Ka'u News Briefs Dec. 1, 2011

George Kahumoku, Jr. (l), seen here at the Pahala workshop last month, has been nominated for a Grammy Award
for his album Wao Akua: The Forest of the Gods. Photo by Julia Neal

QUINCE MENTO, Hawai`i County Civil Defense administrator, has retired. Mento became head of the department in 2008. “I’ve spent 29 and a half years in public safety, and it takes a toll on you,” Mento said. “This job is 24 hours a day, and I need to start thinking about my health.” 

Quince Mento

     Mento has been on the job during vog emergencies in Ka`u that began when the vent at Halema`uma`u opened in 2008. He also implemented the City Watch phone and text messaging service.
     “He is going to be sorely missed, and it’s going to be tough to fill his shoes,” said Mayor Billy Kenoi.

SEN. GIL KAHELE and state Board of Education member and vice chairman Brian DeLima will host an education forum and Q&A session tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Waiakea High school Cafeteria. He invites Ka`u parents and other interested citizens to attend. Brian DeLima, one of the nine members appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, will give an update on current Board of Education issues that will include the recent NAEP assessment, finance and infrastructure, and future plans for education on Hawai`i Island. The forum will also present an opportunity for those attending to voice their concerns about the HSTA contract and any other education-related issue affecting Hawai`i Island. 

Brian DeLima

     Kahele said, “This forum will give me an opportunity to hear the concerns and issues that are affecting our teachers, parents and students on Hawai`i Island and throughout the State. As the 26th legislative session approaches in January, the feedback I hope to receive will help shape the legislation and discussions that my colleagues and I will have and introduce in the Senate. This is also an opportunity for members of the community to engage in thoughtful discussion with the vice chairman of the BOE, Brian DeLima.” 

“KA`U IS THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT to raise many crops, including a new crop of science lovers,” reports Julie Williams, of Ka`u High School. Her story in The Ka`u Calendar this month invites the public to a Ka`u High Science Fair open house from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. Students have been putting in hours to develop original projects, which will be judged by local science and technology experts. Winning projects will be entered into the East Hawai`i Science Fair. It will be held in the science rooms M-101 and M-102 next to the band room on the Ka`u High School Campus. Also on hand will be advisors to help parents understand how to finance their students’ post-high school education. 

GEORGE KAHUMOKU, JR. has been nominated for a Grammy Award for his album Wao Akua: The Forest of the Gods in the new category called Regional Roots that includes Native American, polka, zydeco and Cajun artists. 

     Kahumoku has taught and performed at Pahala Plantation House over the last seven years during the Kahumoku `Ohana Hawaiian Music and Lifestyle Workshop, where his son, Keoki, brings masters to teach `ukulele and slack key guitar to visitors and local students.

A RECEPTION AND OPEN MIC NIGHT opens Volcano Art Center’s exhibit called Occupy Art tomorrow at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Acts up to five minutes long can sign up on a first-come, first-served basis. It is billed as a Zero Currency Trade Event, with no admission or entry fee. Bring pupus, snacks and drinks or items to share or trade.

TUTU & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL offers free transportation as part of a pilot program from January 9 to 31. Transportation will be offered from Ocean View to Na`alehu Community Center, where the school meets on Mondays and Wednesdays and in Pahala to the Pahala Community Center, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In both areas, the program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To continue the free transportation past the pilot period, the number of program participants must increase significantly. To take advantage of the free transportation, sign up prior to Jan. 9 by calling 929-8571.

HOLIDAY MUSIC FILLS KA`U this weekend. Free concerts featuring the Ka`u Community Chorus, Hannah’s Makana `Ohana and the Ka`u `Ohana band take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Ocean View Community Center and Sunday at Discovery Harbour Community Hall.
     The Volcano Festival Chorus Concert is set for Saturday at 7 p.m. at Kilauea Military Camp Chapel in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. This free concert is a gift to the community from Kilauea Drama and Entertainment Network and the chorus. Park entrance fees may apply.

THY WORD MINISTRIES - KA`U holds its eighth annual Christmas in Ka`u Outreach on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Na`alehu Hongwanji Hall from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be singing, hula and other dance, prizes, and free Hawaiian plate lunches while supplies last. Everyone is invited. Vendor spaces are available by donation. Interested parties can call Pamela Taylor at 937-3386. This is a drug and alcohol free event. “Pack your beach chairs and bring your family for some great fun and fellowship,” said Pastor Bob Tominaga.

NA`ALEHU SCHOOL’S WINTERFEST will be on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 12:30 p.m. Principal Darlene Javar will perform a dance routine as a reward for students selling 1,000 bags of cookies to raise money for prizes for the kids.