Ka‘ū News Briefs Thursday, November 16, 2017

An anchialine pools and marine debris removal workday will be sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund
this Saturday, Nov. 18. Contact kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com

A TWO POINT TWO PERCENT UNEMPLOYMENT RATE for the State of Hawai‘i was announced by Gov. David Ige on Thursday: "It is great news that October’s unemployment rate of 2.2 percent is the lowest on record. This is partly a reflection of robust visitor numbers thanks to increased flights to the islands. We want to keep the momentum going as we develop an innovation economy -- creating at least 80,000 new high tech, innovation, higher wage jobs by 2030. We will continue to combine local entrepreneurship with cutting edge technology and innovative thinking to develop talent, create jobs and keep our children in Hawai‘i," promised the governor.

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STRENGTH IN UNITY, HUMILITY IN SERVICE is the Recruit Class motto for the Hawai‘i Police Department's latest trainees. Police Chief Paul Ferreira administered the Reaffirmation of Oath, as the dozen police recruits received their badges. The 86th Recruit Class ceremony took place Wednesday at the Mokuola Ballroom of Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

Recruits receive a handshake, badges and reaffirmation of oath from
Police Chief Paul Ferreira. Photo from Big Island Video News

The new recruits are: Class President Christopher Campbell, Vic President Sybastian Keltner, Secretary/Treasurer Toni Marie Rosete, Paul-Lawrence Rose, Justin Dodo, Jason Miyashiro, Devin Ah Chong Jr., Shawn Mirafuentes, Jonathan Rapoza, Russ Fiesta, Denapoli Fui, and Kaneala Abaya.

JoAnne Balberde-Kamali‘i, the Behavioral Health Specialist for the Department of Education-East Hawai‘i, delivered the Keynote. Master of Ceremonies was Sgt. Paul Fukuda.

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HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES' WELL IS DOWN. The county Departments of Water Supply and Civil Defense made the announcement today that the well is inoperable. The well services residents through a spigot station, which remains open. "Users are asked to limit consumption to potable needs only. Contact 961-8790 for more information," says the statement from the county.

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An Austrailian sniper uses Pōhakuloa as a training area during
RIMPAC war games. USNI news photo

$25 MILLION FOR PŌHAKULOA TRAINING AREA has been funded, according to Sen. Mazie Hirono, who is a Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee. She announced on Thursday that she successfully secured provisions that "will strengthen Hawai‘i’s security and economy in the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the Senate today." Hirono also served as a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled the different versions of the bill passed by the House and Senate. The NDAA is a bill that lays out the resource levels and defense policy for the year.

“This year’s National Defense Authorization Act reflects the central role Hawai‘i plays in supporting and advancing our country’s strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Hirono. “From establishing the Asia Pacific Security Initiative, to fighting back against headquarters cuts at Pacific Command, and enhancing our nation’s missile defense capabilities, this legislation strengthens our national security and benefits those who serve in Hawai‘i and across the country.”

The bill goes to Pres. Donald Trump for his signature or veto.

Military preparation of Pōhakuloa Training Area
includes preservation of cultural sites.
Photo from U.S. Department of Defense

In addition to the $25 million for Pōhakuloa, the bill includes: $90 million for Fort Shafter’s Command and Control Facility; $73.2 million for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Sewer Lift Station; $65.9 million for the Navy’s Command Facility; $26.5 million for Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i’s Mokapu Gate; $19 million for the Navy’s MV-22 Landing Pad; $6 million for Energy Resiliency Projects at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i; $5.5 million for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam’s Consolidated Training Facility and $5 million for Wahiawa’s Kunia Tunnel Entrance.

The bill's provisions for Hawai‘i also include:

Enhancing Protection of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region: Hirono added in a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with regional commanders, to submit to Congress a plan that includes the consideration of increased visible presence of key U.S. military assets.

Strengthening Energy Resiliency: Hirono included several provisions to protect energy grids from cyber-attacks, authorize the Department of Defense to increase energy resiliency and conservation projects, and encourage the Department of Defense to work with the private sector to finance renewable energy projects on military installations.

Fighting Back Against PACOM Headquarters Cuts: Hirono included a provision requiring the Department of Defense to review data on past growth of specific headquarters staffs as well as current and projected mission requirements before assessing staff cuts. She said, it "will ensure that any personnel reductions deemed necessary by the Secretary do not disproportionately impact commands like PACOM, protecting jobs in Hawai‘i and ensuring that PACOM has the personnel necessary to cover the largest area of responsibility of any of the Department’s combatant commands."

Strengthening U.S.-Palau Compact: Hirono worked to include an agreement that keeps the U.S. commitment to Palau. The President’s budget includes $123.9 million for the United States’ remaining funding commitment to the U.S.-Palau Compact.

Hirono says that the new National Defense Authorization Act will
secure military spending and jobs in Hawai‘i, with $25 million
for Hawai‘i Island's Pōhakuloa Training Area.
Photo from U.S. Department of Defense

Assessing China’s Influence: Hirono included a provision for an independent study on how China’s expanded influence through economic and military investments across the Indo-Asia-Pacific impacts regional security and U.S. policy for mitigating any harmful effects resulting from China’s actions.

Improving Missile DefenseCapabilities: Hirono worked with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to include a provision to improve the capabilities of the missile defense system.

Establishing Asia Pacific Stability Initiative: Hirono and Sen. John McCain included a provision authorizing an Asia Pacific Stability Initiative to help warfighting capability and to strengthen partnerships with allies in the region.

Funding Anti-Corrosion Efforts: Corrosion costs the DoD about $20 billion per year. Hirono supported increased funding for corrosion control and prevention. She said it is "important to Hawai‘i as its unique environment often leads to significant corrosion of military assets such as helicopters and other aircraft." She said she fought off a provision to eliminate the DoD’s Office of Corrosion Policy and Prevention. She also included a provision directing a GAO review of the Pentagon’s corrosion control and prevention efforts.

Practicing warfare skills at Pōhakuloa. Photo from Department of Defense

Strengthening Research Agreements with Universities: Hirono included provisions for research and development agreements between the Department of Defense and universities. It provides the Secretary of Defense authority to establish mechanisms for expedited access to technical talent and expertise at academic institutions to support critical missions such as cybersecurity, unmanned systems, and advanced materials among others.

Promoting Military Family Stability: Hirono included several provisions to help military families undergoing permanent change of stations within the U.S., including more flexibility with staying in government quarters and the creation of a pilot program on public-private partnerships for telework facilities on overseas military installations to improve hiring of military spouses.

Streamlining of Acquisition Process: Hirono worked with the Committee to include provisions to streamline the acquisition process, including support for innovation at Department of Defense laboratories and a training program to establish in-resident target training on agile acquisition.

Expanding Major Range and Test Facility Bases: Hirono supported efforts to create incentives for the Department of Defense workforce at laboratories and test ranges and to encourage the Department of Defense to use existing authority and $150 million in funding for infrastructure improvements at major range and test facility bases.

Military exercises at Pōhakuloa with U.S. Marines and Australians.
USNI photo

Strengthening Cybersecurity Education and Training Programs: Hirono included provisions allowing easier access to universities for engineering or operational needs for cybersecurity. She included funding for Maui’s high performance computing modernization program as well as increased funding for universities and industry research centers to encourage the development of new technology and defense systems.

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THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSED A TAX CUT PLAN THURSDAY, and Hawai‘i's Congressional Delegation was quick to respond. Hawai‘i's Sen. Brian Schatz posted at the Joint Committee on Taxation, of the U.S. Congress, scoring that shows taxes will go up for people making $20,000 to $30,000 by 2021 and eventually for everyone making $75,000 and less.

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Sen. Mazie Hirono supports the DREAM Act in a rally
on Capitol Hill. Photo from Office of Sen. Hirono

AT A RALLY FOR A CLEAN DREAM ACT on Capitol Hill Wednesday, Sen. Mazie Hirono joined Pacific Islander and other imigrants. She said, "We are all truly in this together and I am standing here with you. I would like nothing better than for a clean dream act to pass. That is going to take a lot of work, as you well know. Half the battle is showing up. You have to keep showing up. Do not lose hope." She tweeted: "#AAPIs4Dream are in the Capitol today because when we do not stand up for passing the #DreamActNow, we are not standing up for our country's values."

The DREAM Act, allows young adults who were brought into the country illegally as children to stay, if meeting certain requirements. Hirono points out that many are in college and are working, paying taxes; the U.S. is the only home they know.

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CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY, FEATURING THE ANNUAL INVITATIONAL WREATH EXHIBITION, BEGINS Friday, Nov. 17, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Christmas in the Country starts with a Volcano

Art Center members reception on Friday.

Join online. Photo from VAC

This year's season promises an abundance of art and aloha to kickstart the holidays. Christmas in the Country features a fresh lineup of artists hosting special events throughout each weekend.

It begins on Friday with a reception at 5:30 p.m., open to new and current members, with new memberships available. The Appreciation Reception and Christmas in the Country Preview Party will give members the first opportunity to view the full collection of unique wreaths and high-quality handcrafted decorations and gifts offered only during Christmas in the Country.

Complimentary gourmet pupus, mulled cider and champagne, prize drawings and use of the membership discount will be offered. Prospective members can join by signing up online. VAC members may bring a guest for $15.
After the opening, Christmas in the Country will be free to the public through Dec. 31.
Every year, beginning on the Friday before Thanksgiving, VAC Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park creates a scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to the artwork Volcano Art Center has become known for showcasing year-round, Christmas in the Country offers unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including some that are VAC exclusives.
The concurrent Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional. “Those looking for truly original wreaths as well as one-of-a-kind, handmade gift items will not be disappointed by the selection created by our local artistic community, ” states gallery manager Emily C. Weiss.

Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-7565.

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MARINE ANIMAL SIGHTINGS AND EMERGENCIES can be called into NOAA's new statewide phone number. The caller is directed to select the island, and to select the species, such as monk seal, turtle, dolphin or whale. The caller is forwarded to the appropriate phone operator. The all-islands number is 888-256-9840. Sightings and emergencies can also be reported by email to RespectWildlife@noaa.gov. Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund maintains a marine debris reporting hotline for Hawai‘i Island at 808-769-7629.

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‘Imi Pono no ka ‘Āina helping Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund to clean an
anchialine pond in Ka‘ū. Photo from Megan Lamson

AN ANCHIALINE POND AND MARINE DEBRIS REMOVAL workday will be held this Saturday on the Ka‘ū Coast. Anchialine ponds are home to tiny endangered shrimp who live in the somewhat salty water. Sponsored by Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund, those interested can contact Megan Lamson at kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com

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RIDE SO THEY CAN WALK fundraiser to end polio continues through Saturday, Nov. 18. Rotary Club's Polio Plus Chair for Hawai‘i, Charlene Meyers, of Volcano, said Rotarians, community members, biking groups and clubs riding bikes, motorcycles and those on stationary bikes in gyms are all riding in the support of eradicating polio. Each rider has friends and family sponsor the ride with all donations going to Rotary’s Polio Plus program. Kīlauea Military Camp is offering Ride So They Can Walk participants use of its stationary bikes for the fundraiser. Make arrangements at the check in desk. To sponsor a ride or donate go to Rotary D5000 website and click on Ride for Polio in the right hand column and follow the steps.

EXPERIENCE THE SKILLFUL WORK. ‘IKE HANA NO‘EAU Hawaiian cultural demonstrations will be given the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Friday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. The next event is scheduled for Dec. 15. This event is free.

FRIENDS OF THE KA‘Ū LIBRARIES will man a booth at the annual Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church fundraising bazaar in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday, Nov. 18. Donations of baked goods, books and good condion, slightly used, reusable rummage are being accepted to raise money for Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries.
Drop off donation at Nā‘ālehu Public Library or Pāhala Public and School Library no later than Friday, Nov. 17, by 3 p.m. or bring to the Libraries tent on, Nov. 18, at Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church grounds at 8 a.m. For more info, call Linda Morgan at 785-2058.

HAND DELIVER REGISTRATION BY FRIDAY, NOV. 17, FOR THE INAUGURAL PIG HUNTING TOURNAMENT presented by the Ka‘ū Multicultural Society on Saturday, Nov. 18, with scales at Waiʻōhinu Park open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for weigh-in. Hunting is islandwide.

Three-person teams are invited to enter for a registration fee of $55 per team. Registration forms must be hand delivered to Kalani Vierra in Pāhala no later than Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. (registration post marked by Nov. 13 is also accepted). Categories include heaviest boar (lahoʻole), biggest tusk, heaviest sow, heaviest overall. Hunting will only be allowed with dogs and no guns and at least one teammate must have a hunting license.
Team registration forms are available in Kaʻū at ACE Hardware, Wikiwiki Mart, Ka‘ū Gas, R&G Mini Mart, Kaʻū Business Services LLP, Kahuku Gifts and Garden Shop; in Hilo at Delʻs Feed Store, Miranda's and Hilo Surplus Store; in Mountain View at Aloha Gas; in Kurtistown at J. Hara's Store Inc.; and in Kona at Pearl's, Oshima's, Mauka Napa, Lako St. Chevron, Fujihara's Store and Paul's Place.
For more information, call Darlyne Vierra at 640-8740; Kalani Vierra at 938-2005; or Liz K. at 339-0289. See Ka‘ū News Briefs from Wednesday, Oct. 25.

THE ANNUAL KAUAHA‘AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH fundraising bazaar in Wai‘ōhinu is Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the church grounds. The church is located on the corner of Māmalahoa Hwy, Kama‘oa Road and Pinao Street just above the Wong Yuen Store and Gas Station.
Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be a vendor at the "flea market" on the church grounds. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, a generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods/plate lunches.
The Church will be selling Kālua Pig plate lunch and containers of Kālua Pig, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Throughout the day, there will be free entertainment "provided by our talented community groups," said Walter and Debbie WongYuen at 928-8039.

LĀ ‘OHANA, THE MILOLI‘I COMMUNITY celebration held annually, is Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free, cultural, educational event is open to all and is co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.
Auntie Diana Aki, Miloli‘i's famed falsetto Hawaiian songbird will sing. Also in the line-up are south Kona bands. Health screening and health insurance advice will be offered, along with local food and arts and crafts on display and for sale.
Partners in putting on Lā ‘Ohana include Pa‘a Pono Miloli‘i, Kua O Ka Lā Charter School, Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, Kalanihale, and Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
For more information, contact Kumu Ka‘imi Kaupiko at 808-937-1310 or kkaupiko@gmail.com. Vendors are welcome.
For more about the event, see Ka‘ū News Briefs from Sunday, Oct. 22.

COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM meets Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center. For more details, call 939-7033.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is accepting reservations for its next volunteer day at its Ka‘ū Preserve for Saturday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reserving a spot in advance to go to the remote location in The Nature Conservancy's trucks is a must. Anyone interested in more information, and/or to reserve a spot can contact Linda Schubert at lschubert@tnc.org, or call 443-5401.
Participants will need; long pants, protective shoes (boots preferred), a lunch and water. Everyone should be ready for a variety of weather conditions, from sun, rain, to cool temperatures.

HI‘IAKA & PELE, a free, moderate, one-mile walk through the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, takes place Saturday, Nov. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent. For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

See public Ka‘ū events for November including monthly meetings at
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novemberevents.html.
See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily and weekly community events at
kaucalendar.com/octnovdec/novembercommunity.html.
Pick up the November print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar,
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.

HULA KAHIKO AND NĀ MEA HULA is scheduled to take place on the hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Nov. 18. Hula Kahiko featuring Kumu Ha‘amauliola with Ke Kula o Nawahiokalani‘opu‘u PCS is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.. Nā Mea Hula, a hands on cultural demonstration, featuring Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe with Halauolaokalani will follow until 1 p.m.. Contact Desiree, call 987-7288 or email volcanohula@gmail.com, to confirm dates.

A MONGOLIAN BBQ WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, Nov. 18, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kīlauea Military Camp’s Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8356 for more details. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP REMOVE INVASIVE, NON-NATIVE PLANTS that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. This Stewardship at the Summit event is Saturday, Nov. 18, at 8:45 a.m.
To join the effort, meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants and bring a hat, rain-gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools will be provided. No advance registration is required, and there is no cost to participate, park entrance fees waived in observance of Veteran's Day. Visit the park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit _stewardship.htm. Another event is planned for Nov. 25.

NĀ‘ĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & STUDENT COUNCIL'S FRIEND-RAISER event takes place on the campus on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event focuses on building relationships and raising funds while providing a family fun day to the community. The event offers a bounce house and splash booth, games, food, informational vendors, face painting, makahiki games, prizes and a raffle.

A ZENTANGLE INSPIRED ART: TANGLING ON EGGS class at Volcano Art Center is Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Lois & Earl Stokes, certified Zentangle teachers, for an “egg-citing” time tangling on duck and chicken eggs to create holiday ornaments. All skill levels are welcome. The class has a $10 supply fee per person, plus $35 per non-member. All materials and light refreshments are included. For more details, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.

PEOPLE AND LAND OF KAHUKU, a free guided, 2.5 miles, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The guide will focus on the area’s human history. For more details, visit nps.gov/HAVO.

REGISTRATION FOR THE FLOATING LANTERN CEREMONY AT PUNALU‘U remains open through next Monday, Nov. 20. The annual event to honor past, present and future generations will be on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, Medicine Pond.
Taiko Drummers will join the celebration, as will hula dancers, local musicians and Gi Gong practitioners. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages will be provided to the first 50 registrants. Donations are tax deductible and will be used toward college scholarships through the events sponsor Ka‘ū Rural Health Community Association. Call 928-0101 to register.

A VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. in the Ocean View Community Center. For more, call 939-7033.

REGISTER KEIKI OF ALL AGES FOR AN ANNUAL RUBBERBAND TURKEY art class at Pāhala Community Center that takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call 928-3102 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

REGISTER KEIKI AGES 6 TO 12 TO MAKE A THANKSGIVING NATURE WREATH at Kahuku Park on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. For more, call 929-9113 or visit hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation.

CREATE A SMALL KĀHILI PA‘A LIMA, a hand-held kāhili, on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the lānai of Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kāhili are a form of Hawaiian leatherwork that traditionally acknowledged a person’s status and genealogy, and offered spiritual protection. Free, park entrance fees apply. For more, see nps.gov/HAVO.

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.