Ka`u News Briefs, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016

Gov. David Ige at a coffee hour in Pahala when he was running for Hawaiʻi governor in 2014. He released a statement yesterday regarding the future after the Nov. 8 national General Election. Photo by Julia Neal

IN RESPONSE TO GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS NATIONWIDE, including Republican Donald Trump winning the post of U.S. President, Hawaiʻi’s Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, released the following statement yesterday:
     “The people of Hawai‘i are resilient and innovative. We have weathered the storm of the 2016 campaign and emerged stronger as we continue to embrace the values, culture and ethnic diversity that define us. We must respect the democratic process and continue setting the example by moving forward with individual and collective actions that contribute to the greater good of our children and their children, for Hawai‘i and the United States of America. Please join me as we make this happen.”
     Hawaiʻi voted for Hillary Clinton in the General Election. However, its own delegation to Washington, D.C., comprised of Democrats, has long worked with both parties.

Federal funding supported construction of the new Kaʻū District Gym & Shelter. Photo by Ron Johnson

     Hawaiʻi’s economy depends heavily on the federal funding for such military bases as Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, Schofield Barracks, Tripler Medical Center, Wheeler Army Airfleld, Hickam Air Force Base, Pacific Missile Range Facility, and on Hawaiʻi Island, the Pohakuloa Training Area and Kīlauea Military Camp.
     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the most visited destination in the state, though largely self funded, is administered through the Department of Interior as are other federal lands on this island.
     In social services, Kaʻū’s Marshallese community depends on federal funding. Rural health clinics and Ka‘ū Hospital receive federal assistance, as do many Native Hawaiian programs, the public schools and low-income housing assistance. Federal money was made available for construction of the new Kaʻū District Gym& Shelter. Twenty years ago, start-up federal money helped launch the Kaʻū Coffee industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to support the farmers with education and training.
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A VOLCANO FOOD AND FARM fund-raising tour will be launched on Jan. 14, sponsored by the non-profit Volcano Community Foundation. The tour visits three working farms:
     A family-run farm with greenhouses raises leafy greens, herbs and berries for market.

Farner Jeff McCall at his vegetable stall in Volcano.

Picking tea at Hawaiʻi Tart Co.’s tea farm in Volcano.

     Marilyn Nicholoson of the Volcano Community Foundation describes the Volcano area working farm enviornment: “Volcano’s cool, wet climate and deep volcanic soils have long made it a popular place for small scale and niche agricultural products. Fruit trees, many vegetable crops, flowers, goats and cattle are still a way of life for many in this small upland community. Newer crops like grapes and tea are finding their place as well as developing a strong and expanding market.”
     The tour begins with a 9:15 a.m. check-in at Kīlauea Lodge, with car-pools to the farms. Comfortable walking shoes (it could be a bit muddy) and a rain jacket are recommended. The cost is $45 per person which includes lunch, and advance registration is required.

Last year's winner for the 2016 Directory cover was Peter Anderson

ARTWORK TO BE CHOSEN FOR THE COVER of The Directory, the annual Kaʻū Chamber of Commerce community resource and business guide, will be accepted at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, Monday, Nov. 14, between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The annual show entitled The Beauty of Kaʻū opens with free entry to the public on Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Naʻalehu Hongwanji Breezeway.
     During the week of the show, business owners have the opportunity to sponsor a work of art by making a donation to the Chamber and sponsoring the artist entry fee. Sponsors will be allowed to show the sponsored art at their places of business for up to three weeks.
     During the showing all week at Naʻalehu Honwanji, those works of art that are for sale will be priced on a list available from art show volunteers.
     The results of judging of all categories and the selection for The Directory cover will be announced Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Naʻalehu Hongwanji, when artists are invited to a reception and awards ceremony.
    All entries are eligible to win popular vote (the cover) including youth and keiki, with the exception of all previous cover winners. Registration is $5 per adult entry, $2.50 per youth entry and $1 per keiki entry. Prizes will be given for: photography, sculpture, woodworking, quilting, jewelry, lei, graphics, painting and weaving. There are separate youth and keiki categories.
     Entry forms are available at local schools and merchants, on the Chamber website and at the door during art drop-off hours. The Directory is published in January.

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A RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEETING is being held today, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at the HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. office for those interested in becoming volunteers. Call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.

OPEN HOUSE IS THIS FRIDAY AT KAHUKU UNIT OF HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. The Welina Mai Nei Kaikou I Kahuku celebrates Kahuku being open on Fridays, in addition to Saturdays and Sundays. Hawaiian music, informational displays, children't activities. Free entry. Sign up for a guided hike at 929-8075.