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Win for One, Won for All at Friday's Spring Volleyball kickoff game, with ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Serve for Cash awarding Kaʻū Athletics $250 for each Serve in Da Basket. Celebrating are Kaʻū Athletics Director Kalei Namohana, Pāhoa Assistant Coach Pono Picar, and Kaʻū Assistant Coach Jade Cabreros. Photo from Kaʻū Athletics |
TWENTY NINE DOLLAR TICKETS TO HONOLULU are on sale through March 5 for Southwest Airlines flights that will lift off from Kona beginning May 12. The discount is good for flights through June 19. The $29 flights are one-way, middle-week fares. The flights will allow passengers time to connect to Oakland and San Jose fights leaving Honolulu. Starting May 14, flights from Kona to Oakland and San Jose will cost as low as $79, one way, if booked by March 5, with the flights good through June 19.
Tom Nealon, Southwest Airlines President, said in a press release today, "Hawaiʻi Customers will experience our everyday value in low fares that offer everybody the same brand standards: no fees to change your ticket and two checked bags fly free. We're focused on bringing Hawaiʻi an authentically Southwest experience with comfort across all seating -- for every Customer -- along with in-cabin snack enhancements for our flights between the State of Hawaiʻi and the U.S. mainland."
Other airlines serving Hawaiʻi responded to the Southwest promotion by dropping prices.
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| Chris Corley said Volcano Farm Lots should stay in agriculture. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Chris Corley testified regarding the 36 agricultural parcels that are each 30 acres on Mahiai and Amaumau Roads. She said that her family has been active in agriculture for 54 years. She said Volcano Farm Lots, dedicated as prime agricultural lands a long time ago, are being taken out of agriculture.
Corley said that more than ten percent of the parcels are now in vacation rentals. She proposed that if the county is going to approve taking these farm lots out of production in favor of vacation rentals, "I ask you to consider that the Ag 20 (zoning) be revoked and resort zoning be placed with requirements for infrastructure."
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| Mary Finley said Farm Lots roads are unsafe for vacation rental clients. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Mary Finley spoke as a 43-year resident of Volcano Farm Lots. She said, quite firmly, Volcano Farm Lots "were created for farming. It is on a one-lane road that is ten feet of pavement. It's a dead end, and there's 32 lots. There are several people trying to do vacation rentals on our road. It creates hazards, since we have only one way in, and it's ten feet wide. Visitors don't know how to drive on a one-lane road; they barrel down the middle, force you into the mud – or, worse yet, into a water-filled ditch. There are also culverts. Six feet off the pavement, there's a 15-foot ditch that's marked by a couple of plastic reflectors.
"I'm here to say – at least for certain areas – short term vacation rentals are not appropriate. If the road was two-lane, paved – set up for two-way traffic – then maybe. But right now, Ag 20 is a very rare designation. Our area was created for farming; it should remain in farming."
She also commented that she has grandchildren "who cannot find a decent place to rent" because of housing shortages caused by vacation rentals.
MORE TESTIMONY ON VACATION RENTAL REGULATION during last Friday's hearing drew concerns from both those who depend on vacation rentals for a living and those who live among them. Another hearing will be held Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. at the County Council Chambers in Hilo. Those applying for certificates to operate must show they were doing business as of April 1. The deadline to apply is expected to be Sept. 28, when the county is expected to start enforcing the regulations.
MORE TESTIMONY ON VACATION RENTAL REGULATION during last Friday's hearing drew concerns from both those who depend on vacation rentals for a living and those who live among them. Another hearing will be held Tuesday, April 2 at 6 p.m. at the County Council Chambers in Hilo. Those applying for certificates to operate must show they were doing business as of April 1. The deadline to apply is expected to be Sept. 28, when the county is expected to start enforcing the regulations.
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| Michael Frabel said some of the vacation rental rules propose harsh and unfair punishments. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Morikami said that in neighborhoods people look after each other's homes but in areas with many vacation rentals, there are few people in the housing during low season, leading to only a few permanent residents overseeing the community. She also said that vacation rentals, like all other businesses, should comply with safety standards through permitting.
Michael Frabel, of Experience Volcano, pointed to proposed rules that would make owners permanently ineligible to renew their use certificate to operate if they were to miss a filing deadline for their annual certificate renewal. To "lose your business and means of income for filing late seems a very harsh punishment. Perhaps an additional late fee might be more appropriate. I know of no other regulation where the punishment is so severe. This would be a bit like being late on your vehicle license tag and being told that you could never drive again," said Frabel.
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| Chuck Barker said new ways of travel make off-grid vacation rentals attractive. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Several speakers expressed concern over proposed rules to make an application to become a certified short term vacation rental, at a costs of $500, nonrefundable even if approval is denied.
Chuck Barker testified that the overwhelming majority of the public opposes the new rules. He said that about a half dozen years ago, many people began to travel differently. They found Hawaiʻi Island's east side accommodations different than the hotels, time share condominiums, resort shopping and dining, and golf courses on the west side of the island. East side accommodations - vacation rentals - attract people who are looking for an off-grid experience, a "very unfancy way to travel." He called the guests at alternative destinations "a separate and additional group to those staying in resorts. They spend money on restaurants, shops, park fees, rental cars, buying travel guides and things they take home. It creates employment and tax revenues." He contended that the new ordinance and rules will "decimate these opportunities." He asked, "What is the underlying purpose of this ordinance and how does it serve us?" He called the rules a "huge administrative burden and it's costly." He suggested suspending the new rules and going back to the County Council for a "possible revocation."
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| Joy Dillon said the burden of new regulations are of concern. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Joy Dillon, of Hawaiʻi Island Realtors, said there are many concerns. In response to rules that say the character of the neighborhoods would be considered, she said, "character of neighborhoods cannot be legislated." Regarding rules that would prohibit such gatherings as weddings, she contended that weddings on private property can not be legislated. Time constraints, non-refundable fees, requirements for floor plans, and possible surveys are all burdens of concern in the new rules, she said. Requirements appear to go beyond the intent of the legislation to regulate vacation rentals, she said.
Several testified that they are concerned that the vacation rentals create employment that could be lost, if vacation rentals shut down.
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| Dr. Lisa King suggested more hearings once proposed rules are revised. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Jesse Tunison, of Experience Volcano, said he experienced the cutback in use of vacation rentals and its effect on Volcano businesses during the natural disaster last year. He asked for an economic impact study of the rules before enacting them.
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HAWAIʻI LEADS THE NATION IN FEMALE EMPLOYMENT AND LONGEVITY FOR WOMEN AT BIRTH, according to WalletHub's women friendliness study, released for Women's History Month in March. 2019's Best & Worst States for Women ranks Hawaiʻi ninth overall, the state with the fifth lowest Share of Women in Poverty, and sixth highest Share of Women-Owned Businesses.
Hawaiʻi ranks third for Women's Preventive Health Care, fourth lowest in Female Uninsured Rate, and eighth highest in Quality of Women's Hospitals.
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WalletHub reports that nationwide, women only hold 23.7 percent of seats in Congress despite making up 51 percent of the U.S. population.
HAWAIʻI LEADS THE NATION IN FEMALE EMPLOYMENT AND LONGEVITY FOR WOMEN AT BIRTH, according to WalletHub's women friendliness study, released for Women's History Month in March. 2019's Best & Worst States for Women ranks Hawaiʻi ninth overall, the state with the fifth lowest Share of Women in Poverty, and sixth highest Share of Women-Owned Businesses.Hawaiʻi ranks third for Women's Preventive Health Care, fourth lowest in Female Uninsured Rate, and eighth highest in Quality of Women's Hospitals.
WalletHub reports that nationwide, women only hold 23.7 percent of seats in Congress despite making up 51 percent of the "In 2019, women in some parts of America still get the short end of the stick — even as they outnumber men in most states. For instance, women represent nearly two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers in the U.S. Their political representation also suffers, as women make up 51 percent of the U.S. population but only 25 percent of the Senate and 23.4 percent of the House of Representatives. And the prevalence of sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in 2019's political landscape."
In order to "determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live," WalletHub compared the 50 states and theDistrict of Columbia across 24 key metrics, including median earnings for female workers, women's preventive health care, and female homicide rate.
In order to "determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live," WalletHub compared the 50 states and the
While outstanding in some measures, Hawaiʻi's ranking is dragged down with the 49th lowest Median Earnings for Female Workers (Adjusted for Cost of Living) and the Lowest Percentage of Women who Voted in the 2016 Presidential Election.
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Democratic Blue states like Hawaiʻi tend to be more than twice as friendly to women than Republic an red states, says the report.
See the full report: wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-women/10728.
Democratic Blue states like Hawaiʻi tend to be more than twice as friendly to women than Republic an red states, says the report.See the full report: wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-women/10728.
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CHANGE OF VENUE FOR FREE, ALL AGES FREE VISION SCREENING for tomorrow. The screenings will now happen at
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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:
Wed., March 6, 3 p.m. , @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 1 p.m. , host Kohala
Sat., March 16, 1 p.m. , host Keaʻau
Thu., March 21, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 1 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m. , @Kohala
Softball:
Tue., March 5, host Konawaena
Thu., March 7, @Kamehameha
Sat., March 9, 11 a.m. , host Kohala
Mon., March 11, host Kamehameha
Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m. , host Pāhoa
Sat., March 16, 11 a.m. , host Keaʻau
Wed., March 20, @Waiakea
Sat., March 23, 11 a.m. , host Honokaʻa
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., March 8, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Tue., March 12, 6 p.m. , @Makualani, Varsity
Fri., March 15, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Tue., March 19, 6 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m. , host Kohala, Varsity
Track:
Sat., March 9, 2 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
PARKS AND RECREATION VOLLEYBALL PROGRAMS FOR KEIKI, 14 years old and younger, are underway at Nā‘ālehu Community Center courts, through Mar. 27. Registration is ongoing.
For keiki ages 10 and under, the program meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For keiki ages 14 and under, the program meets Mondays through Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more, contact Recreation Director Richard Karasuda at 939-2510. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours and address.
OPEN GYM TO ADULTS AT KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM, Monday through Thursday, through Mar. 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Open registration.
For keiki ages 10 and under, the program meets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For keiki ages 14 and under, the program meets Mondays through Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more, contact Recreation Director Richard Karasuda at 939-2510. See hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation for hours and address.
OPEN GYM TO ADULTS AT KA‘Ū DISTRICT GYM, Monday through Thursday, through Mar. 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Open registration.
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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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
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6
Ash Wednesday Service,
Hula Voices with Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Lyons,
Open Mic Night,
THURSDAY, MARCH 7
Women's Support Group,
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg.,
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
Mardi Gras Fundraising Dinner,
Community Dance,
Pancake Breakfast and Raffle,
The Business of Art, Saturday, March 9, 9a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Intensive training for artists who want to grow their business, led by Ira Ono. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Stained Glass Basics 2,
Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day,
Hula Kahiko - Nā Kumu Hula Ka‘ea Lyons and Lily Lyons with Hālau Ka‘eaikahelelani,
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Kaho‘okele Crabbe - Hālauolakalani,
Free STD Testing,
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition,
ONGOING
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Applications for a Job to Help Kids with Healthy Eating and Living in Kaʻū are open through Friday, March 15. Full-time 11.5-month commitment from August 1, 2019 through July 15, 2020, at Pāhala Elementary School. $22,000 living stipend paid bi-weekly; $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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Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, 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.
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Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
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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Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9-2 pm , just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces on the church lawn are $10 for 10' X 10'. Vendors are responsible for bringing all supplies, including electricity. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Submit application with fee by Sunday, March 10; call Debbie or Walter, 928-8039, for application.
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.
