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OKK HOSTS VETERANS DAY FOR ALL AGES A fun Veterans Day for keiki and people of all ages was held by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Friday, with face painting, free food, shave ice and entertainment from the band Shootz. Photo by Wayne Kawachi |
KAʻŪ'S REPRESENTATIVE IN THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GAVE A VETERANS DAY SPEECH. Rep. Kai Kahele said on Friday:
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“Today is Veterans Day, a day when our nation comes together to thank all those who have served in our Armed Forces. Approximately 18 million Americans, 7 percent of our nation’s population, have the distinction of being veterans. All of these veterans share a common bond. As former members of our nation’s military, they raised their right hand and took a sacred oath to a document.
"Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, our United States military is the only military that does not take an oath to a king, a queen, a person, a tyrant, a dictator, a country or a religion. We are the only country in the world whose military takes an oath to an idea enshrined in a document. A document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
"At the birth of our nation, when the founding fathers drafted this document, they opened it with these lines: 'in order to form a more perfect union.' The authors knew at the time that this new nation was not a perfect union, and since then we have fought a Civil War, fought two World Wars, and added 27 amendments to strive to make this nation a more perfect union.
"Members of our military, those who have served and are serving today, take an oath to protect, support, defend and – if required – give their life to an idea. A very powerful idea, built into our constitution. What it says is that you and I, no matter, who you are – male or female – it does not matter whether you are gay, or straight. Black, white, Asian or native Hawaiian. It does not matter what your last name is. Your country of origin. Your skin color. Whether you are rich or poor. It does not matter.
"Of the 193 member states of the United Nations, our United States military is the only military that does not take an oath to a king, a queen, a person, a tyrant, a dictator, a country or a religion. We are the only country in the world whose military takes an oath to an idea enshrined in a document. A document called the Constitution of the United States of America.
"At the birth of our nation, when the founding fathers drafted this document, they opened it with these lines: 'in order to form a more perfect union.' The authors knew at the time that this new nation was not a perfect union, and since then we have fought a Civil War, fought two World Wars, and added 27 amendments to strive to make this nation a more perfect union.
"Members of our military, those who have served and are serving today, take an oath to protect, support, defend and – if required – give their life to an idea. A very powerful idea, built into our constitution. What it says is that you and I, no matter, who you are – male or female – it does not matter whether you are gay, or straight. Black, white, Asian or native Hawaiian. It does not matter what your last name is. Your country of origin. Your skin color. Whether you are rich or poor. It does not matter.
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| U.S. Congressman Kai Kahele who serves in the Hawai'i Air National Guard gave a Veterans Day speech. |
"What matters is you are an American. Every single one of us are born free and equal. A nation where you can achieve anything you want to be. That you are judged by the content of your character, your competence, your work ethic. Not by the color of your skin. That is who we honor today.
"Those veterans who served, and are serving, in our Armed Forces, and who fought in our nation’s wars. We honor their service and their sacrifice to our Nation and our Constitution. We honor their families, their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, for their service and sacrifice.
"So, on behalf of Hawaii’s Second Congressional District, to all our service members past and present: Mahalo nui loa for your courage and bravery protecting our Nation and our Constitution. Happy Veterans Day.”
"Those veterans who served, and are serving, in our Armed Forces, and who fought in our nation’s wars. We honor their service and their sacrifice to our Nation and our Constitution. We honor their families, their husbands and wives, sons and daughters, for their service and sacrifice.
"So, on behalf of Hawaii’s Second Congressional District, to all our service members past and present: Mahalo nui loa for your courage and bravery protecting our Nation and our Constitution. Happy Veterans Day.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
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| Victory Gardens for Veterans and additional veteran agriculture programs, and opportunities to volunteer and donate are offered by Ho'ola Farms at https://www.hoolafarms.org/. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
Victory Gardens are planter boxes, soil, and amendments along with starter plants. Two Hoʻōla Veteran volunteers deliver the Victory Garden box to the Veterans home, while also providing care advice to tend to the garden. A statement from Hoʻōla Farms says, "We also check back in a time or two to ensure that the plants (and the Veterans) are doing well. This approach engages Veterans in the process of growing their own food and providing for their families, while also providing an opportunity for them to gain agricultural experiences. Hoʻōla Veteran Services will also facilitate peer-to-peer learning and support among Veterans (both trainees and recruits) and connections to a network of service providers to support Veteran needs."
Hoʻōla Farms also released a Veterans Day statement saying, 'To our Military Veterans 🇺🇸 Today and every day, we are grateful for your service and the sacrifices youʻve made for us to live in a free country. Hoʻōla Farms is a Veteran-run organization and we are proud to serve our Veteran community here in Hawai'i."See more on the Victory Gardens for Veterans additional veteran agriculture programs, and opportunities to volunteer and donate at https://www.hoolafarms.org/.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
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| Veterans Who Serve Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Some of the many vets who serve Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park got together for this Veterans Day photo. They are Diana, U.S. Air Force; Jenn, U.S. Air Force; Paul, U.S. Army, Frank, U.S. Marine Corps; and Keoni, U.S. Army. A statement from the Park says, "'Hauʻoli lā koa kahiko, Happy Veterans Day! As we recognize the sacrifices of veterans and families who served beside them, we are reminded of their duty, honor, and courage. Mahalo to all the dedicated veterans who continue to serve the American public by caring for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park!"Photo from National Park Service |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
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| Eric Bowman |
Bowman said he enjoys coaching owner-operators on developing and financing their operations. Farmers Union Kaʻū President Andy Dryer said the meeting will focus on goals for 2023, "ways to grow membership with other passionate people and a community garden initiative."
COVID-19 and influenza and take simple preventive measures that stop the spread of respiratory viruses. In 2020 and 2021, RSV and influenza cases declined sharply, as COVID-19 mitigation measures also prevented the spread of these viruses. Since these measures were relaxed, RSV cases have been rising. RSV cases typically increase in the fall and peak in winter. This year’s total testing volume (positive and negative tests) and percent positivity are both increasing quickly early in the season. Out of an average of 1,858 RSV tests performed per week statewide in recent weeks, 23% were positive. This indicates there is a high level of both detected and undetected RSV infection in the community."
Department of Health reports that influenza activity in Hawaiʻi remains low but is increasing. Out of 3,886 specimens tested for influenza statewide in the week of Oct.16–22, 5.8% were positive. During a similar timeframe, statewide COVID-19 test positivity was 6.4% out of 14,927 tests performed. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 5.3% this week.
"People concerned about the flu or other respiratory viruses can take simple preventive measures like staying away from others who are sick, staying home if they’re sick, washing their hands, covering their cough, and wearing a mask." DOH recommends flu shots for individuals six months and older. COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months and older and COVID-19 bivalent boosters are recommended for everyone age five and older. COVID-19 vaccinations and bivalent boosters can be scheduled through providers found at HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine. Many providers and pharmacies allow the scheduling of flu shots when scheduling COVID-19 vaccines or boosters.![]()
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To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
FLU AND OTHER RESPIRATORY AILMENTS ARE ON THE RISE, according to a message this week from the state Department of Health. It says that Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but children under the age of five, and in particular infants, are at highest risk for severe RSV infections. Older adults, especially
those with underlying medical conditions, can also experience severe illness.
“Many respiratory viruses are circulating in our community, including RSV, COVID-19, and influenza,” said state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “We urge all eligible individuals to get vaccinated against
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| Respiratory Syncytial Virus is one of the ailments on the rise as winter approaches. Image from state Department of Health |
Department of Health reports that influenza activity in Hawaiʻi remains low but is increasing. Out of 3,886 specimens tested for influenza statewide in the week of Oct.16–22, 5.8% were positive. During a similar timeframe, statewide COVID-19 test positivity was 6.4% out of 14,927 tests performed. COVID-19 test positivity declined to 5.3% this week.
"People concerned about the flu or other respiratory viruses can take simple preventive measures like staying away from others who are sick, staying home if they’re sick, washing their hands, covering their cough, and wearing a mask." DOH recommends flu shots for individuals six months and older. COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months and older and COVID-19 bivalent boosters are recommended for everyone age five and older. COVID-19 vaccinations and bivalent boosters can be scheduled through providers found at HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine. Many providers and pharmacies allow the scheduling of flu shots when scheduling COVID-19 vaccines or boosters.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
A KAʻŪ MAKAHIKI will be hosted at Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub at 95-5695 Hawai'i Belt Road on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be hosted by Miloli'i Klanihale, Oceanview Marshallese Hub, Pāhala Resilience Food Hub and Root & Rise, with support from County Council member Maile David, HPM, County of Hawai'i and Vibrant Hawai'i.
This Kaʻū Makahiki features free keiki activities, health and wellbeing demonstrations, emergency preparedness demonstrations and resources. There will be a celebration of the community's history through storytelling, performances and art exhibits.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.
