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Kaʻū Coast hosted volunteers scanning the big blue to gather info for the second of three Sanctuary Humpback Whale Counts. See story below. Photo from NOAA |
Public hearings happen this week at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center on Thursday, February 28 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, March 1 in Hilo at the Aupuni Center Conference Room at 5:30 p.m. A video from Big Island Video News shows the concern of residents and business owners in Volcano. Hawaiʻi Council member Maile David, who was at the meeting, advised short term vacation rental owners to participate in the hearings, reported Big Island Video News.
The council woman said, "From what I understand [Bill 108] is to regulate something that has been so out of control, in some areas – in most areas – that, if we allow it to happen, that's what's going to kill the available, affordable housing. Not legitimate vacation rentals; it'll be the ones that are doing it as a business and buying multiple pieces of property, and not even live here."
Lower Puna , where Kīlauea erupted last year, also has residents concerned about how new vacation rental laws will be enforced. Pāhoa resident Magdalene Phillips wrote, "Many short term vacation rentals were lost in the lava, lowering the incomes of local restaurants, stores, cleaners, handypersons, gardeners, etc.
The council woman said, "From what I understand [Bill 108] is to regulate something that has been so out of control, in some areas – in most areas – that, if we allow it to happen, that's what's going to kill the available, affordable housing. Not legitimate vacation rentals; it'll be the ones that are doing it as a business and buying multiple pieces of property, and not even live here."
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| Council Member Maile David spoke to Volcano Village residents about the new short-term rental laws. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"The owners of these STVRs (short term vacation rentals), who are trying to establish new ones in the area, are at present given absolutely no help by the Hawaiʻi County Planning Department. They are being held to the same requirements as everyone else, having to have their rentals in operation by April 1st, 2019. New Rule 23 states: "'In the event of a declared emergency, natural or man made, where a significant number of nonconforming STVRs are permanently lost within any given judicial district, the Director shall assess the effect of such loss upon the affected district and if deemed necessary, initiate legislative and administrative opportunities to restore such loss in STVR capacity within the district of origin.'"
"This emergency, namely the lava, had already happened at the time of Bill 108's passing, yet all we get is an obscure paragraph that may be used to help those affected. This is the time to establish a specific rule on this important issue, rather than it being left in the air. If you care, please attend the meeting March 1st, at 5:30 pm at the Aupuni Conference Center
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| Cooper Center was standing room only at a meeting about the new short-term vacation rental laws. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Read a draft of the rules at hiplanningdept.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/PD_RULE23_DRAFT.pdf.
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A GAG RULE ON WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS who perform abortions or refer them was issued Friday by Pres. Donald Trump's administration, according to a statement from Sen. Mazie Hirono. It is a "domestic gag rule that would prohibit providers at any Title X women's health clinic from providing full information to their patients. The rule is designed to cut funding for any women's health clinic that either provides patients with abortions or even just referrals for abortions."![]()
On Thursday, Hirono attended the opening of a new Planned Parenthood facility in Honolulu , noting that "the clinic will reduce wait times for patients and allow a safe place for women to obtain affordable, reliable health care as well as the right to choose."
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono, speaking about reproductive rights. Photo from Hirono's Twitter |
Said Hirono, "If a court injunction is not issued, this rule will go into effect and health care providers like Planned Parenthood -- who alone serve 1.6 million patients nationwide -- could lose tens of millions of dollars for their work providing crucial services like mammograms, cancer screenings, and birth control. I will continue to fight this right-wing administration's attacks on women's health and reproductive choice."
Hirono contended that "Trump and Vice President Pence are ignoring medical ethics and undermining every woman's right to make important health care decisions between herself and her physician."
Said Hirino, "Less federal funding means less money for the life-saving services clinics provide to women, often in communities with limited choice in health care providers. That doesn't matter to Trump and Pence: as long as it fits their political agenda, they're okay with the harm this rule will have on women's health clinics and their millions of patients. We cannot sit on the sidelines while Republicans put women's health at risk."
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THE SECOND 2019 OCEAN WHALE COUNT drew more than 612 volunteers to Kaʻū shores and around the Hawaiian Islands today. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers collected data from 55 sites across all the main islands. Whale sightings statewide totaled 372 – over twice the number in January – during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers collected data from 43 sites on the islands of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i, with 278 whale sightings – nearly three times January's number – during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
According to reports from organizers, weather conditions were nearly perfect for viewing whales across majority of the islands. Although several sites on Maui and Hawai‘i island did experience some rain during the event. During the count on Maui, a humpback whale mother was spotted conducting "fluke-up feeding" with her calf at the Ma'alaea site, a breaching manta ray was seen from the McGregor Point scenic lookout, and a pod of dolphins swam by the Kihei Surfside site. A variety of other species were also spotted during the count including sea turtles, spinner dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals, multiple sea bird species, and more.![]()
One more count takes place during peak whale season: the last Saturday in March. Preliminary data detailing Sanctuary Ocean Count whale sightings by site location will be available at oceancount.org/resources. Additional information will be available on Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's website at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov. Pacific Whale Foundation's Great Whale Count data may be found at mauiwhalefestival.org/greatwhalecount, with additional information at pacificwhale.org.
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| The second whale count of the year happened today. Much higher numbers of sightings were reported. Photo from NOAA |
Sanctuary Ocean Count volunteers collected data from 43 sites on the islands of Hawai‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i, with 278 whale sightings – nearly three times January's number – during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
On Maui , Great Whale Count volunteers collected data from 12 sites during timed intervals between 8:30 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. A total of 774 whales were seen throughout the day on Maui – more than double the number in January – with 94 whales counted during the 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
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| More than 50 locations across the state hosted people scanning the Pacific for whale sign. NOAA photo |
Ocean Count promotes public awareness about humpback whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. Volunteer participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whales activity from the shorelines of O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i islands.
The annual Great Whale Count by Pacific Whale Foundation brings volunteers together on Maui to count whales from shore as part of a long-term survey of humpback whales in Hawai‘i, with 12 survey sites along the shoreline. This event provides a snapshot of trends in relative abundance of whales and is one of the world's longest-running citizen scientist projects.
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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 Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Tue., Feb. 26, 3p.m. , @Honokaʻa
Thu., Feb. 28, 3p.m. , @HPA
Mon., March 4, 3p.m. , host Konawaena
Wed., March 6, 3p.m. , @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 1p.m. , host Kohala
Sat., March 16, 1p.m. , host Keaʻau
Softball:
Wed., Feb. 27, @Honokaʻa
Tue., March 5, host Konawaena
Thu., March 7, @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 11 a.m. , host Kohala
Mon., March 11, host Kemehameha
Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m. , host Pāhoa
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m. , host Keaʻau
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., Feb. 27, 6 p.m. , @Konawaena
Fri., March 1, 6 p.m. , host Pāhoa
Fri., March 8, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Tue., March 12, 6 p.m. , @Makualani, Varsity
Fri., March 15, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Track:
Sat., March 2, 9 a.m. , @HPA
Sat., March 9, 2 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
For more, contact Recreation Director Nona Makuakane at 928-3102. Ka‘ū District Gym is located on the Ka‘ū High School campus on Kamani Street in Pāhala. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours of operation.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Feb. 26, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Feb. 26, 11:30-1pm, last Tuesday monthly, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Last Wednesday monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
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Arts & Crafts Activity: Valentine's Day Card, Wed., Feb. 27, 2:45-3:30pm, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 Feb. 19-25. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Arts & Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 19-26. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Craft Class, Thu., Feb. 28, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Feb. 28, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. 4th Thursday monthly. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tue., Feb. 26, 10am, HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tue., Feb. 26, 11:30-1pm, last Tuesday monthly, St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Last Wednesday monthly. Seniors 60 years & older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required, 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org
Arts & Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wed., Feb. 27, 3:30-5pm, multi-purpose, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 Feb. 19-26. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28
Craft Class, Thu., Feb. 28, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. For keiki 2-12 years old and caregivers. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu., Feb. 28, 12-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. 4th Thursday monthly. Provides local forum for community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
SATURDAY, MARCH 2
Exploring Tunnel Books - Bookbinding Workshop, Saturday, March 2, 9a.m. -noon , Volcano Art Center
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 2, 9a.m.-12:30p.m. , Volcano Art Center
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, March 2 – 1st Saturday, monthly – 11a.m. -noon , Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
ONGOING
Miss Kaʻū Coffee Pageant accepts applicants through Thursday, Feb. 28. The pageant is held at Ka‘ū District Gym, 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. 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. 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.
Nāʻālehu Celebrates Craft Month with open crafting for all ages, while supplies last. Crafting starts off at
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16,
Niuhi-Shark Fine Art Exhibit is open daily through Sunday, 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.
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. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus . Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths 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
Applications for Paid Internship in Kaʻū for Kupu Hawai‘i and The Nature Conservancy are open. Year-long, full-time position in TNC's Hawai‘i Island Terrestrial Program stewards native forest preserves in Ka‘ū and South Kona. $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, 443-5401, or call Kupu Hawai‘i, 808-735-1221.
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