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| HI-SEAs crew explored outside their dome, but only when wearing spacesuits, during their eight months of isolation on Mauna Loa, where they simulated living on Mars. Photo from HI-SEAS |
A story at phys.org describes the return to civilization and the mission: "Their first order of business after subsisting on mostly freeze-dried and canned food: Feast on fresh-picked pineapple, papaya, mango, locally grown vegetables and a fluffy, homemade egg strata cooked by their project's lead scientist.
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The six members of the HI-SEAS V crews. See their very varied backgrounds and their interests at hi-seas.org. Photo from HI-SEAS |
"They are part of a study designed to better understand the psychological effects that a long-term manned mission to space would have on astronauts. The data they gathered will help NASA better pick crews that have certain traits and a better chance of doing well during a two-to-three year Mars expedition. The space agency hopes to send humans to the red planet by the 2030s.
"The Hawai'i team wore specially-designed sensors to gauge their moods and proximity to other people in the small, 1,200 square-foot (111-square meter) dome where they have lived.
"The devices monitored, among other things, their voice levels and could sense if people were avoiding one another. It could also detect if they were next to each other and arguing.
Phys.org reports the opinion of Laura Lark, an IT specialist and crew member with HI-SEAS V: “Long term space travel is absolutely possible,”she said. "There are certainly technical challenges to be overcome. There are certainly human factors to be figured out, that’s part of what HI-SEAS is for. But I think that overcoming those challenges is just a matter of effort. We are absolutely capable of it.” Read more at phys.org.
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| The sunrise ceremony at dawn at Punalu'u, which opens the Ho'okupu Hula No Ka'ū Cultural Festival. This year the main festival day will by Saturday, Nov. 4 at Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal |
HO'OKUPU HULA NO KA'Ū CULTURAL FESTIVAL will be held, with main events at
Pāhala Community Center, on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc., the festival is directed by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, who teaches hula on Wednesday evenings to all ages at Pāhala Community Center.
Organizers are holding a meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Ryder said the meeting is for "all interested volunteers to come and kōkua your community. We invite all organizations to come and join us. Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc. needs your support to showcase our Ka‘ū hospitality to all the participants who are coming from afar and here in our islands to experience the true aloha spirit of Ka‘ū."
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| The late Bobby Gomes and his granddaughter dancing at a Ho'okupu Hula No Ka'ū Cultural Festival in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
The festival started in 2009 on the island of Lana'i and resulted in a cultural exchange between Pāhala and Lana'i residents.
Volunteers from Pāhala, including Dane Galiza, the late Bull, and Jamie Kailiawa, Jarrett Pestana, Harry Evengelista and Robert Ahia, along with the late Bobby Tucker, Pāhala Plantation Cottages and Olson Trust, helped with the event.
The Pāhala based Hālau Hula O Leionalani, under the direction of Ryder, traveled to Lana'i for the 2013 festival. Ryder and her family soon moved to Pāhala and brought the festival with them.
Ryder said that Lana'i folks, and hālau from Japan and Honolulu are planning to come here for the 2017 Ho'okupu Hula No Ka‘ū.
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AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE FOR HAWAI'I FAMILIES is an effort by U.S. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono and Sen. Patty Murray, state of Washington, who partnered to introduce the Childcare for Working Families Act.
Said Hirono, “For many of Hawai'i’s working parents, child care has become unaffordable —exceeding other household costs and expenses and eating into their hard-earned income. This legislation represents a long-term investment in our keiki to ensure that every family has access to high-quality early learning and child care programs that are affordable.”
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· Promote universal access to high-quality preschool programs for all three and four year olds.
· Improve compensation and training opportunities for the child care workforce.
Hirono has advocated for high-quality early childhood and child care programs during her career as an elected official. As Hawai'i’s Lieutenant Governor, she introduced the Pre-Plus program to provide for preschool facilities on public school campuses. As Hawai'i’s U.S. Representative and Senator, she authored and continues to advocate for the Providing Resources Early for Kids Act, legislation that provided a structure for the Preschool Development Grant program established by the Obama Administration and funded by Congress. Hawai'i was awarded a four-year Preschool Development Grant in December 2014. A new program was authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act signed into law in December 2015.
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KA'Ū HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION is making great progress on its lānai and garden area for long term residents and patients who are enjoying the outdoors, says a news release from the organization.
The Foundation gives an example: "Richard is a resident at Ka'ū Hospital and he is thrilled to see the progress being made on the garden/ lānai project. He likes being outdoors with the guys when they are working on the project because he enjoys socializing! He says being in the garden in the soft air and breezes is very healing for him and he is so happy to have this space to go to!"
Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris and Nursing Director Sherrie Bazin said they are thrilled to see the forms in place for the concrete work, which will be accomplished soon to provide more access to the outdoors for residents in wheelchairs, using walkers and other assistive devices that help them be more independent.
Last week Joah and Vicki Swift donated Desert Rose plants. The Swifts said they look forward residents being able to see beautiful views, colorful flowers and feel the soft breezes on a regular basis.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.Ryder said that Lana'i folks, and hālau from Japan and Honolulu are planning to come here for the 2017 Ho'okupu Hula No Ka‘ū.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Said Hirono, “For many of Hawai'i’s working parents, child care has become unaffordable —exceeding other household costs and expenses and eating into their hard-earned income. This legislation represents a long-term investment in our keiki to ensure that every family has access to high-quality early learning and child care programs that are affordable.”
Most Hawai'i families can expect to spend more than 11 percent of their household income on child care this year—exceeding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ standard of affordable care, Hirono pointed out.
Murray, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said, “At a time when far too many working families are struggling, finding quality child care that doesn’t break the bank shouldn’t be another thing keeping parents up at night. As a former preschool teacher, I know what quality early learning and care can do for a child’s development, so I’m proud to introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act to address our child care crisis and support access to high-quality preschool so that all children are ready for kindergarten and beyond. This is not only the right to thing to for working families, but it’s a smart investment in our children, our future, and our economy.”
The Child Care for Working Families Act would:
· Ensure that no families below 150 percent of state median income pay more than seven percent of their income on child care. Last year in Hawai'i, this would have included families of four making less than $128,034.
Murray, Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said, “At a time when far too many working families are struggling, finding quality child care that doesn’t break the bank shouldn’t be another thing keeping parents up at night. As a former preschool teacher, I know what quality early learning and care can do for a child’s development, so I’m proud to introduce the Child Care for Working Families Act to address our child care crisis and support access to high-quality preschool so that all children are ready for kindergarten and beyond. This is not only the right to thing to for working families, but it’s a smart investment in our children, our future, and our economy.”
The Child Care for Working Families Act would:
· Ensure that no families below 150 percent of state median income pay more than seven percent of their income on child care. Last year in Hawai'i, this would have included families of four making less than $128,034.
· Improve compensation and training opportunities for the child care workforce.
Hirono has advocated for high-quality early childhood and child care programs during her career as an elected official. As Hawai'i’s Lieutenant Governor, she introduced the Pre-Plus program to provide for preschool facilities on public school campuses. As Hawai'i’s U.S. Representative and Senator, she authored and continues to advocate for the Providing Resources Early for Kids Act, legislation that provided a structure for the Preschool Development Grant program established by the Obama Administration and funded by Congress. Hawai'i was awarded a four-year Preschool Development Grant in December 2014. A new program was authorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act signed into law in December 2015.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
KA'Ū HOSPITAL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION is making great progress on its lānai and garden area for long term residents and patients who are enjoying the outdoors, says a news release from the organization.
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| Long-term resident Richard at Ka'ū Hospital enjoys the outdoors and he new lānai and garden area. Photo from Ka'ū Hospital Charitable Foundation |
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| Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris and Nursing Director Sherrie Brazin with new Desert Rose plants. Photo from Ka'ū Hospital Charitable Foundation |
Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris and Nursing Director Sherrie Bazin said they are thrilled to see the forms in place for the concrete work, which will be accomplished soon to provide more access to the outdoors for residents in wheelchairs, using walkers and other assistive devices that help them be more independent.
Last week Joah and Vicki Swift donated Desert Rose plants. The Swifts said they look forward residents being able to see beautiful views, colorful flowers and feel the soft breezes on a regular basis.
EVENTS CELEBRATING WORLD FOOD DAY, presented by Hawai’i Island Food Alliance, KTA Super Stores, and The Kohala Center, are set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at KTA locations - Puainako, Waimea, Waikoloa, and Keauhou - from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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KA'Ū TROJANS BEAT KOHALA 48-0 on Saturday in eighT-man football, after traveling to Kapa'au on the north end of the island. The Trojans put 40 points on the board by halftime: J. Badua ran for an 18-yard touchdown, with extra point by Echalas. Z. Kai made a one yard touchdown, with extra point by I. Pilanca-Emmsley. Pilanca-Emmsley intercepted and ran 73 yards for a touchdown, with extra point by Kai. Kai ran a 32-yard touchdown with extra point by Badua. Pilanca-Emmsley ran for a 28-yard touchdown. The extra point was good.
The final touchdown for Ka'ū came in the fourth quarter when Kai ran 83 yards, Naboa made the extra point.
KA'Ū TROJANS BEAT KOHALA 48-0 on Saturday in eighT-man football, after traveling to Kapa'au on the north end of the island. The Trojans put 40 points on the board by halftime: J. Badua ran for an 18-yard touchdown, with extra point by Echalas. Z. Kai made a one yard touchdown, with extra point by I. Pilanca-Emmsley. Pilanca-Emmsley intercepted and ran 73 yards for a touchdown, with extra point by Kai. Kai ran a 32-yard touchdown with extra point by Badua. Pilanca-Emmsley ran for a 28-yard touchdown. The extra point was good.
The final touchdown for Ka'ū came in the fourth quarter when Kai ran 83 yards, Naboa made the extra point.
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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 |
UPCOMING FALL TROJAN SPORTS:
Girls Volleyball
Monday, Sept. 18, Ka'ū vs. Makualani, away.
Monday, Sept. 18, Ka'ū vs. Makualani, away.
Wednesday, Sept. 20, Ka'ū vs. Konawaena, away.
Friday, Sept. 22, Ka'ū vs. Christian Liberty, home.
Eight-Man Football
Thursday, Sept. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, away game at Kea'au Field.
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pahoa, home.
Thursday, Sept. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pāhoa, away game at Kea'au Field.
Saturday, Oct. 7, Ka'ū vs. Kohala, home.
Saturday, Oct. 21, Ka'ū vs. Pahoa, home.
Cross Country
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka'ū vs. Hawai'i Prep, away.
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka'ū vs. Hawai'i Prep, away.
Bowling
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe at Kona Bowl.
Saturday, Sept. 23, Ka'ū vs. Kealakehe at Kona Bowl.
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REGISTER KEIKI GRADES K-8 FOR ART: For Tissue Art, register until Tuesday, 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.
For Metal Stamped Bracelets, register tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 18, to Sept. 26. The art class will take place at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, Sept. 27 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102.
MELE AND HULA shared by Hālau Ke ‘Olu Makani O Maunaloa, is on the Wednesday, Sept. 20 agenda at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Kumu Hula Meleana Manuel and her halau perform. Park entrance fees apply. The event is sponsored by Hawai'i Volcano National Park's interpretation division. See details on park events.OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD meets Wednesday, Sept. 20, at noon in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.
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| Register online by Sept. 21. For more details, see the Ka'ū News Briefs from Aug. 30, 2017. |
IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP KEIKI SAFE, National Child Passenger Safety Certification, a Safe Kids Worldwide program, is offering free car seat checks at Pāhala Community Center on Friday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. Partners for Safe Keiki and Hawai’i County Fire Department co-sponsor the event. All are welcome.
Those with recalled or structurally unsound car seats will receive a free new car seat, acquired through grant funding from the Department of Transportation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 808-896-1336. For information about Child Passenger Safety, visit safekids.org.
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER DAY at its Kona Hema Preserve in South Kona on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Space is limited so those wanting to volunteer must contact Schubert in advance to reserve a spot on one of the trucks. For more, read the Ka'ū News Briefs from September 8. To contact Schubert, email lschubert@tnc.org or call 443-5401.
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. "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.
ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENT PLAYERS, DRUMMERS, SINGERS AND DANCERS ARE WELCOMED for Kanikapila on Saturday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Nā‘ālehu Methodist Church Hall. For more, call Desmond at 937-6305.
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| A field day is set for Kohala Center's Demonstration Farm next Saturday, Sept. 23. Photo from Kohala Center |
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.
NATURE & CULTURE: AN UNSEVERABLE RELATIONSHIP, a moderate hike approximately 2 miles takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Palm Trail hikers visit a place where catastrophic change (hulihia) and subsequent restoration (kulia) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow with its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. See details on park events.
