Ka`u News Briefs Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017

     Gov. Daivd Ige's statement said, "I have been in contact with Attorney General Doug Chin regarding several orders issued by the federal courts in the last 24 hours. We believe these orders apply to all U.S. international airports, including those in Honolulu and Kona, and expect legal travelers to this country to be welcomed in Hawai'i without being detained unlawfully by the federal government. 

     "Refugees entering the United States are screened by the National Counterterrorism Center, FBI, Defense and State departments, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Refugees fleeing from war and persecution seek, simply a better life. Hawai'i has a proud history as a place immigrants of diverse backgrounds can achieve their dreams through hard work. Many of our people also know all too well the consequences of giving in to fear of newcomers. The remains of the (World War II Japanese) internment camp at Honouliuli (on O`ahu) are a sad testament to that fear. We must remain true to our values and be vigilant where we see the worst part of history about to be repeated," said Hawai`i's governor.

     The AG and Governor were responding to Trump's ban on travel from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.

TEACH FOR AMERICA, which provides instructors in public schools in Ka`u and other districts in Hawai`i, brought more than 30 teachers working on the Big Island to Pahala  on Saturday to learn about Hawaiian culture and the Ka`u agricultural community. The state Department of Education and Teach for America partnered with Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai`i, the Pahala-based non-profit for youth. Uhane leaders Kawehi and Debbie Ryder led Teach for America staff to help on a mamaki farm in Wood Valley.  The organization also prepared an imu for the group and gathered at Pahala Plantation House.The teachers participated in a program called Ha: Breath, inspired by an area school superintendent, Suzanne Mulcahy,  who said, "When I walk into a Hawai`i public school, I want to close my eyes and know that I am in a school in Hawai`i...and not somewhere else."
The program included an overview of Hawaiian island life for the new teachers: "What makes Hawai`i, Hawai`i- a place unlike anywhere else - are unique values and qualities of the indigenous language and culture. `O Hawai`i ke kahua o ka ho`ona`auao. Hawai`i is the foundation of our learning." Teachers learned about expected outcomes from their students: "Na Hopena A`o, are rooted in Hawai`i, and we become a reflections of this special place." The program teaches six outcomes for students to help them in education and personal growth: Strengthened Sense of Belonging; Strengthened Sense of Responsibility; Strengthened Sense of Excellence; Strengthened Sense of Aloha; Strengthened Sense of Total Well-being and Strengthened Sense of Hawai`i."
     "Underlying the outcomes is the belief that students need both social and emotional learning skills and academic mindsets to succeed in college, careers and communities locally and globally. When taken together, these outcomes become the core breath that can be drawn on for strength and stability throughout school and beyond."


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The first Ka`u Farm School class was held on Sunday at Earth Matters Farm. Photo by Raina Whiting

THE FIRST KA`U FARM SCHOOL CLASS was held on Sunday at Earth Matters Farm near Kama`oa and South Point Roads. One of the organizers Raina Whiting said the first session was on Propagation and Seed collection. She explained that "Community organizers, teachers and farmers have teamed together in Ka'u to create the Ka'u Farm School. The school is starting small with a series of day classes open to the Ka'u community. The sessions with be workshop style with a focus on hands-on experiences on the farm that pertain to growing food in Ka'u.  All ages and backgrounds are welcome."
     The next class is on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For  more information, visit Facebook.com/KauFarmSchool, call 808-721-6977 or email kaufarmschool@gmail.com.

Chris Yeaton will play at Hanna Hou on the last Friday of the month. Photo by Ann Bosted

     Yeaton’s passion for slack key guitar music began when he heard Keola Beamer play, and he was determined to learn to play in that style. Beamer is a Hawaiian slack-key guitar master, best known as the composer of Honolulu City Lights and an innovative musician who fused Hawaiian roots and contemporary music. Yeaton bought all Beamer’s instructional books and videos, and taught himself the basics. Then in 2002 he was able to attend a music camp with the Beamer family, where he honed his skills.
KA`U FARM BUREAU has set its first meeting of 2017 for Feb. 15 at the auxiliary room at the new gymnasium in Pahala at 6 p.m. Election of new officer elections is planned for the meeting, said Ka`u Farm Bureau President Brenda Iokepa-Moses. She is currently attening the National Association of Conservation Districts meeting in Denver until Feb. 1, representing the state of Hawai`i.

AN UPDATE ON MAUNA LOA ACTIVITY AND MONITORING EFFORTS will he held on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Visitor Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park as the wrap-up of Volcano Awareness Month. The presentation is by USGS hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientist Ingrd Johanson. Free; park entrance fees apply.

KA`U FOOD PANTRY TUESDAY, JAN. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Judes Episcopal Church in Ocean View.