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Road Opens to Mauna Loa Lookout Mauna Loa Road (aka "Strip Road") in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is open again all the way to the Mauna Loa Lookout at 6,662 feet. Rangers and park staff have cleared the roadway of numerous large trees, branches and other debris caused by the Kona storm last week. NPS Photo/M. Szoenyi |
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| Rep. Ed Case and Rep. Kai Kahele visiting Red Hill on Wednesday. Photo from their offices. |
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CONGRESS PASSED THE ANNUAL NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT, on Wednesday, making changes to the policies and organization of the country’s defense agencies and providing guidance on how military funding can be spent. Rep. Ed Case made the announcement.
The NDAA authorizes $768 billion in defense spending and includes key provisions reforming military sexual harassment laws, addressing multiple military quality of life matters, investing in Hawai'i’s infrastructure and rebalancing the military’s efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
“To address how the military handles sexual assault cases, the NDAA includes the biggest reform in 50 years for the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which provides the legal framework and a special set of laws that govern all members of the United States military,” said Case. “This important reform revamps the way in which the military handles sexual assault cases by taking the process out of the hands of commanders that may have conflicts of interest. Congress directed the military to transfer these cases to special independent prosecutors.”
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| A study to establish an Aeromedical Squadron within Air National Guard in Hawai'i is in the National Defense Authorization Act approved Wednesday. |
The NDAA also:
Requires a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing an aeromedical squadron of the Air National Guard in Hawai‘i to support the needs of the State of Hawai‘i.
Provides a 2.7 percent pay increase for service members; establishes a $15 minimum wage for covered service and construction contracts to help those in the private sector who support the U.S. military; authorizes $50 million to help local educational agencies that educate military dependent students, and authorizes $20 million for local educational agencies assisting military children with severe disabilities.
Case said the NDAA also includes his amendment regarding Red Hill. The final version of the provision directs the military to conduct an assessment of possible alternatives to the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, including consideration of locations outside of the State of Hawai‘i. The amendment builds off the Hawai‘i Congressional Delegation’s request for independent Inspector General review of![]()
Red Hill by requiring an independent American Petroleum Institute certified inspector to examine the facility.
If Gov. David Ige allows Red Hill to continue under any conditions, the bill would require the piping system to ultimately be submitted to strengthened and more frequent inspection and repair requirements.
Other amendments authored by Case include: Military Community Engagement: Requires a briefing to Congress on best practices for the military’s coordination of relations with State and Local Government entities in Hawai‘i. It will also direct the Department of Defense to examine current community outreach efforts and propose options to enhance community engagement with and accessibility to the military in Hawai‘i. The provision is designed to help emphasizes that the military’s efforts must account for both military and civilian concerns in Hawai‘i.
Hawai‘i Military Land Leases: Requires a Congressional briefing to Congress on the progress by DoD to renew each military land lease and easement in Hawai‘i.
Investigation into Lazing of Military Aircraft: Addresses the lazing of military aircraft in Hawai‘i by requiring an official investigation into these incidents and offering means of mitigating the risk to military aircraft and personnel.
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| The bill approved Wednesday requires a briefing of Congress on renewing each military land lease in Hawai'i, including Pohakuloa Training Area on this island. DOD photo |
Security Partnerships Between the United States and IndoPacific Countries: Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress on the activities and resources required to enhance security partnerships between the United States and Indo-Pacific countries.
Case said the NDAA also includes other provisions he advocated for and that are key to Hawai‘i and the Indo-Pacific, including: Missile Defense Radar – Hawai‘i (HDR-H): Authorizes $75 million to continue the development of HDR-H. This state-of-the-art radar system is designed to protect our country and state from ballistic missile threats from countries like North Korea and was strongly supported by our Indo-Pacific military leaders.
The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that Hawai‘i should have discrimination radar coverage against intercontinental ballistic missiles. (This follows continued funding for the radar obtained by Case in the annual defense appropriations measure.)
Military Construction in Hawai‘i: Authorizes the military construction projects in Hawai‘i, totaling roughly half a billion dollars.
Guam Integrated Air and Missile Defense System: Directs the DoD to identify the architecture and acquisition approach for implementing a 360-degree integrated air and missile defense capability to defend Guam from advanced cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missile threats. Pacific Deterrence Initiative :![]()
Adds $2.1 billion to the initial proposal for PDI, which will now total $7.1 billion. This special fund is focused on improving the military’s posture in the IndoPacific region and creating new capabilities to respond to challenges posed by China.
The bill also include provision to mitigate risk in critical defense supply chains and across the broader acquisition process, using leading edge digital tools, technology, and approaches to enhance supply chain transparency. The bill reduces reliance on services, supplies and materials from China and Russia, and it restricts acquisition of personal protective equipment from those countries.
Finally, the bill will improve the department’s access to innovative technologies, which often come from small high-tech business likes those in Hawai'i. It authorizes the Secretary of Defense to expand the efforts of the Defense Innovation Unit to engage and collaborate with private sector industry and communities in regions that do not otherwise have a DIU presence, including in economically disadvantaged communities, and it directs the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program to help foster transition of the Department’s science and technology programs, projects and activities into full scale implementation through the support of qualified intermediaries that provide technical assistance to technology producers to better participate in the Department’s procurement programs and acquisition processes.
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KU'IKAHI MEDIATION CENTER hosts a free talk on Thursday, Dec. 16 as part of the Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. Talks are Third Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
This month's speaker is Dawn Menken PhD on the topic A Radical Approach to Political Discourse: Positioning the Leader as a Facilitator.
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| Dawn Menken |
In this talk, learn new ideas to support leaders, particularly those in the public sphere, to improve social discourse and inspire more meaningful civic engagement.
Menken has been working in the field of psychology and facilitator development for over 35 years. She is an internationally respected educator, facilitator, therapist, leadership coach, and conflict resolution specialist. She co-founded the non-profit Process Work Institute, a graduate school dedicated to the training of facilitators in Portland, Oregon. She is the author of three books, including Facilitating A More Perfect Union: A Guide for Politicians and Leaders.
Ku'ikahi's Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.
To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at (808) 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.
This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island United Way.
THREE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR KU'IKAHI MEDICATION CENTER have been announced: Haidee Abe is Chief Financial Officer for W.H. Shipman Limited. Abe previously worked as a Vice President of D. Buyers Enterprises and of First Hawaiian Bank. She currently serves as Board
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| Haidee Abe |
Ha'aheo Kaho'ohalahala works as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the County of Hawai'i and is the Supervisor of the specialized, vertical Sexual Assault Unit. She clerked for the Honorable Dexter D. Del Rosario of the First Circuit, worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the City and County of Honolulu, and serves on the board of directors of the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, among others.
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| Jill Hasegawa |
Ha'aheo Kaho'ohalahala works as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the County of Hawai'i and is the Supervisor of the specialized, vertical Sexual Assault Unit. She clerked for the Honorable Dexter D. Del Rosario of the First Circuit, worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the City and County of Honolulu, and serves on the board of directors of the Native Hawaiian Bar Association, among others.
Also on the Ku'ikahi board are president Cheryl Matsumura, vice president Sandy Tokuuke, treasurer Twylla Baptiste, secretary Rebecca
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| Ha'aheo Kaho'ohalahala |
Choi, and directors Rev. Eric S. Anderson, Jeri Gertz, Julie Hugo, Jimi Kunimura, Cathy Lowder, and Shaunda Liu Makaimoku.
Ku'ikahi Mediation Center "empowers people to come together--to talk and to listen, to explore options, and to find their own best solutions, says a statement from the non-profit. "To achieve this mission, Ku'ikahi offers mediation, facilitation, and training to strengthen the ability of diverse individuals and groups to resolve interpersonal conflicts and community issues. For more information, call Ku'ikahi at 808-935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.
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KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg
WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
