Ka‘ū News Briefs Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at the 2017 Hawai‘i Farmers Union United Convention. On Wednesday, Gabbard, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa and Sen. Mazie Hirono were named top advocates for improving the nation's food system. See story below.

in part:

Sen. Brian Schatz is Jewish, speaking at Temple Emanu-El in Honolulu. Photo from Temple Emanu-El

      "At a time of growing divisiveness in America, where too many are “other-izing” those who may look different, worship different, or hold different political views, it is more important than ever to live aloha, to love and treat all others with respect, to be inclusive rather than exclusive. The divisiveness that threatens the fabric of our nation — whether due to race, religion, political ideology, gender, sexual orientation, or other — must end," writes Gabbard.
     "One reason I’m grateful to call Hawaiʻi home is that the people of these islands embrace diversity and celebrate the colorful fabric of race, ethnicity, and religion that make up our people, place, and culture."
     Gabbard points out that Hawai‘i has elected the most diverse congressional delegation in the country. She is a Vaishnava Hindu. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa is Buddhist. Sen. Mazie Hirono is Buddhist and Sen. Brian Schatz is of the Jewish faith. Writes Gabbard, "This speaks volumes about
the people of Hawaiʻi, where people live aloha and the dream of Martin Luther King — where a person is judged not by the color of her skin, ethnicity, or religion, but by her character."
      She writes that she grew up in a multi-faith household, "happily oblivious to sectarianism or the idea of having to choose one religious 'team' over another. Her father, state Senator Mike Gabbard, was a Catholic who practiced yoga meditation and karma yoga. Her mother was a practicing Hindu. "My earliest memories are of the bright colors, beautiful sounds, and fragrant aromas of both Christian and Hindu celebrations. My siblings and I grew up studying from both the Bhagavad-Gita and the Bible; going to Mass, and then coming home to a yoga kirtan."

Rep. Colleen Hanabusa at a Buddhist Temple in Bon Dance attire. Photo from Rep. Hanabusa

     Gabbard writes that her upbringing taught her that "true happiness can only be found in dedicating one’s life in the loving service of God and His children. She said this view inspired her environmental activism as a teenager, as well as my service in the military, in local, state, and now federal office, and pursuit of peace, equality, and justice.
     "Our nation was founded by people fleeing religious persecution, risking everything for the freedoms that form our foundation and seeking a place to be free to worship as they chose or to not worship at all. It is a freedom enshrined in our Constitution, and that every member of Congress takes an oath to protect — a freedom that many heroes have given their lives to defend. Nothing is more important to our democracy than this freedom.
     "Our history has been shaped by leaders like James Madison, a faithful Episcopalian, John F. Kennedy, a practicing Catholic, and many others shaped and motivated by their personal faith and spirituality, but equally vigilant to uphold the constitutional separation between church and state.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, (left), a Buddhist, attending ceremonies dedicating a Japanese internment camp from WWII, with a Native Hawaiian blessing. Photo from Hawai‘i Herald

     "Today the United States is home to more than five million Jews, three million Muslims, and three million Hindus. Nearly 23% of Americans don’t identify with any spiritual path or religion. At a time when some Americans are fueling extreme divisions of “us vs. them” hate-filled rhetoric, bigotry, and even violence, we cannot afford to stay silent. We must push back against those who perpetrate such bigotry and embrace the freedom
and diversity that makes our country great.

         "It’s up to each of us to change the narrative, to speak out against those who are trying to worsen the fear and divisiveness that is pervading our country. It is up to each of us to treat all people with aloha and respect, to protect the freedoms in this country that ensure people can live their lives as they please without fear that their religion or spiritual path, or lack thereof, will be held against them," said Gabbard. Read the entire essay. 

REGISTER KEIKI GRADE K-8 FOR PAPER FALL FLOWER CRAFT by Tuesday, Nov. 7, for the class which takes place Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pāhala Community Center. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

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HAWAI‘I COUNTY COUNCIL MEETS on Thursday, Nov. 2. Participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.

HULA VOICES, moderated by Desiree Moana Cruz is this Thursday. Nov. 2 fro 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kumu hula Iwalani Kalmia, of Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani E, presents her hula experiences. The event takes place at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free; park entrance fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.

THE NEXT OCEAN VIEW BLOCK WATCH MEETING will be 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.

A GILLIGAN'S NIGHT to raise funds for Ka‘ū Learning Academy is Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Gilligan's Restaurant former site in Discovery Harbour, which is now KLA.
      It is the first in a series of charter school fundraisers with music and food.

      Foggy will play from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Solomon and Tiger will play from 6 p.m to 9 p.m. The food will feature pizza, pasta, lasagna, salads, desserts and chicken parmesan.
     See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Monday, Oct. 23.