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Infrastructure, such as water for remote parts of Kaʻū, like South Point, was a hot topic at the SpeakOut for the Hawaiʻi County General Plan in Nāʻālehu on Sunday. Rancher Tissy Kaniho, above, advocates for more water for agriculture. Photo from the Kanihos |
THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN KAʻŪ was one of the topics on Sunday at the county Planning Department SpeakOut, held in Nāʻālehu and designed to gather input for the update of the Hawaiʻi County General Plan. Read the draft plan at hiplanningdept.com/general-plan. Submit questions and comments to generalplan@hawaiicounty.gov or Planning Department, 101 Pauahi St. Suite 3 , Hilo , HI , 96720 . Here are some of the public comments and questions regarding infrastructure in Kaʻū from Sunday's SpeakOut:
Establish more bus routes with more frequency from place to place within Kaʻū.
Increase broadband capacity and make it more affordable for everyone in Kaʻū.
Deal with water runoff from mountains onto Kāwā Flats, which floods Hwy 11, causing it to shut down. Should there be passing lanes on the state's Highway 11, considering the concern with head on collisions?
Change owner-builder laws to allow people to install their own electrical and plumbing. Laws that push people to more restrictive building practices result in people building illegal structures and cesspools. Maybe the "one size fits all" codes and regs should look at people's reality. Adapt International Building Code to be less strict and more appropriate for county needs. Need completion of transfer station beyond phase one in Ocean View and for it to be open more than one day a week. Better and more creative recycling needed countywide. Why are vehicles abandoned, without recourse? Need a better way to deal with abandoned vehicles. Work toward solid waste prevention and minimization, especially with loss of markets where some solid wastes were shipped for recycling.
Cesspools, which are less expensive than other sewage solutions, may be more appropriate in some areas of the island, but are no longer allowed for new buildings. When do cesspools need to switch to septic? Requirements for septic are related to preventing contamination of drinking water wells. Encourage switch from cesspools to septic with financial incentives, perhaps with low cost loans.
Concerned about burial sites was reported for proposed Pāhala sewage treatment site. Regarding Nāʻālehu sewage treatment plant: Don't put it on top of drinking water well.
Install large scale renewable energy sources and level two and three electric vehicle charging stations. Consider small scale windmills for individual properties. This island could be fully energy self-sufficient with both liquid fuels and electricity. With storage, distribution, and generation of energy, attract producers of products needing electricity to manufacture them. Could use hydrogen to make energy and more industry.
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A county planner listens to concerned Kaʻū citizen and volunteer firefighter Liz Polido. Photo by Julia Neal |
Encourage infrastructure that will include opportunity for jobs, training, and education.
How can the county monitor daily water usage? How can residents self-monitor? How can families be helped to afford water purification? More water distribution to South Point.
Need to better respect the sacredness of the land and seek guidance from culturally aware local residents. Respect heiau and their original use. When people buy the land, they don't adhere to culturally sensitive practices.
Environmental Assessments perceived as insufficient "because of the history of Kaʻū."
See more ideas and questions from Kaʻū people from the SpeakOut in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.
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PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL TULSI GABBARD, who represents Kaʻū in the U.S. Congress, will be accepted onto the September 12 debate stage if she polls at 2 percent or higher in two polls to be released on Wednesday. Quinnipiac University
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Tom Steyer and Gabbard have the best opportunity to reach the debate stage through qualifying through tomorrow's polls, followed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Marinanne Williamson.
Those already qualified are: former Vice President Joe Biden; Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts); Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont); Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey); Mayor Pete Buttigieg (South Bend, Indiana); former Housing Secretary Julián Castro; Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California); Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D- Minnesota); former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke; and businessman Andrew Yang.
Tom Steyer and Gabbard have the best opportunity to reach the debate stage through qualifying through tomorrow's polls, followed by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Marinanne Williamson.Those already qualified are: former Vice President Joe Biden; Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts); Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont); Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey); Mayor Pete Buttigieg (South Bend, Indiana); former Housing Secretary Julián Castro; Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California); Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D- Minnesota); former Texas Rep. Beto O'Rourke; and businessman Andrew Yang.
The Sept. 12 debate – which will be expanded to a second day if Gabbard or others become qualified – will be broadcast from Houston by ABC News and Univision. Candidates must show DNC by tomorrow that they have at least two percent support in at least four polls and at least 130,000 individual donors.
Candidates still have a chance to be included in the October debate if they achieve the 130,000 individual donors and four two-percent polls.
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Alameda is a graduate of St. Joseph High School Hilo High school
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VENDORS ARE SOUGHT BY THE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES BRANCH of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, to supply fresh produce to schools in their region, with an emphasis on local fruits and vegetables. Interested providers should search for Solicitation IFB D20-009, or type in keywords "Fresh Fruits" at hands.ehawaii.gov/hands. For questions, contact Taufaasau Paulo at 808-675-0130 or taufaasau.paulo@k12.hi.us.
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ZERO-PERCENT INTEREST MICROLOANS for Hawaiʻi agribusiness are available through The Kohala Center, with support from the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and the County of Hawaiʻi. The agencies have created Kiva, matched by the Hawaiʻi Food Producers Fund, to increase access to capital and stimulate local food production. Last year, nine locally-grown food-focused businesses secured a total of $62,000 in zero-percent interest microloans. To learn more about the program or to apply for a microloan, visit kohalacenter.org/business/microloan-kiva or contact Eric Bowman at ebowman@kohalacenter.org.
A SURVEY FOR HAWAIʻI TEA GROWERS was conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. The survey will assess the current state of the industry and identify any changes that have occurred over the past five years.
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| Dr. C. Kimo Alameda, Bay Clinic's new CEO. Photo from Bay Clinic |
BAY CLINIC, WITH A FACILITY IN NĀʻĀLEHU, WELCOMES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dr. C. Kimo Alameda, beginning September 9.
Alameda , currently the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging, has over 15 years of executive experience in state and county government, and has consulted with Federally Qualified Health Centers and hospitals statewide to improve their cultural competency and patient experience.
Alameda is "uniquely qualified" to help Bay Clinic "form strategic partnerships with other medical and social service providers to create a coordinated system of health in East Hawaiʻi," states the announcement.
Said Board Chair Kay Daub, "We are privileged to have someone of Dr. Alameda's caliber join us at this critical moment in Bay Clinic's evolution. With his deep understanding of systemic healthcare challenges, our patient population, and our community, he will bring leadership which will renew our organization and the value we bring to the community."
Said Alameda , "I am humbled to be part of an organization that has a history of proven success in providing quality primary and preventative care services to over 21,000 people in nine unique geographic sites throughout East Hawaiʻi ."
Alameda will replace Harold Wallace, who resigned in April. The Board statement said it extends appreciation to Youlsau Bells for overseeing the company's operations as the interim CEO.
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VENDORS ARE SOUGHT BY THE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICES BRANCH of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, to supply fresh produce to schools in their region, with an emphasis on local fruits and vegetables. Interested providers should search for Solicitation IFB D20-009, or type in keywords "Fresh Fruits" at hands.ehawaii.gov/hands. For questions, contact Taufaasau Paulo at 808-675-0130 or taufaasau.paulo@k12.hi.us.
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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INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS are sought by The Kohala Center's Rural and Cooperative Business Development Services program, to provide technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, food producers, and other small businesses in rural areas across the county. Service areas include, but are not limited to: accounting and recordkeeping, legal consulting, marketing and branding, website and social media development, agricultural production planning and education, human resource management, business planning, and capitalization, and grant writing. If interested in providing technical assistance to agribusinesses and other small businesses, send resume and hourly rate to Megan Blazak at mblazak@kohalacenter.org.
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| Volcano Winery is one place where tea is grown in Kaʻū. |
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HIPLAN COMPETITION FOR SEED MONEY, for individuals and groups to develop start-ups or expand businesses based on Hawaiʻi Island, application deadline is Saturday, Sept. 7. For-profits and non-profits are eligible to apply. Hawaiʻi Island Business Plan competition issues a grand prize of $25,000 to one winner. Visit hiplan.biz to learn more and apply.
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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 |
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through September
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates
Football, Division II:
Sat., Sept. 7, , HPA hosts Kaʻū
Sat., Sept. 14, , Kaʻū hosts Kohala
Thu., Sept. 19, , Pāhoa hosts Kaʻū
Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Wed., Sept. 4, , Christian Liberty hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 6, , Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha
Tue., Sept. 10, , Kaʻū hosts Kealakeha
Fri., Sept. 13, , Honokaʻa hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 17, , Waiakea hosts Kaʻū
Thu., Sept. 19, , Keaʻau hosts Kaʻū
Tue., Sept. 24, , Makualani hosts Kaʻū
Fri., Sept. 27, , Kaʻū hosts HPA
Cross Country:
Sat., Aug. 31, , @Christian Liberty
Sat., Sept. 7, , @Kamehameha
Fri., Sept. 13, , @HPA
Sat., Sept. 21, , @Kealakehe
Sat., Sept. 28, , @Keaʻau
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.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28
Kōkua Kūpuna Project, Wednesday, Aug. 28 – last Wednesday, monthly – , 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
Private Guided Hike: Kīlauea Iki Crater, Thursday, Aug. 28, , Kīlauea Iki Overlook, HVNP. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Aug. 29, , Cooper Center Volcano Village
FRIDAY, AUG. 30
Coffee Talk at Kahuku: ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou - We Are All Ka‘ū, Friday, Aug. 30, , Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Learn about OKK and all their community projects. Free. nps.gov/havo
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser, which happens Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 at92-1780 Aloha Blvd. in Ocean View. All proceeds go directly to Kaʻū Skate Club, which recently became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Ocean View, toward their goal of building a roller skating rink in OV. Contact Lzena Barrett, president of Kaʻū Skate Club, at (808)747-1147 or kauskateclub@gmail.com with questions or to help the skate club grow. kauskateclub.com
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Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund Ka‘ū Community Clean-up, Saturday, Aug. 31. Free; donations appreciated. Full – waitlist only; B.Y.O.-4WD okay. R.S.V.P. required. 769-7629, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com
Food from Wood: Growing Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Wood Chips with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Aug. 31, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center and Shaka Forest Farms. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, includes take home shiitake and King Stropharia mushroom kits. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Paths and Trails, Sat., Aug. 31, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, 2-mile, hike. nps.gov/havo
Healing Through Words creative writing workshop with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, Aug. 31, 10-11:30a.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Bon Dance Festival and Twilight Lantern Parade, Saturday, Aug. 31, 6-10p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Lantern Parade at 7:30 p.m. Taiko drums, Hachimaki headbands, saimin, teriyaki bowls, vegetable bowls, and fun for the whole family. First time the temple has held this event in over 10 years, a Celebration of Remembrance. All are welcome. Free. Temple President Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com
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SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
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Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, Sept. 1 – 1st Sunday, monthly – noon-2p.m., Manukā State Park
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Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, Sept. 2, 4-6p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser, which happens Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 at
Food from Wood: Growing Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Wood Chips with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Aug. 31, 9a.m.-2:30p.m., Volcano Art Center and Shaka Forest Farms. $50/VAC member, $55/non-member, includes take home shiitake and King Stropharia mushroom kits. Pre-registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Healing Through Words creative writing workshop with Dr. Heather Rivera, Saturday, Aug. 31, 10-11:30a.m., Volcano Art Center. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Bon Dance Festival and Twilight Lantern Parade, Saturday, Aug. 31, 6-10p.m., Nā‘ālehu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Lantern Parade at 7:30 p.m. Taiko drums, Hachimaki headbands, saimin, teriyaki bowls, vegetable bowls, and fun for the whole family. First time the temple has held this event in over 10 years, a Celebration of Remembrance. All are welcome. Free. Temple President Robert Kobzi, robertkobzi@aol.com
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1Ka‘ū Art Gallery and Gift Shop Opening, Sunday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., behind Nā‘ālehu Ace Hardware. Corrine Kaupu, 937-1840. kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz, kauartgallery.com
Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser continues Sunday, Sept. 1 at 92-1780 Aloha Blvd. in Ocean View. All proceeds go directly to Kaʻū Skate Club, which recently became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Ocean View, toward their goal of building a roller skating rink in OV. Contact Lzena Barrett, president of Kaʻū Skate Club, at (808)747-1147 or kauskateclub@gmail.com with questions or to help the skate club grow. kauskateclub.com
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Sept. 1, , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo
Pu‘u Lokuana, Sunday, Sept. 1, , Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, short, moderately difficult, 0.4 mile hike. nps.gov/havo
MONDAY, SEPT. 2
Empower Meeting, Monday, Sept. 2 and 16 – 1st and 2nd Monday monthly – , PARENTS, Inc. office, Nā‘ālehu. Empowering girls group. Registration required. Diana, 935-4805
TUESDAY, SEPT. 3
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Sept. 3 (Committees), Wednesday, Sept. 4 (Council), Hilo. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6-8p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
Wildlife Recovery and Restoration, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Park Botanist Sierra McDaniel discusses recovery and restoration efforts after the Keahou Fire which ignited near HVNP and burned nearly 4,000 acres in 2018. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6101, nps.gov/havo
ONGOING
Donate and Attend the Kaʻū Skate Club Garage Sale Fundraiser, which happens Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1 at 92-1780 Aloha Blvd. in Ocean View. All proceeds go directly to Kaʻū Skate Club, which recently became a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Ocean View, toward their goal of building a roller skating rink in OV. Contact Lzena Barrett, president of Kaʻū Skate Club, at (808)747-1147 or kauskateclub@gmail.com with questions or to help the skate club grow. kauskateclub.com
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Talk Action, Take Action Surveys Deadline is Saturday, Aug. 31. The surveys ask for information regarding 2018's Kīlauea eruption recovery. Hawaiʻi County residents are encouraged to take the surveys at recovery.hawaiicounty.gov/connect/impact-status-survey-suite. Hard copies of the surveys can also be picked up at Council member offices, the Department of Research & Development, and the Planning Department. Unless one chooses to be contacted individually, the information from the surveys will be anonymous.
Applications for Grants to Steward PONC Protected Lands on Hawaiʻi Island are open through Friday, Aug. 31. In Kaʻū, areas of the
Volcano Winery's Annual Fundraising Harvest Festival Tickets are on sale at volcanowinery.com or (808) 967-7772. Proceeds benefit Volcano School of Arts & Sciences; last year's event sold out. This sixth festive evening of live music, food, wines and craft beers under the stars happens Sunday, Sept. 8, 4-7p.m. The $50 per person tickets include live music entertainment by Young Brothers; delicious food and drink from local restaurants; award-winning wines and teas from the Volcano Winery; tours of the vineyards and a huge raffle.
Exhibit - Nani Ka ‘Ikena by Volcano local photographer Jesse Tunison, daily through Sunday, Sept. 15, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Nani Ka ʻIkena, that which is seen is beautiful, features vibrant colors and crisp, wide vistas which highlight the character and drama of Hawaiʻi Island’s landscape. The collection of ten photographs were captured over the past decade by Tunison and also document the dynamic changes which have occurred in such a short period of time. "While the landscape has changed the beauty has endured." Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Tutoring for Kaʻū Hugh & Pāhala Elementary is Available to All Students of the school, from to , Monday through Thursday. Grades Kindergarten-2nd will be in room 3; grades 3-6 will be in room 6 on Mondays, room 11 on Tuesdays through Thursdays; middle school students, will be in building Q; and high school students will be in room M-101 in the science building. Contact khpes.org or 808-313-4100 for more.
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