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| Hilaria Panglao, President of the Pāhala Filipino Community Association, and Leoveguildo "Hildo" Mercado, last of the living Sakada immigrants who led the way to Ka‘ū to work in the sugar industry. Mercado came from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, which on Friday became a sister city with Hawai‘i County. Thursday evening, Pāhala welcomed the Mayor of Cabugao and his contingent for a dinner and fellowship at Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal |
THE MAYOR OF THE NEW SISTER CITY CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, enjoyed a welcome and a feast put on by the Pāhala Filipino community Thursday evening. Mayor Josh Edward Cobangbang, the youngest mayor ever to be elected in the Philippines - at age 21, arrived with Cabugao City Council Members Danilo Gazmen, Viky Serna, Jemaima Tan-Yee, M.D. and Josefina S. Valljo. Student Julienn Ubungen accompanied the goodwill party.
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The youngest mayor in Philippines history, Josh Cabangbang with Ka‘ū's County Council member Maile David. Photo by Julia Neal |
County Council member Maile David emceed and co-sponsored the event with Hilaria Panglao, President of the Pāhala Filipino Community Association. The Filipino Mayor said, "Hawai‘i Island is my second home." He promised cultural and economic activity between the sister cities. Generations ago, Cabugao became the main portal for Filipinos seeking work in Hawai‘i's sugar industry. Its port is the place where families said goodbye in 1946 to the Sakada - workers headed across the Pacific to Hawai‘i. Leoveguildo "Hildo" Mercado, the last living Sakada in Ka‘ū, greeted the delegation from Cabugao.
Members of the sister city delegation said that a museum is planned in Cabugao to honor the Sakada. They sang a folk song commemorating the families who sent the workers from Cabugao to Hawai‘i, hoping they would someday return home. Many people living in Ka‘ū have roots in Cabagao, having chosen to stay in Hawai‘i.
Like Pāhala, Cabugao has a deep tradition in agriculture. There, small family farms grow food to sell at markets. It is also famous for its bamboo, and family workshop, bamboo furniture making. Its deep port has been used for trading since ancient times.
Hawai‘i County Council member Susan Lee Loy also attended and praised the agricultural life, shared by Cabuago and Pāhala, especially the traditions honoring culture, history and hard work. She recalled a saying dedicated to remembering those who came before: "We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant," said the councilwoman.
The emissaries were entertained by Kūpuna ‘O Pāhala Hula Hālau, Junior Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Kalaysa Koi, Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry Jasmine Navarro, Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Evalyn Ornelas and First Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Princess Liliana Marques, along with musicians Calvin Ponce and Chase Cabudal.
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SEN. MAZIE HIRONO announced a survey on Friday to find out what her constituents think about Pres. Donald Trump. She spared no words in penning her own opinion, but said she wants to know the views of Hawai‘i resdients.
Her view: "In his time in office, Trump has put nearly everything we care about at risk – from health care and education to reproductive rights and our environment. He’s shown time and time again that serving the American people is his last priority. He isn’t fighting for us, and he’ll do nothing to help bring our country together.
Members of the sister city delegation said that a museum is planned in Cabugao to honor the Sakada. They sang a folk song commemorating the families who sent the workers from Cabugao to Hawai‘i, hoping they would someday return home. Many people living in Ka‘ū have roots in Cabagao, having chosen to stay in Hawai‘i.
Like Pāhala, Cabugao has a deep tradition in agriculture. There, small family farms grow food to sell at markets. It is also famous for its bamboo, and family workshop, bamboo furniture making. Its deep port has been used for trading since ancient times.
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Visiting Cabugao student Julienn Ubungen with Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry Jasmine Navarro. Photo by Julia Neal |
The emissaries were entertained by Kūpuna ‘O Pāhala Hula Hālau, Junior Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Kalaysa Koi, Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Peaberry Jasmine Navarro, Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Evalyn Ornelas and First Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Flower Princess Liliana Marques, along with musicians Calvin Ponce and Chase Cabudal.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO announced a survey on Friday to find out what her constituents think about Pres. Donald Trump. She spared no words in penning her own opinion, but said she wants to know the views of Hawai‘i resdients.
Her view: "In his time in office, Trump has put nearly everything we care about at risk – from health care and education to reproductive rights and our environment. He’s shown time and time again that serving the American people is his last priority. He isn’t fighting for us, and he’ll do nothing to help bring our country together.
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Goodwill group from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Philippines arrived to seal the Sister City relationship. Photo by Julia Neal |
"That’s why I’m standing with my Democratic colleagues in the Senate as a firewall against Trump’s most dangerous, ugliest policies. We’re working to create opportunities for all Americans and make real changes that will improve their lives.
"We know that bringing our country together will be up to us – all of us. I’ll always fight for you, but I want to hear where you stand: Will you take a brief survey to share your thoughts on Donald Trump’s presidency with me? You can use this link: surveys.signforgood.com/hirono-trump-survey," said Hirono.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
"We know that bringing our country together will be up to us – all of us. I’ll always fight for you, but I want to hear where you stand: Will you take a brief survey to share your thoughts on Donald Trump’s presidency with me? You can use this link: surveys.signforgood.com/hirono-trump-survey," said Hirono.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
THE STATE PUBLIC OPTION ACT for health care was introduced into the U.S. Senate this week by Hawai‘i Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Ben Rau Lujan, of New Mexico.
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Gloria Camba, President of the Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Cooperative, and Margarette Ann Cabudol danced with their hālau. Photo by Julia Neal |
Said Schatz, "When Republicans tried to repeal Obamacare, people across the country fought back and demanded the Senate protect their health care. Even though it was critical that millions of Americans were able to stay on their insurance, the reality is nearly 30 million people are still uninsured while others are left struggling to pay expensive premiums."
Schatz said the State Public Option Act will "build on the success of the Affordable Care Act and move us closer to universal coverage. He asked all those interested to add their named to become "a citizen co-sponsor of my State Public Option Act. This bill allows millions of Americans to get the high-quality coverage they need without going broke."
The Senator explained that the State Public Option Act would allow all Americans the opportunity to buy into Medicaid, "our country’s most efficient health care program." Schatz said his plan "Expands Medicaid from covering low-income and disabled Americans to allowing all Americans to buy into the program."
He contended that the legislation "moves us closer to universal coverage by allowing states to establish a Medicaid public option." He said it would give individuals insured through their employer or any other private insurer an opportunity to stay on their current insurance plan.
"The majority of Americans believe health care is a human right, not just a privilege for the few," said Schatz. "We acknowledge that although Obamacare is imperfect, it is keeping millions of people alive. We know people across this country agree that it’s unreasonable for anyone living in the richest country on earth to have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one -- or going broke.
"But as we’ve seen before, large insurance companies, powerful drug companies, and lobbyists are not going to stop their efforts to repeal Obamacare. That’s why we need to go on the offensive and present ideas now before Republicans gear up their attacks again."
Schatz promised that he "will do everything I can in hearings and on the Senate floor to fight for a health care system that works for all Americans." He provided a link to sign up to support his bill: State Public Option Act. The Atlantic magazine published an article on Wednesday saying that Bernie Sanders, who is sponsoring his own Health Care for All bill, likes the Schatz idea, and that Schatz also approves of the Sanders plan. Another two Senators introduced a Medicare-X Bill. Schatz told The Atlantic that a range of ideas is needed to protect health care for the middle class and most vulnerable.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.
KEIKI STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS takes place at the Volcano Art Center Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is geared towards keiki ages 11 to 13.
Class fee is $50 for VAC members, $55 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Space limited, pre-registration necessary. For more info or to register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org. Read more about the event on Ka‘ū News Briefs published Wed, Oct. 25.
JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.
Schatz said the State Public Option Act will "build on the success of the Affordable Care Act and move us closer to universal coverage. He asked all those interested to add their named to become "a citizen co-sponsor of my State Public Option Act. This bill allows millions of Americans to get the high-quality coverage they need without going broke."
The Senator explained that the State Public Option Act would allow all Americans the opportunity to buy into Medicaid, "our country’s most efficient health care program." Schatz said his plan "Expands Medicaid from covering low-income and disabled Americans to allowing all Americans to buy into the program."
He contended that the legislation "moves us closer to universal coverage by allowing states to establish a Medicaid public option." He said it would give individuals insured through their employer or any other private insurer an opportunity to stay on their current insurance plan.
"The majority of Americans believe health care is a human right, not just a privilege for the few," said Schatz. "We acknowledge that although Obamacare is imperfect, it is keeping millions of people alive. We know people across this country agree that it’s unreasonable for anyone living in the richest country on earth to have to choose between caring for themselves or a loved one -- or going broke.
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Chase Cabudol and Calvin Ponce, both with Filipino heritage, offered songs for the visiting dignitaries. Photo by Julia Neal |
Schatz promised that he "will do everything I can in hearings and on the Senate floor to fight for a health care system that works for all Americans." He provided a link to sign up to support his bill: State Public Option Act. The Atlantic magazine published an article on Wednesday saying that Bernie Sanders, who is sponsoring his own Health Care for All bill, likes the Schatz idea, and that Schatz also approves of the Sanders plan. Another two Senators introduced a Medicare-X Bill. Schatz told The Atlantic that a range of ideas is needed to protect health care for the middle class and most vulnerable.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
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Pick up the October 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 now at kaucalendar.com |
HIKE TO THE TOP OF THE GRASSY CINDER CONE PU‘U O LOKUANA from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.on Saturday, Oct. 28, with a ranger in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The hike is a short 0.4 miles. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka‘ū. This hike will also take place on Nov. 5.
KEIKI STAINED GLASS WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNERS takes place at the Volcano Art Center Saturday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. The class is geared towards keiki ages 11 to 13.
Class fee is $50 for VAC members, $55 for non-members, plus a $10 supply fee. Space limited, pre-registration necessary. For more info or to register, call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org. Read more about the event on Ka‘ū News Briefs published Wed, Oct. 25.
JOIN RANGERS FOR A GUIDED HIKE, REALMS AND DIVISIONS OF KAHUKU, on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Experience the sense of place that evolves at the intersection of nature and culture on this moderately difficult two-mile, two-hour guided hike on the Kahuku Unit’s newest trail, Pu‘u Kahuku. Explore the realms and divisions of the traditional Hawaiian classification system at Kahuku. Bring a snack for the “talk story” segment of this hike. The event will also be offered Nov. 11 and Dec. 16.
A Hawai‘i State Public Library System issued flyer states, "join us for fun, food and prizes at our annual Fall Costume Party - and this year it's a pizza party! Come in costume for an extra chance to win a prize!" The prize drawing will take place at 4 p.m.
The event is free and open to all, though young children should be accompanied by a parent or adult caregiver.
For more details, call 939-2442.
KA‘Ū FOOD PANTRY gives food to those in need on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
OPEN MIC NIGHT AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY'S CAMP'S LAVA LOUNGE in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. The event is open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
See kilaueamilitarycamp.com for more.
HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1, and Thursday, Nov. 2. Participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
THE NEXT OCEAN VIEW BLOCK WATCH MEETING will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center. All are invited and the organization will entertain nominations and elect officers. For more, call 939-7033.
CU HAWAI‘I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION IS OFFERING EMPLOYMENT as a Member Service Representative in Nā‘ālehu. CU Hawai‘i seeks energetic individuals for full time positions who enjoy working with people and can provide professional, courteous and efficient service to valued members.
The ideal candidate must be service oriented and possess good communication and computer skills. Cash handling and customer service experience is preferred. Must be able to work Saturdays. CU Hawai‘i offers medical, drug, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
Email, mail or fax application to: Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street Hilo, HI 96720, Fax: (808) 935-7793. Applications can be found online at cuhawaii.com/careers.html.
