there’s enough money to fund the proposed pay raises. Now that issue here is going to be off the table.”

      HSTA President Corey Rosenlee told Dayton, “As any parent can attest to, you’ve got to invest in your children’s future, and in Hawai`i, when kids are going without a teacher in classrooms with the roof falling in, and our classes are crowded, this is the time that we need to start investing in our kids.
      “To continually underpay your teachers to the point where we don’t have teachers is a tragedy for the state, and so because they have this surplus, they need to start investing in our schools.”
      Dayton also reported that state legislators appropriated $200 million for an emergency reserve fund and $81 to repay public workers’ future health benefits after retiring. These are added commitments that some of the funds could go toward.

      According to Dayton, the Hawai`i's Constitution requires the state to either transfer funds to the budget reserve fund or provide a refund to taxpayers if the ending balance exceeds five percent of general fund revenues for two consecutive years. Refunds in the past have amounted to $1 to meet that constitution requirement.

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WANT TO LEARN HOW to peacefully resolve conflicts? Then join Ku`ikahi Mediation Center for fall Basic Mediation Training in Hilo. Facilitated by Diane Petropulos and Catherine Lampton, the training spans two consecutive weekends, Sept. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

      Participants learn a variety of approaches for dealing with people in conflict – through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises and mediation simulations.
      “Whether you want to improve your peacemaking and communication skills or want to become a mediator, this training gives you the tools you need to start resolving conflict in a peaceful and lasting way,” said Julie Mitchell, Executive Director of the nonprofit.
      The 30-hour training offers instruction in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills – such as active listening, summarizing and rephrasing, and using open-ended questions – in order to help parties resolve their differences.
      “This training is perfect for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively personally and professionally, become a better negotiator and problem-solver, and increase your value in the workplace,” Mitchell said. “We invite people from all walks of life to join us. No particular background or personality is needed – all are welcome.”
      Upon successful completion of the training, participants may apply to join Ku`ikahi’s apprenticeship program.
      “All of our mediators are professionally trained volunteers who donate their time to help people find their own best solutions to a wide variety of issues,” said Mitchell. “Since we rely on this exceptional pool of volunteers to provide mediation services, we continually seek out potential new Apprentice Mediators from the community at large. Basic Mediation Training is a prerequisite.”
      Tuition for the four-day training is $295. Group discounts and scholarships are available. To register or apply for a scholarship, contact Jenifer Aveiro at jenifer@hawaiimediation.org or 935-7844 x 1.

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KA`U RESIDENTS CAN PROVIDE input regarding Hawai`i County’s General Plan tomorrow. Na`alehu Community Center is a live remote site where the public can testify during a forum held in Kona from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

      Hawai`i County General Plan is reviewed every ten years. The existing General Plan was adopted in 2005, and a lot has happened on Hawai`i Island since then. Everything that has transpired, including population growth, natural disasters, technological advancements and sustainability efforts, is being considered in the General Plan. The Planning Director is responsible for leading the review process and recommending amendments to the plan.
      Reviewing the General Plan is a comprehensive process that takes three years to complete; the current review process kicked off in February 2015. The Planning Director anticipates sending recommended amendments to the Planning Commission in August 2017, after which it will be reviewed and adopted by County Council.
      More information about the General Plan comprehensive review is available at http://www.cohplanningdept.com/general-plan/.

A FREE HAWAIIAN CONCERT takes place Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Hawaiian music, hula and `oli open the fee-free National Park Service Centennial weekend, celebrating Kilauea Military Camp’s 100th anniversary and kick off the park’s 36th annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival & BioBlitz.
      See nps.gov/havo.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.