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| Hundreds of keiki and their families, along with dozens of volunteers, took over Punaluʻu Beach Park yesterday for the 11th annual ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament. See more below. Photos from OKK |
LABELING RULES FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE and other brands from Hawaiʻi go to a public hearing this Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the state House of Representatives Consumer Affairs Committee. House Bill 144 would require that coffee labeled "Kaʻū" be comprised of at least 51 percent Kaʻū Coffee. The current requirement is a minimum of ten percent. The companion measure, Senate Bill 894, goes to hearing at the state Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health on Friday, Feb. 22, at 9:35 a.m.
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| Rep. Richard Creagan |
The rule, to be administered by the state Department of Agriculture, would also require labeling all ingredients by weight and stating origin of all coffees in the blend. It would apply to Kaʻū, Kona, and other Hawaiʻi brands.
Another measure, HBill143 and companion SB888, would cover ready-to drink coffee products, but neither are scheduled for hearings.
For more than two decades, those who blend and call it local coffee have argued that pure coffee is too expensive for many people buying from local outlets and from afar. State Rep. Richard Creagan, who chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, joined the Hawaiʻi Coffee Farmers Association to support tightening of labeling restrictions, noting that local coffee has no strong protection of its brand name. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development noted the lack of protection in a recent study.
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COSTCO PLANS TO GROW PRODUCE IN HAWAIʻI, according to Rep. Richard Creagan, quoted in a recent story by Stewart Yerton of Civil Beat. "Costco is hoping to come in here and grow most of their produce. They're very committed... talk about... 200 acres of greenhouses," Creagan told Civil Beat. He talked with Costco's Hawaiʻi representative, Luis Salaveria, who was director of Hawaiʻi's Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism until November of last year.
Ige told Civil Beat,"It really is about changing the systems that support agriculture to support local food production rather than sugar and pineapple."
U.S. Department of Agriculture data as of 2017 – the most recent data available – states most of the approximate 7,000 farms in Hawaiʻi are small, with only about 200 of them with sales above $250,000. Hawaiʻi's top cash crops are seed crops grown for export, followed by macadamia nuts, cattle, and coffee.
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Answer the fish quiz, win a prize. They're hooked! OKK photo |
VOLUNTEERS WERE STARS OF THE DAY at the 11th annual ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Keiki Fishing Tournament on Saturday. While keiki fished in calm surf, under a mostly clear blue sky, and dolphins danced in the waves, volunteers made sure every fisherperson, as young as one and as old as 14, had a chance to win an award and prize, and have a great day. OKK says about 275 fisherpeople took to the shoreline, catching, measuring, and releasing hundreds of fish.
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Even the smallest of fisherpeople snagged floating rubber duckies at the toddler pond. OKK photo |
OKK posted to Facebook: "Even if you're not a participant, parent, whatever, it's amazing to watch hundreds of kids fishing with bamboo poles along the shoreline… OKK volunteers, thank you for the days, and days, and more days you put in to organize this event. Everything from putting hooks on poles, hundreds of them, to managing registration, making and serving food & shaved ice, putting up tents, all of it. You give us the greatest gift of all, your time... Hawaiʻi National Guard Cadets were, as always, outstanding, incredibly generous with their time, their strength and willingness to chip in on tasks big and small. We love you guys!"
S. Tokunaga Store in Hilo donated the hundreds of bamboo hand poles that are reused each year for the tournament. For toddlers, there was a little plastic pool, filled with rubber duckies for them to fish for – with magnets, not hooks. Tents let people relax out of the sun. Food and drink were provided for all attendees. Keiki could participate in a fish quiz for prizes. Every keiki participant got a prize.
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Tournament fish recorders, including Hawaiʻi National Guard cadets, get a morning briefing from Guy Enriques. OKK photo |
See yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs for more and a future Kaʻū News Briefs for results of the tournament.
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BEGINNING FARMER INSTITUTE COHORT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN through April 15. BFI is a free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture," says the release from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. A quote from a former student says, "In our time together, we became more than just farmers and friends – we became a family. NFU's Beginning Farmer Institute is a truly valuable experience that you will not forget."
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SOUTH PACIFIC BOMBERS ROLLERDERBY, South Kona District, is recruiting female skaters - 18 years and older - referees, on and off track officials, volunteers, and "all the support you can give."Derbys happen Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kahuku Park Shannon aka Sour Patch at 808-319-3905, or SouthPacificBomers@gmail.com.
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PUNALUʻU BEACH PARK IS CLOSED due to dangerous surf conditions. The day after the annual fishing tournament that brought hundreds to the shore, Punaluʻu Beach closed in the morning. The entire park closed at 4 p.m. The National Weather Service expanded the High Surf Warning for north and east facing shores to include Punaluʻu and Isaac Hale Beach Park today, due to "very strong breaking waves and strong longshore and rip currents." Issac Hale is closed until further notice.
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the annual event possible. OKK photo |
BEGINNING FARMER INSTITUTE COHORT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN through April 15. BFI is a free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture," says the release from Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. A quote from a former student says, "In our time together, we became more than just farmers and friends – we became a family. NFU's Beginning Farmer Institute is a truly valuable experience that you will not forget."
SOUTH PACIFIC BOMBERS ROLLERDERBY, South Kona District, is recruiting female skaters - 18 years and older - referees, on and off track officials, volunteers, and "all the support you can give."
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 Winter Sports Schedule
Boys Basketball:
Feb. 21-23, Thu.-Sat., HHSAA
Wrestling:
Feb. 20-21, Wed.-Thu., HHSAA
NEW and UPCOMING
JAZZ IN THE FOREST: A TRIBUTE TO MILES DAVIS, happens Saturday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m. Jazz in the Forest returns in 2019 at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village, featuring Jean Pierre Thoma and the Jazztones performing Miles Davis compositions spanning 50 years of his original and groundbreaking creative directions.
Tickets are $25, $20 for VAC members. Beer, wine, and pupus will be available for purchase. Tickets are available for sale at volcanoartcenter.org, at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village
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.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Mon., Jan. 18, 5-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tue., Jan. 19, Committees; Wed., Jan. 20, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Dept. Mtg., Tue., Jan. 19, 4:30-6:30pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wed., Feb. 20, 12:30-1:30pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Arts & Crafts Activity: Eagle Handprint, Wed., Feb. 20, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 11-19. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Thu., Feb. 21, 9-noon, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Family Reading Night, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-7pm, Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Paint Nite II, Thu., Feb. 21, 6-8pm, multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym, Pāhala. Open to adults. Register through Feb. 20. Supply fee. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23Count Humpback Whales - Sanctuary Ocean Count, Sat., Feb. 23, 8-noon, Ka‘ū Coast locations: Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park and Ka Lae Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document whale surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org. Registration closes one week prior to event. Last 2019 count is on March 30.
ONGOING
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Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant will accept applicants through Feb. 28. The pageant will be held again at the Ka‘ū District Gym on Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m. Miss Kaʻū Coffee and her court will represent the Kaʻū Coffee industry throughout the year at events in the community and beyond, her appearances sponsored by the Edmund C. Olson Trust, II. Pageant Director is Trinidad Marques. Scholarship Committee Directors are Julia Neal and Gloria Camba.
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Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at 3 p.m. each Thursday in February. Free. Contact Sara Kamibayashi at (808) 939-2442 for more.
Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment fromAugust 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School.
In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development.
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AAUW promotes equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
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Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
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. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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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Panaʻewa Stampede takes place through Monday, Feb. 18 with rodeo competitors from Kaʻū and around the island joined by rodeo clowns and other entertainers. HawaiiRodeoStampede.com
Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi classes offered in Ka‘ū include: Expanded Food and Nutrition Program (EFNEP) on Wednesdays through Feb. 20. See more at hmono.org; Diabetes Management Classes on Mondays in February. Sign up by calling 969-9220 or online at hmono.org/classes.
The community can support the pageant through purchasing tickets, volunteering, and providing scholarships.
Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
Email tmarques@yahoo.com.
Girls three to 24 years of age are encouraged to enter the pageant. Talents often include hula and singing. Competitive categories include Talent, Gown, Photogenic, Career-Interview, Characters Outfit, and Swimsuit for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Pageant hopefuls contend for titles of Miss Ka‘ū Coffee, Jr. Miss Kaʻū Coffee, Miss Kaʻū Peaberry, and Miss Kaʻū Coffee Flower.
Email tmarques@yahoo.com.
Volunteer on Midway Atoll for Six Months. The volunteer will serve as a communication assistant out on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, on or about March 12 through August. Applications are due by Feb. 28. Potential to be extended to a full year. Get more info and instructions on how to apply.
Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through March 15. The position, through FoodCorps, is a full-time 11.5-month commitment from
In exchange for service, members receive: $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly over the 11.5-month term; $6,095 AmeriCorps Segal education award upon successful completion of service; Student loan deferral or forbearance, if eligible; partial childcare reimbursement, if eligible; Health insurance; Ongoing training; mentorship; and professional development.
Apply at foodcorps.org/apply. See the service member position description for more details. Visit foodcorps.org, Facebook page, or contact seri.niimi-burch@foodcorps.org for more information.
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Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through March 24 at Volcano Art Center Gallery. The public is invited to hear different perspectives on the life of Kamehameha the Great and experience a visual experience of important events in Kamehameha's life from the perspective of two styles of art. The exhibit and supporting events promise paint, prose, protocol, and conversations providing cultural, historical, and educational experiences, with original paintings by Carl F. K. Pao, paired with selections from the book Kamehameha–The Rise of a King by David Kāwika Eyre, with illustrations by Brook Parker. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
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.
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.
Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona.
Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and West Hawaiʻi high school students. Application packets were sent to high school counselors and are available on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net. Criteria for choosing recipients are: academic achievement; community involvement; activities and experience; and financial need. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1.
Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or women returning to school from home or workplace who are attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus, 73-4225 Ane Keohokalole Hwy , Kona. Application packets are available on the AAUW Kona website at kona-hi.aauw.net and must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10.
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths to serve the public at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See
Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. Campaign and other political displays are not invited. Fifty percent discounts are provided to bona fide non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Each vendor is responsible for a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each, to be displayed at each booth.
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. Benefits offered include: a $1,600 monthly living allowance, before taxes; a $5,920 education award towards higher education; health care and childcare benefit, if eligible; and receiving an entry-level conservation career experience.
Application at kupuhawaii.org/conservation. For more, call The Nature Conservancy at 443-5401 or call Kupu Hawai‘i at 808-735-1221.
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.
