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| Headlights on fire department vehicles shine as palms at Punalu`u are backlit by a brushfire that quickly moved from near the coast toward the old clubhouse parking lot yesterday evening. Photo by Ron Johnson |
A FAST-MOVING BRUSHFIRE SCARRED 12 acres at Punalu`u yesterday. Fanned by east-northeast winds from 25 to 35 mph, the fire moved from a coastal area south of the pavilions toward the old golf clubhouse parking lot.
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| Thick smoke from the Punalu`u brushfire could be seen from Honu`apo Overlook. Photo from Tedy Galigo's Facebook page. |
The fire was declared under control at 8:03 p.m., and crews remained throughout the night to control any flare-ups.
County engine companies responding included Pahala, Na`alehu and Volcano, along with volunteer companies from Pahala, Na`alehu and Discovery Harbour.
Capt. TJ James, of Discovery Harbour VFD, reported that his crew was on the scene until midnight.
Capt. Curt Yamashita reported that no road closures or evacuations were required, and the cause of the blaze is unknown.
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County engine companies responding included Pahala, Na`alehu and Volcano, along with volunteer companies from Pahala, Na`alehu and Discovery Harbour.
Capt. TJ James, of Discovery Harbour VFD, reported that his crew was on the scene until midnight.
Capt. Curt Yamashita reported that no road closures or evacuations were required, and the cause of the blaze is unknown.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
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| GG Weisenfeld |
MANDATORY KINDERGARTEN FOR FIVE-YEAR-OLDS in public schools has gotten approval from a House-Senate conference committee at the state Legislature. Lawmakers hope to have the bill passed and then approved by Gov. Neil Abercrombie before the end of this school year so that the Department of Education can start to get the information out to families and through the schools as soon as possible, reports Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
“As we work to implement an early learning system in Hawai`i, it makes sense to have mandatory kindergarten to promote the continuity of children’s experiences from pre-kindergarten to kindergarten,” said GG Weisenfeld, director of the state Executive Office on Early Learning, in written testimony. “While most children enroll in kindergarten, some families do not feel compelled to send their children to school on a consistent basis because it is not mandatory. Without the skills that can be gained through a kindergarten experience, these children may have to play catch up with their peers in the first grade.”
See star-advertiser.com.
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VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES GOVERNING BOARD is accepting applications for the upcoming term that starts in August. The Governing Board is responsible for the financial, organizational and academic viability of the charter school and implementation of the charter.
The Board is made up of representatives from the community, staff and parents of children attending the school. Members serve two-year terms, staggered with members of the current Board. The representatives are elected by the current Board at the July meeting. Each member is expected to attend monthly meetings usually held on the third Thursday of each month at the Keakealani Campus, as well as to serve on at least one committee.
The Board is made up of representatives from the community, staff and parents of children attending the school. Members serve two-year terms, staggered with members of the current Board. The representatives are elected by the current Board at the July meeting. Each member is expected to attend monthly meetings usually held on the third Thursday of each month at the Keakealani Campus, as well as to serve on at least one committee.
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| VSAS' Governing Board meets monthly at the Keakealani Campus. |
“Being a board member is such a rewarding experience,” said Governing Board Chair John Broward. “Although there is a commitment of about 10 hours or more a month, seeing positive things get done for the benefit of the students and the community is very satisfying.”
Those interested can submit an application form or a brief biography with name and contact information to Volcano School Governing Board, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 or email VSBOARD@hotmail.com.
Application forms are available at volcanoschool.com. Click on the link for governing board.
For additional information, call the school at 985-9800 or contact one of the addresses above.
For more information on Hawai`i Public Charter Schools, see hcsao.org/pages/governing-boards.
Those interested can submit an application form or a brief biography with name and contact information to Volcano School Governing Board, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 or email VSBOARD@hotmail.com.
Application forms are available at volcanoschool.com. Click on the link for governing board.
For additional information, call the school at 985-9800 or contact one of the addresses above.
For more information on Hawai`i Public Charter Schools, see hcsao.org/pages/governing-boards.
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A COMPROMISE OF CIVIL LIBERTIES could occur if a bill pertaining to emergency management passes the state Legislature, according to a statement on the Hawai`i Senate Minority website. HB849 HD2 SD2’s stated purpose is recodify Hawai`i’s emergency management statutes by “updating the statutes, clarifing the relationship between the state and county emergency management agencies and delineating the emergency management functions and powers of the governor and mayors.”
In his testimony supporting the bill, Darryl Oliveira, Director of Hawai`i County’s Civil Defense Agency, said the bill would provide more power to the counties and clarify the powers of the governor and mayors, “simplify the law by placing all emergency management authorities in one chapter of the HRS” and establish the Emergency Specialist Reserve Corps, “a low-cost surge staff to assist state and local government during emergencies … recruited from community members … fully trained and ready to respond during a disaster.”
The Senate Minority statement says that, “despite a long list of good intentions and numerous supporters, House Bill 849 is a dangerous bill.”
The Senate Minority statement says that, “despite a long list of good intentions and numerous supporters, House Bill 849 is a dangerous bill.”
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| Sen. Sam Slom Photo from Hawai`i Senate Minority |
“Specifically,” the statement says, “civil liberties may not be observed if an emergency is declared; compulsory immunizations and quarantines can be required; personal property can be ‘redistributed;’ electronic media transmissions can be suspended; even county laws can be suspended. If someone is accused of ‘hoarding,’ all emergency supplies may be taken by the government. The governor can declare any person, place, or situation a ‘public nuisance,’ authorizing entry to private property without the owner’s permission. Any members of the military or National Guard who are called to assist civil authorities ‘engaged in emergency functions, can’t be held responsible, criminally or civilly for damage caused ‘in pursuance of duty.’ The public right to gather may be restricted. Forced evacuations are permitted.”
When the House bill went to the Senate for consideration, Republican Sen. Sam Slom was the only legislator who voted against it.
See senateminority.wordpress.com.
When the House bill went to the Senate for consideration, Republican Sen. Sam Slom was the only legislator who voted against it.
See senateminority.wordpress.com.
To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.
LIVE SPECIMENS FROM THE INSECT WORLD come to Na`alehu Public Library tomorrow. Dr. Ryan Caesar, an entomologist from University of Hawai`i at Manoa, speaks about the UH insect museum beginning at 2:45 p.m. All ages are welcome.
Call 939-2442 for more information.
PBS’ HIKI NO HIGHLIGHTS SEGMENTS BY STUDENTS from Ka`u High School, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and Kua O Ka La in Miloli`i. The show that airs tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 10.
Call 939-2442 for more information.
PBS’ HIKI NO HIGHLIGHTS SEGMENTS BY STUDENTS from Ka`u High School, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences and Kua O Ka La in Miloli`i. The show that airs tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 10.
HAWAI`I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK CELEBRATES Merrie Monarch this week with programs at Kilauea Visitor Center. All programs are part of Hawai`i Volcanoes’ ongoing `Ike Hana No`eau: Experience the Skillful Work workshops and take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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| Anna Cariaga urges community members to come to Pahala Community Center on May 3 to learn about the work of OEOC, where she worked for more than 30 years. Photo by Julia Neal |
The following programs take place tomorrow:
- Vi Makuakane demonstrates the art of feather work.
- Kenneth Makuakane plays original songs from his solo albums and compositions.
- Keiko Mercado demonstrates how `ohe (bamboo) are carved into designs and how they are used.
- Patricia Ka`ula demonstrates different styles of lei making: hilo, haku, hili and Ku`i.
- Robert Cazimero signs the latest edition of Men of Hula from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Kapa maker Kuuleimomi Makuakane-Salave`a shares the art of kapa making. See how the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree is beaten into cloth.
- Members of `Aha Puhala o Puna perpetuate the ancient art of lauhala weaving. Observe this art form and learn to weave your own lauhala star from the leaves of the hala, or pandanus tree.
- Lito Arkangel plays his original compositions and Hawaiian favorites.
OEOC COMES TO PAHALA ON May 3. Hawai`i County Economic Opportunity Council will hold a public meeting on Saturday, May 3 at Pahala Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lucky drawing will be for a weaned-off pig, and food will be served. The first 20 adults who arrive will receive free Punalu`u Bake Shop sweetbread. Anna Cariaga, who managed HCEOC for more than 30 years from Ka`u through Puna, said the organization has provided Senior Opportunity Services, youth programs, Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and surplus food – free food for the community – and transportation for needy people. George Yokoyama, founder of the organization, will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on current programs.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2014.swf. |