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| Phoebe Gomes played music and sang in last year's Pāhala Christmas parade, in honor of her late husband Bobby Gomes. This year's parade is tomorrow at 1 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal |
JOHN REPLOGLE, KAʻŪ'S PLANNING COMMISSIONER, spoke against a proposed water bottling plant during the Windward Planning Commission meeting on Thursday. It is proposed for the Wailoa River State Park area in Hilo . Another water bottling plant is proposed for Pāhala.
The developers of the Wailoa plant, Piʻilani Partners, LLC, are asking for a revocation of a Special Management Area permit that was granted in 1992 to Suisan Company for other business, and an extension to grant the area a zone change. Piʻilani Partners needs a new SMA permit, and drill to 1,000 feet, where an artesian well was discovered in the early 1990s by the state. They plan to draw about 500,000 gallons per day, which would then be bottled and stored onsite, and distributed to local and non-local markets.
Big Island Video News covered the proceedings at the Planning Commission meeting.
Big Island Video News covered the proceedings at the Planning Commission meeting.
The well is part of the Hilo aquifer system, which has "a sustainable yield of 349 million million gallons a day. The present and protected water use is 5 million gallons a day," said Sidney Fuke, the planning consultant for Piʻilani Partners. He said the water filters through Mauna Kea and sits below the Mauna Loa aquifer, Onomea. He also mentioned the applicant is "very spiritual, and he believes that having the water from the Mauna Kea system is spiritually more unique... He has a lot of reverence for Mauna Kea ."
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| John Replogle, Kaʻū's planning Commissioner, sppoke against a proposed water bottling plant. Photo from Big Island Video News |
The Commission voted unanimously to revoke the original permit. Replogle spoke against issuing a new SMA permit. "Water is a resource for the people and I agree with one of the testifiers that it is being privatized all over the world and in our country, and that is people grabbing up a resource for their own personal benefit and enrichment when we should be thinking more in terms of 'all life on the planet' versus 'my life.'"
He also said that "excess water coming out of the aquifer into the ocean is not wasted. That water is very nutrient-rich, provides nutrition and value to sea life. That sea life is the beginning of life on the islands, on the planet."
During the discussion period, he said, "It's pumping nutrients into the ocean and that's what has made Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi. That's what makes the East Coast of the United States , the East Coast.
"A third reason... is the potential of sea level rise, which is happening – you can ask people who are living in Miami ." He referred to a U.H. marine biology presentation on sea level. He said, potentially, the whole reef runway on Oʻahu would be under water "at some point."
His fourth reason pointed to the use of plastic bottles for water pumped out of the ground. "We are inundated with plastic on this planet. I don't know if any of you have ever gone down to Kamilo, out in Kaʻū," he remarked, saying two to 2.5 tons of plastic are pulled off that one beach each month. "The first time we went, we pulled 17 tons – and we all know how heavy plastic is... so that's a lot of plastic. Wildlife are being found with the plastic in them – it's beginning to break up. The bottle caps – they're finding them in birds on Midway...
"The planet is warming, climate change is happening. We can deny it or not believe it – but it is happening; science has proven this. If we don't start somewhere and make a stand, and to do, however small it is, an action to stop polluting our planet, we are going to be up shit creek without a paddle."
Sierra Club spokesperson Corey Hardin said the group opposes the bottling plant and predicts that it could generate a minimum of a half million plastic bottles per year. Hardin said she is also concerned about capping the well should there be a tsunami and also saltwater contamination of the aquifer when drilling the well. She called use of the water "a free ride" for the developer.
The Commission voted 3 aye, 2 no – Commissioner Ikeda and Chair Clarkson – on the objection to the new permit. It did not passSierra Club spokesperson Corey Hardin said the group opposes the bottling plant and predicts that it could generate a minimum of a half million plastic bottles per year. Hardin said she is also concerned about capping the well should there be a tsunami and also saltwater contamination of the aquifer when drilling the well. She called use of the water "a free ride" for the developer.
See the meeting at Big Island Video News.
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| Sen. Brian Schatz. Photo from Schatz's Flickr |
"Three hundred scientists from 13 different federal agencies contributed to this publication. The findings and calls for action are in line with what the International Panel on Climate Change published in their report earlier this year.
"I would expect the president to respond to this report with concern. Instead, Trump said he didn't believe it. He said: 'One of the problems that a lot of people like myself -- we have very high levels of intelligence, but we're not necessarily such believers.'"
Instead of proposing aggressive action to curb the effects of climate change and reverse it, Trump has his administration "aggressively attacking the science behind" the report, wrote Schatz. He asks constituents to "Tell Trump, his administration, and all the climate change deniers out there that you agree with science. Climate change is real. It is a threat. And we need action now."
Wrote Schatz, "Science says climate change is real and human activity is making it worse. Science says that we need to take drastic and immediate steps to scale back the damage, or it will be too late. I believe science. If you do too, add your name."
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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NEW REGULATIONS ON VACATION RENTALS prompted AirBnB to send out a notice to hosts throughout Hawaiʻi: "Hawaiʻi County recently passed Bill 108 - new legislation that protects existing short-term rentals in Hawaiʻi County. This is a good first step to ensure residents and property owners can continue earning important extra income by sharing their homes. Here's what you need to know about the new regulations.
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.
NEW REGULATIONS ON VACATION RENTALS prompted AirBnB to send out a notice to hosts throughout Hawaiʻi: "Hawaiʻi County recently passed Bill 108 - new legislation that protects existing short-term rentals in Hawaiʻi County. This is a good first step to ensure residents and property owners can continue earning important extra income by sharing their homes. Here's what you need to know about the new regulations. "If you operated an 'unhosted' short-term rental, meaning it's not your primary residence, prior to April 1st 2019, you will now be required to apply for a permit to continue sharing your space. "In order to apply for a permit, you must provide proof that Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and General Excise Tax (GET) have been filed and paid to the State of Hawaiʻi, in addition to appropriate property taxes being paid to Hawaiʻi County.
"The new rules require that these taxes be current as of April 1st, 2019. If the appropriate taxes are not rendered by this date, Hawaiʻi County will not issue a permit to operate your rental. The registration deadline for operators of 'unhosted' short-term rentals is Sept. 28, 2019. Additionally, the County may begin issuing fines to unpermitted operators after this date."
"Questions about getting a TAT/GE License or Transient Tax in general? Visit the Hawaiʻi State Department of Taxation website or call 808-587-4242. Questions about Bill 108? Contact the Hawaiʻi County Dept. of Planning at 808-961-8288," advises AirBnB.
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.
CONNECTING OUR PAST TO SHAPE THE FUTURE is the theme of Sakada Day 2018, a celebration Sunday, Dec. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. , at Kulaimano Community Center
The Pepe`ekeo celebration is organized by the Sakada Committee 2018 to honor the first Filipino economic migrants who came to Hawaiʻi to work at the sugarcane plantations. The Sakadas were instrumental in establishing a vibrant Filipino community in Hawaiʻi and in fighting for workers rights, dignity, and unionized plantation labor.
The first 15 Sakadas arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1906 and the last 6,000 workers arrived in 1946. From 1906 to 1946, the estimated number of Sakadas in Hawaiʻi was around 126,000.
"The new rules require that these taxes be current as of April 1st, 2019. If the appropriate taxes are not rendered by this date, Hawaiʻi County will not issue a permit to operate your rental. The registration deadline for operators of 'unhosted' short-term rentals is Sept. 28, 2019. Additionally, the County may begin issuing fines to unpermitted operators after this date."
"Questions about getting a TAT/GE License or Transient Tax in general? Visit the Hawaiʻi State Department of Taxation website or call 808-587-4242. Questions about Bill 108? Contact the Hawaiʻi County Dept. of Planning at 808-961-8288," advises AirBnB.
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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| Hilaria Panglao, President of the Pāhala Filipino Community Association, and Leoveguildo "Hildo" Mercado, who led the way to Ka‘ū to work in the sugar industry. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Pepe`ekeo celebration is organized by the Sakada Committee 2018 to honor the first Filipino economic migrants who came to Hawaiʻi to work at the sugarcane plantations. The Sakadas were instrumental in establishing a vibrant Filipino community in Hawaiʻi and in fighting for workers rights, dignity, and unionized plantation labor.
The first 15 Sakadas arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1906 and the last 6,000 workers arrived in 1946. From 1906 to 1946, the estimated number of Sakadas in Hawaiʻi was around 126,000.
Kaʻū boasts two living Sakadas: Leovegildo "Hildo" Mercado and Prudencio Tayamen. Both men, now in their 90s, came to Hawai‘i in 1946. They are among the many Filipino immigrants who helped build Hawaiʻi agriculture, from pineapple and sugar to Ka‘ū Coffee.
Mercado sailed from Salomague Port Illocos Sur , Philippines
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Mrs. Hawai‘i Filipina Marites Domingo Kano and Miss Hawai‘i Filipina Kyla Raza with Sakada Prudencio Tayamen at last year's Sakada Day in Pāhala. Photo by Al Sebastian |
Few Sakadas are still alive. One of those is Marcelino Querubin, from Pepeʻekeo. Querubin, who was also a guerilla figher in WWII, left the Philippines in January 1946 to work at the Pepeʻekeo Sugar Company. He is now 97 years old and has been a living witness on the lives of the Sakadas from 1946 up to the present. Over the last six decades, Querubin has experienced and seen the struggles and success of many Filipinos on the
His narrative about his own experience from the time he first came to Hawaiʻi in 1946 to work in the sugarcane plantations is part of the Filipino history in Hawaiʻi. Migrating to a place far from his son and wife at the age of 25 was a big struggle. Working at Pepeʻekeo Sugar Company as cane cutter and truck driver with a minimum wage of $3.00 a day was not an easy job, but his hard work and perseverance provided him a much better life in Hawaiʻi. Querubin is an example of a hardworking Filipino who worked to earn a living outside his homeland. After 37 years of working as Sakada, he retired in 1983, at the age of 62. His experiences and contributions to the Filipino Community in Hawaiʻi play a significant role.
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The Camba Filipino Dance Troupe performed a variety of ethnic numbers at the Sakada Day celebration at |
Sakada Day 2018 Celebration paves a way in tracing the history of Filipinos in Hawaiʻi, acknowledging the hard work and sacrifices of the Sakadas, and educating the young Filipino generations in Hawaiʻi about their past. For more information about the event, contact Francis Dumanig at fdumanig@hawaii.edu and Jeanne Batallones at jbatallo@hawaii.edu.
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 WIND ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 P.M. SUNDAY for most of Hawaiʻi Island, except north and south Kona, reports the National Weather Service. Northeast 25 to 35 mile per hour winds, with localized gusts up to 50 mph, will be strongest over and downwind of the higher terrain, says the report. NWS warns that winds this strong can knock down tree branches, cause car doors to slam, and result in sporadic power outages. Motorists should use extra caution, says NWS.
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 High December Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Dec. 15, Sat., JV host
Laupāhoehoe, 2pm
Dec. 17, Mon., host HPA, 6pm
Dec. 19, Wed., host Kohala, 6pm
Dec. 22, Sat., host JV
Christian Liberty, 2pm
Boys Basketball:
Dec. 15, Sat., host Pāhoa
Dec. 18, Tue., @Keaʻau
Dec. 22, Sat, host Parker
Dec. 27, Thu., @Kealakehe
Wrestling:
Dec. 15, Sat., @Oʻahu
Dec. 22, Sat., @Oʻahu
Soccer:
Dec., 11, Tue., @Kamehameha
Dec., 13, Thu., Girls host Makualani
Dec. 19, Wed., host HPA
Dec. 22, Sat., host Waiakea
Dec. 29, Sat., @Konawaena
Swimming:
Dec. 29, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
NEW and UPCOMING
WAIHO‘OLU‘U OLA INDIGO DYEING WORKSHOP takes place Saturday, Dec. 15, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village.
"Learn the magical process of creating with nature's oldest natural dye, indigo," says the event description on volcanoartcenter.org. In this workshop, students use traditional methods of banding and folding in traditional and modern Shibori styles to create patterns as they explore the alchemy of the plant pigment, indigo.
Participants will also learn to dye natural fiber goods in a plant derived indigo vat; create Shibori resist patterns using folding, wrapping, and clamping techniques, as well as how to control hue density with multiple dyeing submersions; and basic fundamentals of this historic dyeing process. All dyestuff will be provided - the fabric is natural fiber and sustainable. Each participant will leave with a new skill and understanding of Indigo Dye as well as their own finished sample pieces.
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| Learn to work with a natural plant dye, indigo, on natural fiber materials using traditional and modern methods. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
Participants may bring one to five small items of their own to dye, avoiding bulky or heavy pieces such as towels, linens, yards of fabric, bedding, etc., as vat space and time are limited. Items must be cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or anything natural - no synthetics - as they accept the color the best. Pre-wash items for best result.
The class fee is $50 per Volcano Art Center member, or $55 per non-member, plus a $25 supply fee per person. No experience is necessary. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 967-8222 or register online at volcanoartcenter.org.
The workshop is led by a married couple, Justin - the alchemist - and Wai‘ala - the artist - who started a creative natural collective, Living Color Dyery, together. The duo work together with natural living color dyes; including indigo, olena, avocado, hibiscus, etc. "Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature," states the event description.
The class fee is $50 per Volcano Art Center member, or $55 per non-member, plus a $25 supply fee per person. No experience is necessary. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call 967-8222 or register online at volcanoartcenter.org.
The workshop is led by a married couple, Justin - the alchemist - and Wai‘ala - the artist - who started a creative natural collective, Living Color Dyery, together. The duo work together with natural living color dyes; including indigo, olena, avocado, hibiscus, etc. "Outside the joy of sharing the alchemy of natural dye in workshops with others, the two love sharing their love for the natural plant world and the process of co-creating consciously with nature," states the event description.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9,1pm , Pāhala Armory at Pakalana St. to Holy Rosary Church
Pāhala Christmas Parade, Sun., Dec. 9,
Pu‘u o Lokuana, Sun., Dec. 9,
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Free STD Testing, Mon., Dec. 10, 9-noon,
AdvoCATS, Tue., Dec. 11,
The Fascination Method w/Anthony Chrisco, Tue., Dec. 11,
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Dec. 11, 4-6pm , Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios/ Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
After Dark in the Park, He Inoa No Hi‘iakaikapoliopele, Tue., Dec. 11,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Dec. 12 and 26,
Santa's Workshop, Wed., Dec. 12,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Dec. 13, 10:30 -noon , Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Dec. 13,
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Clean-Up with Konawaena Middle School Recycling Club, Fri., Dec. 14. Contact for meet up details. BYO-4WD welcome; no seats available. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629 for more.
Christmas Coloring Contest Entry Deadline, Fri., Dec. 14, by
Christmas Feast and Candlelight Service, Fri. Dec. 14, Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji. Registration at
Christmas Concert, Fri., Dec. 14,
Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol, Dec. 14-23, Thu., Fri., Sat., 7:30pm, Sun., 2:30pm, Kīlauea Military Camp Theater inside Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. $20/person - cash or check, available at door. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. KDEN, 982-7344
Stewardship at the Summit, Sat., Dec. 15 and 22. Meet Paul and Jane Field at 8:45am in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plants species that prevent native plants from growing. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required. Free; however, park entrance fees apply. No advance registration required. nps.gov/havo
Realms and Divisions, Sat., Dec. 15,
Keiki Christmas, Sat., Dec. 15,
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Meeting, Sat., Dec. 15,
Santa's Coming to Town, Sat., Dec. 15,
Hula Kahiko - Kapuaokalaniikapoliopele Ka‘au‘a w/Unuokeahi, Sat., Dec. 15, 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
Nā Mea Hula - Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe w/Hālauolaokalani, Sat., Dec. 15,
Waiho‘olu‘u Ola Indigo Dyeing Workshop, Sat., Dec. 15,
ONGOING
Christmas in the Country and 19th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibition are open at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Christmas in the Country runs thro ugh Wednesday, Dec. 26. Enjoy an abundance of art and aloha as VAC creates a merry scene of an old-fashioned Christmas inside its 1877 historic building. In addition to artwork, find unique holiday offerings of island-inspired gifts, ornaments, and decorations made by Hawai‘i Island artists, including VAC exclusives.
The Wreath Exhibition is available through Tuesday, Jan. 1. The exhibition presents one-of-a-kind wreaths in a variety of imaginative media, techniques, and styles, from the whimsical to the traditional, with this year's theme of Home for the Holidays - inspired by the four month closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
The Wreath Exhibition is availabl
Admission is free; Park entrance fees apply. For more, call 967-8222, or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Registration for P&R Boys & Girls, T-Ball/Coach Pitch Baseball League open through Jan. 16, Kahuku Park, H.OV.E. For ages 5-8. Programs run Jan. 22-Apr. 18, game and practice times tba. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Basic Stretch and Strengthening Exercise Class, sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nū ʻŌiwi, happens Wednesdays at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Thursdays at
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 also offers home visits to aid caregivers with parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate, listening ear. Visits last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, total of 12 visits. Snacks are provided.
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.
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.