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| Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Girls Volleyball Club beat Keaukaha this weekend in a tournament that brought teams from around the island to the new gym at Pāhala. See story below. Photo by Julia Neal |
PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKEBACK PROGRAM and onsite destruction of opioids will be discussed at an informational briefing on Thursday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m. , at the State Capitol. The House Committee on Health and the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health Committee will discuss Act 183, which allows for the safe prescription drug take back and disposal program being used by CVS Long's and 17 of their pharmacies statewide. The Longs in Pāhala does not take back prescription, but locations in Pāhoa, Kona, and Hilo do.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency: 200 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose; 2,000 Americans suffer an overdose every day; and from 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 people have died from a drug overdose.
In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, the focus of the briefing will be on examining the take-back and destruction programs already in place, including reviewing known issues; how to best support healthcare providers and health systems; best practices in partnering with law enforcement; encouraging consumers to make safe choices about opioids, while providing information on the devastation that comes with misuse.
In an effort to combat the opioid epidemic, the focus of the briefing will be on examining the take-back and destruction programs already in place, including reviewing known issues; how to best support healthcare providers and health systems; best practices in partnering with law enforcement; encouraging consumers to make safe choices about opioids, while providing information on the devastation that comes with misuse.
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| Information from 2016, 2017, and 2018 on opioid effects. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services infographic |
Presentations will be from state Department of Health; DOH Behavioral Health Administrator, Eddie Mersereau; Mayor Trent Staggs of Riverton, Utah; David Schiller former DEA Agent, Denver, Colorado; the state Attorney General's Office; U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency; Honolulu Police Department; and CVS Longs Pharmacy.
No public testimony will be accepted. The briefing will end with discussion on plans of action to continue an efficient prescription drug take back and disposal program in Hawaiʻi.
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.
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| Herbicide sprayed along a county road. Photo from hpr.org |
SUBMIT TESTIMONY ON THE PROPOSED HERBICIDE BAN in Hawaiʻi County parks and alongside roads to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov before Wednesday, Nov. 20. Pono Hawaiʻi Initiative encourages testimony "regardless of whether you live in Hawaiʻi County or not. If you do live in Kona – or within driving distance – please show up!" urges HPI Executive Director Gary Hooser. The hearing starts at 9 a.m. on the 20th at Hawaiʻi County Council meeting, West Hawai ‘i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway , Building A.
The bill would ban the use of herbicides by the county on all county lands, but would not ban herbicide use by those leasing county lands or Big Island Invasive Species Committee employees. Privately owned and state lands would not be affected by the ban. Invasive species eradication plans are also exempt from the ban.
Hooser states on his blog that a Vegetation Management Transition Committee will be established to monitor, educate, and assist county staff and the public about alternative weed management practices. He asks anyone with experience or knowledge in one of the following fields to consider applying to sit on the committee: Native Hawaiian plants, tropical horticulture, agroforestry, silviculture, organic landscape, permaculture, natural farming, or weed science. Hooser said applications will be taken at a later time, "but if you want to send a quick email to the County Council letting them know what skills you have to offer, it might let them and the departments know just how many resources we have on island to support the departments through this transition."
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| Proceeds from Knitwits offerings at the art fair go to the Kaʻū Foodbank. Photo by Annie Bosted |
KAʻŪ ART FAIR at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday featured hand-crafted and locally produced items by Ka‘ū artists and craftspeople.
Fiber Artist Susan O'Malley presented a piece entitled Kanapuaʻa, named for the Hawaiian demi-god that changes shapes. She used the fibers from ginger, banana, and wauke – related to the fig, it's the principle plant used in the making of kapa, or tapa cloth. O'Malley, who is also a paper maker and a vegetable dyer, told The Kaʻū Calendar that her style is different from most tapa cloth makers, in that while the makers of the cloth avoid tears and holes, she uses them for artistic effect. "I can use their scraps", she explained. O'Malley, who lives in Ocean View, is a now retired after teaching first grade for 37 years.
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| Waiʻōhinu Aunty by Suzanne Dix Kaliko. Photo by Annie Bosted |
Suzanne Dix Kaliko presented Waiʻōhinu Aunty, a canvas that was inspired by a musician at the Hula Festival in 2003. At the time, she was in the audience and sketched the ʻukuele player. Working from her sketch, she was able to produce the piece, which was offered for sale at the show.
A founding member of Ocean View's famous hand craft group, the Knitwits, Robyn Stratton displayed hand-woven cotton tea towels and a mandala sweater. The Knitwits are a group of women who meet weekly to create crafts by knitting, sewing, or weaving. Their huge variety of hand-made offerings – which includes blankets, scarves, hats, sweaters, and children's clothing – are sold to raise money for the Kaʻū Foodbank. Stratton told The Kaʻū Calendar that the Knitwits will also stock booths at the Arc of Kona's annual holiday bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7 and at Holidays at Kahuku on Saturday, Dec. 14.
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| Fiber Artist Susan O'Malley presented a piece entitled Kanapuaʻa. Photo by Annie Bosted |
MILOLIʻI-KAʻŪ GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CLUB WON its tournament Saturday and Sunday against Keaukahaha Cuzins in the Sixteens Division. The islandwide volleyball competition drew a crowd that filled the parking lot of the community gym in Pāhala this weekend.
Miloliʻi-Kaʻū lost the first set, won the second, and won by 15 to 10 in the final playoff set.
The team is comprised of eight graders Kaelyn Shibuya, Silei Mareko-Ke and Leahi Kaupu; ninth graders Chelsea Velez, Jaydah Pilanca-Emmsely, Jessa Tamayo and Kla Hashimoto; and tenth grader Kailee Llanes-Kelekoa.
The tournament was a fundraiser to bring in money solely through donations and concessions at the gym. Money raised will help the Miloliʻi-Kaʻū girls travel next year to Oʻahu, Las Vegas, and Phoenix for competition. Anyone wanting to donate can call Team Treasurer Gennifer Sibuya at 808-209-7137. The next islandwide tournament for girls volleyball to held at the gym in Pāhala will be in January. Coaches are Landa Kuahuia and Darryl Shibuya.
Miloliʻi-Kaʻū lost the first set, won the second, and won by 15 to 10 in the final playoff set.
The team is comprised of eight graders Kaelyn Shibuya, Silei Mareko-Ke and Leahi Kaupu; ninth graders Chelsea Velez, Jaydah Pilanca-Emmsely, Jessa Tamayo and Kla Hashimoto; and tenth grader Kailee Llanes-Kelekoa.
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| All eyes on the ball as Kaʻū scrambles and eventually wins its tournament against Keaukaha. Photo by Julia Neal |
THANKSGIVING DAY BUFFET AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP will be held Thursday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Crater Rim Café in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Cost is $23.95 per adult; $13.95 per child 6 to 11 years of age; and free for children 5 and under. No reservations required.
The menu includes: corn chowder, tossed salad, roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pineapple-honey glazed ham, glazed sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, and green bean casserole. Desserts include apple crisp, pumpkin squares, and and ice crean sundae bar. Each meal includes coffee, tea, juice, or a fountain drink.
KMC is open to all active and retired armed forces, reserves, National Guard, and other uniformed services; current and retired department of defense civilians, including Coast Guard civilians; and their dependents.
Call 967-8356 for more.
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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Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Ti Leaf Lei Making with Jelena Clay, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
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Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 6-7p.m., Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free.
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FRIDAY, NOV. 22
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Christmas in the Country featuring 20th Annual Invitational Wreath Exhibit, daily, Nov. 22 through Dec. 31, Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
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Saturday Thanksgiving Dinner, Saturday, Nov. 23, 10a.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. 939-7000, stjudeshawaii.org
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Christmas Coloring Contest Registration, Nov. 25 - Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 12, 6p.m. Grades Pre-K to 6. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
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ONGOING
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
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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 monthly and weekly Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, and Meditation at kaucalendar.com.
UPCOMING
MONDAY, NOV. 18
P&R T-Ball League Registration, Nov. 18 - Jan. 6, Kahuku Park. Ages 5-6. Athletic shoes required. Program takes place Jan. 13 - Apr. 16, day and time TBA. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Nature Wreath Registration, Nov. 18-25, program takes place Tuesday, Nov. 26, 3-4p.m. Ages 6-14. 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
TUESDAY, NOV. 19
Scholastic Book Fair, Tuesday, Nov. 19, Open to public: 7:30-8a.m. and 2:07-3:30p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2:07-7p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 21, 7:30a.m.-3:30-p.m.; and Friday, Nov. 22, 7:30a.m.-2p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Library.
Hawai‘i County Council Mtgs., Tuesday, Nov. 19 (Committees), Wednesday, Nov. 18, (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, Nov. 20, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
THURSDAY, NOV. 21
Ka‘ū Food Basket, Thursday, Nov. 21, 11a.m.-noon, Pāhala Community Center. 928-3102
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, Nov. 21, 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
Nāʻālehu School Family Reading Night, Thursday, Nov. 21, 6-7p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, and snacks provided. Free. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Forest Restoration Project, Friday, Nov. 22, 8:30a.m.-3p.m., HVNP. 12+; under 18 require adult co-signature. Pre-registration required - include first and last names, email address, and phone number of each participant. Organized by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Patty Kupchak, 352-1402, forest@fhvnp.org, fhvnp.org
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Guided Cultural Tour of the Ni‘aulani Forest, Friday, Nov. 22, 9:30-11a.m., Volcano Art Center. Kumu Hula Ryan McCormack leads. Tour focuses on Hawaiian protocol, traditional chants, history, and lifeways, as they relate to the native forest ecosystem. Free; open to public. Spaced is limited, reservations suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Dances of Universal Peace, Friday, Nov. 22, 6-7:30p.m., Methodist Church hall, across from Nā‘ālehu Post Office. Fun, easy to learn dances from many traditions, evoking peace. Donations welcome. No registration necessary. 939-9461, hualaniom2@yahoo.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 23
Realms and Divisions, Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30-11:30a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, moderately difficult, two-mile, hike. Bring snack. nps.gov/havo/
Nā‘ālehu Elementary School Friend-Raiser, Saturday, Nov. 23, 10a.m.-2p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Friendship building activities with food, games – including bounce house, splash booth, and face painting – prizes, and more.
Blue Tattoo Band, Saturday, Nov. 23, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge, in HVNP. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Free; park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
SUNDAY, NOV. 24
‘Ōhi‘a Lehua, Sunday, Nov. 24, 9:30-11a.m., Kahuku Unit, HVNP. Free, easy one-mile walk. nps.gov/havo/
MONDAY, NOV. 25
Santa's Workshop Event Registration, Nov. 25 - Dec. 11, Ka‘ū District Gym. Event takes place Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-7:30p.m. All ages. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation
Cultural Understanding through Art and the Environment: Kapa Aloha ‘Āina, the fabric of Hawai‘i with Puakea Forester, Monday, Nov. 25, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center. Pre-registration required; class size limited. $10 per person supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
P&R Track & Field Practice Registration, through Wednesday, Nov. 20, Kahuku Park
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Vendor Booth Space is Available for the Kamahalo Craft Fair. The 12th annual event will be held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , and Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cooper Center. Booths are open for crafters with quality homemade and homegrown products. Food vendors must prepare all food items in a certified kitchen and must have a Department of Health permit displayed prominently at their booth. Application online at thecoopercenter.org. Direct questions to 936-9705 or kilaueatutu@gmail.com.
Vote for Izaiah "Bobby" Pilanca-Emmsley of rthe Wedemeyer Award - Two-Way Player of the Year, at khon2.com/uncategorized/vote-2019-cover2-hawaii-high-school-football-awards/. Voting remains open through Monday, Nov. 25. The winners will be announced on Thanksgiving by the L.A. Rams. Pilanca-Emmsley is the only candidate from Kaʻū. Fans can vote for six of the seven awards presented.
Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call Tata Compehos and Melody Espejo at 808-938-1088.
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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