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| Free vision screenings will be offered at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Tuesday, April 9, and Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences on Thursday, April 11. Above, free eye exams and reading and sunglasses drew Tūtū & Me participants in Pāhala in March on the campus of River of Life Church. Students on the Pāhala school campus also received free exams. Photo by Julia Neal |
FREE EYE EXAMS, GLASSES ARE HEADED FOR NĀʻĀLEHU AND VOLCANO SCHOOLS Volcano School
Two hundred thirty-five students at Pāhala Elementary, Intermediate, and Kaʻū High School received free eye screenings on March 11 and 12. Sixty-seven received referral letters sent home recommending eye care. Vision to Learn plans to return to the campus when a minimum of 25 consent-to-examine forms are returned by parents or guardians.
With parental consent, students will receive a free comprehensive eye exam and, if given a prescription, will receive free eyeglasses, with choice of frames. Vision to Learn will send the eyeglasses to the school, along with an optician who will fit the glasses for each student. Vision to Learn guarantees the glasses for a year and will replace broken glasses for free.
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Project Vision Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit organization that aims to achieve better access to healthcare for Hawaiʻi's people, with a focus on vision health. One of its three mobile units traveled to Kaʻū March 4 and 5 to offer free vision screenings at the Kauhaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu and River of Life Church in Pāhala. Families involved with Tūtū & Me program for early education took advantage of the screenings, as did adult members of the community. The team photographed the eyes of individuals, with retinal images passed onto an eye doctor who will evaluate each person and create a report to be sent in early April.
Project Vision Hawaiʻi is a nonprofit organization that aims to achieve better access to healthcare for Hawaiʻi's people, with a focus on vision health. One of its three mobile units traveled to Kaʻū March 4 and 5 to offer free vision screenings at the Kauhaʻao Church in Waiʻōhinu and River of Life Church in Pāhala. Families involved with Tūtū & Me program for early education took advantage of the screenings, as did adult members of the community. The team photographed the eyes of individuals, with retinal images passed onto an eye doctor who will evaluate each person and create a report to be sent in early April. Screenings include near and far vision assessments. Keiki are screened for color deficiencies, adults for eye diseases. Keiki receive free sunglasses, adults free reading glasses. The mission is co-sponsored by Tūtū & Me, pidf.org/programs/tutu_and_me, and Project Vision Hawaiʻi, projectvisionhawaii.org, 808-430-0388.
Project Vision Hawaiʻi and Vision to Learn plan to return to area schools every other year.
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HAWAIʻI IS THE FIFTH BEST PLACE FOR HEALTH CARE but offers some of the lowest pay for physicians in the country, according WalletHub studies. The physician pay study, released today, says that among all 50 states and theDistrict of Columbia , Hawaiʻi ranks 48th in annual wage for physicians, adjusted for cost of living. It ranks dead last for the average monthly starting salary for physicians, adjusted for the cost of living. Hawaiʻi is 22nd in hospitals per capita. Concerning medical insurance and settlements, Hawaiʻi is 42nd – one of the states with the lowest malpractice award payout amounts per capita.
HAWAIʻI IS THE FIFTH BEST PLACE FOR HEALTH CARE but offers some of the lowest pay for physicians in the country, according WalletHub studies. The physician pay study, released today, says that among all 50 states and the
According to WalletHub, the best states to practice medicine are 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.
RESOLUTIONS TO ASSESS A LIVING WAGE FOR AG WORKERS goes to public hearing before the state Senate Labor, Culture, & the Arts, and Senate Agriculture and Environment committees this Wednesday, March 27 at 2:15 p.m. Co-sponsored by Kaʻū's state Senators, Russell Ruderman and Dru Kanuha, the measures, SCR134 and SR103, ask the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations to collaborate with the state Department of Agriculture to create and submit a report to determine a living wage standard for agriculture workers living in Hawaiʻi.
RESOLUTIONS TO ASSESS A LIVING WAGE FOR AG WORKERS goes to public hearing before the state Senate Labor, Culture, & the Arts, and Senate Agriculture and Environment committees this Wednesday, March 27 at 2:15 p.m. Co-sponsored by Kaʻū's state Senators, Russell Ruderman and Dru Kanuha, the measures, SCR134 and SR103, ask the state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations to collaborate with the state Department of Agriculture to create and submit a report to determine a living wage standard for agriculture workers living in Hawaiʻi.
See the resolutions and testify through the online portal to the Hawaiʻi Legislature.
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| A living wage for ag workers and more education about farming are the focus of two resolutions at the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Photo by Julia Neal |
The resolutions state: "local agriculture is critical to self-sufficiency and food security for the State. About 85 to 90 percent of Hawaiʻi's food is imported, which makes Hawaiʻi particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and global events that disrupt shipping and other modes of transporting food. Hawaiʻi does not have an adequate-sized farming workforce for expansion of cultivated agricultural lands and food production. A primary cause of the shortage of new farmers in Hawaʻūi during the past several decades is the decline of support for agriculture education from state government, resulting in an insufficient interest in pursuing the fields of agriculture and natural resource management among youth."
The resolutions, co-sponsored by Hilo state Sen. Kai Kahele and east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, contend that "in order to meet the State's aspirations for increased food security and self-sufficiency, the number of local farms and farmers and the amount of food produced for local markets will need to increase significantly" and that "agriculture education and interest are key to the development of future farmers and to a society that values and understands the vital role of agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resource systems in advancing personal, local, and global well-being."
The resolutions, co-sponsored by Hilo state Sen. Kai Kahele and east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman, contend that "in order to meet the State's aspirations for increased food security and self-sufficiency, the number of local farms and farmers and the amount of food produced for local markets will need to increase significantly" and that "agriculture education and interest are key to the development of future farmers and to a society that values and understands the vital role of agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resource systems in advancing personal, local, and global well-being."
See the resolutions and testify through the online portal to the Hawaiʻi Legislature.
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JUST ANNOUNCEDAdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
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UPCOMING
TUESDAY, MARCH 26
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27
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Arts and Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wednesday, March 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 March 11-25. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
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Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, March 28, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., 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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PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com
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Exhibit - Ancient Hula: Through the Lens of Dino Morrow, daily, March 30-May 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Reception on Saturday, March 30, 5p.m. Morrow is a documentary and portrait photographer specializing in imagery of local cultures. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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Beginner and Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Learn safe studio practices, encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 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 Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD MOVIES are sought by Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones – Jeannine Gillory-Kane, Loren Wilken, Matt Spencer, and Steve Bader – for their April 13 concert Jazz Goes to the Movies. They plan to show parts of the videos behind the live music on stage. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Tickets are $20 for VAC members, $25 for non-members, at volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
Those willing to lend to the group, email JP at jpthomahi@gmail.com or Jesse Tunison at SirJesseTunison@gmail.com. Moon River
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CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD MOVIES are sought by Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones – Jeannine Gillory-Kane, Loren Wilken, Matt Spencer, and Steve Bader – for their April 13 concert Jazz Goes to the Movies. They plan to show parts of the videos behind the live music on stage. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Ni‘aulani Campus in Volcano Village. Tickets are $20 for VAC members, $25 for non-members, at volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
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| Jean Pierre Thoma & The Jazztones will play songs from classic Hollywood films in April. VAC photo |
The list of songs and films needing to be borrowed is:
Yesterdays by Jerome Kern from Lovely to Look At (1933), with Katheryn Grayson and Red Skelton
Smile from Modern Times (1936) with Charlie Chaplin
Some Day My Prince Will Come from Disney's Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, sung by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz (1939)
When You Wish Upon a Star from Disney's Pinocchio (1940)
There Will Never Be Another You from Iceland
Bésame Muchoby Dale Evans from Cowboy & The Senorita (1944)
It Might As Well Be Spring from State Fair (1945) with Vivian Blaine and Dick Haymes
Green Dolphin Street from Green Dolphin Street (1947) with Lana Turner, Donna Reed, Van Heflin, and Richard Hart
But Beautiful from That Road to Rio (1947) with Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and Dorothy Lamour
Speak Lowfrom One Touch of Venus (1948) with Ava Gardner and Robert Walker
My Foolish Heart from My Foolish Heart (1949) with Susan Hayward
Our Love is Here to Stay from An American in Paris (1951) with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron
The Man That Got Away from A Star is Born (1954) with Judy Garland
Morning of the Carnival from Black Orpheus – Orpheo Negro (1959) with Marpessa Dawn and Breno Mello
Summertimefrom Porgy & Bess (1959) with Dorothy Dandridge
The Days of Wine and Roses from The Days of Wine and Roses (1962) with Jack Lemon and Lee Remick
The Shadow of Your Smile from The Sandpiper (1965) with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
It Had to be You from Annie Hall (1977) with Woody Allen and Diane Keaton
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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., 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
Sat., April 13, 1 p.m. , host Kamehameha
Softball:
Wed., March 27, @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m. , @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Wed., March 27, 6 p.m. , host Kohala
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m. , @HPA
Tue., April 2, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m. , @Christian Liberty
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Mon., April 15, 6 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m. , @Kamehameha
Track:
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. , @HPA
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 26
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View.
After Dark in the Park: Exploring the Unknown Depths, Tuesday, March 26, 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Justin Umholtz, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation education associate for Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, shares his experiences aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus, mapping and diving unexplored seamounts via a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Wednesday, March 27 (Committees), Thursday, March 28, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, March 27, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and 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
‘Ohe Kāpala Workshop, Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m. to noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Learn to create beautiful designs from traditional patterns using ‘ohe kāpala, bamboo stamps. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
Arts and Crafts Activity: Group Art Project, Wednesday, March 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Register keiki ages 5-12 March 11-25. Free. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreationTHURSDAY, MARCH 28
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Thursday, March 28, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, March 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Hawaiian Language Classes with Kaliko Trapp, starting Thursday, March 28, Level 1: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Level 2: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Level 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. 8-week sessions. Level 1 - focus on simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Level 2 - expand these. Level 3 - Some Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Workbook required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
Final Day to Apply for Preschool Opens Doors, Friday, March 29. For families seeking aid paying for preschool, for preschool participation July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. patchhawaii.org, 800-746-5620
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My Hawaiʻi Story Project 2019 submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. The creative writing contest is open to all Hawaiʻi sixth to eighth grade students. They are invited to submit their best story or poem that addresses the theme He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani au: Resilience in the Face of Change, which aligns with the theme of the 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, which will be held in July in Honolulu . Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must be submitted electronically. Contact myhawaiistory@gmail.com with questions.
Ke Aliʻi Maka ʻĀinana– The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kūhiō on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk. Find out: What is Kūhiō Day and why is it a state holiday? In respect to his memory and his accomplishments, Auntie Jessie Ke, a revered kupuna of Ka ͑ ū, will talk about the Prince, his legacy, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka ͑ ū. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11. Free. nps.gov/havo
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
Count Humpback Whales – Final 2019 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document animals' surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org; registration closes one week prior to event. Free.
Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants with Zach Mermel, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Fun, food, music, and open house. Pre-registration of vehicles strongly recommended. Sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Show prizes provided by Dune Buggy Concessions and OVCA. Raffle prizes provided by local merchants and individuals. Dennis, 831-234-7143, or Ron, 217-7982
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 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 Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
ONGOING
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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.
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.
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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
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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.
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.
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
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