Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016

HAWAI`I’S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION responded to an Associated Press story by Martha Mendoza and Margie Mason regarding working conditions for undocumented men aboard Hawaiian fishing boats. According to the story, foreign fishermen “are confined to American boats for years at a time,” with pay amounting to as little as 70 cents an hour.
      “With no legal standing on U.S. soil, the men are at the mercy of their American captains on American-flagged, American-owned vessels, catching prized swordfish and ahi tuna,” the story said. “Since they don’t have visas, they are not allowed to set foot on shore. The entire system, which contradicts other state and federal laws, operates with the blessing of high-ranking U.S. lawmakers and officials.”

      “I’m alarmed and disturbed by the conditions reported by the Associated Press,” Sen. Brian Schatz said. “In addition to working on expeditiously and independently confirming the veracity of the reports, I have directed my staff to do a comprehensive review of what available tools the Coast Guard as well as the Departments of Justice, Labor, and Homeland Security have under current law to ensure the safety, human rights and dignity of these crewmen. The crews on these vessels need immediate protections, which is why we are working with the administration to develop a decisive, aggressive and appropriate response in addition to researching legislative options.”

      Sen. Mazie Hirono said, “I am deeply disturbed by the situation described in the story. It is completely unacceptable that the inhumane treatment of any workers – foreign or not – is legal under U.S. federal law. I am engaging the full range of stakeholders, including federal agencies and the industry, to determine the extent of the problem and the appropriate course of action to address it. I welcome the industry’s initial steps to respond to this unacceptable situation and am encouraged they are taking this seriously. I am committed to finding solutions that improve conditions for workers across the fleet and recognize the role industry can play in addressing this matter.”
      Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, “The AP’s report that hundreds of foreign workers are being subjected to human rights abuses and inhumane conditions just off our shores is deeply disturbing. This is a problem that has been ignored for years and must be immediately addressed. We are working with major stakeholders to determine the most expedient course of action to put an end to this unacceptable situation, and protect the safety and human rights of these crewmen, making sure that fair labor standards are enforced for all workers.”
      See the story at bigstory.ap.org.
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THE CURRENT EDITION OF HAWAI`I ISLAND’S MOST WANTED highlights a 39-year-old man wanted for escape, a 55-year-old man wanted for questioning in an arson investigation and a 36-year-old man wanted for abuse.

      Officer Jason Grouns asks for help in locating 36-year-old Ranny Albious, of Ocean View, who is wanted for abuse and failure to appear. He is described as 5-foot-4, 160 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

      The television program also asks for help in locating 55-year-old Guy Edward J. Silva, who is wanted on a bench warrant for contempt of court. He is also wanted for questioning in connection with investigations into arson, theft and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle. He is described as 5-foot-7, 210 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes and numerous tattoos. He has no permanent address but frequents the Hilo, Kona and Ka`u areas.

      The 39-year-old is wanted for escape. Jeremy Allan Ward was last seen at Hale Nani correctional facility at about 8 a.m. on Aug. 27. He is described as 5-foot-5, 135 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He has a red heart tattoo with the name “Tanya” on the left side of his chest, tribal-style tattoos on his left lower arm, the word “FEATHER” on the back of his left upper arm and other assorted tattoos on his right arm, his back and the back of his left hand.

      Police ask anyone with information about any of these individuals to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300. All information is kept confidential, and Crime Stoppers does not tape record phone calls or subscribe to caller ID.
      The program airs on Na Leo TV Channel 53 on Fridays at 5:30 p.m. and on Channel 54 on Sundays at 5 p.m.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

HAWAI`I FARMERS UNION UNITED holds its upcoming annual convention for the first time on Hawai`i Island. On Oct. 14-16 at OK Farms in Hilo, the sixth annual event will be an opportunity for members of the union, the farming community and local food advocates to learn about issues such as regenerative soil, trellis farming, tropical fruit growing, the future of hemp and medicinal cannabis, and more.

      Keynote speakers include U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who recently visited Ka`u farms and met with constituents; Ka`u’s state Sen. Russell Ruderman, owner of Island Naturals food markets; and state Rep. Chris Lee.
      For more information and to register, see hfuu.org.

KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAI`I VOLCANOES National Park offers a free program tomorrow. People & Lands Of Kahuku, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is a guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain that focuses on the area’s human history.
      See nps.gov/havo.

GRAND OPENING OF NIAULANI SCULPTURE GARDEN at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village is tomorrow at 4 p.m.
      See volcanoartcenter.org.

LEARN ABOUT S.N.A.P., USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Monday from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Na`alehu Community Center. Information includes how to apply.
      Call 929-8571 for more information.

PAINTING WITH PEGGY RETURNS to Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village.

      Margaret “Peggy” Stanton leads an ongoing series of acrylic painting workshops for artists of all levels beginning Monday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each class is a hands-on painting session where participants learn to approach their painting process with a new awareness and understanding of color dynamics and composition.
      Stanton helps artists heighten and accentuate their own unique vision with bold colors, lines and shapes. With important tips on acrylic paints and media, artists create a painting on canvas using a more immediate and intuitive process. She guides artist on “painterly” ways to put on the finishing strokes. Stanton also offers individual instruction for artists during each session.
      Cost for each Monday session is $20 or $15 for VAC members.
      Students bring their own supplies and easels. Email questions to peggystanton007@yahoo.com.
      Register and see the materials list and detailed class descriptions at volcanoartcenter.org.

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