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| Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association appreciate donations to help with their funding that is assisting park efforts to stay open during the federal shutdown. Photo by Elizabeth Fien/Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park |
The Kahuku Unit is closed and the Volcano gate is open with no entry fee. Some rangers are volunteering, working with no pay, like Jami Beck, former Miss Kaʻū Coffee and a University of Hawaiʻi student.
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| Park Ranger, University of Hawaiʻi student, and former Miss Kaʻū Coffee Jami Beck, working without pay at Kīlauea Visitor Center during the federal shutdown. Image from Hawaiʻi News Now |
Hawaiʻi News Now carried a story last night and this morning saying, "Both Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Parks and the Pacific Historic parks are only open now because of non-profit support. And there is no real plan after that money runs out." The story quoted Friends Executive Director Elizabeth Fien, saying, "After the 9th, I'm not sure.... The Friends are tenacious. We'll just keep looking for donations."
Donations can be made through Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Donations Page and
Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Donations Page.
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| Elizabeth Fien asks for donations to help keep open Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Image from Hawaiʻi News Now |
A PETITION ASKING TO FUND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT and end its partial shutdown is posted online, directed to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Pres. Donald Trump.
Sen. Mazie Hirono released the following statement this morning: "After two weeks of a partial government shutdown that left hundreds of thousands of federal workers either furloughed or working without pay over the holidays, the new Democratic leadership in the House took a stand and passed legislation to finally end President Trump's shutdown.
"Now, the ball is in Trump and McConnell's court. McConnell and Senate Republicans can choose to let the president, who threatened to keep the federal government partially closed for 'months or years,' to continue to hurt federal employees and contractors as well as millions of families who cannot access the government services they need, or they can take a stand and do the right thing by passing this bill to end the shutdown without granting Trump his useless border wall."
She also described the opening of the 116th Congress on Thursday as "energetic and awe-inspiring," and that it showed "more diversity on the House and Senate floors than ever before -- and we made moves to get things done.
"Now, the ball is in Trump and McConnell's court. McConnell and Senate Republicans can choose to let the president, who threatened to keep the federal government partially closed for 'months or years,' to continue to hurt federal employees and contractors as well as millions of families who cannot access the government services they need, or they can take a stand and do the right thing by passing this bill to end the shutdown without granting Trump his useless border wall."
She also described the opening of the 116th Congress on Thursday as "energetic and awe-inspiring," and that it showed "more diversity on the House and Senate floors than ever before -- and we made moves to get things done.
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| Catherine Awakuni Colón |
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STATE DIRECTORS OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC SAFETY have received reappointments from Gov. David Ige and face confirmation by the state Senate.
Said Ige, "These leaders are dedicated to upholding fairness and justice. They have led their departments with integrity and instilled a sense of professionalism among the employees there. I know they will continue to implement reforms and increase efficiencies to better serve our communities.
Catherine P. Awakuni Colón is expected to continue as Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, a position she's held since January 2015. She also served as administrator in the DCCA's Cable Television Division and the department's executive director for its Division of Consumer Advocacy from 2006 to 2009. She previously served as chief legal counsel and commission counsel for the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission. Awakuni Colón holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.
Catherine P. Awakuni Colón is expected to continue as Director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, a position she's held since January 2015. She also served as administrator in the DCCA's Cable Television Division and the department's executive director for its Division of Consumer Advocacy from 2006 to 2009. She previously served as chief legal counsel and commission counsel for the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission. Awakuni Colón holds a Bachelor’s of Business Administration from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.
"I am humbled by the governor's confidence and look forward to continuing DCCA's important responsibilities. I remain committed to protecting Hawaiʻi's consumers and ensuring that businesses and individuals across the state are operating in a sound and fair manner," said Colón.
Colón reappointed Jo Ann M. Uchida Takeuchi to be her deputy. This position is not subject to senate confirmation. Takeuchi has been the deputy at DCCA since April 2012. She served in staff and leadership
capacities at DCCA including as complaints and enforcement officer with DCCA's Regulated Industries Complaints Office, as executive director of DCCA's Office of Consumer Protection and senior attorney to the OCP. Uchida Takeuchi earned B.A.s in English and political science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.
capacities at DCCA including as complaints and enforcement officer with DCCA's Regulated Industries Complaints Office, as executive director of DCCA's Office of Consumer Protection and senior attorney to the OCP. Uchida Takeuchi earned B.A.s in English and political science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and a J.D. from the William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi.
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| Nolan Espinda |
Nolan Espinda will continue in his role as director, Department of Public Safety, a position he's held for the past four years. Prior to his appointment as director, he spent 32 years in corrections, serving as Warden at the Waiawa Correctional Facility, the Halawa Correctional Facility, and the Oʻahu Community Correctional Center. Espinda is a 1975 graduate of lolani School and holds a B. A. in political science from California State University at Chico.
"I consider myself privileged and honored to be nominated by Gov. Ige to continue to lead the important work of the Department of Public Safety. I look forward to working with our judicial, legislative and community partners towards making innovative and lasting criminal justice reforms for the people of Hawaiʻi," said Espinda. Espinda’s appointment is subject to senate confirmation.
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GOV. DAVID IGE POSTED AN ANNOUNCEMENT on his Facebook for the New Year. He said that 2018 "was a year of progress and challenge — from pushing ahead on my administration's top priorities to responding to natural disasters on multiple islands. At the Dec. 3 inauguration, I called for unity and common purpose as I embarked on my second term. I praised Hawai‘i as both a leader in sustainable growth and an example for the nation and the world that our differences are our greatest strength.
PRESCHOOL OPENS DOORS APPLICATIONS are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.
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.
GOV. DAVID IGE POSTED AN ANNOUNCEMENT on his Facebook for the New Year. He said that 2018 "was a year of progress and challenge — from pushing ahead on my administration's top priorities to responding to natural disasters on multiple islands. At the Dec. 3 inauguration, I called for unity and common purpose as I embarked on my second term. I praised Hawai‘i as both a leader in sustainable growth and an example for the nation and the world that our differences are our greatest strength.
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| Gov. David Ige |
"In the last four years, my administration has shown positive change is not only possible, it's happening all around us — to empower schools, build more affordable housing and protect the ‘aina — and I want the public to know state departments are working hard on their behalf. This issue of Capitol Connection describes some of the ways Hawai‘i is moving forward and, in many cases, leading the way to a better future."
The governor encourages subscribing to his monthly newsletter, 1.usa.gov/23jRyto, reading the January Capitol Connection newsletter, bit.ly/2BWcLEF, and reading his Facebook page.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.
KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL fought hard in two really close games on Thursday, Jan. 3. Hosting Honokaʻa, the JV Trojans scored 10, 6, 11, and 13 points, to end with 40. However, their opponents scraped past, taking the game with 42.
Varsity scored 12, 13, 11, and 13, ending with 49, but Honokaʻa managed three more points, taking the game at 52.
‘O Kaʻū Kākou Halfcourt Shot for Cash went to Honokaʻa's Zakahry Marakami-Mattos, who made the shot to win $250.
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Kalei Namohala, Honokaʻa's Zakahry Marakami-Mattos, and June Domondon with the Photo from Kaʻū Athletics |
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KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS BASKETBALL hosted Hilo on Friday, Jan. 4. The windward guests swept both games.
The JV game saw Kaʻū score zero points in the first quarter, then 2, 3, and 12 points, finishing with 17. Desal Dacalio-Camba scored 6 of those points. Hilo won with 42.
Varsity ended at 21 to 65, Hilo , with the home team scoring 6, 5, 4, and 6. Kianie Medeiros-Dancel scored 10 points for the Trojans.
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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 Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Jan. 7, Mon., @Honokaʻa, 6pm
Jan. 9, Wed., @Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 14, Mon., host Kealakehe, 6pm
Jan. 17, Thu., host Keaʻau
Boys Basketball:
Jan. 8, Tue., host Kamehameha, 6pm
Jan. 11, Fri., host Konawaena, 6pm
Jan. 16, Wed., host Waiakea, 6pm
Jan. 18, Fri., @Kohala, 6pm
Jan. 21, Mon., @Hilo 6pm
Wrestling:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kealakeha
Jan. 19, Sat., @Keaʻau
Soccer:
Jan. 7, Mon., @Hilo
Jan. 9, Wed., @Keaʻau
Jan. 12, Sat., host Honokaʻa
Jan. 14, Mon., @Makualani
Jan. 16, Wed., Boys host Kona
Jan. 18, Fri., Boys host Pāhoa
Jan. 21, Mon., Girls BIIF Div. II Semi-Finals
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 22, Tue., Boys @Kohala
Jan. 23, Wed., Girls BIIF Div. II Finals
Swimming:
Jan. 12, Sat., @Kamehameha, 10am
Jan. 19, Sat., @KCAC, 10am
Ola Shaw of Kona and special guest musician Ricky "RNB" Brown of San Jose, CA, provide music for the event.
Presentations are at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 6, through Sat, Jan. 13, and Sunday, Jan. 6 and 13 at 9:45 a.m., at Nā‘ālehu Assembly of God, 95-5678 Māmalahoa Highway. For more, call 929-7278. See naalehuag.org.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 6
Sunday Clay - High Fire!, new sessions, Sundays, Jan. 6 - Mar. 3, no class Jan. 20. Morning session 11:30-2:30pm , afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm , Volcano Art Center
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sun., Jan. 6, noon-2pm, Manukā State Park
MONDAY, JANUARY 7
Painting w/Peggy, Mon., Jan. 7, noon-3pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Monthly acrylic painting session, artists of all levels. Students bring own supplies and easels - suggested material list at margaretstantonart.com. $15/VAC member, $20/non-member. Register at volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222. Questions, email peggystanton007@yahoo.com
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Mon., Jan. 7 and 21, 1pm, Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Mon., Jan. 7, 4-6pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, Tue., Jan. 8 (Committees), Wed., Jan. 9, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov
C.E.R.T. Discovery Harbour/Nā‘ālehu, Tue., Jan. 8, 4-6pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community Emergency Response Team info and training scenarios. Public welcome. Dina Shisler, dinashisler24@yahoo.com, 410-935-8087
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tue., Jan. 8, 6-8pm, Pāhala Community Center.
After Dark in the Park: Volcano Awareness Month - Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tue., Jan. 8, 7pm, Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Carolyn Parcheta presents. Park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visits. Dental, Wed., Jan. 9, 8-5pm. Medical, Thu., Jan. 31, 1-5pm. Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. 333-3600 for appt. thecoopercenter.org
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Wed., Jan. 9, 16, and 31, 9:30-10:30am, Nā‘ālehu Community Center. All ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign up. Free; donations accepted.
Compassionate Communication Group, Wed., Jan. 9 and 23, 2-3:30pm, PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 2nd and last Wednesday, monthly. Free. Pre-registration required. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460
THURSDAY, JANUARY 10
Basic Stretch & Strengthening Exercise Class, Thu., Jan. 10, 17, & 31, 9:30-10:30am, Pāhala Senior Center. All ages; geared toward those needing to maintain or increase mobility, and those wanting a gentle stretch. Call 969-9220 to sign up. Free; donations accepted.
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū & Me, Thu., Jan. 10, 10:30-noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. 929-8571
Papa ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i: Beginning Hawaiian Language Classes w/ Kaliko Trapp, Thu., Jan. 10, Part V, 5-6:30pm, Part VIII, 6:30-8pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. 8 week sessions focusing on expanding simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Some (basic for Part V) Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Required workbook for both sessions: Nā Kai ‘Ewalu, available at UH Hilo Bookstore. Hawaiian language dictionary suggested. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thu., Jan. 10, 6:30pm, United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197STOKE Screening, Thu., Jan. 10, 7-9pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Film follows Jane, a struggling tourist, who hires two wannabe tour guides to take her to an active volcano. 90 min. narrative feature shot on Hawai‘i Island in 2017. Rated R for language and brief nudity. Directors in attendance for brief Q&A. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, JANUARY 11
PATCH Class #701, Creating Supportive Environments I, Fri., Jan. 11, 8-11am, back pavilion, Punalu‘u Bakery, Nā‘ālehu. Making connection between the environment, social-emotional development, and challenging behaviors - specifically relating to pre-school, home day care, etc. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. No childcare provided. 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org
Free Community Dance, Fri., Jan. 11, 7-10pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Coffee, tea, water, and snack provided. Free; donations appreciated. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
Pancake Breakfast & Raffle, Sat., Jan. 12, 8-11am, Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Stained Glass Basics II: Fan Lamp Project, Sat. & Sun., Jan. 12, 13, 19 and 20, 9-noon, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Claudia McCall provides patterns to create a finished lamp or light catcher at end of 4-session workshop. $90/VAC member, $100/non-member, plus $30 supply fee/person. Additional $20 supply fee for lamp base and bulb. Limited space, pre-registration required. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Sat., Jan. 12, meet 9:30am, Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. nmok.org, facebook.com/namamo.kawa
Introduction to Zentangle w/Ellen O'Dunn, Sat., Jan. 12, 10-1pm, Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus. Supplies included, no experience necessary. Bring light refreshment to share. $30, plus $10 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hawai‘i Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawai‘i Region Annual Public Mtg. and Forum, Sat., Jan. 12, 1:30-2:30pm, Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, 1 Kamani Street, Pāhala. Terry Larson, Regional Board Executive Assistant, 315-7558
ONGOING
The Public is Invited to Speak Up on Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, health needs, and health care planning for Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, from1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kaʻū Hospital, 1 Kamani Street , in Pāhala.
The Public is Invited to Speak Up on Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, health needs, and health care planning for Kaʻū. Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.'s East Hawaiʻi Region annual public meeting and forum will take place Saturday, Jan. 12, from
An overview of the operations and financial condition of all facilities, including Kaʻū and Hilo hospitals, as well as a view toward the future, will be presented. Ample time will be available for community members to share their perspectives and concerns regarding access to health care services, said a statement from Hawaiʻi Health Systems.
Dr. Daniel Belcher, Chair of the East Hawaiʻi Regional Board of HHSC, said, "I would like to encourage everyone who has an interest in our hospitals and regional health system to bring your questions and concerns to this meeting."
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
Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.
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Applications for a Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are being accepted. The year-long, full-time position is in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program, which stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona .
Substitute School Health Assistant Positions are available. Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certifications, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Training begins in 2019. Contact Kristy Loo for more at look@hkkk.k12.hi.us.
Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance (before taxes); a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefits (if eligible); and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old, and possess or be working towards a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must also have their own housing and transportation, a driver's license, and be able to pass a criminal history check.
The internship is offered through Kupu Hawai‘i. Those interested are asked to fill out an application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation under Conservation Leaders Program as soon as possible. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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