Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, July 13, 2019
Eucalyptus, farmed in Kaʻū, is being harvested for Hū Honua, which is seeking a permit for an 800 foot deep
injection well for waste water for its processing plant to burn the wood to make electricity north of Hilo.
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal
PROGRESS IN ESTABLISHING CHILD CARE FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE FARM WORKERS was reported today at a meeting of farmers and other supporters of the effort. With the increasing employment of members of Kaʻū's Marshallese community to pick Kaʻū Coffee, organizers in the coffee producing community, led by Laura Diaz, have established a nonprofit organization called
the Keiki OʻPalehua ʻOhana Program.
The group has also completed renovations of a room in the Pāhala Hongwanji Schoolhouse with educational supplies for up to 15 keiki for now, and many more in the future. Diaz said she is encouraged by Daniel Goya, Pa Kaʻalana Program Manager with Partners in Development, which also provides Tūtū & Me early education in Kaʻū. She said help is coming from Kohala Center, with its Rural and Cooperative Business Development Specialist Teresa Young, who attended the meeting. Also showing support is Glen Sako, agricultural specialist with county Office of Economic Development, and Laura Noonan, Director of First to Work at the Vocational and Rehabilitation Center in Kona, said Diaz.
Marshalese community member Alina Jerong picked coffee when
she was running for Miss Kaʻū Coffee. Her community is now
offered childcare while working in the fields.
Kaʻū coffee farmer Lorie Obra, who supports the effort, said she has been relying on Marhallese coffee workers for years. John Ah San, President of the Palehua ʻOhana Farmers Cooperative, said that more Kaʻū Coffee farmers are relying on the Marshallese now that Latin American coffee pickers have become more nervous about flying to Hawaiʻi, worried that they could be caught up in some kind of immigration sting and arrested or deported, even though they believe their papers are in order.
Ah San also explained that the challenge for Marshallese workers is that the labor department looks down on anyone bringing their children to the workplace and that the Marshallese like to come to work as one big family. He said the childcare center will help to create more coffee jobs for the Marshallese, who would drop off their children before work. Many of the Marshallese workers live in Kaʻū and can freely travel between the U.S. and the Marshall Islands.
Diaz said that the Keiki O Palehua ʻOhana Program is looking for an electrician to hang two ceiling fans at the childcare center, for some kind of food service for the keiki, and other donations. A grand opening is planned for Aug. 10.
The next meeting about the project is on Sunday, July 28 at 3 p.m. at the Kaʻū District Gym Activity Room. Call Diaz at 928-8188 or 408-306-5596.
Award winning coffee farmer Lorie Obra said she supports childcare
for Marshallese coffee workers in Kaʻū. Photo from alohagrown
TREATMENT OF MIGRANTS by the U.S. sparked comment from Sen. Brian Schatz yesterday: "Both sides did not do this. Both sides do not support this. This is happening because the President has decided to inflict pain and instill fear on a systematic basis. The foul, brutal, vicious treatment of people on the border and in American cities is not the result of instability in South and Central America. It is a conscious choice made by the ruling political party. And if you still affiliate with that party, are the tax cuts worth it?" Schatz comments come before the planned roundup of illegal immigrants in nine major cities across the country on Sunday.
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO SENT OUT A WARNING ABOUT ICE RAIDS that the Trump administration announced for tomorrow. In her message this evening, Hirono stated: "As a Senator, as an immigrant, and as an American, I want to make it clear: what Donald Trump is doing to immigrants and their loved ones across our country right now is appalling.
"Not only are thousands of infants, children, and families being detained and packed in uninhabitable, inhumane conditions in for-profit detention centers and camps, he is now making good on his earlier threat to begin massive ICE raids in at least 10 major cities across the country. Starting tomorrow, ICE is preparing to arrest, detain, and deport at least 2,000 immigrants, terrorizing communities everywhere."
The senator urged immigrants to know their rights. "According to the American Civil Liberties Union, you may: ask if law enforcement personnel at your door are immigration agents, and what they are there for; ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or ID through your peephole or a window; keep your door closed unless they have certain types of warrants; and wait to speak with an attorney before signing anything. You always have the right to remain silent, even if an officer has a warrant.
"Only together can we stop this cruelty, and we must," said Hirono.
THE HŪ HONUA ENERGY PLANT IS ASKING TO DRILL DEEPER injection wells for its wastewater, than approved last year. The state Department of Health is asking for public comment by July 21. The original approval by DOH was for three, 24 inch wide, 400 foot injection wells. The new approval would be for three, 24 inch wide, 800 foot injection wells. The purpose of the wells is to reduce the amount of waste water that would flow into the ocean at its oceanfront plant north of Hilo. The permit is called an Underground Injection Control application.
Over the last year, farmed eucalyptus trees near Pāhala have been harvested, in anticipation of the Hū Honua plant opening and burning electricity to sell to Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co.
Comments may be mailed to Ms. Joanna L. Seto, P.E., Safe Drinking Water Branch UIC Program, Uluakupu Bldg. 4, 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110, Pearl City, Hawai'i 96782-1400.
DOH is taking comments on whether it should grant a modification of the original approval, issued in 2018. Should DOH grant the modified approval, operation of the wells would be authorized only when DOH also issues a permit to operate.
Chief of Staff appointee Linda Chu Takayama
THE GOVERNOR'S NEW CHIEF OF STAFF will be Linda Chu Takayama, beginning Aug. 1. Gov. David Ige appointed Chu Takayama, who has served his administration since 2015. She led the Hawaiʻi Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and is director of the Dept. of Taxation. Chu Takayama has overseen the modernization of the tax department and is responsible for collecting more than $7 billion in tax revenue. She is an attorney with practice areas in regulatory and governmental affairs, health, insurance, land development, and corporate business law.
Chu Takayama was director of the Office of Economic Development for the City and County of Honolulu, deputy director of the state Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawai'i Insurance Commissioner, chief of staff to the U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, and director of State Legislative Affairs and Agricultural Issues for the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc.
She also served for 25 years as chair of Hawai'i Foodbank and is a director on the board of the Hawai'i Health Information Corp.
Chu Takayama was born and raised in Honolulu, where she earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from George Mason University School of Law in Virginia.
Said Chu Takayama, "I am truly honored by this appointment and will be working hard to justify the governor's confidence in me. Although the state faces tough challenges, I believe, as LBJ did, 'There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.'"
Chief Operating Officer appointee
Keith Yamamoto
THE STATE'S NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER IS KEITH YAMAMOTO, appointed by Gov. David Ige. Yamamoto served as first deputy director of the state Department of Health, where he was responsible for overseeing the general administration of the department.
Yamamoto also served as chief of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division at the Dept. of Health, program development administrator for the Office of Youth Services at the Dept. of Human Services, and has managed school-based vocational education and career development programs for at-risk youth while with the state Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations.
He earned a B.S. in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Colorado and his master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa.
CHINESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II VETERANS are encouraged to apply to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, said Rep. Ed Case. Case said his office is "happy to help them apply for the medal" – see case.house.gov.
Last year, Congress passed the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act "to recognize their indispensable and loyal service to our nation in part through award of a Congressional gold medal."
Said Case, "If you know a WWII Chinese American veteran, please encourage them to apply to receive their medal through the Chinese American Citizens Alliance at caww2.org/preservation."
Sharon Beck and Kalei Namohala.
Photo from KHPES Twitter
KHPES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR KALEI NAMOHALA was recognized last week at #ELIHI2019, the Hawaiʻi educators' conference on Oʻahu. She was nominated by Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Principal Sharon Beck for Outstanding Performance in School Year 2017-2018. Namohala was issued a certificate by the Department of Education Reward & Recognition Program.
HIGH SURF for south facing shores of all Hawaiian Islands. The swell is expected to peak late tonight through Sunday night at near warning levels, then slowly decrease Monday into Tuesday, states an alert from the National Weather Service. Surf will be higher than normal, and shore break and dangerous currents could cause injury or death. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution when near or entering the water. Beaches may be closed without notice; however, there are no beach closures at this time.
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, July 14 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527
Monday Movie Night: Fire & Sand (Local Documentary), Monday, July 15, 7p.m., $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
The Wonderful World of Wine & Watercolor, Tuesday, July 16, 4-7p.m, Volcano Art Center.
$30/VAC member, $35/non-member, $17 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
After Dark in the Park -Texas Rancher and Painter Alice Leese, HVNP July Artist in Residence, Tuesday, July 16, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. While in the park, Leese – who works her family's 100-year-old ranch – will feel the volcanic panoramas, plants, and animals, then share her artistic interpretations with the public. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo
Ocean View Community Association Board of Directors Mtg., Wednesday, July 17, 12:30-1:30p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Learn About Water Law and how to advocate for water at a Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries meeting at Pāhala Community Center on Wednesday, July 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ka Huli Alo will provide a brief overview of Hawaiʻi legal framework governing water resource management. It will be followed by a discussion on "how homestead communities can advocate for pono, righteous, use and protection of wai, water," says the announcement.
The session is free and open to all DHHL beneficiaries. RSVP by Sunday, July 14 to Tereariʻi at 808-956-4025 or nhlawctr@hawaii.edu. Include community name in RSVP. Dinner and refreshments are provided for those who RSVP.
Hawai'i State Little League Tournament, Friday through Tuesday, July 19-23, first game at 11:30a.m., second game at 2:30p.m. Nā'ālehu Community Center Ball Field, Hwy 11. Winners go to regionals. Concessions available. No admission charged. Josh Crook, 345-0511
Taiko Drumming Presentation by Kenny Endo, Friday, July 19, 1:30-2:15p.m, Pāhala Public & School Library. Suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by parent or adult caregiver. Free. Carol Dodd, 928-2015, librarieshawaii.org
Free Haircuts, Saturday, July 20, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Kady and Drew Foster. Sign-up sheet on church bulletin board. stjudeshawaii.org
Giving Tree, Saturday, July 20, lower parking lot, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Free clothing and self care items. stjudeshawaii.org
Hawai'i Wildlife Fund Data Survey and Clean-up at Kamilo, Saturday, July 20. Free; donations appreciated. Full - waitlist only. RSVP required. 769-7629, kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com
Mobile Spay & Neuter Waggin', Saturday, July 20, 7:30a.m.-4p.m., St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Low income pet parents and those with limited transportation qualify for mobile spay/neuter service. Free. Surgery by phone appointment only. Hawai'i Island Humane Society, 796-0107, hihs.org
3rd Annual Ka'ū Multicultural Society Pig Hunt, Saturday, July 20, weigh-in open 10 a.m.-5p.m., parking lot adjacent to 96-3258 Maile Street, Pāhala, near old Radio Station Building. Food booths and variety of contest categories. Kalani Vierra, 938-2005, Darlyne Vierra, 6408740, or Liz Kuluwaimaka, 339-0289
Ocean View C.E.R.T. Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-1p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Community Emergency Response Team monthly meeting and training. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Beginner & Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, July 20, 10a.m.-2p.m., Volcano Art Center. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org
Hula Kahiko - Kumu Hula Moses Kaho'okele Crabbe with Hālauolaokalani, Saturday, July 20, 10:30-11:30a.m., hula platform near Volcano Art Center Gallery. Hula performance. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Nā Mea Hula with Kumu Loke Kamanu & 'Ohana, Saturday, July 20, 11a.m.-1p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery porch. Hands-on cultural demonstration. Free; park entrance fees apply. 967-8222, volcanohula@gmail.com, volcanoartcenter.org
Ham Radio Mtg., Saturday, July 20, 2-3p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Sounds at the Summit, Desiree Moana Cruz & the Bill Nobel Quintet performance, Saturday, July 20, 5:30p.m., Volcano Art Center. Be-bop, swing, bosanova, salsa, and smooth-jazz-funk. $20/VAC member, $25/non-member. Tickets available for purchase online. Beer, wine, and pupu available for purchase at event. volcanoartcenter.org
Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., through July 28 at Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets are available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea'au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop, and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org
Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā'ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org
6th Annual Ka'ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka'ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka'ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka'ū Coffee Mill and 'O Ka'ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.org, kaucoffeemill.com