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| Fine handmade glass from 2400 Fahrenheit will be shown and for sale during Volcano Village Artist Hui's 36th Annual Studio Tour & Sale this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See studio map below. Photo from 2400 Fahrenheit |
TEAM MEMBERS FOR THE NEXT HAWAI'I GOVERNOR'S executive office staff have been selected ahead of former Kaʻū physician Josh Green's swearing in on Monday, Dec. 5 in Honolulu. Green said, “I am assembling a team that will help me drive an ambitious agenda for Hawaiʻi during the next four years.” He said the group is comprised of "dedicated, qualified professionals with years of experience in their respective fields. Each brings with them the passion to make a difference and meet the challenges facing Hawaiʻi.”
The Governor-elect's transition team released the following names with backgrounds of the so-far, all-women team:
Brooke Wilson will serve as Green’s Chief of Staff, a position she held during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor. Over the last four years, Wilson worked with Green on the state’s first master-planned Kauhale
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| Joining Gov-elect Josh Green's staff are: Krystle Cook, Keala Patterson, Makana McClellan, Lori Abe, Brooke Wilson, Nani Medeiros, Felea'i Tau and Shari Carter. Photo from Green's transition team |
Nani Medeiros will join as Green’s Chief Housing Officer. Medeiros will be driving the Governor’s initiatives on workforce and affordable housing, homelessness and social service policies. Medeiros is Executive Director of HomeAid Hawai'i and developed Kama’okū, a Kauhale of 37 tiny homes to address homelessness. She spent six years in healthcare at the Hawaii Primary Care Association, 13 years at the state legislature, and five years in the executive branch of the state.
Lori Abe, Deputy Chief of Staff, most recently served as a Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi.
Makana McClellan, Director of Communications, most recently served as the Director of Business Development & Community Relations and the Director of Marketing & Communications at Shriners Children’s Hospital and was previously the Public Information Officer for The Queen’s Health Systems.
Feleaʻi Tau, Director of Constituent Services and Protocol, worked for Green for the last 18 years as his
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| Lt. Gov. Josh Green will be sworn in as Governor, on Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Honolulu. Photo from Green |
Keala Patterson, Protocol Officer, most recently served as the Director of Public Affairs at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
Krystle Cook, Administrative Services Officer, most recently served as an Advancement Operations Officer at Punahou School.
Shari Carter, Executive Assistant to the First Lady as the Administrative Services Officer for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the last nine years.
In addition, the incoming administration announced "an additional 15 staff for critical roles in the Governor’s office. Together, this team will support the Governor-elect in his day-to-day operations and priorities for the state."
As cabinet-level interviews continue this week, Green said he continues to encourage interested Hawaiʻi residents to apply to serve at every level of government through the administration portal, GreenTransition2022.org, or the hiring portal of the State of Hawaiʻi: jobs.hawaii.gov with applications considered as they are received.
“I have been so excited to see the incredible quality of applicants who have already applied to work in the administration. This really gives me hope that a great future lies ahead for our state.”
Green's inauguration will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena, Dec. 5 at noon. Doors open at 9 a.m. with ceremony at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
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.
PUTTING FILIPINO HISTORY CLASSES IN SCHOOL is gaining traction with Sen. Mazie Hirono meeting this week with high school student leaders of the Filipino Curriculum Project. The effort aims to create an elective course within the Hawai'i Department of Education to tell the history and contributions of Filipinos in Hawai'i.
"Hawai'i's rich diversity is central to our state's history and culture, and it's important that our keiki learn about all of the communities that comprise our unique state," said Hirono. "The Filipino community has made significant contributions in areas such as health care, education, the arts, business, military
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| U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with Filipino students who advocate Filipino history in the schools. Photo from Hirono's office |
The Filipino Curriculum Project is a collaboration between Hawaii students from public and private schools. The group is developing a curriculum with four components: Ethnic Identity, Cultural Connection, Historical Context and Filipinos in Hawai'i. The group has participated in curriculum workshops, met with leadership from Department of Education, and engaged with State legislators to pass
House Resolution 50 to implement a Filipino history, culture, and identity social studies course for high school students.
Hirono has long advocated on behalf of Asian Pacific Islander American communities in Hawai'i, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. In May, she introduced a bill to promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American history for high school students and teachers who enroll in the U.S. Department of Education's American History and Civics Academies programs. Hirono also brought legislation to the Senate floor, signed into law by President Biden, establishing a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Additionally, for the last several years, she has led the Senate resolution recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
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.
FOR THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND, Hawai‘i Police Department is teaming up with U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. Before heading out to any holiday event, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
“People are familiar with the phrase ‘don’t drink and drive,’ however, they are less familiar with the impacts of driving impaired by prescription or illegal drugs,” said Torey Keltner, Program Manager for Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section. He noted that drivers need to understand that using![]()
some cold medications or over-the-counter sleep aids can impair driving, which may lead to being arrested for a DUI. Medications have directions on how to properly use them and people should be follow them closely. “We want our Big Island community members to stay safe on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday,” added Keltner. “Driving impaired due to drugs is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.”
"Unfortunately, this year there have been 33 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads, with impairment a factor in 14, or 42 percent, of those deaths," said Keltner. Six of the fatalities were due to drugs only, an additional six deaths were due to a combination of drugs and alcohol, and two deaths were caused by alcohol only. However, toxicology reports are still pending on the other 19 fatalities and the percentage of fatalities due to impairment is expected to increase.
In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads. Impairment was a factor in 21 of the 26 fatalities, with drugs playing a role in 20 of the 21 impaired deaths.
Driving under the influence of a drug played a similar role in 2020 traffic fatalities. Of the 15 traffic deaths in 2020, impairment was a factor in 12 people dying, with drugs playing a role in nine of the 12 impaired traffic fatalities.
“With so many safe driving options available, there’s no excuse to drive impaired this holiday season,” says Keltner. “We are asking our community members to please make good decisions during the upcoming holidays and commit to sober driving.”
He said that Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout the holiday season. "For those heading out to the bar or parties during the Thanksgiving![]()
holiday, make sure to plan for a safe ride home." He provided a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.
If planning to go to a party or event, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who is affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
If using an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If the driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
If seeing a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs, take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll give thanks later.
If seeing an impaired driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
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.
“People are familiar with the phrase ‘don’t drink and drive,’ however, they are less familiar with the impacts of driving impaired by prescription or illegal drugs,” said Torey Keltner, Program Manager for Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section. He noted that drivers need to understand that using
"Unfortunately, this year there have been 33 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads, with impairment a factor in 14, or 42 percent, of those deaths," said Keltner. Six of the fatalities were due to drugs only, an additional six deaths were due to a combination of drugs and alcohol, and two deaths were caused by alcohol only. However, toxicology reports are still pending on the other 19 fatalities and the percentage of fatalities due to impairment is expected to increase.
In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads. Impairment was a factor in 21 of the 26 fatalities, with drugs playing a role in 20 of the 21 impaired deaths.
Driving under the influence of a drug played a similar role in 2020 traffic fatalities. Of the 15 traffic deaths in 2020, impairment was a factor in 12 people dying, with drugs playing a role in nine of the 12 impaired traffic fatalities.
“With so many safe driving options available, there’s no excuse to drive impaired this holiday season,” says Keltner. “We are asking our community members to please make good decisions during the upcoming holidays and commit to sober driving.”
He said that Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout the holiday season. "For those heading out to the bar or parties during the Thanksgiving
If planning to go to a party or event, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who is affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
If using an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If the driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
If seeing a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs, take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll give thanks later.
If seeing an impaired driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
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.
