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| The community volunteers each year to help out with the annual Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run, which draws runners of all ages from many states, countries and around Hawai'i. The 4th annual event is Sept. 23. See story below. Photo by Julia Neal |
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono, AG Doug Chin and Hawai'i Coalition for Civil Rights speak out to preserve DACA for immigrants. |
Says the Hawai'i statement, "Ending DACA is just the latest action the Trump administration would take in their campaign to target immigrant communities and stoke hatred and division."
Hirono continues to advocate for DREAMers and preserving the DACA program. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Hirono advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship and is "written with family unity as a guiding principle," she said.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
TWO NEW JUDGES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED for the Big Island by Gov. David Ige. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation, which allow for public testimony.
Henry Taro Nakamoto, 53, District Family Court Judge, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Hilo to fill the vacancy created by the December 2016 retirement of The Honorable Glenn S. Hara.
Nakamoto served as a Family Court Judge and a District Court Judge beginning June 2014. Prior to his service on the bench, he practiced law at Nakamoto, Okamoto & Yamamoto where he was a partner and director, and Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, where he was an associate. He was born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island and practiced here for 23 years, focusing on family and civil law. Nakamoto completed a B.A. in economics at Cornell University before earning his J.D. at Hastings College of Law.
"I would like to thank Gov. Ige for giving me the opportunity to serve as a circuit court judge. I appreciate all the support I have gotten from friends and family and will strive to continue to serve the community,” said Nakamoto.
Attorney Robert D.S. Kim, 63, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Kona to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of The Honorable Judge Ronald Ibarra in June 2017.
Kim, who is in private practice, is a litigator who concentrates in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, personal injury litigation, and administrative proceedings. Kim has served as the West Hawai'i Bar President for many years. He has extensive civil, family and criminal trial experience. Kim graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi –Hilo with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and earned his law degree at the William S. Richardson School of Law.
“I am honored and humbled to be nominated to fill the position of retired Judge Ronald Ibarra. I am committed to work diligently and respectfully if I am confirmed by the Senate,” said Kim.
“Judge Nakamoto and Mr. Kim both understand the law and the role of a judge in ensuring fair and impartial decisions in our judicial system. They will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well,” said the governor.
The process used to select these appointees is the same process used in prior selections and will be used whenever the governor makes judicial appointments, said Ige. He personally interviewed each candidate, received input from retired Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Associate Justice James Duffy, who reviewed the qualifications of the nominees, solicited feedback on each from the law community, and reviewed testimony submitted by the public. The Senate confirmation also allows opportunities for the general public to weigh in.
TWO NEW JUDGES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED for the Big Island by Gov. David Ige. Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation, which allow for public testimony.
Henry Taro Nakamoto, 53, District Family Court Judge, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Hilo to fill the vacancy created by the December 2016 retirement of The Honorable Glenn S. Hara.
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| Judge Henry Taro Nakamoto |
"I would like to thank Gov. Ige for giving me the opportunity to serve as a circuit court judge. I appreciate all the support I have gotten from friends and family and will strive to continue to serve the community,” said Nakamoto.
Attorney Robert D.S. Kim, 63, is appointed to the Third Circuit Court in Kona to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of The Honorable Judge Ronald Ibarra in June 2017.
Kim, who is in private practice, is a litigator who concentrates in the areas of criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, personal injury litigation, and administrative proceedings. Kim has served as the West Hawai'i Bar President for many years. He has extensive civil, family and criminal trial experience. Kim graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi –Hilo with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and earned his law degree at the William S. Richardson School of Law.
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| Robert D.S. Kim |
“Judge Nakamoto and Mr. Kim both understand the law and the role of a judge in ensuring fair and impartial decisions in our judicial system. They will serve the people of Hawaiʻi well,” said the governor.
The process used to select these appointees is the same process used in prior selections and will be used whenever the governor makes judicial appointments, said Ige. He personally interviewed each candidate, received input from retired Hawai‘i State Supreme Court Associate Justice James Duffy, who reviewed the qualifications of the nominees, solicited feedback on each from the law community, and reviewed testimony submitted by the public. The Senate confirmation also allows opportunities for the general public to weigh in.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
KA'Ū CHAMBER OF COMMERCE plans its annual art show for Tuesday, Sept. 26 - Friday, Sept. 29 at the Ka'ū Hawai'i Federal Credit Union annex building in Nā'ālehu.
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According the posters around the community, art entries will be accepted on Monday, Sept. 25. An artist reception, prizes and art pick up will be in the morning on Saturday, Sept. 30. The show will be open during normal credit union business hours, says the poster. Categories include: Painting, Graphics, Photography, Craft, Lei, Weaving, Jewlery, Quilting, Sculpture, Woodworking. There will be categories for Youth and Keiki. "See your artwork on the cover of The Directory 2018, if you piece wins the popular vote!" says the poster.
KA'Ū CHAMBER OF COMMERCE plans its annual art show for Tuesday, Sept. 26 - Friday, Sept. 29 at the Ka'ū Hawai'i Federal Credit Union annex building in Nā'ālehu.
This year the art show is promoted as a fundraiser for the annual Ka'ū Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program. The Chamber is under the new leadership of Allen Humble and Allan Stanton. Call 936-5288. See kauchamber.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
KA'Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, toted as the Southernmost Coffee Trail Run in the USA, returns for its 4th year to the slopes of Wood Valley on Saturday, Sept. 23. The 5K, 10K, and 1/2 marathon races take runners on unpaved trails through the idyllic country hillsides above Pāhala among macadamia nut orchards, coffee fields, eucalyptus & ‘ōhi'a forests, and cattle-grazing pastures.
Staggered gun starts begin at 7 a.m., with all races beginning and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill located at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above the town of Pāhala. Runners will receive a race goodies bag, including a T-shirt and more. Each registered participant will also be entered into a door prize drawing valued at $700.
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AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on tomorrow, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.
REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike. For more information, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
HIKE TO THE TOP OF PU'U O LOKUANA this Sunday, Sept. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. For more detail, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
HAM RADIO OPERATORS INVITES all American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families to attend a potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Manukā Park. For more details, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, seeFacebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Wood Valley's Denny family competed in the 2016 Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run, with mom Megan, taking first place in the 5K women's division. Photo by Julia Neal |
Staggered gun starts begin at 7 a.m., with all races beginning and ending at the Ka‘ū Coffee Mill located at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road above the town of Pāhala. Runners will receive a race goodies bag, including a T-shirt and more. Each registered participant will also be entered into a door prize drawing valued at $700.
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| Billy Barnett won the 2014 & 2016 Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run Half Marathons. Photo by Peter Anderson |
Trail terrains vary between races: the 5K is a family-friendly, run/walk trail through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; the 10K is a moderate run through macadamia nut groves and coffee fields; and the Half Marathon follows the 5K & 10K course, then continues up to an elevation of 3,100 feet, traverses onto a 4-wheel drive access road, marked trails undulating through grazing pastures.
Deadlines for early registration have passed, however runners can still sign up with regular registration prices until Sept. 11: 5K/$35, 10K/$45, and HM/$55. From Sept. 11 to Sept. 21, late registration prices apply: 5K/$55, 10K/$65, and HM/$75.
Post-race massages will also be available for $1.00/Minute.
Register for the race online at webscorer.com/
register?raceid=94997. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org/kau-coffee-trail-run/. All proceeds remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki & kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.
To view Vernon Harvey’s aerial footage of the event, taken by drone, visit youtube.com/watch?v=9-8FsDDHTFY.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Winner of the 2016 Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run 5K was Michael Schueller. Photo by Julia Neal |
register?raceid=94997. Online registration closes on Thursday, September 21, at midnight. Race day registration ends at 6:30 a.m. For more details about the event visit okaukakou.org/kau-coffee-trail-run/. All proceeds remain in Ka‘ū to support service projects for keiki & kupuna, schools, community groups, and organizations who look to ‘OKK for assistance.
To view Vernon Harvey’s aerial footage of the event, taken by drone, visit youtube.com/watch?v=9-8FsDDHTFY.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Girls Volleyball: Friday, Sept. 1, Ka'ū vs. Lapahoehoe, away game.
Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.
Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 2, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe, away meet.
AN EVENING WITH JOHN DAWSON is free to attend on tomorrow, August 31, at 7 p.m. in the Volcano Art Center. Donations accepted. For more details call 967-8222.
Live Long and Prosper Mighty 'Ōhi'a a collection of paintings and illustrations that focus on the highly variable display of ‘ōhi’a lehua trees found within the park is currently available for viewing daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 8, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Gallery viewings are free, though park entrance fees apply.
REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, a moderately difficult two-mile, guided hike on Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku, explores the traditional Hawaiian classification system. The hike is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Bring a snack for the talk story segment of this hike. For more information, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
HIKE TO THE TOP OF PU'U O LOKUANA this Sunday, Sept. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the formation and various uses of this grassy cinder cone and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū on this free, moderately difficult 0.4-mile hike to the top. For more detail, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
HAM RADIO OPERATORS INVITES all American Radio Emergency Service members, anyone interested in learning how to operate a ham radio and families to attend a potluck picnic on Sunday, Sept. 3, at Manukā Park. For more details, call Dennis Smith at 989-3028.
A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is set for Monday, Sept. 4, 4 p.m., at the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.
KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.
REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.
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KA'Ū COFFEE GROWERS COOPERATIVE MEETS TUESDAY, Sept. 5, from 6 pm. to 8 p.m., at the Pāhala Community Center.
REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY SEPT. 15. Ka‘ū fifth grade girls are invited to start registering for GEMS, Girls Exploring Math and Science. The annual all day event has been set for the Crown Marriot King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel for Nov. 9.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited. Registration fee is $20 and scholarships are available. No girl will be turned away because of financial need.
All fifth grade girls residing in the West Hawai‘i School complex in public, private, or home-schooled are welcome. Sponsorship of girls by individuals or businesses will be accepted. For more information about GEMS, to sponsor a girl, or to request a registration packet, contact Cindy Armer, GEMS chairperson at cbarmer@hotmail.com or 808-896-7180. Remember GEMS registration form must be postmarked by 9-15-17. See more details on Ka'ū News Briefs from August 15, 2017.
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| Pick up the August edition of The Ka`u Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka`u, from Miloli`i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at www.kaucalendar.com |
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| http://kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory_2017.swf |