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| Keiki joined in a Hip Hop for Families event at Nāʻālehu Library. See story, below. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
U.S. SEN. MAZIE HIRONO TOOK ON JUDGE BRETT KAVANAUGH today, during his nomination hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee for a U.S. Supreme Court judgeship. She also took on the prosecuting attorney brought in by Republicans to question Kavanaugh and Christine Blasey Ford, one of several women accusing him of sexual misconduct.
After Ford's presentation, Hirono said to Kavanaugh that she "spoke to us with quiet, raw, emotional power about what happened to her. She said she was 100 percent certain that it was you who attacked her. And she explained how she came forward, how she struggled with her decision, how she wanted the President to know so he could make a better choice."
Hirono told Kavanaugh that the proceedings constitute "a job interview for one of the most important positions of trust in this country." She said, "there is certainly no entitlement" to receive confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court no matter how illustrious his career. She asked him several times whether "credibility, character, and candor" are important. She asked him whether "temperament is also a trait to consider." The judge responded by listing his achievements, accolades, and praise during his time at Yale, his long career, and his temperament as a judge.
She questioned his proclamations in a FOX television interview this week where he said he always treated women with dignity and respect, and that in high school he never drank alcohol so much that he couldn't remember his actions. She asked about college drinking. Hirono pointed out that one of his college roommates described him as a heavy drinker who became belligerent. Kavanaugh denied drinking to an extreme. Hirono responded, "So you were not a sloppy drunk? So your roommate was lying."
Hirono told Kavanaugh that the proceedings constitute "a job interview for one of the most important positions of trust in this country." She said, "there is certainly no entitlement" to receive confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court no matter how illustrious his career. She asked him several times whether "credibility, character, and candor" are important. She asked him whether "temperament is also a trait to consider." The judge responded by listing his achievements, accolades, and praise during his time at Yale, his long career, and his temperament as a judge.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono asked Judge Bret Kavanaugh whether credibility, character, and candor should be considered along with his illustrious legal career when being considered to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Photos from C-SPAN 3 |
Kavanaugh said that he worked hard to go through Yale Law School. Hirono, who came from an immigrant family with a single provider, reminded him that she graduated from Georgetown Law School. She said that in light of descriptions by the accusers and other friends, "you were not the basic choir boy."
In the face of accusations that Kavanaugh inappropriately aggressed on women sexually on several reported occasions, when extremely inebriated, several Senators asked him whether he could have been so drunk that he didn't remember. Kavanaugh denied all allegations and talked more about his resume and his appreciation for his wife and daughters standing by him during a very difficult time.
Hirono entered into the records of the hearing, letters from all of the Democratic Senators on the committee, addressed to the Chair of the Committee, the FBI, and the President, all asking for an FBI investigation into the complaints from women who said they knew Kavanaugh in high school and college, and were sexually assaulted by him.
Hirono also said that the Republican prosecutor brought in to represent the Republicans during the hearing treated the alleged victim of Kavanaugh as if she was a defendant in a trial. Hirono said, "We all know that the prosecutor, even though this clearly is not a criminal proceeding, is asking Dr. Ford all kinds of questions about what happened before and after, but basically not during, the attack.
"The prosecutor should know that sexual assault survivors often do not remember... information such as what happened before or after the traumatic event. And yet she will persist in asking these questions all to undermine the memory and basically the credibility of Dr. Ford," Hirono added. "We all know Dr. Ford's memory of the assault is very clear."
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| Christine Blasey Ford responds to a prosecutor hired by Republicans to question her about her allegations of assault in high school by the current nominee for Supreme Court Justice. Photos from C-SPAN 3 |
Hirono also said that the Republican prosecutor brought in to represent the Republicans during the hearing treated the alleged victim of Kavanaugh as if she was a defendant in a trial. Hirono said, "We all know that the prosecutor, even though this clearly is not a criminal proceeding, is asking Dr. Ford all kinds of questions about what happened before and after, but basically not during, the attack.
"The prosecutor should know that sexual assault survivors often do not remember... information such as what happened before or after the traumatic event. And yet she will persist in asking these questions all to undermine the memory and basically the credibility of Dr. Ford," Hirono added. "We all know Dr. Ford's memory of the assault is very clear."
Republicans on the committee continued to characterize the questions and accusations as part of a political smear campaign and announced they would vote in the committee on Kavanaugh's confirmation on Friday.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 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION to address impacts of Hurricane Lane has been granted. The disaster declaration, requested by Gov. David Ige, covers floods, wildfires, and other disasters related to the hurricane between Aug. 22-29.
The Declaration means the state will receive support from the Public Assistance Grant Program for emergency and repair work for disaster-damaged facilities on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, and Kaua‘i. In addition, the state will receive assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Program for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property in the event of a natural disaster.
Said the governor, "The approval of our Presidential Disaster Declaration request will help our state recover more efficiently and quickly from the effects of Hurricane Lane. We are grateful for their support as we continue our work to keep our residents and visitors safe."
The governor's request for individual assistance is under review.
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A $1.7 BILLION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Block Grant Disaster Recovery Fund for Hawai‘i passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday with a vote of 398 to 23.The funding is included in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act. The money assists local governments across the country, especially where disasters struck in low- and moderate-income communities.
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U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, who sits on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, reported that the bill will be passed to the senate, where he predicts its approval. He said it is important for Hawai‘i, including his staff, to work with federal, state, and county officials to complete applications and secure sufficient funding for Hawai‘i, which has experienced lava, earthquakes, fires, and flooding this past year.
"These block grants will help, but they are not our sole chance at additional federal funding. So I want to be clear that this is a down payment. And I will continue to fight for federal resources at every opportunity to help Hawai‘i move forward," said Schatz.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "This funding is essential to communities like ours that have been challenged in so many ways, with very limited resources to help with relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Despite all of our challenges, the strength and resilience we continue to see from the people in our communities is inspiring, as neighbors help neighbors, share their aloha, and pull together to recover from devastation. This funding will be available to support ongoing efforts to repair damaged farms and homes, revitalize our communities, and assist those affected in getting back on their feet."
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.
songs as the children danced, playing freeze dance, Simon says, and other interaction techniques. His hip hop performance included songs about math, Dr. Seuss, and even some Dr. Seuss rhymes.
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OBOE PLAYER PETER BOSTED, of Ocean View, will perform at the Aloha Theater in Kainaliu in two performances of an orchestral concert by the Chamber Orchestra of Kona. The concerts will be this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., and Sunday Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. They will highlight the talents of four musicians.
" I firmly believe that music is a great communicator - sometimes far better than language," explained Bosted. "The premise of this piece is that a missionary can play a hauntingly beautiful piece like this and immediately elicit trust and love from a tribe of hostile forest people. This piece not only gets under the audience's skin, but also tugs at its heartstrings in an irresistibly primordial way. It really does transcend barriers, and speaks to the best sentiments we all share." Bosted said he is "hugely grateful" Chamber Orchestra of Kona "decided to feature this piece, and I only hope I can do it justice. Fortunately, our director, Bernaldo Evangelista, has been very encouraging."![]()
Bosted gave the back stories of the other three soloists. He called them "a very auspicious line-up." "David Turner does an outstanding job on the clarinet, and his ever-popular piece, Concertino fur Klarinette, is terrific and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. "Charley O'Kelly will play one of the most famous trumpet concertos. It was written in 1803 when the valve trumpet was first invented. This challenging piece was written so that the inventor could show off the capabilities of this 'new' instrument." Chamber Orchestra of Kona is also known as COOK. Playing in both COOK performances will be two other talented musicians from Ocean View - Michael Cripps on the cello, and Steve Moon, who plays the trumpet. COOK used to hold concerts at the Aloha, then moved to the Sheraton Hotel ballroom. Many of the 35 musicians and the Kaʻū audience welcome Saturday's return to the Aloha Theater. which is closer to Kaʻū. Musicians volunteer their time and talents to keep admission reasonable at $10 or $20 per adult. As always, children are free.
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.
"These block grants will help, but they are not our sole chance at additional federal funding. So I want to be clear that this is a down payment. And I will continue to fight for federal resources at every opportunity to help Hawai‘i move forward," said Schatz.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "This funding is essential to communities like ours that have been challenged in so many ways, with very limited resources to help with relief, recovery, and rebuilding. Despite all of our challenges, the strength and resilience we continue to see from the people in our communities is inspiring, as neighbors help neighbors, share their aloha, and pull together to recover from devastation. This funding will be available to support ongoing efforts to repair damaged farms and homes, revitalize our communities, and assist those affected in getting back on their feet."
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.
KEIKI OF KA‘Ū JUMPED JOYFULLY DURING MR. KNEEL'S VISIT to Nā‘ālehu Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 26. Neil McIntyre - stage name Mr. Kneel - is an awarding-winning Hip Hop musician and educator.
During the special 45 minute library event funded by University of Hawai‘i, Mr. Kneel demonstrated the art of beatboxing to keiki of all ages and adults. He engaged the onlookers with animal sounds, guessing games, play on words, and sounds most people would have trouble making with just their mouths, hands, and a microphone. Mr. Kneel performed acoustic beatboxed
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| Hip Hop comes to Nāʻālehu Library. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie |
Mr. Kneel was accompanied by three young men who performed several break dancing moves, all - to the audience's amazement - inside the confines of the small library building. At the end of his performance, Mr. Kneel encouraged attendees to ask University of Hawai‘i to bring the show back to Nā‘ālehu again soon, and to spread the word to their schools and other libraries.
According to his website, mrkneel.com, Mr. Kneel's "work at Warren Village in Denver, Colorado, a very special inner-city school, has led to a new kind of family music: 'Golden Era Hip Hop' music that parents will love as much as their kid, if not more. With Beatbox and vocal percussion, Mr. Kneel can make magic and emotion. With words he can create and improvise well enough to be invited recently to perform at the American Jazz Museum!"
He has performed at over 500 schools and venues in 43 of the United States and in seven provinces abroad.
For more library programs, call Nā‘ālehu Public Library Branch Manager Sara Kamibayashi at 939-2442. See librarieshawaii.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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| Peter Bosted on Oboe. |
Bosted will play a haunting piece entitled Gabriel’s Oboe, from the soundtrack of The Mission. In the movie, the title character is able to convert an indigenous tribe from enemies to friends by playing the piece for them.
"Ursula Vietze is amazing on the violin - anywhere else one would pay about $100 for a ticket to hear a musician of her caliber play this famous concerto.
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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See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
KAʻŪ TROJANS FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE
Football:
Sat., Sept. 29, 11am, host Pāhoa
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat, Oct 6, 12pm , host Kohala
Girls Volleyball: Sat, Oct 13, BIIF Semi-Finals at Kamehameha
Sat, Oct 20, BIIF Finals - Higher
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Tues, Oct 2, 6pm , @ Kealakehe
Fri, Oct 5, 6pm , host Keaʻau
Wed, Oct 10, 6pm , @ Parker
Fri, Oct 12, 6pm , host St. Joseph
Mon, Oct 15, BIIF DII Qtr - Higher
Wed, Oct 17, BIIF DII Semi-Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Thu, Oct 18, BIIF DII Finals @ Kona
Fri., Sept. 28, 6pm, host Kona
Mon., Oct. 1, 6pm, host HAAS
Sat, Oct 6, 2pm , @ Kealakehe
Sat, Oct 13, BYE
8:30am , HHSAA
Sat, Oct 20, 9am , BIIF @ HPA
Sat, Oct 27, 
Coffee Talk - The 1868 Eruption in Kaʻū: Disruption and Destruction, Fri., Sept. 28, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Park, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join the discussion with rangers and other park visitors. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Park Beautification Day, Fri., Sept. 28, 1:30-4pm, Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For all ages. Register Sept. 19-26. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
SATURDAY, SEPT. 29
Volunteer Day, The Nature Conservancy, Sat., Sept. 29, 8-3pm, either Kona Hema or Kaʻū Preserve, contact for confirmation. Tools, gloves, and stories provided. Space is limited. Reserve a space in a 4wd TNC truck in advance. Sponsored in part by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Contact Mel Johansen at or Shalan Crysdale at scrysdale@tnc.org. tnc.org
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Paths and Trails, Sat., Sept. 29, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike with some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. Discover the ways people, animals, and plants got to Kahuku and the paths they follow. Free. nps.gov/HAVO
Story Time with Lindsey Miller from PARENTS, Inc., Mon., Oct. 1, 2:30-3:15pm, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Meeting, Mon., Oct. 1, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Oct. 2 (Committees)/3 (Council), Hilo, Tue./Wed., Oct. 16 (Committees)/17 (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., Oct. 2, 4-6pm, Oct. 16, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
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Family Yoga Class, Tue., Oct. 2, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Wonderful way to embody connection. 3-12 years old and caregivers. All levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, if can, as supplies are limited. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Open Mic Night, Wed., Oct. 3, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. For patrons 21+. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Oct. 4, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Fri., Oct. 5, 5pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Tickets: Singles $8, doubles $15, family $20. stjudeshawaii.org, 939-7000
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue./Wed., Oct. 2 (Committees)/3 (Council), Hilo, Tue./Wed., Oct. 16 (Committees)/17 (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., Oct. 2, 4-6pm, Oct. 16, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Meeting, Tue., Oct. 2, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Open Mic Night, Wed., Oct. 3, 6-10pm, Kīlauea Military Camp inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 967-8365 after 4pm to sign-up and for more details. For patrons 21+. Park entrance fees may apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Meeting, Thu., Oct. 4, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Fri., Oct. 5, 5pm, St. Jude's Episcopal Church. Tickets: Singles $8, doubles $15, family $20. stjudeshawaii.org, 939-7000
ONGOING
Disaster Recovery Center Closes Saturday, Sept. 29. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Pāhoa Neighborhood Center at 15-3022 Kauhale St. Survivors who have left the area, call 800-621-3362.
Volunteers Needed by St. Jude's Episcopal Church for community outreach, especially soup cooks and shower organizers, towel laundry, alter guild, and for the computer lab. Volunteers do not have to be members of the church. "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.
Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool's Temporary Nāʻālehu Location is Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. Meeting days and times remain the same: Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m. Pāhala site program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at Pāhala Community Center.
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.
Open Enrollment for Harmony Educational Services through Oct. 15. Partnered with four local public charter schools, offers benefits of homeschooling with resources available to public schools. Interested families can contact Ranya Williams, rwilliams@harmonyed.com or 430-9798. harmonyed.com/hawaii
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.