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| Growing seeds for those food plants that can thrive in the many environmental niches of Ka'ū and elsewhere on the island will be discussed with training at the Hawai'i Seed Fest: Local Seeds for Local Needs. See story below. Photo from hawaiiseedgrowersnetwork.com |
PREVENTING POLICE FORCES FROM SEIZING PRIVATE PROPERTY - for profit without due process - is the aim of a bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday. Co-sponsored by Ka'ū's Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, with support from both Democrats and Republicans, it would ban adoptive forfeiture, the practice allowing the federal government to accept money and property seized by local law enforcement agencies from people, in some cases, before individuals are formally charged or proven guilty of a crime. According to Gabbard, the practice creates a loophole for states that have adopted "stringent, constitutionally sound asset forfeiture laws and allows them to continue practices that are otherwise deemed illegal at the state level."
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabber's bill, preventing asset forfeiture before owners of property are found guilty, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Image from American Civil Liberties Union |
Gabbard said that Attorney General Jeff Sessions' recent announcement to expand civil asset forfeiture "allows local law enforcement to bypass state laws and seize property from people with the lowest possible burden of evidence without concern for whether the person is eventually charged or convicted.
“While some will tell you this is necessary to go after big drug cartels, the reality is the median value of the adoptive forfeiture seizures is around $9,000. Not only is this median value not a sign of major drug trafficking operations, but seizures tend to be focused on poorer neighborhoods." She gave the example of the county where Chicago is located: "Between 2012 and 2017, the median value of assets seized by Cook County police was just over $1,000." She also pointed to Philadelphia: "In 2015, the median value was just $192."
Said Gabbard, “This policy does not discriminate between the innocent and the guilty. Rather, this policy places the responsibility on private citizens to prove their innocence rather than put the appropriate burden on law enforcement to prove guilt. All too often, innocent people without legal representation never see their money or property again, and even those who are proven innocent have no promise their property will be returned.
“The Fifth Amendment of the Constitution exists to protect the citizens of this country from being deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. In practice and in principle, adoptive forfeiture is a violation of that Fifth Amendment,” Gabbard declared.
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| Hawai'i Seed Growers and Kohala Center host two events on growing seeds for food that are adapted for the Hawai'i environment. Image from Hawai'i Seed Growers Network |
According to Gabbard, the practice of adoptive forfeiture was significantly drawn back during the Obama Administration and limited to exceptions related to public safety. "However, Attorney General Sessions recently issued a policy directive reauthorizing adoptive forfeiture practices. This decision marks a return to previous practices that run contrary to safeguarding civil liberties," said the Congresswoman.
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HAWAI’I SEED FEST: LOCAL SEEDS FOR LOCAL NEEDS, sponsored by The Kohala Center and Hawai’i Seed Growers Network, is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to noon in Pāhoa and Honalõ.
The Kohala Center’s event description invites interested persons to become part of the conversations on the hows and whys of growing seeds specifically adapted for Hawai'i.
"Check out variety trials in progress, learn how to conduct successful trials in your garden, enjoy refreshments and tastings of crops being grown from local seed, talk story with a local seed grower, and meet others in your community interested in improving local food security," says an announcement from The Kohala Center. Attendance is free but space is limited. Reserve a spot online at localseeds.eventbrite.com or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411. Visit Hawai'i Seed Growers Network.
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| Little Fire Ants can be identified at a session this Saturday. Bring frozen ants in a bag to find out their identity. Photo from Big Island Invasive Species Committee |
BATTLING LITTLE FIRE ANTS has come to the attention of the Queen Lili'uokalani Foundation, Ma'ona Community Garden and The Kohala Center, which are sponsoring an information session led by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee this Saturday, Sept. 16. It will be held at Ma'ona Community Garden in Honaunau.
Attendees will learn about the impact and threat of little fire ants to Hawai'i, how to survey for ants, and how to plan an effective treatment approach if ants are found. BIISC will also provide strategies and suggestions for working with neighbors to address an infestation in the neighborhood.
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| Pick up the September edition of The Ka'ū Calendar delivered free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka'ū, from Miloli`i through Volcano. Also available on stands throughout the district. See it online at kaucalendar.com |
The Little Fire Ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, is known by many names around the world, including cocoa-tree ant, little red fire ant, or electric ant - because stings have been compared to the feeling of an electrical burn. It is native to South America, but has invaded tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world from Africa to Israel to Australia to the Galapagos Islands. It has spread to become a greenhouse pest in colder areas such as Europe and Canada. Little Fire Ants can be transported easily though many kinds of personal and commercial cargo. The Hawai'i Ant Lab and the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture have worked for a decade to research and develop methods of controlling little fire ant in Hawai'i.
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THE KOHALA CENTER’S DEMONSTRATION FARM HOSTS A FIELD DAY on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (45-434 Lehua St, Honoka’a).
The Kohala Center’s event description offers "a farm tour, hands-on training, and planting of an agroforestry system designed to diversify crops, control weeds naturally, and improve soil health."
This event is open to the public, with high school students and teachers encouraged to learn about the upcoming fall High School Sustainable Agriculture Program.
Contact Dave Sansone at sansone@kohalacenter.org or 808-887-6411 for more information.
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| Coach Josh Ortega hosts a volleyball clinic Sept. 25. |
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| 'Ulu Makuakane, the first Miss Ka'ū Coffee and former Miss Hawaiian Islands, in the Miss South Pacific Pageant, starts a Hula Werk class on Sept. 28 at Ka'ū District Gym. |
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'ULU MAKUAKANE has moved home to Ka'ū and begins teaching her Hula Werk exercise class on Thursday, Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Ka'ū District Gym Multipurpose Room. Makuakane employs hula, Tahitian, Samoan and Hip Hop Dance moves for the workout. She recommends that participants dress comfortably, bring a pareo and water. Participants need to sign a release form before joining the class. Class is free but donations are accepted. Makuakane was the first Miss Ka'ū Coffee. She also served as Miss Hawaiian Islands representing Hawai'i in the Miss South Pacific Pageant.
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UPCOMING EVENTS FOR FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Eight-Man Football: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, away game.
Cross Country: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Kea'au, away game.
Bowling: Saturday, Sept. 16, Ka'ū vs. Hilo & Konawaena at Kona Bowl.
Girls Volleyball: Monday, Sept. 18, Ka'ū vs. Makualani, away game.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, Ka'ū vs. Konawaena, away game.
Girls Volleyball: Monday, Sept. 18, Ka'ū vs. Makualani, away game.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, Ka'ū vs. Konawaena, away game.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES will be available at Ocean View Community Center tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more details, call 939-7033.
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RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET TOMORROW, Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.
REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Friday, Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.
REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY FRIDAY 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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WOOD VALLEY WATER COOPERATIVE will hold its annual meeting at Pahala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile St. on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
REDEEM HI-5 RECYCLABLES AT NĀ'ĀLEHU SCHOOL GYM on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and receive 5 cents per container (sorted by type) and an additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more details, call 939-2413, ext. 230.
DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI'IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.
PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is a free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that focuses on the area’s human history from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR a Tissue Art class register until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.
A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL will be the December play by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Auditions will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at KMC's Kīlauea Theater. Auditioneers should prepare a song that best features their vocal ability. There are parts for all ages, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim.
RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS MEET TOMORROW, Thursday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., in the HOVE Road maintenance Corp. office. The meeting is meant for volunteers and those interested in becoming volunteers. For more, call Hannah Uribes at 929-9953.REGISTER KEIKI FOR SUNFLOWER CRAFT until Friday, Sept. 15. The craft class, for keiki ages 6 to 14, will take place on Monday, Sept. 18, at Kahuku Park from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 929-9113 for more.
REGISTER 5TH GRADE GIRLS FOR GEMS BY FRIDAY 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.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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| Register online by Sept. 21. For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017. |
REDEEM HI-5 RECYCLABLES AT NĀ'ĀLEHU SCHOOL GYM on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and receive 5 cents per container (sorted by type) and an additional 20 cents per pound on all aluminum. Atlas Recycling donates 20 cents per pound on all aluminum redeemed to the school. For more details, call 939-2413, ext. 230.
DISCOVER THE HAWAIIAN GODDESSES HI'IAKA & PELE and the natural phenomena they represent on a free, moderate, one-mile walk this Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. within the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. For more, visit nps.gov/havo.
PEOPLE & LAND OF KAHUKU is a free, guided, 2.5 mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park that focuses on the area’s human history from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17.
REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR a Tissue Art class register until Sept. 19. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.
A GILBERT & SULLIVAN CHRISTMAS CAROL will be the December play by Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network. Auditions will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m. at KMC's Kīlauea Theater. Auditioneers should prepare a song that best features their vocal ability. There are parts for all ages, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim.
A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol with story by Charles Dickens, music by Arthur Sullivan, and Words by Gayden Wren (inspired by W.S. Gilbert) is another look at the Christmas classic with the bonus of Gilbert & Sullivan music. The show uses songs from many of the Gilbert & Sullivan operettas; an example is the three ghosts sing Three Little Maids from School from The Mikado but with lyrics that suit the show. Suzi Bond is directing the show with musical direction by Walter Greenwood.
A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol will play for one weekend only Dec. 14 to 17; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
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A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol will play for one weekend only Dec. 14 to 17; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
