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 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.
KA`U CHAMBER OF COMMERCE has two new chairs, a new secretary and treasurer. At the annual meeting on Thursday, Allan Humble and Alan Stafford were elected co-chairs, Kathy Leach was made secretary and Lee McIntosh will be treasurer. Babette and Rich Morrow are now board members. Lee McIntosh was the Scholarship Chair, and he will be looking for someone to take over those duties.
Alan Humble is a new co-director of Ka`u Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Ann Bosted |
According to the Chamber’s website, the organization began as the Ocean View Business Association in 1992. At the time, the main issues were bringing telephone and power to Ocean View, the roads and water. It became the Ocean View Chamber of Commerce in 1996, and then in 2007 it became the Ka’u Chamber of Commerce. It publishes The Directory each year, which promotes progress and business development in all of Ka’u and serves as a community phone book and resource guide for businesses, non-profits and government agencies and raises money for scholarships for higher education.
The Chamber also raises funds for scholarships which range from $250 to $1,000. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2017. The Chamber also organizes the annual art show each fall. The winning image from the show graces the cover of the next Directory.
The Ka’u Scenic Byways is a Ka’u Chamber committee. It installed signage along Highway 11 in Ka’u and an educational kiosk in Na’alehu. It was also responsible for the interpretive displays at the Ocean View Scenic Overlook.
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CHRIS YEATON IS BACK IN TOWN. His Friday slak-key guitar performance at Hana Hou Restaurant was like a home-coming. The well-known Ka’u musician, who last played at the Na’alehu restaurant about six years ago, will once again be a fixture, playing there on the last Friday of each month.
“I can’t think of any other restaurant I’d rather play,” said Yeaton, who entertained a packed restaurant on Friday.
Chris Yeaton will play at Hanna Hou on the last Friday of the month. Photo by Ann Bosted |
Yeaton, a former Ocean View resident and business owner, now lives in Kona, but still visits his Ka’u cabin at weekends with his growing family. He founded a catchment tank and swimming pool service in the district in approximately 2004. When the business grew too big for one person, Yeaton brought in his brother, Corey Yeaton, who eventually went on to purchase Pacific Blue Catchment. Chris now works exclusively with his Kona swimming pool business,
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.