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| Protectors of Mauna Kea fly flags and signs in Ocean View on Friday. Photo by Yvette Slack |
The Protectors, called kiaʻi, are blocking Mauna Kea Access Road, to prevent equipment from traveling to the TMT construction site. For their own base camp, the Protectors brought in portable restrooms and food service - some Protectors have camped there or stayed in their vehicles nearby since last weekend.
The Thirty Meter Telescope, the largest telescope on the planet, was cleared for construction after a ten year legal battle. Staging construction was scheduled to begin last Monday.
Mayor Harry Kim visited Puʻu Huluhulu today and said he respected the Protectors' nonviolent behavior. He said "this could've turned ugly a long time ago."
The mayor said he supports construction of TMT, but "I wish it was different… I understand what you're saying, and I hope you understand that I feel a little bit of what you're saying… We all see different things, but I'll tell you how I feel: For the first time in my 80 years of life, I see a group of people finally coming together to feel proud of being who you are, because you are the most beautiful, warmest, givingest people on God's Earth."
On Thursday, kūpuna helping to direct the peaceful gatherings talked to the media, some of them having been arrested for blocking the Mauna Kea Access Road.
Another kupuna, Billy Freitas, said it is important to remember the sacrifices of "our last queen," Liliʻioukalani, "to allow us to prove to the nations of the world that we still exist as a Hawaiian kingdom… If our Lāhui rises up, remind ourselves of Kapu Aloha," which he said means "we stand in truth."
Another kupuna announced websites that support the efforts of kiaʻi include hawaiicommunitybailfund.org, kahea.org, Puʻu Honua O Puʻu Huluhulu, mkea.info, and more. See the video at Big Island Video News.
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.
PARKING RULES NEAR MAUNA KEA ACCESS ROAD alongDaniel K. Inouye Highway , will be enforced, warns Hawaiʻi County Police Department. "Hawaiʻi County Code 24-202 addresses parking on Federal-aid highways and prohibits vehicle parking for longer than sixty-minutes between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Where parking is permitted, all parking shall be parallel to the pavement with all wheels entirely off the traveled way. Violations are subject to being cited and potentially towed," reads the announcement. "Police are asking for the public's cooperation to mitigate traffic collisions and congestion along Daniel K. Inouye Highway ."
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.
SHUTDOWN OF ACCESS TO MAUNA KEA is affecting local businesses. Mauna Kea Summit Adventures owner Pat Wright told Hawaiʻi News Nowthat his company's sunset and stargazing tours account for 100 percent of his business. He told HNN, "The gross revenue loss is around $31,000 as of today." Eight businesses have permits to take tours up the access road to Mauna Kea , reports HNN.
"The diverse mix of scientists, technicians, engineers, administrators, and students of the Maunakea Observatories continually seek a path forward that strengthens the future of our island community. Our local staff, family members, and friends have a wide range of views and strong feelings about the events that surround us. We deeply respect all these viewpoints, which come from our family and friends, and we both believe and champion their right to express them."
They wrote about the disagreements that will take "mutual respect and time to heal. We know these challenges across our island home have gained attention with our peers in the international astronomy community… The future of Maunakea astronomy will be defined primarily by the diverse people of Hawaiʻi.
"This is beginning already, through A Hua He Inoa, the interstellar asteroid ‘Oumuamua, black hole Pōwehi, and the unusual asteroids recently officially named Kamo‘oalewa and Ka‘epaoka‘awela by Hawaiian students. We look to a future for Maunakea where studies of the universe are buoyed by the wisdom of Hawaiian kūpuna and grounded in the richness of Hawaiian culture. We are nurturing this future now as devoted members of the Hawaiʻi Island and international astronomy communities. We ask for the informed understanding and support of our international astronomy community to uphold this vision, which we believe will be an important part of everyone's future."
Gabbard said Puerto Rico is "an example of how decades of neglect by those in power, who put their own selfish interests ahead of the well-being of the people, and who put profits and politics ahead of the needs of its citizens, erodes faith in our democracy and causes widespread suffering. This isn't something people only experience in Puerto Rico . Across the country, we share their sense of injustice. We know what it feels like for our voices to go unheard – in San Juan , on Wall Street and in Washington D.C.
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.
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.
Football, Division II:
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
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| Friday sign waiving in Nāʻālehu to Aloha ʻĀina - love the land and to Protect Mauna Loa. Photo by Yvette Slack |
Community leaders from around the state also visited the Protectors at Mauna Kea to determine for themselves whether Gov. David Ige's emergency proclamation regarding safety issues connected to the protest was well founded. Honolulu City Council member Heidi Tsuneyoshi said, "I do not see a state of emergency. I actually see a state of humanity." She said the Protectors are well organized, "and the feeling that is here is one of peace and harmony, and something that we can all learn from."
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| Mauna Kea Protectors at Nāʻālehu Theatre. Photo by Yvette Slack |
Walter Ritte, a kiaʻi kūpuna, charged that the governor is "abusing his powers. He's making all of us look bad, in front of the whole world. This is not a volcano that's erupting, or some kind of a huge protest that is out of control."
Ritte is known for the successful protest to stop the military bombing of the Hawaiian Island of Kahoʻolawe in the 1970s.
Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine, of Oʻahu, said she and others living on Oʻahu are passionate about the TMT issue. She flew to Hawaiʻi Island to join the Protectors and teach hula at Puʻu Huluhulu.
The kumu said the governor's emergency proclamation upset her, as he referred to the indigenous people "illegally occupying" the Mauna. She said that pushed her to declare a state of emergency for the nation of Hawaiʻi: "We are now in a state of emergency, in Kapu Aloha."
The kumu said the governor's emergency proclamation upset her, as he referred to the indigenous people "illegally occupying" the Mauna. She said that pushed her to declare a state of emergency for the nation of Hawaiʻi: "We are now in a state of emergency, in Kapu Aloha."
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| Gathering at Puʻu Huluhulu. Photo by Kaweni Masaniai-Ibarra |
Another kupuna announced websites that support the efforts of kiaʻi include hawaiicommunitybailfund.org, kahea.org, Puʻu Honua O Puʻu Huluhulu, mkea.info, and more. See the video at Big Island Video News.
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.
PARKING RULES NEAR MAUNA KEA ACCESS ROAD along
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| Dance is a regular occurrence at the Protectors of Mauna Kea gatherings. Photo by Big Island Video News |
HNN reports Wright is a neutral party in the fight between proponents and opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope. However, he told HNN his business, open since 1982, could close if the access road remains closed. "I wouldn't call that a stretch at all. I'd call that a real possibility. You can't run a business when you can't open a door," said Wright.
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.
ASTRONOMERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE MAUNA KEA Access Road shutdown. They said that while the humans can work remotely, the telescopes need maintenance in order to continue their research.
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.
ASTRONOMERS ARE AFFECTED BY THE MAUNA KEA Access Road shutdown. They said that while the humans can work remotely, the telescopes need maintenance in order to continue their research.
A group of Mauna Kea observatory directors wrote a letter, released Friday, to "offer a perspective about the Maunakea situation with the sincere hope that our words encourage greater understanding of the complex circumstances in which we find ourselves." They wrote on behalf of about 500 people, employed by Maunakea Observatories, "many of whom are born and raised in Hawaiʻi, feel a deep and personal connection to the special people and place of our Hawai‘i Island home. We live and work together in a community where our success is measured by the quality of our relationships…
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| Billy Freitas in red, left, sits next to Walter Ritte. Standing, in the white cap, Victoria Holt Takamine is surrounded by other kūpuna. Photo from Big Island Video News |
They wrote about the disagreements that will take "mutual respect and time to heal. We know these challenges across our island home have gained attention with our peers in the international astronomy community… The future of Maunakea astronomy will be defined primarily by the diverse people of Hawaiʻi.
"The vast majority of island residents support the Maunakea Observatories, who have been part of this community for more than 50 years. Conflict about the Thirty Meter Telescope does not change the long-standing support our Observatories have earned, but it will undoubtedly influence its future. For the benefit of the people who work on the mountain, for those who practice their culture and religion on the mountain, we look to a future beyond coexistence because that still implies barriers. We look to a future in which knowledge and worldviews hybridize to create a reality more beautiful and resilient than its progenitors.
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| Men and women in motion as they practice non-violent hula resistance at Mauna Kea. Photo by Big Island Video News |
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.
REP. TULSI GABBARD JOINED PROTESTERS IN PUERTO RICO ON FRIDAY. They are calling for Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello to resign. Gabbard said the "hundreds of thousands of protesters" have only received "dismissive platitudes" from Roselló, who is "ignoring their cries for an end to corruption."
REP. TULSI GABBARD JOINED PROTESTERS IN PUERTO RICO ON FRIDAY. They are calling for Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello to resign. Gabbard said the "hundreds of thousands of protesters" have only received "dismissive platitudes" from Roselló, who is "ignoring their cries for an end to corruption."
She said there is "rampant corruption" within Puerto Rico 's government that "pretends to serve the interests of its people but instead exploits them, over and over again, for profits and power. It is this blatant corruption that undermines people's faith in our democracy, our country, and our values."
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| Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in Puerto Rico. Photo from CNN |
"That's why I'm here: to support the people taking action to end a multibillion-dollar corruption network involving kickbacks for lobbyists and state officials, preferential government contracts, and use of public resources to do partisan work.
"I'm here to stand with my fellow Americans in Puerto Rico calling for the resignation of a corrupt Governor who has shown he is for himself, rather than for the people. I call on every Democratic candidate running for President to come here and stand with our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico against corruption.
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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 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 Liberty
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.
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty
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.
UPCOMING
SUNDAY, JULY 21
Ka‘ū Chamber of Commerce Mtg., Sunday, July 21, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
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TUESDAY, JULY 23Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, July 23 (Committees), Wednesday, July 24, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, July 23, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com, hoveroad.com
After Dark in the Park - A Rock in the Park: Tale of the Wanderer, Tuesday, July 23, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Join historian Hugh Montgomery and actor Dick Hershberger in a two-man play that brings the epic tale of a rediscovered rock within the Park and the voyages of Benjamin Boyd to life. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
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THURSDAY, JULY 25Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, July 25, 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
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, July 25, 4-6p.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
Coffee Talk at Kahuku, Friday, July 26, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo
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SATURDAY, JULY 27Volcano's ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua Half Marathon, 7 a.m., 5K, 7:15 a.m., and Keiki Dash, 10 a.m.. Races begin and end at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Campus on Haunani Road. Half Marathon, along road - $75/person until July 25; $85 July 26-27. 5K, along road - $40/person until July 25; $45/person July 26-27. Keiki Dash, grassy field, $10/child - ages 6 and under run 300 meters; ages 7-10 years old run 600 meters. No T-shirts given for Keiki Dash. Register at webscorer.com/register?raceid=175619. ohialehuahalf.com
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Arts & Tea Culture Workshop Series #3, Saturday, July 27, 1-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. Requires minimum of 6 participants to be held. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Grand Slam performance, Saturday, July 27, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. Cover charge taken at door. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
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Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org
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Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org
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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.
HOVE Road Maintenance Board Mtg., Tuesday, July 23, 10a.m., HOVE Road Maintenance office. 929-9910, gm@hoveroad.com, hoveroad.com
After Dark in the Park - A Rock in the Park: Tale of the Wanderer, Tuesday, July 23, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Join historian Hugh Montgomery and actor Dick Hershberger in a two-man play that brings the epic tale of a rediscovered rock within the Park and the voyages of Benjamin Boyd to life. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Kāhili Demonstration, Wednesday, July 24, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Create a small kāhili pa‘a lima, a handheld feather standard. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, July 25, 4-6p.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, JULY 26
SATURDAY, JULY 27Experience Volcano Festival, Saturday, July 27, and Sunday, July 28, multiple locations in Volcano. Features art, food, music, and performances. More details at experiencevolcano.com
Bingo, Saturday, July 27, 9-11a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Prize donations needed. stjudeshawaii.org
Grand Slam performance, Saturday, July 27, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. Cover charge taken at door. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
ONGOING
ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register before Thursday, July 25 for lower entry fees. See ohialehuahalf.com.
Enroll at Volcano School of Arts and Sciences for the 2019-2020 school year, which starts Aug. 5; orientation for new students is Aug. 2. Spaces are available in 1st through 8th grades of the expanding Kula ‘Amakihi Community-Based Education (CBE) Program; the school may also have space or short wait lists for certain grades in the regular on-campus programs. Contact 808-985-9800 or email enrollment@volcanoschool.net to enroll.
Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.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., Saturday, 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.
