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| Location of planned Pāhala wastewater treatment plant. Read testimony given to the county council today at the first reading of Bills 75 and 76, to fund the proposed facilities, below. County map |
Agencies to be funded include Partners In Development, which operates Tutu & Me in Kaʻū; Alu Like; INPEACE; Keiki O Ka ʻĀina; and University of Hawaiʻi Center East West Center
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| One of the local agencies that would be funded if the Federal spending bill passes. |
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANS FOR NĀʻĀHALU AND PĀHALA received unanimous approval, on first reading, from the County Council today. Bills 75 and 76would authorize the Mayor to apply to qualify for bonding the projects, which would allow the county to borrow, at low interest, $10 million for the Nāʻāleju project, and $37 million for the Pāhala project.
Marine biologist Megan Lamson-Leatherman, who works on coastal cleanups and restoration in Kaʻū, testified in favor of the county's plan to create lagoon-style wastewater facilities. The design calls for treatment of sewage through aeration and absorption through soil, plants, and native trees. She said they are "well worth the money."
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| Red lines indicate where sewer lines are planned in Nāʻālehu. County map |
Sandra Demourelle, of Nāʻālehu, referred to a petition she submitted last year, urging the county council conduct a fiscal and performance audit of both projects to ensure compliance with federal and state environmental statutes and the Kaʻū Community Development Plan.
In testimony submitted today, she wrote: "The Kaʻū community is going to stop begging for a legislative audit." She called it "too expensive" and accused the county of "public corruption." She said she plans to take her case to the FBI Public Corruption Officer. She said, "This fraud needs an investigation."
Via video conferencing from Nāʻālehu, Demoruelle said she is concerned that the proposed Nāʻālehu site is too close to a viable water well. She said there is a "big lie" about the well failing, that it has "100,00 gallons a day of overflow." She also said there are alternatives to the lagoon-style facilities, but that the county cannot move forward until a final environmental impact statement is done. She opposed the lagoon facility in favor of a less expensive septic system.
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| William Kucharski. Photo from WestHawaiiForum.org |
Jerry Warren, of Nāʻālehu, also expressed concerns for the high cost of the lagoon systems and the location "next to the county water well." He contended the "original 2007 septic tank plan" would save $20 million over a lagoon-style system in Pāhala.
Director of the county Department of Environmental Management, William Kucharski, explained that both projects must move forward. He said the EPA has issued an administrative order of consent on the projects, and the current Large Capacity Cesspools, which are illegal under federal law, must be closed "as soon as possible." He said they were to have originally been closed in 2005.
Regarding cost, Kucharski said $8 million is "a direct result" of moving the proposed location away from Nāʻālehu Elementary School. He said he worked "very hard" to find the new location.
Kucharski said the purpose of the new wastewater treatment facilities is to "not endanger" the communities, but to make them "cleaner and safer." He said he didn't know what to say about having to "spend a lot of money to do the right thing."
Regarding cost, Kucharski said $8 million is "a direct result" of moving the proposed location away from Nāʻālehu Elementary School. He said he worked "very hard" to find the new location.
Kucharski said the purpose of the new wastewater treatment facilities is to "not endanger" the communities, but to make them "cleaner and safer." He said he didn't know what to say about having to "spend a lot of money to do the right thing."
With today's approval, the measure to fund the projects moved to a second reading before the council. Watch all the testimony from today at hawaiicounty.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=1&clip_id=1440. See more testimony in the June 14 Kaʻū News Briefs.
"LEARN ABOUT YOUR ANCESTORS," encourages Jan Sweetin of the Family History Center 11 a.m. to noon and on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance is off parking lot with Family History Center
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THE QUANRDRY OF SELF CARE: TAKING CARE OF SELF TO HELP OTHERS, is a free Brown Bag Lunch Talk, featuring Lindsey Miller who works in Nāʻālehu at the PARENTS Inc. office. Attend the event Thursday, June 20, noon to 1 p.m. , at Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center 655 Kīlauea Avenue , Hilo
In this interactive talk, learn simple self-care ideas, and mindfulness techniques like breathing and setting intentions.
Said Lindsey, "In our culture of extroverts and outward appearances, it's important to take good care of ourselves in order to feel grounded and peaceful in our bodies and spirits. Focusing on ourselves and what we need in the day-to-day moment is often the best way to take care of others."
Ku‘ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch, enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session, and meet others interested in "Finding Solutions, Growing Peace." For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at (808) 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org. No RSVP needed – walk-ins welcome.
Said Lindsey, "In our culture of extroverts and outward appearances, it's important to take good care of ourselves in order to feel grounded and peaceful in our bodies and spirits. Focusing on ourselves and what we need in the day-to-day moment is often the best way to take care of others."
Ku‘ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch, enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session, and meet others interested in "Finding Solutions, Growing Peace." For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at (808) 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org. No RSVP needed – walk-ins welcome.
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.
HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK continues to share Hawaiian culture and tradition with its Cultural Festival in mid July, ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau demonstrations, After Dark in the Park talks, volunteer programs, and opportunities to explore its Kahuku Unit. Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Here are the July events:
Celebrate Hawaiian culture at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's Cultural Festival at Kahuku Unit on Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free, family-friendly day shares the connection of Hawaiian people to this storied place on Mauna Loa volcano. See more details in tomorrow's Kaʻū News Briefs.
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Living history actor Dick Hershberger points out the large boulder in the Park that has "Wanderer" and "B Boyd" carved into it. NPS photo/Janice Wei |
It will explain that gas and aerosol-rich volcanic plumes can have serious impacts on human health and the environment. While impacts from major components like sulfur dioxide have been the subject of multiple studies, the trace components such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium are poorly understood.
Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone eruption of 2018 provided an unprecedented opportunity for volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya and her team from the Universities of Leeds, Cambridge and Oxford, U.K., to collaborate with U.S. Geological Survey and the State Dept. of Health to deploy ground-based and aerial monitoring equipment for analysis. Come for a fascinating look at what volcanic pollution really contains and its potential implications for environmental impacts.
Postcards from the Edge – Painting Workshop with Artist-in-Residence Alice Leese will be held Saturday, July 7, 10 a.m. to noon behind Volcano House. Artists of all abilities can participate in this rare opportunity to meet and paint with the Park's resident artist for July, Alice Leese, on the edge of Kīlauea Volcano. Leese, a Texas cattle rancher whose oil paintings and other mediums capture the colorful west, will provide one workshop during her residency. Limited to 12 people, attendees will receive a postcard-sized blank canvas but must bring their own paints and a small travel easel. Cost is $75, and includes lunch at Volcano House. Register with the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Co-sponsored by the Volcano House and National Parks Arts Foundation.
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Ranger Keoni demonstrates how to ku‘i kalo, pound the kalo root. NPS photo |
Kui Kalo Demonstration, part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes'‘Ike Hana No‘eau, Experience the Skillful Work, workshops, happens Wednesday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Kīlauea Visitor Center
A Rock in the Park: Tale of the Wanderer, part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series, happens Tuesday, July 23, 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. A rediscovered rock near an overgrown hiking trail within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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| Kāhili feather standard. NPS photo |
Stewardship of Kīpukapuaulu. Help remove troublesome plants at Kīpukapuaulu, home to diverse native forest and understory plants. Meet every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in July, except July 4: 5, 11, 18, and 25; at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road , off Highway 11 in the Park. Bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat, and water. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get permanently stained from morning glory sap. Be prepared for cool and wet, or hot and sunny, weather. New volunteer? Contact Marilyn Nicholson for more info, nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
Stewardship at the Summit Volcanoes National Park 8:45 a.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center
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Oil painting of Frying Pan Fire by July 2019 Artist in Residence Alice Leese. Photo from Alice Leese |
Explore Kahuku. Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free. Take a self-guided hike, or join rangers on Sundays in April for a two-hour guided trek at 9:30 a.m.; the trail will vary depending on visitor interest. Enter the Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5. Kahuku is located in Ka‘ū, and is about a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended for all hikes.
See updates on the Park's online calendar of events, and look for program flyers posted after 9:30 a.m. on the bulletin board at Kīlauea Visitor Center
Park programs are free, but entrance fees apply. Some programs are co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.
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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 |
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, JUNE 20
SIGN UP for Nā‘ālehu July 4th Parade, open until Thursday, June 20. Parade and Keiki Fun Day held June 29, 10a.m.-1:30p.m. - see separate event listing. Sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Call Debra McIntosh, 929-9872. okaukakou.org
SATURDAY, JUNE 22
Dementia Caregiver Boot Camp, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-4p.m., Kaʻū Rural Community Health Assoc. in Pāhala. RSVP by June 17. Free. Three workshops, movie, and lunch. Attend one or all segments. Learn more and RSVP at alz.org/Hawaii or 800-272-3900.
A-Mazing Triangles, Bookbinding Workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Abstract Collaging Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 22, 10a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 10 adults. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily, June 22 through Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Opening Reception, Saturday, June 22, 2-4p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629
TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
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Ka‘ū Food Pantry, Tuesday, June 25, 11:30a.m.-1p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Volunteers welcome. Dave Breskin, 319-8333
Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, June 26 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.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
Lei Tī, Wednesday, June 26, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hands-on demonstration with rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff making tī-leaf lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
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Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, June 27, 3-4p.m., Classroom 35, Building F, 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
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou's Annual Nāʻālehu 4th of July Parade and Summer Fun Fest happens Saturday, June 29. The Nā‘ālehu Independence Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. at Nā‘ālehu Elementary School and ends at the Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Mission. The parade features floats, Paʻu riders, Kaʻū Coffee Court members, and more.
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The Fest, which begins after the parade, features water slides and bounce castles, hot dogs, watermelon, and shave ice, plus Senior Bingo and lunch at the community center for seniors. The free event is open to the public, no registration required.
To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org
Volcano Village 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The parade starts at the Volcano Post Office, travels down Old Volcano Road , and ends at Cooper Center Wright Road . Free entry to activities, food, and entertainment. Leashed dogs allowed. Provided by Cooper Center 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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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. Minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Early Childhood Education, related coursework, and/or experience working children preferred. For more, visit pidf.org/about/careers. Apply by emailing resume and cover letter to hr@pidfoundation.org or fax to 808-440-6619.
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 bags 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.
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ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com
Dementia Caregiver Boot Camp, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-4p.m., Kaʻū Rural Community Health Assoc. in Pāhala. RSVP by June 17. Free. Three workshops, movie, and lunch. Attend one or all segments. Learn more and RSVP at alz.org/Hawaii or 800-272-3900.
A-Mazing Triangles, Bookbinding Workshop with Charlene Asato, Saturday, June 22, 9a.m.-noon, Volcano Art Center. $32/VAC member, $35/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Abstract Collaging Workshop with Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 22, 10a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $85/VAC member, $90/non-member, plus $20 supply fee. Advanced registration required. Limited to 10 adults. See supply list. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONDAY, JUNE 24
Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Coastal Net Patrol, Monday, June 24. Free; donations appreciated. Limited seating available. RSVP in advance. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, 769-7629
TUESDAY, JUNE 25
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Tuesday, June 25, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai‘i Island Humane Society, hihs.org, 796-0107
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, June 25, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. hoveroad.com, 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com
Performing Arts Activity: Karaoke Sing Along, Tuesday, June 25, 2-3p.m., Kahuku Park, H.O.V.E. Register keiki ages 6 & up, June 17-21. Free. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wednesday, June 26 – last Wednesday, monthly – 9-11a.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
Lei Tī, Wednesday, June 26, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Hands-on demonstration with rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff making tī-leaf lei. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
ONGOING
Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through July 11; no meal Thursday, July 4. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.
To participate in the parade, volunteer, or donate, contact Debra McIntosh at 929-9872 by Thursday, June 20. okaukakou.org
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 bags 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.
Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.
6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.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.
