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| Merle Becker of Aikane Plantation in Kaʻū is organizing riders for both the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade tomorrow, Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. and the Fourth of July Parade in Volcano. Photo by Ron Johnson |
"While the Court paused the Trump Administration's racist citizenship question on the 2020 Census, which is clearly part of his anti-immigrant agenda, the conservative majority on the bench made another decision that will undoubtedly have far-reaching negative impacts on voters and elections: they refused to ban hyper-partisan gerrymandering.
"What does that mean exactly? It means that Republicans in control of local, state, and federal government can continue to draw unfair, ridiculous districts, picking and choosing who their own voters will be to better ensure their victory in future elections. It's undemocratic, and the five justices who allowed this to continue have lifetime appointments on the Court!
"But I can't say I didn't see this coming. This is all part of Mitch McConnell's, Donald Trump's, and the GOP's plans to shape the future of our country, even when they're long out of office. They're doing it right now as they continue to rush right-wing ideologues through the judicial confirmation process here in the Senate, and I'm fed up.
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| The largest child migrant detention camp in the U.S. is in Homestead, FL. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and otherpresidential candidates attempted to go inside this week but were turned away. Image from Department of Health & Human Services |
THE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE ON WEDNESDAY SAW TULSI GABBARD reviewing the history of her views on the LGBTQ community. During the event in Miami, where she debated ten of the 20 contenders for U.S. President, Kaʻū's member of the U.S. House of Representatives said, "Let me say that there is no one in our government, at any level, who has the right to tell any American who they should be allowed to love or they should be allowed to marry. My record in Congress for over six years shows my commitment to fighting for LGBTQ equality. I serve on the equality Caucus and recently voted for passage of the equality act.
"Maybe many people in this country can relate to the fact that I grew up in a socially conservative home, held views when I was very young that I no longer hold today. I've served with LGBTQ service members both in training and deployed downrange. I know that they would give their life for me and I would give my life for them. It is this commitment that I'll carry through as president of the United States, recognizing that there are still people who are facing discrimination in the workplace, still people who were unable to find a home for their families. It is this kind of discrimination that we need to address."
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| Lei from dryland forest foliage at Kāwā. Photo by Kaweni Masaniai-Ibarra |
AFTER THE DEMOCRATIC DEBATE, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard visited the Homestead, FL detention center, which holds some 2,300 migrant children. Like other candidates who made the trip to Homestead this week, she was denied entry and told she needs to apply two weeks ahead of any visit.
Gabbard, who traveled to the center yesterday afternoon, told The Hill, "It's a heart-wrenching situation and it is absolutely despicable." She took issue with the operation of the center by a corporation, Caliburn International. "Their business model - literally built around keeping those beds full rather than having the objective that we should all have in this country, which is reuniting these children with their families, immediately."
After Gabbard and other presidential candidates made the trip to Homestead, the Miami Herald published the following headline: "Recess time, education, and legal services will be restored at Homestead detention center, agency says."
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KUPU'S HAWAIʻI YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS WORKED AT KĀWĀ this week with Kaʻū's own Nā Mamo o Kāwā stewardship hui. As part of its summer program, Kupu sent five affiliates to stay in Pāhala and help with Kāwā conservation projects.
With three members enrolled in college, one college graduate, and one high school graduate, the group traveled to Kaʻū to learn about collaborative conservation. Under the guidance of Nā Mamo o Kāwā, Kupu aided in the stewardship efforts of Kāwā and continued their mission to revitalize connections to the ʻāina. Both Kupu and Nā Mamo o Kāwā members, including spiritual leader Duane Pua, offered daily cultural protocol to begin work along the beach trail and coastal lands.
Pāhala Plantation Cottages hosted the Kupu affiliates during their stay in Kaʻū.
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A BILL TO IMPLEMENT A TWENTY-FOUR/SEVEN BAIL AND RELEASE SCHEDULE may be vetoed by Gov. David Ige. SB1423 would allow defendants to pay bail seven-days-a-week, any time, day or night, upon posting or payment of bail. Ige said this bill is redundant within HB1552, also on Ige's desk to sign, and does not include funding or staff.
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| Kupu affiliates prepare native plants for planting at Kāwā this week. Photo by Kaweni Masaniai-Ibarra |
With three members enrolled in college, one college graduate, and one high school graduate, the group traveled to Kaʻū to learn about collaborative conservation. Under the guidance of Nā Mamo o Kāwā, Kupu aided in the stewardship efforts of Kāwā and continued their mission to revitalize connections to the ʻāina. Both Kupu and Nā Mamo o Kāwā members, including spiritual leader Duane Pua, offered daily cultural protocol to begin work along the beach trail and coastal lands.
The group focused on Nā Mamo o Kāwā's efforts to care for the land, with such activities as clearing invasive plant species, propagating native plants, and maintaining integrity of coastal areas. In accordance with Kupu's mission to encourage pono through environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities, Nā Mamo o Kāwā led the group through its plans while teaching the cultural importance of the area. Among native species planted, and cared for are ʻulu, ʻūlei, and alaheʻe.
James Akau, executive director of Nā Mamo o Kāwā, said the progress has been increasingly impactful as more groups have come in to contribute to the effort. Nā Mamo o Kāwā aims to clear invasive plants to increase the presence of native plant species, such as ʻaʻaliʻi and milo, while incorporating useful plants that can benefit the community. This ties in to their effort to restore a native dryland forest to the area. The fruits of the organization's labor have become apparent through an increase native plants along the coast. At the end of the week, Kupu gathered ʻaʻaliʻi from Kāwā and local plumeria to craft lei.
James Akau, executive director of Nā Mamo o Kāwā, said the progress has been increasingly impactful as more groups have come in to contribute to the effort. Nā Mamo o Kāwā aims to clear invasive plants to increase the presence of native plant species, such as ʻaʻaliʻi and milo, while incorporating useful plants that can benefit the community. This ties in to their effort to restore a native dryland forest to the area. The fruits of the organization's labor have become apparent through an increase native plants along the coast. At the end of the week, Kupu gathered ʻaʻaliʻi from Kāwā and local plumeria to craft lei.
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| Kupu's mission to encourage pono was in action at Kāwā this week. Photo by Kaweni Masaniai-Ibarra |
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CHANGING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR A MEDICAL RELEASE FROM PRISON for terminally ill inmates may not happen if Gov. David Ige vetoes HB629. This bill would allow inmates or inmates' relatives to apply for early release due to "terminal or debilitating diseases or illnesses" for low-risk incarcerated persons. Ige said a Medical Release Program has been in place since December 2014, and this bill does not provide more funding for the additional tasks assigned.
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OTHER BILLS THE GOVERNOR IS CONSIDERING VETOING are: HB407, which would require the Board of Education to obtain approval before terminating a Dept. of Education complex area superintendent; HB1032, which would establish a state boating facility lease pilot program within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, specific to Manele Small Boat Harbor; HB1133, which would limit commercial use permits for Molokini Shoal marine life conservation district; SB551, which would allow condominium associations to conduct non-judicial foreclosures; SB1530, which would change financing for Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority staff from Hawaiʻi Community Development revolving fund to the general fund, specific to Kakaʻako Community Development District transfer to the City and County of Honolulu.
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FLIGHT PLANS FOR HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK for July include a U.S. Geological Survey contractor that will deploy LIDAR (Light, Detection, and Ranging) technology over Kīlauea summit and the Southwest Rift Zone. Data gathered will be used to document and map ground changes resulting from last year's major summit collapse events. Flights will be slow and repetitive "lawnmower" grids at about 1,300 feet above ground level (agl) to as low as 500 feet agl.
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| Overflight areas for LIDAR mapping of Kīlauea summit and the Southwest Rift Zone in July. USGS Map |
Monday, July 1, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. : Transport fence construction materials along Chain of Craters Road near ‘Āinahou.
Tuesday, July 2, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. : Backcountry trail support from Keauhou Shelter to Hōlei Flats. 8 a.m. to noon : Survey and control invasive guinea grass along Keauhou Trail from sea level to 3,000-ft. elevation.
Wednesday, July 3, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. : Transport feral ungulate fence construction material near the top of Mauna Loa Road .
Monday, July 8, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and Tuesday, July 9, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. : Petrel monitoring from Kīlauea summit to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft. elevation.
Thursday, July 11, 8 a.m. to noon : Survey and control invasive fountain grass from coastal areas to southwest boundary below 3,000-ft. elevation.
Monday through Thursday, July 15-18, 9 a.m. to noon : Feral ungulate fence construction projects in the Southwest Rift Zone.
Tuesday, July 23, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. : Pepeiao Cabin maintenance from Hilina Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin.
Tuesday, July 30, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. : Ungulate survey and control work within the Kahuku Unit paddock area. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. : Pepeiao Cabin maintenance from Hilina Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin.
Wednesday, July 31, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. : Survey invasive vegetation along Mauna Loa Road from 4,000- to 6,000-ft. elevation.
The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.
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| Still south of Baja, California, former Hurricane Alvin is expected to peter out over the weekend. NOAA image |
STORM ALVIN, the Pacific's first hurricane of the season just yesterday, is still about 2,400 miles from Kaʻū, and is expected to slip into a Tropical Depression, then fade away over the weekend. Another disturbance near where
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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 |
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Libert
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Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Libert
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UPCOMING
SATURDAY, JUNE 29
For more, call 808-969-9220, or see hmono.org, facebook.com/hmono.org, or hui_malama on Instagram.
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, June 29, 9a.m.-12:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. $45/VAC member, $50/non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
‘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.
Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #2, Saturday, June 29, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn tea propagation techniques with Eva Lee. Pre-event for A Taste of Tea Pottery Fundraiser - August 25. Workshops designed to be attended as a series - #3 set for July 27. No experience necessary. $60/VAC member, $75/non-member for series. Individual workshop $25 each. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. Registration limited. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
MONDAY, JULY 1
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, July 1, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, JULY 2
Flameworking - An Introductory Class w/Nash Adams-Pruitt, Tuesday, July 2, 5-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $75/VAC member, $80/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited. Register early. Advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
After Dark in the Park -Kīlauea 2018 Volcanic Pollution: from Source to Exposed Communities, Tuesday, July 2, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Volcanologist Dr. Evgenia Ilyinskaya presents new information about what volcanic pollution really contains and its potential implications for environmental impacts. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Early Head Start, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 10-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Social get together for keiki and parents; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Hula Voices w/Kumu Hula Stacey Kapuaikapolipele Ka‘au‘a, Wednesday, July 3 – 1st Wednesday, monthly – 5:30-7p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
July 4th Breakfast Buffet, Thursday, July 4, 6:30-11a.m., Crater Rim Café, Kīlauea Military Camp. Includes: Waffles with Toppings, Omelet Station, Meats, Breakfast Potatoes, Steamed Rice, Fresh Fruit, Assorted Baked Breads, and a beverage. $12.50/Adult, $6.50/Child, ages 6-11. No reservations required. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 967-8356, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Volcano Village 4th of July Parade and Craft Fair, Thursday, July 4. Parade starts 9a.m., craft fair at Cooper Center open until 1:30p.m.. Parade starts at Volcano Post Office, down Old Volcano Road, turns up Wright Road, and ends at Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Activities, food, entertainment. Sponsored by Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center Council. Leashed dogs allowed. Parade entry form at volcanocommunity.org. Vendor application at thecoopercenter.org, email to idoaloha@gmail.com. Tara Holmes, 464-3625, 8a.m.-5p.m.
Women's Expression Group, Thursday, July 4 – 1st Thursday monthly – 3-4:30p.m., PARENTS Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Women welcome to drop in. Free. Lindsey Miller, 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org
Ocean View Neighborhood Watch Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
‘O Ka‘ū Kākou Mtg., Thursday, July 4, 6:30-8:30p.m., Aspen Center. okaukakou.org
ONGOING
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.
Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Aug 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
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
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