After several years in Nāʻālehu, Kaʻū Plantation Days is back in Pāhala this weekend, for the first time at the new Kaʻū Gym Multipurpose Room. See displays of plantation life, with photos of families in the sugar, ranching, and dairy industry. Above, from Plantation Days in 2014 at Pāhala Plantation House, left to right, are organizer Liz Kuluwaimaka, County Council member Maile David, organizer Darlyne Vierra, and paniolo Winslow Vierra.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal
THE VACATION RENTAL REGULATION BILL PASSED the County Council Planning Committee yesterday and is headed to the full Council. During discussions over the last year, those supporting more regulation testified that their neighborhoods have been overrun by traffic and offshore investors building monster homes that in practice become hotels. Those opposing the bill talked about their position of being residents, who have a cottage or home, in addition to their own, that provides them with needed income. They noted that income they receive stays on island, where most income generated in resort zoned areas from condos, hotels, and vacation rentals goes to offshore owners. They also noted that they are good hosts for those who want to experience the neighborhood and culture of Hawaiʻi Island, outside of resort areas.
 |
| Image from hawaiilife.com |
Those grandfathered in, located in residential and agricultural areas, would pay a $500 registration fee for each unit plus an annual licensing fee of $200 per unit, and be required to show that Transient Accommodations fees and General Excise taxes were paid before the vacation rental bill becomes law.
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 consent form for parents and guardians is available on the Department of Health website at health.hawaii.gov/docd/about-us/programs/stop-flu-at-school.
See state Department of Health Director Sarah Park explain the vaccination program at health.hawaii.gov/docd/about-us/programs/stop-flu-at-school.
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.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO IS THE FIRST ELECTED OFFICIAL TO RECEIVE the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Meritorious Service Award and Public Policy Award. A member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Hirono was selected by the coalition in recognition of her years of work to advance policies that help end veteran homelessness. Established in 1990, NCHV is a leading advocacy, resource, and technical assistance center for community-based homeless veteran service providers, including Hawaiʻi's U.S.VETS at Barbers Point.
 |
| Sen. Mazie Hirono, with members of Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo from hirono.senate.gov |
Joshua Stewart, NCHV's Director of Policy, said, "Senator Hirono has consistently and staunchly defended VA's homeless programs when they have come under threat, in one case playing a key role in preventing a cut of $49 million to VA's Grant and Per Diem program. She has not only protected these programs, but has also led the way in increasing funding for them. NCHV was proud to award her our 2018 Meritorious Service Award."
Darryl Vincent, U.S.VETS' Chief Operating Officer, said, "U.S.VETS is pleased to see Senator Hirono recognized nationally for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Hawaiʻi's veterans and their families. Her selection to receive the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans' Meritorious Service Award is a direct reflection of the culmination of her many years of leadership in defense of crucial federal programs and funding that local providers like U.S.VETS rely on to help reintegrate homeless and at-risk veterans and their families into their communities in Hawaiʻi and across the country. She is very deserving of such an honor."
Hirono is a longtime advocate for federal funding and policies that help end veteran homelessness, says the release. Since 2015, she has led the bipartisan effort with Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.) to pass legislation preventing key federal veteran homelessness programs from lapsing as they were set to expire on Hirono also remains engaged with state agencies through the Homeless Veterans Task Force, made up of City and State agencies and non-governmental organizations working to address veterans' homelessness.
In 2016, NCHV honored Hirono with its 2016 Public Policy Award – which goes to an elected official who has taken on a leadership role in creating or changing policies to support efforts to end veteran homelessness. In its award citation, NCHV credited her actions for reversing a proposed cut of $49 million from the VA's Grant and Per Diem program which funds grants to community organizations that provide transitional housing and supportive care for homeless veterans. Last year, the GPD program funded over 100 supportive housing beds at U.S.VETS Barbers Point.
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 FINE ART OF JEFF BARGER, OF OCEAN VIEW, opens at the Fairmont Orchid Resort on the Kohala Coast tomorrow in the Luana Lounge Gallery.Barger, 59, was born and raised in Iowa, and has an MBA. He has been living in Ocean View since 2012.
Hawaiian landscapes, seascapes, and other iconic Hawaiian scenes feature as the subjects of his fine art, though he also finds subjects in his world wide travels. He paints portraits on commission.
Barger told The Kaʻū Calendar that this exhibit is an extension of his mission to help artists sell their work using a business model from which the artist stands to benefit financially.
"Now that I spend much of my time in Hawaiʻi, I've decided to start anew with my life long passion for art. I've put away the brush since high school, so it's wonderful to be in Paradise and live out a dream… to be a recognized artist," he explained.
"And at the same time, I can help others sell their art through my website. I believe the gallery model is very outdated, but there is a hurdle in having customers purchase great art online. Maybe some combination is in order," Barger added.
Work by Barger and the other three exhibitors - Vicki Penney-Rohner, Mary Spears, and Cyndy Urry - can be seen on his web site, bargergallery.com.
Barger told The Kaʻū Calendar that this exhibit is an extension of his mission to help artists sell their work using a business model from which the artist stands to benefit financially.
"Now that I spend much of my time in Hawaiʻi, I've decided to start anew with my life long passion for art. I've put away the brush since high school, so it's wonderful to be in Paradise and live out a dream… to be a recognized artist," he explained.
"And at the same time, I can help others sell their art through my website. I believe the gallery model is very outdated, but there is a hurdle in having customers purchase great art online. Maybe some combination is in order," Barger added.
Work by Barger and the other three exhibitors - Vicki Penney-Rohner, Mary Spears, and Cyndy Urry - can be seen on his web site, bargergallery.com.
The exhibition opens with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, which has helped a number of families become homeowners in Ocean View, is holding a furniture liquidation sale at the old Sports Authority space at Kona Commons. The sale will run for three weeks – or when items are sold out – every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. , beginning on Thursday, Oct. 25. There will also be items available at the ReStores in Kona, Waimea and Hilo .
Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is the recipient of a large furniture donation from the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, which recently closed its doors for a year-long renovation.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores, the retail arm of the organization, help to raise money to fund the building of new homes, and critical repairs on existing homes, for local families in need.
Robert O'Meara, Habitat ReStore Director, said, "We are fortunate to be a recipient of a very generous donation from the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. It not only benefits our mission to provide funds to build affordable homes but it also helps keep tons of materials from our landfills. A special mahalo to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel owners, and the hotel General Manager, Rodney Ito, for their generosity and assistance in logistically making it possible for us to handle such a huge donation."
Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is also holding a fundraising gala Saturday, Nov. 17, in Kona at King Kamehameha Hotel. See habitathawaiiisland.org/gala.html.
Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island is part of a global, non-profit housing ministry, which works with families in need to build a safe, decent, and affordable place that they can call home. Habitat Hawaiʻi Island is volunteer driven, and relies on donation to help their partner families. To make a monetary donation, visithabitathawaiiisland.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.
 |
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, Oct 20, 1pm, BIIF Semi-Finals at Keaʻau, Kohala vs. Pāhoa
Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū
Sat, Oct 27, 1pm, BIIF Finals at Pāhala Ball Park - Higher vs. Kaʻū
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.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries Annual Meeting, Thu., Oct. 18, from 6pm, at the Pāhala Plantation House. Election of officers for the 2019 term beginning January 1; short business meeting followed by entertainment, food, and door prizes. Everyone encouraged to attend and share ideas on how to improve local libraries. Sandra Demoruelle, 929-9244, naalehutheatre@yahoo.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org
![]()
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
Kaʻū Plantation Days, sponsored by Kaʻū Multicultural Society, will be held this Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Kaʻū Gym Multipurpose Room, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. See displays of plantation, ranch, and dairy life. Learn about the history of immigration to Kaʻū and the multicultural community that developed over more than a century. Shop at vendor and food stations. Call organizers Darlyne Vierra at 808-640-8740 and Liz Kuluwaimaka at 339-0229.
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
![]()
Art in the Everyday Community Quilt Project - Assembly Workshop, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-4pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. After party to follow, 4-6pm. Visiting Artist Laura Phelps Rogers leads the ongoing project. A sculptural, social engagement and public work, in which Rogers hopes to construct monumental sculptural quilt built of 5" round, wood pieces - each blank and designed by community participants. Pick up blank piece and packet at Volcano Art Center Administration Office or at Wailoa Art Center. $10 donation. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Volunteer Forest Restoration Project: Faya Tree Removal, Fri., Oct. 19, 8:30-1pm, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, contact for meet-up location. Hosted by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age and able to hike at least one mile over rough, uneven terrain. Release forms required. Co-signatures of adult required for volunteers under 18. Contact Patty Kupchak at forest@fhvnp.org or 352-1402 by Mon., Oct. 15. fhvnp.org
Kaʻū Plantation Days, sponsored by Kaʻū Multicultural Society, will be held this Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Kaʻū Gym Multipurpose Room, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. See displays of plantation, ranch, and dairy life. Learn about the history of immigration to Kaʻū and the multicultural community that developed over more than a century. Shop at vendor and food stations. Call organizers Darlyne Vierra at 808-640-8740 and Liz Kuluwaimaka at 339-0229.
Palm Sheath Baskets Workshop with Jelena Clay, Sat. Oct. 20, 9-2:30pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. All supplies provided to make two baskets - includes embellishments. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $30 supply fee. Pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Birth of Kahuku, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Explore rich geologic history of Kahuku on this easy-to-moderate hike. Learn about the Hawaiian hotspot and the creation of Kahuku. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
Zen Pen - Writing as Spiritual Practice Workshop with Tom Peek, Sat., Oct. 20, 9:30-4pm. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. No writing experience necessary. Bring personal object, handheld mirror, and lunch. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Oct. 20, 10-1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting/training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Kahiko - Chrissy Kama Henriques & Leilani Taka-Keana‘aina with Hula Hālau E Hulali Mai Ka La, Sat., Oct. 20, 10:30-11:30am, hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Coastal Clean-Up with Ke Ala Kai Foundation, Sun., Oct. 21, call for meet up time at Wai‘ōhinu Park. BYO-4WD vehicle. Canoe paddlers from any Hawai‘i Island canoe club welcome. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, mattie.hwf@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
People & Land of Kahuku, Sun., Oct. 21, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Guided, 2.5-mile, moderately difficult hike over rugged terrain focuses on the area's human history. Free. nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes
VOTE: Early Walk-In Voting Open, Tue., Oct. 23, through Sat., Nov. 3. elections.hawaii.gov
HOVE Road Maintenance Corp. Meeting, Tue., Oct. 23, 10am, 92-8979 Lehua Lane, Ocean View. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
ONGOING
Hoʻokupu Hula No Kaʻū Cultural Festival happens Saturday, Nov. 3, at
Sponsors include County Council member Maile David and community contributions through fundraising. See hookupukau.com.
Public Access Room comes to Ocean View on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The non-partisan division of Hawaiʻi state legislature's legislative Reference Bureau will offer workshops. Free and open to the public, they focus on training for creating, following, and testifying on legislation.
Two workshops will be offered. The first is geared towards newcomers, provides an introduction to the state legislative process to prepare new participants for the session. The second workshop is for those with an understanding of lawmaking. It will offer advanced advocacy tips on effective lobbying and often overlooked online resources. How-To guides, informational handouts, and other resources will be available.
![]()
PAR's staff will be at Ocean View Ocean View Community Center 92-8924 Leilani Circle . The Beginners Presentation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ; the Advanced Presentation will be from 2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additional presentations will be in Kona, Waimea, Pāhoa, and Hilo, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.
Tūtū and Me tuition-free traveling preschool, for keiki birth to five years old and their caregivers, is temporarily moving their Pāhala site program for Oct. 23, 25, and 30, and Nov. 1, to the River of Life Assembly of God church. The group still meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. They will be back at Pāhala Community Center on Nov. 6. The Nāʻālehu location remains at Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 8:45 to 10:45 a.m.
To enroll in either free program, fill out enrollment forms found at pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me/enrollment_forms, or call Linda Bong at 929-8571, or Betty Clark at 464-9634 or eclark@pidfountation.org.
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.
Mail, hand-deliver, or fax application to: CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Attn: Human Resources, 476 Hinano Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Fax (808) 935-7793. Applications can be downloaded online at cuhawaii.com/about-cu/career-opportunities.html
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.