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| Kaʻū High School's Class of 2019. Photo from Kaʻū High |
INSPIRED SPEAKERS SHARED THEIR QUEST FOR HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS with 54 graduates at the Kaʻū High School commencement ceremony Friday night in Kaʻū District Gym. Principal Sharon Beck bragged about the class of 2019, noting their diversity in personalities, interests, and cultural backgrounds.
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Co-Valedictorians Brennen Nishimura, who is headed to David Moskalenko, who will attend of Hawaiʻi. Photo by Julia Neal |
Beck said their differences taught them how to work as a team and to accomplish in a group. She pointed to the Unity Celebration created and produced by students each year. She pointed to Co-Valedictorian Brennen Nishimura, who will attend Princeton University
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Wrapped in gifts of love, a graduate with Dr. Angie Miyashiro. Photo by Julia Neal |
MeLin Galban Kin In is one of three graduates receiving an athletic scholarships and going to Washington state. In has signed on to play basketball for Pierce College. Joining her is Kianie Medeiros-Dancel, also to play basketball. Chaunalisa Velez has signed on to play basketball and volleyball for Everett College.
Jake Villa and Monique Hughes each received a Rotary Club of Volcano scholarship, with Hughes also receiving a Citizen Scholar Award. Terree Oyama and Shanastie Hu-Blanco will go to college on the United States Army GI Bill.
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Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali-Sesson graduates. Photo by Julia Neal |
The speakers talked about a wrong attitude that people can adopt about Kaʻū, about this district being remote, without opportunities to create a successful future. Co-Valedictorian Nishimura said he emerged from worry about being in Kaʻū, set his goals, and achieved them, with a scholarship to Princeton.
Capt. Melvin Yokoyama gave the Commencement Address. He is Commanding Officer of the Naval Information Warfare Center San Diego , where he leads over 5,000 people. He grew up in Kaʻū and graduated from Kaʻū High School 31 years ago.
Yokoyama talked about the sugar plantation days, smelling the sugar from the school grounds, and playing football. He said he remembers, whenever he faces a big challenge, to think of the believe-in-yourself mantras he learned in Kaʻū. He urged students to find what they love to do, do it well, and make the world a better place. He said that working on something you love brings happiness, no matter how tough the job.
Yokoyama said he learned that money is not everything, and pointed to wealthy princes in the Middle East with whom he interacted when he was stationed there. Despite all their trappings of being rich, he said, they did not have the freedom of choice found in the United States . The money didn't buy them happiness, he reported.
The welcome Oli was conducted by Kumu Aina Akamu, Miss Kaʻū Coffee Helena Nihipali-Sesson, and Mandy Crabbe-Jones. Masters of Ceremonies were Maliah Ababa and Luke Watson.
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Navy Capt. Melvin Yokohama graduated from Kaʻū 31 years ago and manages more than 5,000 service men and women after becoming a Navy pilot. Photo by Julia Neal |
Class Officers are President Lei Chun Galban Kin In, Vice President Karlee Fukunaga-Camba, Treasurer Kanani Petrill-Abrojina, and Secretary Aaron Delos Santos.
Class Advisors are Aaron Aina Akama, Sonja Caldwell, Tolu Rasmussen, Renee Duflaut, and Janice Javar.
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At Friday's Kaʻū High School Senior graduation, student speakers talked about the challenges of growing up in a small community, but also about a strength in character that develops here. Photo by Julia Neal |
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VOLCANO'S ʻŌHIĀ LEHUA HALF MARATHON IN VOCANO VILLAGE happens Saturday, July 27. The idea for the new race sparked after local runners, Nick and Kelly Muragin, along with Volcano resident, Keely McGhee, heard that the Volcano Rainforest Run was cancelled, said McGhee. She said they "came together to create this new race for a cause that they all strongly believe in."
This race is being directed by Hawai'i Island Racers. The organization's goal is to "bring business to the Volcano area while providing a low cost running event for the community," said McGhee.
In addition, the race will donate a portion of the proceeds to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation to assist with research on the prevention of Rapid ‘Ōhi’a Death. The Volcano School
The inaugural Volcano's ‘Ōhi’a Lehua Half Marathon includes a 5K and a Keiki Dash. The event happens the same weekend as the new Experience Volcano Festival. The half-marathon begins at 7 a.m. at Volcano School Haunani Road campus. The 5K starts from the same location at 7:15 a.m. The Keiki Dash takes place in the VSAS field at 10 a.m. , and will consist of two a 300 meter run for the 6 and under age group, and a 600 meter for the 7 to 10 year old age group.
Packets can be picked up Friday, July 26, Volcano's ‘Ohi’a Lehua Half Marathon will be run up Wright Road with an elevation change of about 500 feet. Runners will turn around at the top and head back down. The 5K features rolling hills. There will be six aid stations for the half marathon and one aid station for the 5K.
Race Day weather can be as low as the mid 50s at the start of the race and can get up to the mid 70s. July is known to have moderate amounts of rain in Volcano, so be prepared for the possibly of a sprinkle.
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.
SPECULATION OVER PUNA GEOTHERMAL'S AFFECT ON THE 2018 KĪLAUEA ERUPTION was brought up by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman on the PBS program Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi. Episode Puna Geothermal Restart? featured Host Yunji de Nies moderating Ormat's Senior Director Hawaiian Affairs at Puna Geothermal Venture, Mike Kaleikini; Hawaiian Electric Company Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Scott Seu; Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance Vice President, Henry Curtis; and Ruderman.
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.
HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND ACCESS is headed to Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, reported Sen. Brian Schatz. He is lead Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. The Federal Communications Commission announced that Hawaiian Telcomwill receive $18.1 million over 10 years to "expand high-speed broadband access to 3,936 underserved locations across the most rural areas of Hawai‘i," reported Schatz.
The funding is authorized through the FCC's Connect America Fund Phase II auction, a 10-year program "intended to close the digital divide in rural America ."
Said Schatz, "Broadband access opens doors. This investment will help people in Hawai‘i's most rural areas access health care, do their homework, make a living, and more."
Other areas Hawaiian Telcom plans to expand broadband service to on Hawai‘i Island include Hawaiian Acres, Kohala, Laupahoehoe, Orchidland, and Pepeʻekeo. Maui , Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lanaʻi, and Kauaʻi will also benefit from the program.
SPECULATION OVER PUNA GEOTHERMAL'S AFFECT ON THE 2018 KĪLAUEA ERUPTION was brought up by east Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman on the PBS program Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi. Episode Puna Geothermal Restart? featured Host Yunji de Nies moderating Ormat's Senior Director Hawaiian Affairs at Puna Geothermal Venture, Mike Kaleikini; Hawaiian Electric Company Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Scott Seu; Life of the Land and Puna Pono Alliance Vice President, Henry Curtis; and Ruderman.
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| East Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman. Photo from Big Island Video News |
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| Ormat's Senior Director Hawaiian Affairs at PGV, Mike Kaleikini. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Ruderman asked for a "real analysis" of whether or not "there was any relationship between the 30 years of injection of fluid that (PGV has) been doing," and the "location and intensity" of last year's eruptive events in Puna. He referred to a Tufts University
Said Ruderman, "It has not been disproven that those two are related. What we saw was an eruption that was unlike any we've seen before: much hotter, much more fluid, much more fast moving, with 24 fissures erupting in an area within about a mile of PGV. There's a 20-mile rift zone. If you just did a probability analysis, what're the chances 24 fissures erupted within a mile of PGV, by coincidence? That probability is one in a million. We have had a lot of research on the effects of fracking, of which fluid reinjection is form of fracking.
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| A line of fissures along the property line of PGV. Photo from Big Island Video News |
"This month, Tufts University
Kalekini responded that the idea is "absurd," and that USGS scientist-in-charge Tina Neal "put out a nice write-up about how the earthquakes travel down from Halemaʻumaʻu, down through Puʻu ʻŌʻō and along the east rift." He said USGS provided "a sound scientific explanation about this 2018 eruption. So I'd be happy to share that report with you." He remarked that PGV wasn't there in 1955 or 1960, or in the 1800s, when there were other eruptions through fissures in the area. "There's going to be more eruptions. Whether PGV is there or not."
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| Lava coverage after the eruption had quietened. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Ruderman said he has seen the report and "was in the room when someone asked USGS this question." He said USGS said "the lava looks for cracks and weak spots," and that the follow-up question, "are you aware of the reinjection going on there?" was not answered. "From that point on, USGS has been silent on this subject. I think it needs to be addressed… I'm not saying you caused the eruption. I'm saying location and intensity could well have been influenced by the reinjection you've been doing. It has not been disproven. It has not been objectively analyzed yet."
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| Host Yunji de Nies, center, moderating Ruderman, far left, and Kaleikini, far right. Scott Seu, near left, and Henry Curtis, near right, also participate in the discussion. Photo from Big Island Video News |
The discussion also ranged from how and when the geothermal facility will again start providing power to Hawaiʻi Island through Hawaiʻi Electric Light and whether a supplemental environmental impact statement should be done, to whether or not Hawaiʻi Island needs a geothermal plant. The facility provided 31 percent of electricity used through HELCo on Hawaiʻi Island in 2017.
Said Ruderman, "As for the need for the power: we, us consumers, don't feel that need. HELCo assured us in the very first week that they could be OK without it." He said two "major utility scale solar plants with battery backup" are "coming on line next year at a much, much lower cost. So if we don't need electricity, if PGV comes back on line, with its current contract, we will be paying more than if they don't come back on line. So we don't feel the need for it, we don't know whether it's wise for the rate payers."
Said Ruderman, "As for the need for the power: we, us consumers, don't feel that need. HELCo assured us in the very first week that they could be OK without it." He said two "major utility scale solar plants with battery backup" are "coming on line next year at a much, much lower cost. So if we don't need electricity, if PGV comes back on line, with its current contract, we will be paying more than if they don't come back on line. So we don't feel the need for it, we don't know whether it's wise for the rate payers."
See the program at Big Island Video News. Learn more about PGV's restarting efforts on May 19 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.
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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 |
NEW FARMERS MARKET in Ocean View happens every Friday from 9 a.m. until pau at 92-1424 Moana Drive . Expect vendor goods to include local produce, Hawaiian made products, and free visitor info. There is a toilet on site. New vendors welcome. Call 808-989-2026 for more.
UPCOMING
SUNDAY, MAY 26
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Public Update on Senior Housing happens Sunday, May 26, 4 p.m. okaukakou.org
MONDAY, MAY 27
Memorial Day Ceremony, Monday, May 27, 3 p.m., Front Lawn, Kīlauea Military Camp. Keynote speaker: Lt. Col. Loreto Borce, Jr., Commander of Pohakuloa Training Area. Open to public. In case of rain ceremony will be moved indoors. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
camp.com
TUESDAY, MAY 28
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, May 28, 10 a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, May 29 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9 a.m. – 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
Summer Keiki Learn-to-Swim Registration, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Pāhala Swimming Pool, Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary School Campus. $15 per session; cash or check accepted. Payable to County Director of Finance. 928-8177, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-aquatics
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, May 30, 4 p.m. – 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
FRIDAY, MAY 31
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Roosevelt's Tree Army: Civilian Conservation Corps in Hawai‘i, Friday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Talk story with Dr. Jadelyn Moniz Nakamura. "Bring your own cuppa." Free. nps.gov/havo
Lā‘au Lapa‘āu Workshop, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kaʻū District Gym. Free workshop open to the public from Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi. Hui Mālama Traditional Health team, 969-9220, hmono.org
Andy McKee Plays in Volcano at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater on Saturday, June 1. Tickets are $48. Show begins at 7:45 p.m. A Park entrance fee may apply if arriving before 7:30 p.m. McKee is an acoustic guitar "virtuoso, a master practitioner" of folk, blues, bluegrass, and other musical genres, says the event description. Call (808) 896-4845 for information or to purchase tickets.
Summer Programs for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary registrations are open.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.
Uplink All-Stars runs Friday, June 7 through Friday, June 28 for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Algebra camp is also open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 from Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 21.
All three programs require registration by calling 313-4100.
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast from Exhibit – Hulihia, A Complete Change: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Exhibition, runs through Sunday, June 16, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Gallery. Multi-media exhibition of seven artists. Free; National Park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Full-Time Teaching Assistant Sought by Tūtū & Me to implement curriculum for caregivers and keiki in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool in Kaʻū. Competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, drug, and vision; flexible spending plan; 403b retirement plan; vacation, sick days, and 14 paid days off; and more.
Hi-Employment Seeks Student Employees to work in a macadamia nut orchard on weekends and holidays. Duties include hand-harvesting macadamia nuts, filling and transporting nut bag and buckets, loading 25-plus pound bags into truck beds, and possible clearing of brush and branches. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, have a work permit, two forms of ID, and transportation to "Panaʻewa Stretch." Call for more details, 238-3741, hi-employment.com.
