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| A Marshallese family takes time out while working in a Kaʻū Coffee farm. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Marshallese are a part of the Kaʻū Community, attending schools and working on local farms, especially the Kaʻū Coffee Farms. Many of them came to Hawaiʻi after the U.S. government used their islands to test nuclear weapons years ago. They were promised education and health care, along with a number of programs enjoyed by U.S. residents. Many of the young people who move here learn English in Kaʻū schools.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono. Photo from Hirono's office |
Hirono questioned the committee, saying "most [Compacts of Free Association] citizens reside in Guam and Hawaiʻi," and that their edibility for Medicaid and similar federal programs was "inadvertently eliminated."
Said Hirono, singling out the governors of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands , "Since then, the territories and states like Hawaiʻi, they've have had to bear the expense for the care of COFA migrants. In 2014 alone, the state of Hawaiʻi was estimated to have spent over $163 million for social services, healthcare, and other services for COFA citizens residing in Hawaiʻi, with 40 percent of that going to healthcare. I know that you face similar concerns in Guam , having visited. Could you comment on the challenges that you face in dealing with the fiscal cost of COFA citizens coming to Guam and would you support legislation that restores Medicaid eligibility for COFA migrants? I would ask this of Governor Torres also. Also anyone that wishes to comment."
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PROTECTING PUBLIC LANDS AND WATER earned yes votes from Hawaiʻi's Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Rep. Ed Case, when they voted for the Natural Resources Management Act today. The public lands package"promotes conservation, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and cultural resource protection in Hawai‘i and across the country," says a statement from Gabbard's office. Case's office released a statement saying the Act "will protect approximately 1.3 million acres of wilderness and close to 700,000 acres of recreation and conservation lands nationwide."
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Photo from Gabbard's Twitter |
U.S. Senate Bill 47 would "permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, designate over one million acres of wilderness, and protect over 2.4 million acres of public land from future mining operations." The legislation passed by a vote of 363-62.
Case, a member of the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee with jurisdiction over this bill, said, "Both Honouliuli and the Arizona Memorial stand as stark reminders of tragic chapters in our country's and Hawai‘i's history. This measure assures that they both will continue to tell their stories and teach their lessons to future generations."
Said Gabbard, "We each have a responsibility to preserve and protect our precious natural resources for today, and generations to come. Our legislation will protect our natural, cultural, and historic treasures like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Honouliuli National Monument
Hawai‘i benefits in S. 47 include:
Recognizing World War II Pacific Sites, including the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Honouliuli National Monument
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| Rep. Ed Case. Photo from Case's Facebook |
Improving Water Infrastructure, by allowing eligible entities within the States of Alaska and Hawai‘i to access the WaterSMART program. WaterSMART works cooperatively with states, tribes, and local entities to modernize existing infrastructure and bring attention to local water conflicts.
Permanently Reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund that has provided $249 million for protection projects at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and Haleakalā National Parks Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
Developing a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System to monitor U.S. volcanoes 24/7, create a national volcano data center to coordinate information from volcano observatories, and modernize monitoring equipment with emerging technology.
Adding coral reefs and coastal and marine areas administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Public Lands Corps program.
Funding for University of Hawai
Reauthorizing fish and wildlife conservation programs, including for turtles and tortoises; rhinoceroses and tigers; neotropical migratory birds; African elephants; Asian elephants; and great apes.
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.
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| Image from NOAA |
"UNSETTLED WEATHER" is headed for Hawaiʻi Island, according to the National Weather Service. Another Flash Flood Watch is in effect for the island from 6 p.m. this evening through Wednesday afternoon. In addition, the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are under a Winter Weather Advisory and a High Wind Warning.
Forecasters state "an upper level trough will produce heavy showers and thunderstorms along a band of moisture that will slowly move down to the Big Island
Haleakalā summit is expected to achieve freezing levels at around 9,000 feet, with such low temperatures reaching that level of winter weather at Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea summits late tonight and Wednesday. Periods of freezing rain with snow showers are expected. The National Weather Service said, "Ice will result in difficult travel conditions. Total snow accumulations of up to three inches and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch are expected."
In addition, a High Wind Warning is in effect for the summits until 6 p.m. Wednesday. West winds are forecast for 55 to 65 miles per hour, with localized gusts over 80 mph tonight.
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 Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
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
NEW STUDENT RECRUITMENT MEETING for kids Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade and those interested in creating a Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for high school, happens at River of Life Church in Pāhala tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 27. Pre-K through eighth meeting starts at 5 p.m. , high school at 5:30 p.m.
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: 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
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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
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: 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
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
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu., Feb. 28, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
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SATURDAY, MARCH 2
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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
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MONDAY, MARCH 4
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TUESDAY, MARCH 5
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
Stewardship at the Summit, Saturday, March 2, 9, and 16, Friday, March 22 and 29, 8:45a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteers remove invasive, non-native plants. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves/tools provided. Parental/guardian accompaniment or written consent required for those under 18. Free; park entrance fees apply. Paul and Jane Field, field@hawaii.edu, nps.gov/havo
SUNDAY, MARCH 3
Dispose of Hazardous Household Waste, Sunday, March 3, 8:30a.m.-3:30p.m. , Pāhoa Recycling and Transfer Station. See complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste at hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste. Contact Chris Chin-Chance at 961-8554 or recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, March 3 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, March 4. Register in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629
Free Vision Screening for All Ages, Monday, March 4, 9:30-11:30a.m. , Kauahaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu. All ages receive screening for near and far vision. Keiki are screened for color deficiencies, adults for eye diseases. Keiki receive free sunglasses, adults free reading glasses. Sponsored by Tūtū & Me and Project Vision Hawaiʻi, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-282-2265.
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, March 4 and 18, 1p.m., 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 Dept. Mtg., Monday, March 4, 4-6p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Free Vision Screening for All Ages, Tuesday, March 5, 9-11a.m. , Pāhala Community Center
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, March 5, 6-8p.m. , Pāhala Community Center
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
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. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. 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 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.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.
