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| Active lava, like this, captured by Kaʻū photographer Peter Anderson last night, draws millions to the summit of Kīlauea in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and brings hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, according to the report issued today by the National Park Service. See story below. Photo by Peter Anderson |
"The 78-year-old Mayor drove himself to Hilo Medical Center 4:30 a.m. ," says the statement, "and proceeded to call Managing Director Wil Okabe and other staff to notify them of the situation. He was medevacked to Queens Medical Center 6:45 a.m. "
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| Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim was medevacked to Queens Medical Center on Oʻahu this morning. |
"He knows the symptoms, and he knows what to do," Okabe said. "We're offering prayers for Harry, knowing that he'll be back very shortly." Okabe will serve as Acting Mayor while the Mayor is on sick leave. An emergency meeting of the County Department heads and executive staff was held to let everyone know about the situation.
"We're going to continue to do the work; everyone assured me that they’re committed to carrying out the mission we always have – of making this a better place to live," Okabe said. "Harry has confidence in everybody that they'll continue the mission."
Gov. David Ige tweeted: "Mayor Kim has a fighting spirit and I know he'll want to be back at work serving the people of Hawai‘i County as quickly as possible. I wish him a speedy and complete recovery."
HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK DREW MORE THAN TWO MILLION VISITORS, SPENDING $166 MILLION IN 2017, according to the National Park Service report released today. The 2,016,702 visitors spent the $166 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 2,020 jobs in the local area, and created a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $222,394,900, the report states.
Kīlauea continues to erupt from two locations: in the remote East Rift Zone flank, and from a vent within the summit crater, Halema‘uma‘u. This week, which happens to be National Park Week, lava rose to the edge of the vent rim, and has spilled out onto the crater floor several times, drawing thousands of visitors each day.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WILL SOON LAND IN KONA, once approved for trans-Pacific flights. The airline announced this morning that it will serve Kona, Honolulu, Lihuʻe, and Kahului. In October, after Southwest announced it would enter the Hawaiʻi market, the airline administration told investors that interisland service is also being considered, but "down our priority list."
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.
U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PASSED A BILL TODAY TO PROTECT THE SPECIAL COUNSEL for the Department of Justice, who is looking into Pres. Donald Trump's organization's possible collusion with Russia during his campaign for office. The bi-partisan vote was 14-7.
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Visitors, among the more than two million who arrive each year, are eager to see the lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u Crater at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano, along the overlook at Jaggar Museum in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Photo/Janice Wei |
"Visitation continues to rise at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and visitors from all over the world continue to support our local communities when they explore Kīlauea and Mauna Loa by spending their money on lodging, dining, shopping, and more," said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. "It's interesting to compare the eruptive patterns of our volcanoes, and align that to increased visitation, there's definitely a parallel," she said.
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| Lava lake overflowing at Halemaʻumaʻu crater last night. Photo by Peter Anderson |
Since the summit eruption began in 2008, visitation to the park has increased by 58 percent.
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $18.2 billion of direct spending by more than 330 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 306,000 jobs nationally; 255,900 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $35.8 billion.
The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report shows $18.2 billion of direct spending by more than 330 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 306,000 jobs nationally; 255,900 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $35.8 billion.
The lodging sector received the highest direct contributions with $5.5 billion in economic output to local gateway economies and 49,000 jobs. The restaurants sector received the next greatest direct contributions with $3.7 billion in economic output to local gateway economies and 60,500 jobs.
According to the 2017 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging/camping (32.9 percent), followed by food and beverages (27.5 percent), gas and oil (12.1 percent), souvenirs and other expenses (10.1 percent), admissions and fees (10.0 percent), and local transportation (7.5 percent).
Report authors also produce an interactive tool that enables users to explore visitor spending, jobs, labor income, value added, and output effects by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available at the NPS Social Science Program webpage: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/vse.htm
To learn more about national parks in Hawai‘i and how the National Park Service works with Hawai‘i communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to https://www.nps.gov/state/hi/index.htm.
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| Southwest will service Kona from the Mainland and eventually interisland, according to plans by the airline. Photo from Southwest Airlines |
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.
U.S. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PASSED A BILL TODAY TO PROTECT THE SPECIAL COUNSEL for the Department of Justice, who is looking into Pres. Donald Trump's organization's possible collusion with Russia during his campaign for office. The bi-partisan vote was 14-7.
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| Senate Judiciary Committee member Mazie Hirono applauded the bill to protect Robert Mueller that received support from Republicans and Democrats. |
Sen. Mazie Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, issued the following statement: "These are not normal times. My Republican colleagues continue to deny that the President is looking for a way to fire the Special Counsel. And yet today in an interview with Fox News, the President all but said that's exactly what he would like to do.
"He criticized the investigation into Russian interference in our election as 'a witch hunt with people in the Justice Department that shouldn’t be there' and talked about 'our Justice Department, which I try to stay away from, but pretty soon I won't.'
"President Trump's statements make plain that he is thinking of firing Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. No one can have any doubt that he would do it and let the chips fall where they may.
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Former FBI Director Robert Mueller, the special counsel named by DOJ to investigate Russian interference with 2016 U.S. election. |
"The bipartisan bill we reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee today will protect the Special Counsel now and in the future, and upholds the rule of law.
"Majority Leader McConnell has unilaterally announced that he will not bring a Special Counsel protection bill to the floor. I call on him not to stand in the way of this bipartisan legislation and allow a vote as soon as possible."
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.
THE KICKOFF FOR TEN DAYS OF KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL activities begins Friday, as the annual coffee picking season ends with farmers receiving some of the highest prices ever, with buyers still searching for more Kaʻū Coffee.
The Tenth Annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival opening party is Friday, from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. 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. Corner of Pikake and Maile Streets in Pāhala.
Ka‘ū Coffee Recipe Contest is Sunday, April 29, 11 a.m., at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Free coffee tasting. Sample the foods made exclusively with Kaʻū Coffee. Free. 928-0550, kaucoffeemill.com |
| Kaʻū Coffee Recipe Contest is open to the public for free coffee tasting and sampling foods made with Kaʻū Coffee this Sunday at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Photo by Julia Neal |
Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thursday, May 3, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Ka‘alaiki Rd, Nā‘ālehu. Explore hydroponic nursery, and tea and coffee plantings. Expansive hilltop views, mountain to coast. Includes water systems and tunnels from sugar days, and native Hawaiian forest tour. $35 per person; includes lunch. Reservations required. John Cross, 987-4229; Brenda Iokepa-Moses, 731-5409.
Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Friday, May 4, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. Tour the farm and learn how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. $25 per person; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required, 927-2252. aikaneplantation.com
Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Friday, May 4, sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill, is sold out. Meet at Olson Trust Building in Pāhala.
Tenth Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a, Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m - 5 p.m., Pāhala Community Center. Celebrate Ka‘ū Coffee with free music, hula entertainment, and coffee tastings all day long. Local vendor booths. Food and beverage sales. Free to attend. Ka‘ū Coffee Experience: 9:30-noon, 1-3:30 p.m., discover the methods behind brewing the perfect cup while enjoying free coffee tastings. Farm & Mill Tours 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $20/person.
Ka‘ū Coffee College, Sun, May 6, 9-noon, Pāhala Community Center. Informative talks given by visiting coffee experts. Free; donations appreciated.
See kaucoffeefestival.com
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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. |
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
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
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Ka‘ū Unity Celebration, Sat, Apr 28, 10 - 4 p.m., Ka‘ū District Gym. Hosted by The Collective. Free.
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
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, kaucoffeemill.com.
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TUESDAY, MAY 1
NEW & UPCOMING
CAROL ARAKI WYBAN’S FISHPONDS OF HAWAI’I TO BE EXHIBITED beginning May 12, announces Volcano Art Center Gallery. The gallery invites the public to an opening reception Saturday, May 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the exhibit is open to the public, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, through Sunday, June 24.
The mixed media, fine art exhibition “presents ancient Hawaiian fishponds as cultural treasures and a form of Hawaiian excellence. Pen and ink drawings and original paintings by Wyban share a deep understanding of types of different ponds, technology, legends and fish,” says the event description. Wyban is the author-illustrator of Tide and Currents: Fishponds of Hawaiʻi published by the University of Hawaiʻi Press. She is the subject of a video produced by Na Maka o ka ‘Āina. Her studies and plans are available in the Hawai‘i State Public Library System.
Volcano Art Center Gallery is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. While the reception and exhibition are free, park entrances fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.
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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Hula Hoop Challenge, Fri, May 4, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park
Summer Fun - Registration, May 7-10, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. For grades K-6. $40 per child. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. Program runs Mon-Fri, Jun 12-Jul 20, 8-2pm. Richard Karasuda, 939-2510. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
ONGOING
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
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.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
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, kaucoffeemill.com.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, May 1, 4-6 pm, May 15, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, May 1, 6-8 pm , Pāhala Community Center
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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 4 pm to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21+. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
THURSDAY, MAY 3
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Valley Farms Tour, Thu, May 3, 9-2pm, Ka‘ū Valley Farms Nursery, Ka‘alaiki Rd, Nā’ālehu. Explore hydroponic nursery, and tea and coffee plantings. Expansive hilltop views, mountain to coast. Includes water systems and tunnels from sugar days, and native Hawaiian forest tour. $35 per person; includes lunch. Reservations required. John Cross, 987-4229; Brenda Iokepa-Moses, 731-5409. kaucoffeefestival.com
Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool Vision Screening, Thu, May 3, 9-noon, Project Vision Hawai‘i van at Pāhala Community Center. Free; for all ages. Keiki offered free sunglasses; adults, reading glasses. projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-282-2265
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Special Pulping Presentation, Thu, May 3, 5pm, Pāhala Plantation House. Diego Botello of Penagos UDC Technology shows off new pulping equipment that separates ripe from green. See booth at Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a, Sat, May 5, 9-5pm, Pāhala Community Center.
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, May 3, 6-7 pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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FRIDAY, MAY 4
WEDNESDAY, MAY 2
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Mountain Water Systems Hike, Wed, May 2, 9-2 pm, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. - SOLD OUT
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 4 pm to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21+. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.comTHURSDAY, MAY 3
VA Medical Services, Thu, May 3 & 17, 8:30-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Veteran's Center, Thu, May 3, 8:30-12:30pm, May 17, 8:30-11:30am, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit w/VA counselor & benefit specialist. Matthew, 329-0574, ovcahi.org
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| The Ka‘ū Valley Farms team invites the public to visit during Ka‘ū Coffee Festival Week on Thursday, May 3. Front and center is President and CEO Xiaoyuan Liu. Among others shown are VP Louis Leong, Managing Director Joshua Wang, General Manager John Cross, Farm Manger Lee Segawa, Farm Advisor Richard Loero and Executive Assistant to the President Hanfeng Wu. Photo from Ka‘ū Valley Farms |
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Coffee & Cattle Day, Fri, May 4, 10-3pm, Aikane Plantation Coffee Company. Tour the farm and learn how coffee is integrated into cattle ranching and other agriculture. $25 per person; includes BBQ buffet and hayrides. Reservations required, 927-2252. kaucoffeefestival.com, aikaneplantation.com
Hula Hoop Challenge, Fri, May 4, 2-3pm , Kahuku Park 6 to 12 . Register May 1-4. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Cinco De Mayo Dinner, Fri, May 4, 5:30pm , St. Jude's Episcopal Church. $8/single, $15/couple, $20/family. 939-7000
Ka‘ū Coffee Festival: Ka‘ū Star Gazing, Fri, May 4, 5:30-10pm - SOLD OUT.
KDENte! Italian Food Fundraiser, Fri, May 4, 6pm , Almafatano's Italian Restaurant, Hilo
NEW & UPCOMING
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| Fishpond Renewal by Carol Araki Wyban, being displayed at Volcano Art Center Gallery starting May 12. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
The mixed media, fine art exhibition “presents ancient Hawaiian fishponds as cultural treasures and a form of Hawaiian excellence. Pen and ink drawings and original paintings by Wyban share a deep understanding of types of different ponds, technology, legends and fish,” says the event description. Wyban is the author-illustrator of Tide and Currents: Fishponds of Hawaiʻi published by the University of Hawaiʻi Press. She is the subject of a video produced by Na Maka o ka ‘Āina. Her studies and plans are available in the Hawai‘i State Public Library System.
Volcano Art Center Gallery is located inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. While the reception and exhibition are free, park entrances fees apply. For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org.
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.
Summer Fun - Registration, May 7-10, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. For grades K-6. $40 per child. $50 portion of registration fee funded by Councilwoman Maile David. Program runs Mon-Fri, Jun 12-Jul 20, 8-2pm. Richard Karasuda, 939-2510. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
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.
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.
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.
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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