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| Librarian Linda Morgan offers a two-for-one book sale this week at Nāʻālehu School Library to encourage families to read with children at least 20 minutes a day. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
The Congresswoman pointed to a 2017 report that says Hawaiʻi needs an estimated $1.05 billion in drinking water investment over the next 20 years to ensure safe water. "Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible water for all is not a political issue – it's a basic human right that is essential for life. Our legislation would make consistent investments in critical water and wastewater infrastructure a priority for our federal government, and take the steps that are sorely needed now to protect health and wellness for generations to come."
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| Rep. Tusli Gabbard helped introduce the WATER Trust Fund today. This would help fund clean water projects like the Nāʻālehu and Pāhala wastewater treatment facilities. |
The WATER Act is supported by numerous organizations, including Alliance for Democracy; EarthJustice; EcoWorks; Food & Water Watch; National Nurses United; Progressive Democrats of America; Public Citizen; Rural Community Assistance Partnership; Water Alliance; American Federation of Teachers, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, and more.
Said Gabbard, "Years of neglecting our water infrastructure has spurred water contamination crises across the country in places like Flint, MI; Philadelphia, PA; Baltimore, MD; among others.
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| Nāʻālehu residents study proposed wastewater treatment location. Photo by Julia Neal |
Fully fund the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds;
Provide additional technical assistance to rural and small municipalities and Native American governments;
Increase funding to construct, repair and service household drinking water wells;
Create a new grant program for the repair, replacement or upgrading of household septic tanks and drainage fields;
Increase funding to Native American governments for water infrastructure;
Require EPA to coordinate a study about water affordability, discrimination by water and sewer providers, public participation in water regionalization efforts, and water shutoffs;
Restrict Drinking Water SRF funding to publicly or locally owned systems;
Provide funding for public schools to test and replace drinking water infrastructure; and
Provide grants to replace lead service lines serving households.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
DREAMERS WON BIG on Tuesday. According to the ruling in District of Columbia federal court, DACA immigrants must not only receive protections, new applicants must be processed, with the program resuming in 90 days. The case was brought to the court by the N.A.A.C.P., Princeton University, and Microsoft, on behalf of their immigrant students and workers.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protects young people whose families brought them into the U.S. without approved paperwork from the federal government. About 700,000 of these undocumented immigrants grew up in the U.S. Many are students and many are employed. Pres. Donald Trump's administration has attempted to end the program, leaving DACA recipients, called DREAMers, in fear of being deported.
TRUMP V HAWAI`I TRAVEL BAN ARGUMENTS WERE HEARD AT THE U.S. SUPREME COURT TODAY.
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| Lt. Gov. Doug Chin led Hawaiʻi in becoming the first to challenge the travel ban when he was serving as Hawaiʻi's Attorney General. Photo from Honolulu Museum |
Lt. Gov. Doug Chin, who worked on the case fwhen he served as Hawai`i Attorney General, attended in Washington, D.C.
The audio of Trump v. Hawai`i was made available after the conclusion of today's session, as urged by Sen. Mazie Hirono, who contended that it is important for the public to be able to follow the case.
Chin said: "Today, the people of Hawai‘i called on our nation's highest court to make clear that, as President of the United States, Donald Trump cannot operate as though he is above the law and cannot willfully ignore the rule of law. Our nation with its promise of opportunity, equality, and justice, cannot allow this illegal and unconstitutional travel ban to endure. The travel ban imposed by Pres. Donald Trump keeps Hawai‘i families apart, and degrades our values and morality by subjecting a specific set of people to intolerable discrimination and second-class treatment. I appreciate the Justices’ obvious preparation and thoughtful questions."
The audio of Trump v. Hawai`i was made available after the conclusion of today's session, as urged by Sen. Mazie Hirono, who contended that it is important for the public to be able to follow the case.
Chin said: "Today, the people of Hawai‘i called on our nation's highest court to make clear that, as President of the United States, Donald Trump cannot operate as though he is above the law and cannot willfully ignore the rule of law. Our nation with its promise of opportunity, equality, and justice, cannot allow this illegal and unconstitutional travel ban to endure. The travel ban imposed by Pres. Donald Trump keeps Hawai‘i families apart, and degrades our values and morality by subjecting a specific set of people to intolerable discrimination and second-class treatment. I appreciate the Justices’ obvious preparation and thoughtful questions."
Prior to becoming Lieutenant Governor on February 2, 2018, Chin served as the Attorney General for the State of Hawai‘i and was the first to challenge Trump's Executive Order travel ban that was argued today.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A BOOK FAIR OPEN TO THE PUBLIC THIS WEEK offers a Buy One, Get One Free promotion. The annual Nāʻālehu School Library Scholastic Book Fair, organized by school librarian Linda Morgan, provides the BOGO sale to make books affordable and encourage summer reading.
The Book Fair offers reading materials for scholars of all ages, including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and cookbooks. Also on sale are fancy school supplies, journals, craft and science kits, posters, and a variety of toys.
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| Nāʻālehu School Library Book Fair, open through Friday. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
Today, the Book Fair will be open until 6 p.m. at the school library, and will coincide with family reading night. On Thursday, the book fair will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will end on Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Although school Book Fairs are usually fundraisers to buy more books, Morgan's BOGO sale won't see any profits this time around. She said the buy one, get one campaign is to help to promote student literacy. "Reading just 21.1 minutes a day with young kids gives them exposure to 1,823,000 words and can place them in the 90th percentile for reading tests," said Morgan. Anyone wanting to donate to the school library fund is welcome to do so. Visitors to the Book Fair, during school hours, should check in at the main office. |
See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com. |
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Apr 26, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Fri, Apr 27. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409
Coffee Talk, Fri, Apr 27, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join park rangers in an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Pa‘ina & Open House, Fri, Apr 27, 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., Pāhala Plantation House, the kickoff party for the Tenth Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival. Listen to Hawaiian music, enjoy hula and the band Shootz. Taste Ka‘ū Coffee. Meet the coffee growers and the Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Court. Free; donations accepted for Miss Ka‘ū Coffee Scholarship Fund. Julia Neal, 928-9811, mahalo@aloha.net. kaucoffeefestival.com
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Apr 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, Sat, Apr 28, 10 - 4 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Hosted by The Collective. Free.
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Hawai‘i Democratic County Convention, Sat, Apr 28, Sangha Hall, Hilo. hawaiidemocrats.org
Flameworking - an Introductory Class, Sat - Sun, Apr 28 - 29, 1 - 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Glasswork using a torch or lamp to melt glass. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee per person. Advanced registration required. Workshop limited to 4 adults. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sun, Apr 29, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
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Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest, Sun, Apr 29, 11 a.m., Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Free coffee and recipe tastings. 928-0550, kcm.nikki@gmail.com. kaucoffeemill.com
TUESDAY, MAY 1
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 2
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Water Systems Hike, Wed, May 2, 9-2pm, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. Tour sugarcane era flumes. Explore native Hawaiian rainforest. $45 per person; includes lunch. Limited to 30 people. Reservations required, 928-0550. kaucoffeefestival.com, kaucoffeemill.com
Open Mic Night, Wed, May 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21+. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
NEW & UPCOMING
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VOLCANO SCHOOLS OF ARTS & SCIENCES WILL PRODUCE A THEATER NIGHT SPRING SHOW, Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m., at KMC's Kilauea Theater. The Middle School, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will each perform a one-act play. Admission is free, donations accepted.
The Eighth Grade will present Rapunzel Uncut by Mariah Everman. The story of Rapunzel is told by dueling narrators, and includes a misunderstood witch, an off-pitch Rapunzel, and an unimaginably unaware Prince.
The Seventh Grade will perform The Ever After by Natha Hartswick. A cheesy talk show host invites traditional fairy tale characters, who have been estranged, to reconcile on live television. Complete with a trash-talking clairvoyant mirror, the play features an unfortunate prince who is turning slowly back into a frog, and many other wacky fractured fairy tale bits.
In the second show, the Sixth Grade will perform 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play by Alan Haehnel. This is a play about not being in a play, expressed through a hilarious series of monologues, duets, and ensemble scenes.
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ONGOING
National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events - nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities - at nps.gov/HAVO.
Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
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Sign Up for the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, to be held June 30. If interested, call Debra McIntosh at 929-9872.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
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One Community and One Parent Representative are sought by Nāʻālehu Elementary School Community Council. The community representative will serve a two-year term for school year 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The parent representative will serve a one-year term for school year 2018-19. The parent rep cannot be a Nāʻālehu Elementary School employee. Voting is April 30 through May 11. Those interested, contact Leilani Rodrigues at 313-4020 or pcnc@naalehu.org, or name and number at the main office line, by calling 313-4000.
Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, Apr 26, noon - 1 p.m., Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Vendor Application Deadline for Ho‘olaule‘a, Fri, Apr 27. To become a vendor, contact Brenda Iokepa-Moses at biokepamoses@gmail.com or 731-5409
Coffee Talk, Fri, Apr 27, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Park, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Join park rangers in an informal conversation on a variety of topics. Ka‘ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
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| Shootz! band kicks off Kaʻū Coffee Fest week as headliner of Paʻina & Open House at Pāhala Plantation House this Friday, April 27. L to R: Cheryl Cuevas, Gabriel Cuevas, Tui Masanini, Terrie Louis, and Harry Evangelista. Photo by Tanya Ibarra |
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Apr 28, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderate guided hike along the Palm Trail, approx. 2 miles. Learn about native plants that play a vital role in Hawaiian culture. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, Sat, Apr 28, 10 - 4 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Hosted by The Collective. Free.
Flameworking - an Introductory Class, Sat - Sun, Apr 28 - 29, 1 - 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Glasswork using a torch or lamp to melt glass. $155/VAC member, $160/non-member, plus $40 supply fee per person. Advanced registration required. Workshop limited to 4 adults. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
SUNDAY, APRIL 29
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sun, Apr 29, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Short, moderately difficult, 0.4-mile hike to the top of the grassy cinder cone, Pu‘u Lokuana. Learn about the formation and various uses of this hill over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Kaʻū. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
TUESDAY, MAY 1
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Water Systems Hike, Wed, May 2, 9-2pm, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, Wood Valley. Tour sugarcane era flumes. Explore native Hawaiian rainforest. $45 per person; includes lunch. Limited to 30 people. Reservations required, 928-0550. kaucoffeefestival.com, kaucoffeemill.com
Open Mic Night, Wed, May 2, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21+. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
NEW & UPCOMING
VOLCANO SCHOOLS OF ARTS & SCIENCES WILL PRODUCE A THEATER NIGHT SPRING SHOW, Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m., at KMC's Kilauea Theater. The Middle School, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will each perform a one-act play. Admission is free, donations accepted.The Eighth Grade will present Rapunzel Uncut by Mariah Everman. The story of Rapunzel is told by dueling narrators, and includes a misunderstood witch, an off-pitch Rapunzel, and an unimaginably unaware Prince.
The Seventh Grade will perform The Ever After by Natha Hartswick. A cheesy talk show host invites traditional fairy tale characters, who have been estranged, to reconcile on live television. Complete with a trash-talking clairvoyant mirror, the play features an unfortunate prince who is turning slowly back into a frog, and many other wacky fractured fairy tale bits.
In the second show, the Sixth Grade will perform 15 Reasons Not To Be in a Play by Alan Haehnel. This is a play about not being in a play, expressed through a hilarious series of monologues, duets, and ensemble scenes.
National Park Week, Sat - Sun, Apr 21 - Apr 29, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Kahuku Unit. "Park Stars" themed events - nighttime star party, guided hikes, ranger-led adventures, volunteer opportunities - at nps.gov/HAVO.
Volcano Art Center Gallery Presents Hoʻokuʻi I Nā Kiko, Connecting the Dots, by Natalie Mahina Jensen and Lucia Tarall. "A curated collection of photographs, paintings, sculptures, and feather work items deliver a sublime message, connecting the viewer artistically with the provenance of the design." Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Sunday, May 6. volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.
Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
