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| Raina Whiting provided free school supplies, and talked to residents about agriculture, education in the trades, incentivizing more solar power, and clean air for schools and Ka`ū's disaster shelter. Photo by Julia Neal |
Whiting talked about her concern for education in the trades, which are high-paying jobs that can be taught in high school. She said that teachers hired specifically to teach the trades, along with professionals in the community, can be the instructors. Training in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, auto mechanics, and agriculture could help youths who aren't college-bound to find jobs close to home, she said. Whiting said that there seems to be three paths in Ka`ū for high school students: Those who are college bound, those who know they aren't going to college, and those in between. She said there is some shame if college is expected of you but your interests lay elsewhere. She also said there is much need in the community for those skilled in many trades.
Whiting also talked about more services needed for farmers. Access to affordable land for agriculture is really important to the community, she said.
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| A tractor pulls a load of Raina Whiting supporters. Whiting walks among her supporters, trailing the tractor, at the Volcano Village Independence Parade this year. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
Regarding local agriculture, she said she supports the farm-to-school program to give small farmers the opportunity to sell directly to the school lunch services. She said school gardens are also important in giving young people experience in
agriculture as a possible career.
Whiting, who lives on a producing vegetable farm above Pāhala, is a kindergarten teacher at Nā`ālehu Elementary School. She is running in the primary on the Democratic ticket, against incumbent Richard Onishi. The winner, to be announced at the end of voting day, Aug. 11, will run in the November general election to serve District 6 in the state House of Representatives.
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WALK IN REGISTERING AND VOTING CONTINUES at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.
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A VOLCANO EMERGENCY PLANNING MEETING will be held atCooper Center 5:30 p.m. A release from the Mayor's Office says the meeting "is aimed at providing information regarding County evacuation plans amid ongoing seismic activity at the Halemau`uma`u Summit that has compromised Highway 11, the main artery connecting Ka`ū to east Hawai`i ."
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK FIRE STATION 19 HAS TEMPORARILY RELOCATED its medic and fire crews to Kea`au and Pāhoa Fire Stations.
A release from Mayor Harry Kim's office said the change is "due to the continued Halema`uma`u collapse event(s) and the degradation of Highway 11 between the 28 to 32 mile marker.
"This immediate move is part of our short-term plan to keep our personnel safe, as well as providing continued emergency services to the community."
The Hawai`i Fire Department's intermediate plan is two-fold. They plan to rent or lease a property/housing in an area outside of the hazard zone but within the response district, then build a temporary station at an optimal location in regards to emergency response outside of the hazard zone.
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.WALK IN REGISTERING AND VOTING CONTINUES at Pāhala Community Center from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on weekdays through Thursday, Aug. 9.
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A VOLCANO EMERGENCY PLANNING MEETING will be held at
Among the agencies participating in the meeting will be county Public Works and Civil Defense, and USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Call Kelly Wooten, Eruption Information Specialist, at 961-8616, for more.
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| Volcano Fire Station 19 has temporarily moved personnel and equipment to Kea`au and Pāhoa fire stations. Photo from kilaueamilitarycamp.com |
A release from Mayor Harry Kim's office said the change is "due to the continued Halema`uma`u collapse event(s) and the degradation of Highway 11 between the 28 to 32 mile marker.
"This immediate move is part of our short-term plan to keep our personnel safe, as well as providing continued emergency services to the community."
The Hawai`i Fire Department's intermediate plan is two-fold. They plan to rent or lease a property/housing in an area outside of the hazard zone but within the response district, then build a temporary station at an optimal location in regards to emergency response outside of the hazard zone.
Both plans have received preliminary approvals by FEMA and are in process. The long-term plan to build a brand-new fire station has yet to receive FEMA approval, the release says.
"This continues to be a dynamic and fluid situation. Our priorities and decision-making shall be for life safety considerations and providing optimal service to the community. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this ongoing event," the release says.
From within the National Park at Kīlauea Military Camp, Station 19 personnel and equipment temporarily relocated Engine Company 19 to Pāhoa Fire Station to assist with the Leilani Eruption incident. Medic 19 relocated to Kea`au Fire Station, alternating emergency responses with the Kea`au Medic unit. During the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Medic 19 is moved up to the Cooper Center
MAYOR HARRY KIM RECEIVED A DEFIBRILLATOR yesterday, as a precautionary measure for his heart health, says a release from the office of the Mayor. The outpatient procedure was performed at
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D-SNAP SHORT-TERM FOOD ASSISTANCE APPLICATION DEADLINE is tomorrow, Thursday, August 2. The program is available for individuals and families affected by the currentKīlauea eruption through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. To apply for D-SNAP, visit a Department of Human Services application site:
- South Hilo Processing Center, 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 109, Hilo
- West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona
D-SNAP SHORT-TERM FOOD ASSISTANCE APPLICATION DEADLINE is tomorrow, Thursday, August 2. The program is available for individuals and families affected by the current
- South Hilo Processing Center, 1990 Kinoole Street, Suite 109, Hilo
- West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona
DHS offices are open weekdays, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more, call (808) 981-2754.
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NEW and UPCOMING |
| Learn about management for rare plant species, like these Silverswords found on the slopes of Mauna Loa, in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park during a presentation on August 21. Photo from National Park Service |
SAVING RARE PLANTS FROM THE BRINK OF EXTINCTION IN HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, presented by Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel, will be at Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus Auditorium in Volcano Village on Tuesday, August 21, at 7 p.m. The After Dark Near the Park program is co-sponsored by Volcano Art Center and Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the world's rarest plants, states the event flyer, adding that the native silverswords and lobeliads of Hawai`i are "spectacular examples of adaptive radiation, in which single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of species. Some of [which] are the world's most critically imperiled plants." McDaniel discusses park management of these rare plants, including partnerships formed with public and private organizations to bring these species back from the brink of extinction.
Attendance is free; however, a $2 donation is suggested. For more, call 985-6011.
Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the world's rarest plants, states the event flyer, adding that the native silverswords and lobeliads of Hawai`i are "spectacular examples of adaptive radiation, in which single colonizing ancestors have given rise to a stunning diversity of species. Some of [which] are the world's most critically imperiled plants." McDaniel discusses park management of these rare plants, including partnerships formed with public and private organizations to bring these species back from the brink of extinction.
Attendance is free; however, a $2 donation is suggested. For more, call 985-6011.
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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 |
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2
Hula Voices w/Kumu Manaiakalani Kalua, Thu, Aug 2, 5-6pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Ka`ū and Kona House and Senate Candidate Agricultural Forum, Thu, Aug 2, 6-8pm, Konawaena High School Cafeteria, Kealakekua. Forum subject area is to help meet the needs of farmers; participants encouraged to bring questions. Co-sponsored by Kona Coffee Farmer Association, konacoffeefarmers.org, and Kona Farmers Union, hfuuhi.org.
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu, Aug 2, 6-7pm , Ocean View Community Center
Talk Story about Agriculture in Ka`ū at Pāhala Plantation House on Fri, Aug 3, at 6pm . All farmers and community members interested are invited. Bring a dish, pupu, or dessert to share if can. Contact HFUU Ka`ū Chapter president Raina Whiting at 808-464-0799 or rainawhiting@gmail.com.
`O Ka`ū Kākou Meeting, Fri, Aug 3, 6:30pm , Aspen Center
Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship, Sat, Aug 4, 9:30-11:30am , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Chili Cook Off w/Benefit Concert for Puna and Ka`ū Food Bank, Sat, Aug 4, 4-8pm, The Terraces, 1885 Princess Kaiulani Blvd, Ocean View. Raffle, non-alcoholic mixers and more, with music provided by Soul Town
Pu`u o Lokuana, Sun, Aug 5, 9:30-11 a.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park
Sunday Clay - High Fire! with Erik Wold, 8-week session beginning Aug 5 (no class Aug 12), morning class 11:30-2:30pm , afternoon class 2:45-5:45pm , Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun, Aug 5, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park
Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon, Aug 6, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā`ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon, Aug 6, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hawai`i County Council Meetings, Tue/Wed, Aug 7 (Committees)/8 (Council), Hilo, Tue/Wed, Aug 21 (Committees)/22 (Council), Kona. Ka`ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā`ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 4-6pm, Aug 21, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka`ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue, Aug 7, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
AdvoCATS, Wed, Aug 8, 7am-5pm, Ocean View Community Center. Free Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
ONGOING
5th Annual Volcano Winery Harvest Festival tickets on sale from Wed, Aug 1, for event on Sun, Sept 9. Benefit for Volcano School of Arts and Sciences. Music, food, wine, and raffle. $40/adult (21+). 967-7772, volcanowinery.com
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| Last days to attend the Hawai`i Nei Invitational at Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Exhibit, Birds of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai`i Nei Invitational -- daily through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org
Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's New, Temporary, Nā`ālehu Site Location is Kauaha`ao Church in Wai`ōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
Tūtū and Me also offers home visits to those with keiki zero to five years old, to aid with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Free. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
To enroll in either program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 464-9634. Questions: Clark at 929-8571 or eclark@pidfountation.org.Harmony Educational Services, Home Based Educational Programs - Open Enrollment through Oct 15; harmonyed.com/hawaii. Partnered with four local public charter schools, Harmony offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can also contact Rayna Williams at rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798.
Volcano Forest Runs Registration Open, online at volcanorainforestruns.com. Fees: 5K - $35, 10K - $55, 1/2 Marathon - $95. Race Day Sat, Aug 18, Volcano Village. No race day registration for 1/2 Marathon. Race Director Sharron Faff, 967-8240.
5th Annual Ka`ū Coffee Trail Run Registration Open, online at webscorer.com/register?raceid=128145, Fees, before Aug 13: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $50/person. After Aug 13: 5K, $35/person; 10K, $45/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $55/person. Race Day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka`ū Coffee Mill, kaucoffeemill.com. Event organizers: `O Ka`ū Kākou, okaukakou.org.Disaster Recovery Center open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Kea`au High School Gym. See information applicants need to bring, or register online, at DisasterAssistance.gov. Salvation Army distribution center at Pāhoa Community Center on Tue, Thu, and Sat, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. To donate, contact 756-0306.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for Sat community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's. Contact Dave Breskin, 319-8333.
Ocean View Vet Center Visits Suspended until further notice. Veterans, call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org
Find Your Park, invites Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, to kama`aina and tourist alike. Experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka`ū to Volcano to Hilo, while the partial closure of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park continues.
Kahuku Unit
Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Regularly scheduled Guided Hikes, monthly Coffee Talk, daily Ranger Talks, with cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.
Coffee Talk, held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.
Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., at the Visitor Contact Station.Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus
Find Park Rangers in Volcano Village daily, at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. Rangers are there 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption. After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center's Ni`aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center
Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., they give a talk about all five of Hawai`i Island's volcanoes, including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Find Park Rangers alongside the park's non-profit partner, Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel
Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo on Sundays and Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Rangers provide eruption updates at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The park film that is normally available to visitors at Kīlauea Visitor Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, is shown every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at `Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.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.