 |
| Kaʻū's Representative in Congress, Tulsi Gabbard, at a Town Hall on CNN Sunday in Austin. Image from CNN |
When asked about her most important issue, Gabbard, a major in the National Guard and twice deployed to the Middle East, said "regime change wars." When asked about her view of Syria , and her visit in 2017 to war torn villages and to meet with its president, Bashar al-Assad, Gabbard referred to being been misunderstood as some kind of supporter of the regime.
 |
| In 2017, Tulsi Gabbard visited women victims of war in Syria. Photo by Abraham Williams |
When asked about al-Assad using chemical weapons on Syrians, she mentioned reports of their use by both the Syrian government and terrorist groups. She said the Trump administration aimed to use these incidents "as an excuse to launch a U.S. military attack in Syria ." Gabbard said she served in Iraq , where that war was launched "based on lies" and "without evidence. And so the American people were duped. So as a soldier, as an American, as a member of Congress, it is my duty and my responsibility to exercise skepticism anytime anyone tries to send our service members into harm's way or use our military to go in and start a new war."
The CNN moderator pointed out that the Department of Defense and U.N. agree the Assad regime used chemical weapons against its own people. She asked Gabbard, "So as President, would you trust the conclusions of your government?" Gabbard replied, "We have a recent past, a situation in which our own government told lies to the American people -- and to the United Nations, for that matter -- to launch a war. So what I'm saying is it is our responsibility to exercise due diligence, to ask the tough questions, to get the evidence before we make those very costly decisions about how and when and where our military is used."
The moderator noted that Syrian refugees in Jordan this week requested that the first international criminal court case against the Syrian government commence. She reminded the audience that Gabbard visited Syria and its leader. She asked Gabbard, "Do you believe that Assad is a war criminal?" Gabbard said, "I think that the evidence needs to be gathered... there is evidence that he committed war crimes? He should be prosecuted, as such." When Gabbard was pressed with, "But you're not sure now," Gabbard said, "Everything that I have said requires that we take action based on evidence. If the evidence is there there should be accountability."
 |
| Presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard assured a military officer that she would sign a bill to seek justice for sexual assault in the military. Image from CNN |
She explained that the legislation takes reporting of sexual assault outside of the command so that no one involved with the victim would know about the report.
See more on the Gabbard Town Hall on CNN in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs
See more on the Gabbard Town Hall on CNN in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs
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.
DETECT AND FIX LEAKS is the campaign for the county Department of Water Supply for the week of March 17 through 23. Customers are encouraged to detect and fix leaks in their plumbing during Fix-A-Leak Week. The national event and effort to promote water conservation prompts DWS to distribute free toilet tank leak detection tablets at the Kaʻū office at
Tablets will also be distributed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at KTA Puainako, Hilo , and Friday, March 22 at KTA Kailua-Kona.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average American home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.
To check for leaks, residents should observe their water meter after turning off all faucets, spigots, and other household appliances (dishwashers, clothes washers, etc.) If the meter is still moving, a leak may be present. Customers should also review their water bill for spikes in water usage.
For more leak detection and water conservation tips, visit the Department of Water Supply website at www.hawaiidws.org or the United States Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.
The Department of Water Supply is a semi-autonomous agency of the County of Hawaiʻi
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.
THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB'S SEVENTH ANNUAL YOUTH OF THE YEARCELEBRATION, will be held this Saturday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. , at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel's Moku ʻOla Ballroom. In addition to presenting the Youth of the Year, Boys & Girls Club will honor former Mayor Billy Kenoi and retired President of Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co, Jay Ignacio.
![]()
Boys & Girls Club Big Island has served Kaʻū from Pāhala through Ocean View in recent years, with over 67 years of service in Hilo and other locales on the island.
A statement from the organization says Boys & Girls Club helps thousands ofBig Island Hilo , Keaʻau, Kealakehe, and Pāhoa to present young people with the opportunity to grow, learn and have fun."
A statement from the organization says Boys & Girls Club helps thousands of
Youth of the Year will feature youth member performances of ‘oli and mele to celebrate ‘ohana and community; youth-led entertainment; plus silent and live auctions, guest speakers, and honoring of outstanding community supporters, around a banquet-style meal.
The Youth of the Year winner will represent Hawaiʻi Island in the state competition at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol with a chance to compete in regional and national levels, earn additional scholarships, and possibly visit the White House. One highlight of the evening will be the Youth of the Year's dreams and stories. Selected for leadership, academic achievement, and community service, the Youth of the Year will receive an academic scholarship and serve as youth spokesperson for Boys & Girls Club Big Island in the coming year.
The Boys & Girls Club describes community leaders to be honored:
 |
| Billy Kenoi. Photo by Julia Neal |
"Growing up on Hawaiʻi Island in the small, tight knit community of Kalapana, former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi learned firsthand the value of aloha and importance of ‘ohana and community. Taking these childhood values to heart, throughout his tenure as Mayor of Hawaiʻi County, "Billy" exemplified his understanding of aloha, especially towards Hawaiʻi Island's most disadvantaged children. He has been an exceptional supporter of Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island
"Jay Ignacio recently retired as president of Hawai‘i Electric Light Company after 28 years of service. Born and raised in Hilo , he has been actively involved in the Hawai‘i Island community, and a long-time supporter of Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island
 |
Jay Ignacio, longtime President of HELCO. Photo from HELCO |
"This past October, Hawaiʻi Electric Light volunteers using specialized company equipment, removed light poles from Hilo Club baseball fields. Many of the poles contained hazardous materials and were old, termite eaten and in danger of falling down. The estimated cost for this work was over $70,000, which BGCBI would not have been able to afford. With this award, we honor Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation and Hawaiʻi Electric Light and their dedication to Hawaiʻi Island youth."
To kokua by becoming an Event sponsor, purchasing tickets for the Event, donating an auction item, or making a financial donation. See SPONSORSHIP, REGISTRATION & DONATION FORMS.
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.
 |
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:
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
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m. , @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m. , @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m. , host Waiakea
Softball:
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
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m. , @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Boys Volleyball:
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
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m. , @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Track:
Sat., March 16, 2 p.m. , @Konawaena
Sat., March 23, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m. , @Keaʻau
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.
UPCOMING
TUESDAY, MARCH 12
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, March 12 (Committees), Wednesday, March 13, (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Spring Wreath Making - Adults, Tuesday, March 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Ages 18+. Register March 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
The Wonderful World of Wine and Watercolor, Tuesday, March 12, 4 p.m. to 7p.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $17 supply fee. Enjoy a sampling of several wines from Grapes, Hilo, during class. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
After Dark in the Park: Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi - Ancestral Brilliance, Tuesday, March 12, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Pualani Kanahele of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation takes audience on a virtual visit to Pahu Manamana o ‘Umi, a stellar instrument positioned 7,752 feet up on the southwest slope of Mauna Loa. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Wednesday, March 13, Council, Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Lomilomi Demonstration, Wednesday, March 13, 10 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Michelle Wall-O'Connor demonstrates the spiritual components of lomilomi, massage that incorporates Hawaiian concept of aloha to promote personal harmony. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
Arts and Crafts Activity: Spring Flower Collage, Wednesday, March 13, 2:45 p.m. to 3:30p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. For keiki ages 6-12. Register March 4-8. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Arts and Crafts Activity: St. Patrick's Day Rainbow, Wednesday, March 13, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 March 4-13. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
Story Time with Auntie Linda from Tūtū and Me, Thursday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Nā‘ālehu Public Library. Free; includes craft activity. 929-8571
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
Final Day to Apply to Kamehameha Schools Summer Kilohana Program, Friday, March 15. Innovative four- and five-week Hawaiian culture-based math and literacy programs. Grade and residency requirements vary by program. ksbe.edu/summer
PATCH Class #110: Understanding Social and Emotional Development of Infants/Toddlers, Friday, March 15, 8 a.m. to 11a.m., PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Sponsored by Tūtū and Me. No childcare provided. Register: 238-3472, rhall@patch-hi.org
Forest Restoration Project - Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Friday, March 15, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., RSVP by Monday, March 11. Volunteers age 13+. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, March 15, 9 a.m. to noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033
Arts and Crafts Activity: Charades, Friday, March 15, 2 p.m. to 3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6-12 March 11-15. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Friday, March 15, 5 p.m. to 8p.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Corned beef and cabbage, lamb stew, shepherd's pie, and all the fixings. $19.95/adult, $10.95/child, ages 6-11. Irish ale available for purchase from Lava Lounge. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Community Cleanup, Saturday, March 16, contact in advance for meet-up details. Space may be available; BYO-4WD welcome. Free; donations appreciated. RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com or call 769-7629.
Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2p.m., corner of Hwy 11, Kama‘oa Rd., and Pinao St., Wai‘ōhinu. Vendor application – no hot food or plate lunch – with $10 fee due by Sunday, March 10. Debbie, 928-8039, for application. Church members sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, roast chicken w/gravy bowls, baked goods, produce, and crafts.
Intimate Acoustic Concert with Rebecca Folsom, Saturday, March 16, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Fee tba. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONDAY, MARCH 18
Discovery Harbour Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Monday, March 18, 5-6:30p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
ONGOING
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
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.
Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. , just above Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Bazaar vendor spaces will be on the church lawn. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and roast chicken with gravy bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
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
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.
