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Kaʻū News Briefs March 3, 2024

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The Planning Department's report refers to coconut trees at Punalu'u as cultural resources in its analysis of the 
Black Sand Beach, LLC Punalu'u development plan up for public hearing this Thursday. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

REGARDING THE PUBLIC HEARING ON PUNALU'U, COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MICHELLE 
County Councilmember Michelle Galimba
GALIMBA IS SENDING OUT REMINDERS that the public can participate by Zoom at Nāʻālehu Community Center on Thursday, March 7. Her notice says: 
    "Public testimony to the Windward Planning Commission (WPC) on the SMA permit application for a 225 unit development at Punaluʻu by Black Sands LLC will be available at the Nāʻālehu Community Center on March 7, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m.
    This will allow those in who do not wish to travel to Hilo for the in-person meeting of the WPC at the County Council Chambers at the County Building and who do not wish to sign up for an individual Zoom link to still provide testimony on the SMA permit application."
    Staff from the office of Councilmember Michelle Galimba will be at the Nāʻālehu Community Center to help community members to provide testimony to the Commission via a Zoom link to the WPC. The agenda for the WPC meeting is available at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/edoc/128532/2024-03-07%20Planning%20Commission%20Agenda.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2lOoatZq9Gve0dp7fbt31Y_oOp_e5QSbbiD5pqAn1TQR_bk_tpOiT7VCo
    The Black Sands LLC SMA application is available at

THIS IS THE FOURTH AND FINAL INSTALLMENT OF COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR ZENDO KERN'S REPORT ON THE PUNALU'U DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL for a Special Management Area permit. The report was released ahead of this Thursday's March 7 public hearing before the Windward Planning Commission, when Black Sand Beach, LLC will seek approval of an SMA permit for project and the public will be able to testify. The Planning Director recommended approval, but reserved the right to maintain or change the recommendation after the public hearing. See entire report at  https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/doc/128725/Page1.aspx. Here is the fourth installment in four days of providing the report on The Ka'u News Briefs:

    Investigation of valued resources: A Cultural Impact Assessment ( CIA) was completed in 2006 to complement the 2006 Draft EIS for the SeaMountain at Punalu'u project. The report identified important cultural places and uses present within the project site such as stone cultural remains, petroglyphs and trail segments, a fishpond, marine resources, and the black sand beach itself.
    An update to the 2006 CIA was conducted in April 2023 which consisted of an archival review of the 2006 CIA, a review of the 2023 archaeology report, and an ethnographic survey (which included oral history interviews). A draft Archeological Inventory Survey ( AIS) of the entire project area was conducted in 2005 as part of the 2006 Draft EIS. In preparation for this current project the applicant conducted an update to the 2005 draft AIS with an "Addendum Archeological Inventory Survey" for the Pu
nalu'u black sand beach property which was
conducted in March 2023. It was found that the proposed development and redevelopment activities will occur within previously disturbed portions of the project site and will avoid direct impacts to any of the previously identified historic properties. Staff notes that in July 2023, the Planning Department submitted the addendum to the AIS to the (state Department of Land & Natural Resources') State Historic Preservation Division ( SHPD) for a Ch. 6E-42 historic
preservation review, and confirmation of reservation and buffer plans. The submittal was done prior to the submittal of the SMA application under the director of SHPD. To date SHPD has not responded to our initial request, and no correspondence from SHPD regarding the status of the review has been submitted to the Planning Department. The Planning Department will require the applicant to confer with SHPD to assure the updated CIA and AIS are reviewed and approved prior to any proposed development related to this SMAapplication.

    The applicant has worked diligently towards establishing relationships with Kupuna, residents, and various community organizations to seek their collective guidance on how these lands can be property preserved as a historical, cultural, environmental, and economic resource for the future of this area. The applicant has committed to revitalize Punalu' u in a measured way by focusing on the community-based priorities that can be accomplished prior to engaging in the larger development such as the developing the farmers market, removing overgrown vegetation, and improving existing infrastructure.
    The valuable cultural, historical, and natural resources found in the area: 
The 2006 archaeological inventory survey ( AIS) of the entire 434- acre project area was completed and it was determined that approximately 90% of the resort area had been mechanically cleared or altered by floods and tsunami. According to the applicant, by 2006 more than 100 cultural sites had been destroyed by development projects in the coastal portion of Punalu' u, Wailau, and Ninole Ahupua' a, and it appears that none of the mitigation recommendations presented in any of the earlier archaeological studies had been followed through on. The 2006 AIS identified a total of 34 extant historic properties within the overall resort property. Twenty- four (24) of the sites were previously identified and nine ( 9) were thought to be newly identified. The 2006 survey Tulchin et al. ( 2006) attempted to correlate the sites they identified during their survey with previously recorded sites, but they were hindered by the extent of land disturbance within the resort property and the brevity of the site descriptions presented in the prior reports, as well as the confusion that multiple site numbers were given for the same feature throughout the years. Ultimately, existing SIHP site designations were retained for fifteen of the recorded sites ( Sites 50- 10- 68- 03512, - 03513, - 03515, - 03519 to - 03522, - 03524, -04309, - 04310, - 04330, - 04360, - 04368, - 07361, and - 07370), and new SIHP designations were assigned to nineteen of the sites ( Sites 50- 10- 68- 24897 through - 24916). The sites documented in the 2006 AIS were in various states of disrepair. It was determined that approximately 75% of the petroglyphs originally documented were reported destroyed, most likely being bulldozed during construction of the Punalu' u Beach Park access road and parking lot.
County Planning Director Zendo Kern

    Cultural land resources include plants, such as coconut, kukui, noni, tea plants, hau, hala, various medicine ( undisclosed) plants, lei flower and seeds. One of the major cultural resources of the Punalu' u area is the ocean, bays, coves, and coastal areas as they provide for the continued cultural practices of fishing and gathering. Many of the cultural practices today continue to include marine and land resources. the entire Punalu' u area Punalu' u, Ninole, Hama, Wailau and Hilea) still has an abundance of cultural resources in spite of prior plantation and resort activities simply because the people of this area continue to practice these cultural traditions. And despite the vegetation overgrowth and dilapidated former resort structures, the area continues to be utilized by locals and visitors alike. The proposed development will likely impact some cultural resources during and after construction, such as sub- surface structures, midden, artifacts or unmarked reburials.

    Possible adverse effects or impairment of valued resources: Given the limited scope of the proposed activities within the project site, the applicant is not able to identify any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of cultural, historical, recreational, or ecological resources as a result of the proposed improvements. As mentioned above, this application presents a proposal that protects valued coastal resources in the area by properly 
managing all facilities and resources. Decades of neglect have severely impacted this area and without proper management and preservation will lead towards the continued loss of valuable resources and opportunities. The applicant, along with its community stakeholders, will commit its resources towards the revitalization of Punalu' u in a manner that can be embraced by the community of Ka`u.

    Feasible actions to protect native Hawaiian rights: Preservation and Burial Treatment plans are recommended to properly care for identified archaeological features recommended for preservation. In addition, the CIA Update recommended that mitigation should include a walk-through of kupuna/cultural practitioners, kuleana landowners, the archaeologist and the development planners to record all the burial areas that are not recorded in the archaeology report or Master Plan. An advisory group made up of primarily kupuna knowledgeable of the area, kuleana owners and other Punalu`u landowners, should
Read the SMA proposal at at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/
weblink/1/doc/127617/Page1.aspx. Read the Community Development Plan at

be formed to advise planners of cultural protocol, sensitive areas, and cultural resources ( burials, medicine, food and craft plants, and other cultural resources).

    Any construction ground activity should include a cultural monitor, as well as an archaeologist. Of the 34 historic sites identified in the draft 2005 survey, 3 sites were not located within the five ( 5) Development Sites and therefore not closely inspected. One site        (
SHPD# 50- 10- 68- 04330), a historic animal pen/ enclosure, was apparently destroyed in 2016 by land clearing activities. The remaining 30 historic sites were inspected with updated condition assessment, and all are recommended for preservation. A preservation plan will be prepared for 26 sites and a burial treatment plan will be prepared for the remaining 4 sites. Archaeological monitoring will be conducted during any ground disturbing activities within the five Development Sites.
    Lastly, this approval (contingent on approval by Windward Planning Commission) is made with the understanding that the applicant remains responsible for complying with all other applicable government requirements in connection with the approved use, prior to its commencement or establishment upon the subject property. Additional governmental requirements may include the issuance of building permits, the installation of approved wastewater disposal systems, compliance with Fire Code, installation of improvements required by the American with Disabilities Act ( ADA), among many others. Compliance with all applicable governmental requirements is a condition of this approval; failure to comply with such requirements will be considered a violation that may result in enforcement action by the Planning Department and/or the affected agencies.
    The Planning Director wrote: "Based on the above findings, the proposed Punalu' u Village development project and related improvements will not have substantial adverse impacts on the environment, nor will its approval be contrary to the objectives and policies of Chapter 205A, HRS, relating to Coastal Zone Management and Rule No. 9 of the Planning Commission relating to the Special
Management Area.
Learn more about the Special Management
Area, designed to preserve the coast and 
understand the permit process by reading
https://planning.hawaii.gov
/czm/special-management-area-permits/

Approval of this request (should the Windward Planning Commission approve the SMA permit) is subject to the following conditions stated by the Planning Director:

1. The applicant(s), its successor(s) or assign( s) shall be responsible for complying with all
of the stated conditions of approval.

2. The applicant shall secure all necessary approvals and permits from other affected
Federal, State, and County agencies as necessary to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations.

3. Construction and operation of the proposed Punalu' u Village, and coastal preservation
area shall be conducted in a manner that is substantially representative of plans and
details as contained within the Special Management Area Use Permit application dated
December 18, 2023, and representations made to the Windward Planning Commission.

4. Construction of the proposed development shall be completed within ten ( 10) years from
the effective date of this permit. Prior to construction, the applicant shall secure Final
Plan Approval for the proposed development from the Planning Director in accordance
with Section 25- 2- 70, Chapter 25 ( Zoning Code), Hawaii County Code. Plans shall

identify all existing and/ or proposed structure( s), paved driveway access, and parking
stalls associated with the proposed development. Landscaping shall be indicated on the
plans for the purpose of mitigating any adverse noise or visual impacts to adjacent
properties in accordance with the requirements of Planning Department' s Rule No. 17
Landscaping Requirements) and Chapter 25 ( Zoning Code), Hawaii County Code.

5. All driveway connections to Ninole Loop Road shall conform to Chapter 22, County
Streets, of the Hawaii County Code.

6. All construction and maintenance activities on the subject parcel shall comply with
Chapter 27, Floodplain Management, of the Hawaii County Code.

7. All earthwork and grading shall conform to Chapter 10, Erosion and Sedimentation
Control of the Hawaii County Code.

8. The applicant will submit to the Planning Department for review and approval the
following updated plans: 1) Water Quality and Marine Life Monitoring Plan, 2) Pond
Management Plan, 3) Cultural Resources Management Plan, and 4) Shoreline and
Preservation Area Management Plan. These plans shall be submitted prior to any
development activities described in this permit.

9. The applicant shall incorporate any recommendations provided by the (state Department of Land & Natural Resources) State HistoricPreservation Division ( SHPD) into the project design prior to development activities described in this permit. The applicant will ensure that any recommendations or
requirements made by SHPD related to either cultural or archaeological sites will be
implemented as directed, which may include, but not be limited to, cultural and
archaeological monitoring during development of the project.

10. Artificial light from exterior lighting fixtures, including, but not necessarily limited to
floodlights, up- lights or spotlights used for decorative or aesthetic purposes shall be
prohibited if the light directly illuminates, or is directed to project across property
boundaries, or toward the shoreline and ocean waters, except as may otherwise be
permitted pursuant to Section 205A-71( b), Hawaii Revised Statutes.

11. All development generated runoff shall be disposed of on- site and shall not be directed
toward any adjacent properties. A drainage study shall be prepared by a professional civil
engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii and submitted to the Department of Public
Works prior to issuance of Final Plan Approval. Any recommended drainage
improvements, if required, shall be constructed meeting with the approval of the
Department of Public Works prior to receipt of a Certificate of Occupancy for any
portion of the development.

12. A Solid Waste Management Plan shall be submitted to the Department of Environmental
Management for review and approval prior to the issuance of Final Plan Approval.

Should the Planning Commission approve the SMA and
Planning Department approve a Final Plan, Public Works
 Director Steve Pause would oversee approval and
compliance for many permits for construction.
13. During construction, measures shall be taken to minimize the potential of both fugitive 
dust and runoff sedimentation. Such measures shall be in compliance with construction industry standards and practices utilized during construction projects of the State of
Hawai`i.

14. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (from the EPA), if required, shall be
secured from the State Department of Health before the commencement of construction
activities.

15. The applicant shall submit for review and approval a Traffic Assessment ( TA) as
required by the State Department of Transportation prior to issuance of any constriction
permits. The applicant shall construct any required improvements.

16. The applicant shall include the location of all preserves, sites, preservation buffers or
similar protection strategies on the site plan and all future maps submitted to the County
in conjunction with any application reviews or approval requests.

17. In the event that surface or subsurface historic resources, including human skeletal
remains, structural remains ( e. g., rock walls, terraces, platforms, etc.), cultural deposits,
marine shell concentrations, sand deposits, or sink holes are identified during the 
demolition and/or construction work, cease work in the immediate vicinity of the find,
protect the find from additional disturbance and contact the State Historic Preservation Division at ( 808) 933- 7651. Subsequent work shall proceed upon an archaeological clearance from DLNR-SHPD when it finds that sufficient mitigation measures have been
taken.

18. An annual progress report shall be submitted to the Planning Director prior to the 
anniversary date of the effective date of this permit. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the status of the development and to what extent the conditions of approval are being complied with. This condition shall remain in effect until all of the conditions of approval have been complied with and the Planning Director acknowledges that further reports are not required.

19. An initial extension of time for the performance of conditions within this permit may be
granted by the Planning Director upon the following circumstances:
    A. The non-performance is the result of conditions that could not have been foreseen or are beyond the control of the applicant, successors or assigns, and that are not the result of their fault or negligence.
    B. Granting of the time extension would not be contrary to the General Plan or Zoning Code.
    C. The granting of the time extension would not be contrary to the original
reasons for the granting of this permit.

The entire report can be read in County Department of Planning files at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/doc/128725/Page1.aspx


DIKE PROPAGATION: A TEXTBOOK EXAMPLE OCCURRED from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3. The magma intrusion into Kīlauea’s flank, southwest of the summit caldera, was the focus of attention at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and is the subject of the latest Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. This article was written by HVO geophysicist Ingrid Johanson:
    Hundreds of earthquakes announced the influx of new magma. The intensity of the seismic activity was similar to what has preceded recent summit eruptions at Kīlauea, prompting HVO staff to raise Kīlauea’s Alert Level/Aviation Color Code to WATCH/ORANGE at 4:41 a.m. HST on January 31. After earthquake activity receded on February 3, 2024, the alert level was returned to ADVISORY/YELLOW.
USGS Image
Interferogram was formed from data collected by the Italian Space Agency’s COSMO-SkyMed satellite from 6 p.m. HST on January 31 through 6 p.m. HST on February 1, 2024. Colored fringes denote areas of ground deformation, with more fringes indicating more deformation. Each color cycle represents 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of ground motion toward or away from the satellite (the direction of motion depends on the sense of color change). In addition to the dike-opening pattern described in the article, this interferogram also show that Kīlauea’s summit subsided as magma was sent into the intrusion.

    In addition to the high number of earthquakes, high rates of deformation were also recorded during the intrusion. Typically, HVO monitors near real-time changes in deformation using a network of tiltmeters and continuous GPS stations. For this intrusion, lucky timing of image acquisitions from the Italian Space
Agency’s COSMO-SkyMed satellite (CSM), gave us a special 1-day image pair from 6 p.m. HST on January 31 through 6 p.m. HST on February 1. Differences between the image pair show how the ground deformed over that 24-hour period, in what is called an interferogram.
    This interferogram confirmed that the recent intrusion was larger than previous ones in October 2023 or August 2021. The pattern of deformation in the interferogram had a “classic” dike-opening intrusion pattern; what we would expect from magma opening a rectangular, vertically oriented space in the existing rock.
    The shape of the opening magma body affects what the pattern of ground deformation will be. For example, a spherical magma chamber will cause outward motion and uplift when it inflates. The deformation pattern from dike-opening is complicated and consists of outward and upward motion away from the broad sides of the dike. At the same time, the ground just outside the dike tip is pulled towards the dike and the ground just above is pulled downwards. This is not that different from opening a bag of chips by pulling on the sides. As you’re pulling the sides outwards, the top and side edge of the packet get drawn down and inwards.
    Seeing a dike-opening pattern in an interferogram is made even more complicated by how interferograms record ground motion. The fringes (one rainbow cycle) in an interferogram represent motion between the ground and satellite (range change) in the “look direction” of the radar instrument. For CSM, one fringe equals 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of range change. The satellites we use do not look straight down at the ground, instead they send the radar pulses out at an angle (CSM’s look angle is about 40 degrees off-vertical). This means that both horizontal and vertical motion get mixed together to create “range change.”
    In the Jan. 31–Feb. 1 interferogram, outward and upward motion to the southeast add together to create dense fringes. However, outward motion and upward motion to the northwest cancel each other out somewhat and result in fewer fringes. This is because motion to the northwest increases range change, but upward motion decreases it.
    If one looks carefully, the fringes to the southeast progress from pink to yellow to blue, as you proceed away from the central “bullseye.” The fringes on the northwest side progress from blue to yellow to pink away from the bullseye in that area. This means that range change is increasing in that quadrant; because there was so much horizontal motion away from the satellite, it completely counteracted the uplift to create lengthening range change.
    In between the colorful lobes to the southeast and northwest, there is an area of dense and discontinuous fringes in the middle. This is the portion of ground that subsided above the dike. It’s also an area with lots of surface cracks, which is why there is sometimes a sharp offset in the fringe patterns.
5,000 in the mail 2,500 on the street.
    To a geophysicist, this is a beautiful interferogram. Not just because of the interesting patterns of the rainbow fringes, but because it beautifully illustrates the unique way that interferograms capture ground motion via range change. It’s also a textbook illustration of deformation from a dike intrusion, one of the fundamental processes for magma migration at volcanoes around the world.

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
    Disbursed seismicity at Kīlauea's summit and along the Koa‘e fault system southwest of the caldera continues following an intrusion of magma into the area that occurred January 31-February 1, 2024; on average, earthquake counts remain below 10 per day. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff have recorded mild inflationary trends over the past week. Periods of increased earthquake activity and rates of ground deformation can be expected to continue in this region. No unusual activity has been noted along the rift zones.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    One earthquake was reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the week ending last Thursday: a M3.1 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) WSW of Pāhala at 34 km (21 mi) depth on Feb. 27 at 11:32 p.m. HST.
    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.


KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE BEGINS TUESDAY,  March 5 in Nāʻālehu and Ocean View. On March 5, 7, 12 and 14. Kaʻū Little League will host recruiting days at Kahuku Park in Ocean View and  Nāʻālehu Park from 3 p.m. and -5:30 p.m. 
    During this time players ages 8-14 will come together to work on drills and technique. After the two weeks, coaches will work on getting teams together and start team practices. Any skill level is welcome to come.
     Registration packets will be available. Registration is $100.00. Scholarships are available. Registration is open until teams are filled. 
    Call Elizabeth Crook at 808-345-0511 for more information on Little League and about Scholarships. She said, "We are looking for coaches and umpires for Ocean View, NāʻālehuPāhala and Volcano. There are two Ka'u Little League Facebook pages. Kaʻū Little League Facebook page is for parents and players who need information on practice and games. This is a private group and only Little League families will be allowed to join. Kaʻū Little League Hawai'i is for the public to be notified of volunteer opportunities, games and fundraisers." 




Kaʻū News Briefs March 4, 2024

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Black Sand Beach, LLC says it has received historic photos from locals who miss the restaurant and
other activities during the days of the old resort there. Photo from Black Sand Beach, LLC
 NOSTALGIC PHOTOS OF DAYS GONE BY AT PUNALU'U have been provided by Black Sand Beach, LLC, which proposes to restore some of the commercial and community activity sites near the beach, along with 225 accommodation units inland. The plan goes to a public hearing in Hilo this Thursday, 9 a.m. at County Council Chambers with opportunities to testify by zoom from home or from a zoom center set up at Na'alehu Community Center and at another KaiLokis Restaurant & Barin Ocean View.
Canoe and surf at Punalu'u Beach.
Historic photo from Black Sand Beach, LLC
     Black Sand Beach Project Director Norman Quon said the photos were provided by people in the community who miss the days when they took their families to the Black Sand Beach pond area to eat at the restaurant, and celebrate family events. Mothers Day and holidays were a big draw for the place. It was popular for local music and a place where many locals worked. 
     He said the new plan would keep the entire black sand beach, pond area and shoreline open to the public with venues for local celebrations and a place for hula and luaus, as well as places to picnic in the shade, with restrooms in a parklike setting.
    The public hearing is for a Special Management Area permit that would allow the project to go forward in the SMA, which is all the land at the old resort makai of Highway 11. Special Management Areas designated by the state are intended to protect the coastline.
     Black Sand Beach asserts that it is and will continue to clean up the abandoned old resort buildings and restore the sewage, water and fire hydrant systems, which were already degraded when it purchased the place.
An old walking bridge with double hulled canoes in the Black Sand Beach pond, as seen
in  historic photos given to Black Sand Beach, LLC


Laila Kaupu, steward supervisor in Miloli'i. Photo from DLNR
ACCESSING HAWAI'I'S NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS, says a statement from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. DLNR reports on the two year old Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program, which is expected to hire more than 20 stewards through 2026 statewide and, along with its partners, is accepting applications for trainees. Nā Manu ʻElele is a collaboration between Kupu, Hawaiʻi’s largest youth-focused conservation and sustainability nonprofit, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and DLNR. It "aims to inform and connect the people at wahi pana (legendary places, and living, breathing spaces)," says the DLNR statement.
    Laila Kaupu, steward supervisor in Miloli‘i, with its Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area, said that the stewards’ engagement with visitors to these wahi pana is reciprocal. “Building pilina to ‘āina (that which feeds us) grows in understanding the gift of giving, the kuleana (responsibility) to mālama (care for, protect). It shows you can give back before taking. Knowing how one can fill a void before creating it. This is how we mālama ʻāina.”
    Daniel Nāhoʻopiʻi, HTA interim President & Chief Executive Officer, said, “Hiring kamaʻāina who want to step up and protect the special places in their communities is a very tangible, direct manifestation of the regenerative tourism model that we are working toward for Hawaiʻi. In doing so, we are also assuring a quality experience for all who enjoy our natural resources. We are appreciative of this partnership with DLNR to advance our shared mission to mālama Hawaiʻi.”
    Aaron Lowe, a Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program Specialist, said, “People are enjoying the interaction and education from stewards,” said Lowe. “Visitors are walking away with a new appreciation and understanding of the plants, animals, and place itself.”
Training applications from youth are being taken by Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program.
Photo from DLNR
    Nā Manu ʻElele Program was piloted on Hawaiʻi Island at Pololū Valley in 2022. There, trail stewards engaged with hikers and visitors to educate them about native plants and animals, the cultural and historical significance of the area, safety concerns, and preserving the area. "With two years of success at Pololū, in the form of notable reductions in hiking accidents, instances of illegal camping, and parking violations, the program looked to expand." notes DLNR
    “Kupu is excited to partner with DLNR and embark on this journey to engage local communities, protect Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural treasures, and nurture a new generation of environmental stewards,” said Kupu CEO, John Leong. “In traditional Hawaiian context, birds, or nā manu, represent messengers, guardians, and beings of a particular place. ʻElele refers to individuals who act as ambassadors. Kupu is honored to secure part-time and full-time Nā Manu ʻElele positions on the islands of Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi.”
    The steward program accepts applications on a rolling basis. To apply, visit https://www.kupuhawaii.org/na-manu-elele.


THE PUNALU'U ISSUE HAS BECOME A MAYORAL CANDIDATE ISSUE for Tupai Seoalua, Jr. He has announced his candidacy and is hosting meetings around t he island. Seoalua, of Hilo, ran as a Republican for Lt. Governor in the last election. This election, he said, he is running for Mayor of Hawai'i County on the platform of "Redeeming The Future for the People of Hawai'i." He issued this statement about Punalu'u on Sunday:
    "If you oppose the development that is going to take place in Punalu’u please support the people of
Tupai Seoalua, Jr. has made Punalu'u part of his campaign for mayor.
Ka’ū at the Hawai’i County Building this Thursday at 9am to give public testimony, written testimony or simply stand in solidarity with the community. I myself am open to development, but it has to be the “right” kind of development that executes the Community Development Plan of Ka’ū (CDP) and reflects the will of the people of Ka’ū.
    "For the Planning Commission to potentially begin moving forward with a Special Management Area Use Permit (SMA) based on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from 2006 is misguided and would break the trust of the people. A new and relevant EIS should be completed along with an updated shore assessment and setback, a disaster mitigation plan and an upgrade of the surrounding infrastructure that is deteriorating.
    "The current infrastructure cannot sustain the influx of tourists who would come to Ka’ū. There is also no burial treatment plan in place for iwi kūpuna. This area is also home to the critically endangered Hawaiian Hawksbill turtle. Any development would significantly add to the end of their existence. There are a laundry list of unanswered concerns.
    "People from neighbor islands have warned Big Island that moving forward with a project of this nature in the region of Ka’ū, which is one of the last undeveloped shorelines, would change that demographic
and alter the ecosystem of that region forever. Quite frankly it will never be the same again. Please show your support and keep Ka’ū Ka’ū. Mahalo and aloha."
     He also released a video by Pāhala resident Jade Cabreros:
https://www.facebook.com/TupaiforHawaii/videos/378915771661018?idorvanity=164789540645777



ORGANIZERS OF A PETITION DRIVE OPPOSING RESORT DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALU'U said they have recorded about 1100 signatures opposing the plan by Black Sand Beach, LLC. They said they plan to submit their petition to County Planning Commission. Opposition organizers plan to lead a caravan from the pavilion at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach departing at 7 a.m. this Thursday, March 7, and head to the public hearing in Hilo County Council Chambers. The hearing begins at 9 a.m.The organizers contend that more development at Punalu'u will further overcrowd the coast and degrade natural and cultural resources. See the petition narrative at  https://www.thepetitionsite.com/854/086/898/residents-who-oppose-the-resort-in-punaluu-ka%C5%AB/?fbclid=IwAR1wvLWSB_sMTSF36FET0XzmPL8sk50ZTF1HaQ 





Kaʻū News Briefs March 5, 2024

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Kaʻū Hospital and its Rural Health Clinic are expected to benefit from a $50 million donation to sister facility Hilo Medical Center through funding from Lynne and Marc Benioff for physician recruitment and additional specialized facilities and services in Hilo. Photo by Julia Neal

$50 MILLION WILL GO TO KAʻŪ HOSPITAL'S SISTER FACILITY HILO MEDICAL CENTER from Lynne Benioff and Marc Benioff, CEO and Chair of SalesForce. Benioff ranks 224th among the richest billionaires in the world, with $10.5B, as reported by Bloomberg on March 5.
    Benioff has maintained residences on this island for nearly 50 years, owns homes in Kohala Coast resort communities and purchased numerous properties in Kamuela, according to a recent story on National Public Radio. According to Bloomberg, Benioff signs off letters to stockholders with the word Aloha.
    Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green who started his Hawai'i medical career in Kaʻū, said, "Before becoming governor I worked as an ER doctor in these hospitals, so I know what it means to have a true benefactor step up and rescue services. This huge donation will support the care for thousands of critically ill people in Hawai'i. This generosity is a game-changer for our state."
    One of the Benioffs' major focuses in philanthropy is health. Marc Benioff said, “If you want to have impact, it is important to have focus — and the biggest focus in our philanthropy has been public health because it’s where we feel we can have the biggest impact. But we’ve always been committed to supporting a strong safety net in Hawai'i in many areas and have invested heavily in schools, public parks, affordable housing, health care and first responders.”
    Hilo Medical Center will be renamed The Benioff Hilo Medical Center. Also renamed will be Straub in Honolulu. It will become the Straub Benioff Medical Center. Straub will receive improvements through a Benioff gift of $100 million to Hawai'i Pacific Health, one of Hawai'i's largest healthcare nonprofits, to create a "healthcare campus of the future" at Straub.

Additional physician recruitment through new funding could help
PA Benjamin Lawlor and Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Shrestha at
Kaʻū Hospital and its Rural Health Clinic. Photo from Ka'u Hospital

   The Benioff donations will help Kaʻū through improving the physician recruitment program. Kaʻū residents will also benefit from improvements to Hilo Hospital, where Kaʻū patients are often admitted to receive specialized care. The $50 million donation will help construct a new intensive care unit with a wing containing 19 more ICU beds and 36 more patient beds. The funding will also go toward a 12-bed state-of-the-art family birthing center, neurosurgical program and behavioral health services.
    Funding from the Benioffs will also connect hospitals here with San Francisco-based UCSF Health, which runs University of California San Francisco Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals to expand its efforts to support Hawai'i patients in need of specialist care. UCSF will extend its clinical expertise across the Pacific and bring specialized care in oncology and neurology to more residents across the state.
    Hilo Medical Center CEO Dan Brinkman said its groundbreaking will be held in April. The project has received another $50 million from the State of Hawai'i. “We’re very excited about this,” said Brinkman. “We’re really counting our blessings here, and we have a whole lot of work to do.”
   The gifts bring the Ben­ioffs’ total philanthropy in Hawai'i to more than $250 million, which includes a recent gift of 282 acres to a Hilo-based nonprofit for affordable housing.
Marc Benioff, and wife Lynne, have donated $50 million to Hilo Medical
 Center, which will also benefit patients at Kaʻū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic.
Photo from NPR
    The Benioffs have also funded state-of-the-art medical helicopters and firetrucks, made previous contributions to Hilo Medical Center and supported the Hawaii Island Community Health Center and Kona Hospital Foundation, among others.
    Fire safety has long been a priority for the Benioffs, years before the Lahaina fires in August. Since 2017 they have partnered with the Sayre Foundation to donate a dozen firetrucks, including tankers, and to help bring a rescue boat and two state-of-the-art medical helicopters to Hawai'i.
    “Our islands have lost so much to fire,” said Benioff. “We all have to do more to support and protect our first responders, who do so much to help keep us safe in Hawai'i.”
   With the latest contribution, Benioff said he’s not done giving to Hawai'i, which he has considered home since 1974.
   “Lynne and I are excited to become more public givers to inspire others to give back to and support this beautiful community and to cultivate a more robust culture of philanthropy in Hawai'i,” he said in a statement. “With this gift we’re more than doubling our total giving in Hawai'i — and we’ll keep going.
“Investing in Hawai'i is a major focus for us, and we will continue to support critical needs like public health, affordable housing, education and the environment,” he continued. “This gift is a north star for us that sets our direction for future giving and hopefully inspires others to give as well.”


APPLICATIONS FOR FIVE STEWARDSHIP TRAINEES FOR KAʻŪ ARE OPEN. The Kaʻū Hoa Pili 'Aina training will be conducted by Ka 'Ohana  O Honu'apo and Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and provide a monthly stipend.           Applications will close on March 15. Applicants must be 18 years or older and live in the Kaʻū moku. The two organizations are seeking trainees "who enjoy all things malama 'aina or just want to learn more about how to best steward your moku."                    The five month program will run from March 29 through Aug. 31. Trainees must be able to attend work and volunteer days, be "willing to learn new things and able to possess a positive attitude and love your 'aina."    Trainees engage with community groups doing work in Kaʻū, learn mo'olelo and cultural protocols, complete CPR and First Aid training, receive training from professionals with a wide variety of experience from honu to hoku.
      No previous stewardship experience is necessary. Send email to kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com and provide phone number, place of residence, brief introduction and statement of interest in the stewardship training program. The organizations recently completed stewardship training in Kaʻū with a grant from Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

Kaʻū News Briefs March 6, 2024

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Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Photo by Peter Anderson

THE CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY HAS FILED LEGAL INTERVENTION OPPOSING BLACK SAND BEACH, LLC'S request for a Special Management Area permit for its proposal for Punalu'u. In representing itself and several community members, the Center issued a statement saying that the project would be at "one of Hawaiʻi's most renowned black sand beaches" and "would harm local residents and jeopardize threatened and endangered species, including green sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals."
    The Windward Planning Commission will hold the public meeting this Thursday at  9 a.m. March 7 at Hawai'i County Council Chambers, 25 Aupuni St., in Hilo. It will be livestreamed on YouTube at  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAFoRMb3rfWLQMPd6TAkEGA?view_as=subscriber.
    Maxx Phillips, Hawai'i Director and Staff Attorney at Center for Biological Diversity, said, "The vibrant biodiversity and rich cultural history of Punaluʻu needs to be protected for generations to come, not developed for private interests. Hundreds of people have mobilized to protect this spectacular place and protest this reckless development. The community and wildlife of Punaluʻu deserve so much more and we'll do everything possible to see they get it."
Maxx Phillips, Hawai'i Director and Staff Attorney for
 Center for Biological Diversity, will testify for a contested
case for Punalu'u at the SMA hearing on Thursday.
    If the contested case is approved by Hawai'i County's Windward Planning Commission, "Thursday's action would allow the Center and local residents to formally challenge the 400-acre project site development in Punaluʻu, starting with the March 7 commission meeting. Developers want to build 225 residential and short-stay units, a commercial center, retail shops and a golf course that would harm local residents and Hawaiʻi's native threatened and endangered species," said the Center's statement.
    "Nestled on the southeastern Kaʻū coast, Punaluʻu is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, cultural significance and unique ecological diversity. This coastal haven is home to rare and endangered native animals, including hawksbill sea turtles, green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, native bees and orange-black damselflies. Punaluʻu's shores are vital nesting grounds for the sea turtles.
    "Developers are relying on an outdated environmental analysis and the permit application they filed with the county fails to consider harms to the local community. Increased traffic and a surge in visitors will compromise the residents' quality of life and exacerbate existing challenges faced by Punaluʻu's fragile ecosystem," said the Center's statement.
    "My beloved mother Pele Hanoa and sister, Keolalani Hanoa worked tirelessly for many years to preserve Punaluʻu," said Elsa Kalanikauleleiaiwi Dedman, a direct descendant of Punaluʻu and a Center for Biological Diversity member. "The magic of Punaluʻu, the piko of Kaʻū, is home to some of the rarest animals in the world. I am one with my ancestors to protect the legacy of our cultural treasures on Hawaiʻi island's longest undeveloped coastline."
    Nohea Ka'awa, a community member supporting approval of the contested case, said "There are many issues that need to be addressed before even thinking about approving the special management area use permit or considering any type of development at Punaluʻu. Our Kaʻū community is expressing concerns about the lack of a disaster mitigation plan. Emergencies like fire, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanic eruption have not been considered. There's no burial treatment plan in place to protect our ancestors. The sewage system is leaking into our ocean as we speak, yet the developer wants us to believe that there will be no impacts. This development will lead to overpopulation and a rise in land taxes so local people cannot stay. The decision makers have a big responsibility on their shoulders and with the proper steps taken beforehand, a disaster waiting to happen can be prevented."
    The legal challenge calls for "a thorough reevaluation of the potential environmental and cultural harms from the development. It aims to ensure that responsible and sustainable practices are adopted to protect the delicate balance of Punaluʻu's ecosystem and the native species that depend on it to survive," says the Center's statement. 
    Guy Enriques, President of Malama Pono Punalu'u, said, "This development goes against all the values of the Kaʻū Community Development Plan, I strongly believe that the character of these developers will always put Kala (money) before the people and lands of Kaʻū. This development will put the place that we love and cherish in jeopardy."
    Black Sand Beach, LLC has been contacted for a response to the statement from the Center for Biological Diversity. The Black Sand Beach team contended earlier that its plan will help manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic to help protect wildlife and will maintain access to the entire shoreline for the local community.
    According to Deputy Planning Director Jeff Harrow, contested case proposals should not stop or delay pro and con testimonies from being heard at the hearing on Thursday. In addition to the filing from Center for Biological Diversity, a contested case filing has come from the seven member board of the condo association at Punalu'u, with several non-board members expressing to the Planning Commission their opposition to the filing. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.
Reflections of Punalu'u during its heyday as a destination for tourist dining and family events, with canoe in the pond, hale in the background. Black Sand Beach, LLC wants to bring back some of the elements of those times. Shoreline changes, visitor crowding, endangered species and other environmental considerations are also at hand, with public hearing coming up on a development plan at 9 a.m. Thursday in Hilo County Council Chambers, and by zoom at Nāʻālehu Community Center and Kai'Lokis in Ocean View. Photo from Black Sand Beach, LLC

BLACK SAND BEACH, LLC, WHICH PROPOSES A PROJECT UP FOR PUBLIC HEARING THURSDAY, released this letter to the Kaʻū community on Wednesday evening:
    Dear Kaʻū Community,
    Over the past month, various opinions and demonstrations have emerged in our Kaʻū community regarding the public hearing on the Punalu'u SMA, transforming our once beautiful and friendly town into a place filled with tension. Many in the community have expressed regret and sadness over this. We do not wish to see strife within the community; we have chosen to be quiet and listen.    
    Over the past four years, we have communicated numerous times with the community about our development plan for Punalu'u. We understand the situation and needs of our community. More importantly, we chose to come to Puanalu'u not just as developers, but also as individuals who aspire to be permanent residents and good neighbors. Therefore, we have strived to help our community with limited development, bringing convenience to everyday life and good job opportunities, allowing parents to avoid spending 3-4 hours commuting to work each day.
    In the past few years, when communicating our development plans with the community, the most common and heartfelt response we received was: "You can't please everyone." However, we have still tried to communicate as widely as possible with the community. After four years, we have finalized our current plan. We are grateful to the community for appreciating us as the first developer willing to communicate deeply with them.

Old days of the restaurant, museum, shop at Punalu'u Black
 Sand Beach Pond. Photo from Black Sand Beach, LLC

    After extensive communication with the community, we know that the aspects of development in Punalu'u that are of greatest concern to the community are: the coastal area, the number of units in the project, and the area of the old restaurant, which represents the history and culture of Punalu'u.
    Here are the key decisions we have made for our Punalu'u development plan:
    1. The entire coastline will be permanently open to the community and not privatized.
   2. The units will total 225, which is 7.5% of the 1967 development plan and 12.3% of the 2006 development plan.
   3. The old restaurant will be restored as the Punalu'u Garden, primarily open to the community as an information center, a center for historical and cultural education, and a venue for various community gatherings. After multiple discussions with the principals of 
Nāʻālehu and Pāhala schools, part of the area will be made available to the schools as a base for student learning and education.
     It's important to note that on the other side of the old restaurant area, we plan to establish an open market. This will provide equal and favorable business opportunities for every small and medium-sized enterprise in the community.
    Additionally, we welcome and hope to hear various opinions and suggestions from the community. For example, a community member kindly raised issues about sewage treatment, clean energy, and sustainable development. We will answer these as best as we can. 
The feast in the days of the Punalu'u Village Restaurant. Photo from Black Sand, LLC

    We will present more details at the public hearing tomorrow through the Planning Department and our team. We look forward to your attention and participation, as well as hearing your views. Even if not everyone can speak, each person can fully hear about our Punalu'u development plan and the voices from the community.
    Friendly Reminder 1: We thank Uncle Guy for gathering friends from all over the Big Island and Hawaii last Saturday to attend the Punalu'u public hearing. He also plans to provide bus services to bring interested attendees to the meeting center. We deeply appreciate this thoughtful arrangement, as it will enable them to understand the development plan for Punalu'u correctly and make their own judgments and statements based on the information they hear.
    Friendly Reminder 2: In last Saturday's demonstration against the development of Punalu'u organized by Uncle Guy, there was strong opposition to the open market plan. This issue is difficult to address because the open market plan was formed through communication with the community. It is specially designed for the entire community to have fair business opportunities and will belong to the whole community, not just one family.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

TO COMBAT AGRICULTURAL THEFT, KAʻŪ'S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MICHELLE GALIMBA and Councilwomen Heather Kimball and Cynthia Evans have funded three certified agricultural produce scales. 
    Hawai'i Police Department sent out a mahalo, noting that each portable scale can weigh more than 500 pounds of produce and print out a receipt showing the total poundage. The three scales, valued at $1,500 each, will be kept at the Hilo, Kona, and South Kohala police stations for use by police investigating agricultural thefts. “It’s a really great tool that helps both police and prosecutors,” said Lieutenant William Derr of HPD’s Hilo Community Policing Section.“We can take the scale to remote parts of the island or farmers markets, weigh the produce on the spot, and return it to its rightful owner.”
    The collaborative effort to procure the scales was spearheaded by retired Hawai‘i County Prosecutor and community advocate Charlene Iboshi, along with the County of Hawai‘i Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, and the County Office of Research & Development. Council members used their discretionary funds to pay for the equipment.
    The scales, which the police department received at the end of February, were quickly put to use and already instrumental in prosecuting a case, said the HPD statement. 
HPD Lieutenant William Derr, Glenn Sako, County Office of Research and Development, Charlene Iboshi, Councilwoman Heather Kimball District 1, Councilwoman Michelle Galimba District 6, Councilwoman Cindy Evans District 9, Shane
Muramaru, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney. Photo from HPD

    “The day after we received the scale at the Hilo station, we received a call from officers in the Hāmākua district requesting to use it in an agricultural theft case involving more than 100 pounds of bananas,” said Derr.
    Additionally, HPD recently collaborated with the Office of Research and Development on a new, online, and fillable self-reporting form regarding agricultural theft. The form is available on the County’s website, https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3557/, and simplifies the reporting process for victims, police officers, and prosecutors.
    Hawai‘i Police Department is committed to working diligently on addressing agricultural theft, a frequently underreported, yet devastating crime that impacts our island’s farmers and ranchers.
    “With the certified scales the prosecution of offenders can now be carried out more successfully, thanks to the council members’ gracious contributions,” said Derr. “We are optimistic about our ongoing collaboration with Hawai‘i County Council members and fellow county departments as we continue to develop additional innovative solutions to combat this type of crime.”

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BE ON THE ALERT FOR MEASLES, as international and continental U.S. outbreaks increase, That's the message from the state Department of Health on Wednesday. DOH noted that 16 states are affected as of Feb. 29. DOH also sent an advisory to physicians, urging them to be vigilant.

    "Hawai'i has not experienced any recent outbreaks or spread of measles within the state, but infection can be just a plane ride away," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. "Current outbreaks in the U.S.

Measles can a rash all over and conjunctivitis in the eyes. Some cases
lead to death. Photo from American Optometric Association
and abroad are a serious concern because of our popularity as an international and domestic travel destination and our frequent traveler resident population. Both groups have the potential to introduce and spread measles."
    According to the Department of Health, "The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. DOH encourages everyone to check their records and contact their healthcare provider if they need to be immunized. Before international travel or travel to areas experiencing a measles outbreak, infants ages six through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine. Children ages 12 months and older, as well as teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity, should receive two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days."
    MMR coverage rates have dropped among children globally, nationally, and locally here in Hawai'i since pre-pandemic years. Based on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hawai'i's 2022-2023 kindergarten coverage rate is estimated to be 86.4%, which is nearly 10% lower than the 95% coverage level recommended for community protection. Hawai'i had the largest increase in non-medical kindergarten vaccine exemptions nationally from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023. "Staying up to date on routine vaccinations is an effective way of protecting our families and the larger community from measles outbreaks," said the DOH statement.
    "The decline in routine childhood vaccination rates is concerning for a potential measles outbreak in Hawai'i," said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of Health. "Whereas unvaccinated and immunocompromised individuals can be protected by community immunity, weʻre now below that threshold for measles putting this group at risk. Vaccination helps protect the person vaccinated and the community. I encourage parents who are hesitant about vaccination to discuss their concerns with their child's healthcare provider."
    Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but remains a very contagious disease that is caused by a virus and can be serious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Measles starts with fever, followed by cough, runny nose, and redness in the white parts of the eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
    Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children less than a year old, pregnant individuals, and persons who have a weakened immune system. According to the CDC, one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, and one out of 1,000 develops encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Nearly one to three out of 1,000 children who become infected with measles, will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
    More information about measles is available at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html.




Kaʻū News Briefs March 7, 2024

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The county building in Hilo, overflowing with people, mostly there to show opposition for
development at Punalu'u at Thursday's public hearing. Photo from Kaʻū Bulletin Board

PUNALU'U DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC HEARING WILL EXTEND TO ANOTHER TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED, following a full day on Thursday of mainly opposition testimony. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to extend the hearing and to consider holding it in Kaʻū on a weekend, as suggested by several of those who testified, to avoid people having to take off from work. 
    The question is whether to issue a Special Management Area permit for commercial development near the black sand beach, 225 accommodations inland and creation of a wellness center, along with resurrection of the old golf course, Aspen Center and other abandoned facilities on the property. The land is all within the Special Management Area, which is designed to protect the coast. It is in need of repair of its sewage, water and fire hydrant systems, which developers promise to repair.
     The Windward Planning Commission meeting on granting a Special Management Area permit to Black Sand Beach, LLC started at 9 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. after 82 people spoke with more than 50 still waiting to testify. Of those who testified 74 were in opposition while eight supported it.
    Written testimony is posted on the Planning Commission website at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/fol/126393/Row1.aspx?dbid=1&startid=126393&row=1
People listened to testimony outside as they waited to give their
own, with 82 speaking and more than 50 still waiting. The meeting
will be continued on another date. Photo from Kaʻū Bulletin Board
   See the entire video of the public hearing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfA6VoyabyE&t=37s.
    Lori Lee Lorenzo, who grew up in Pāhala and is well known in rodeo, said she will graduate from Hawai'i Community College in May with a Degree in Tropical Ecosystems and Forestry Management with Academic Certificate in Sustainability. She said, "Kaʻū is one of the last undeveloped districts o this island and in the State of Hawai'i. We have a peaceful rural community surrounded by Agriculture and Conservation lands, and we wish to keep it this way. Building a resort would make this area overcrowded and would disturb our native species and destroy many of our natural resources and the natural beauty of this landscape. 
    "One of our most important natural resources is fresh water. We are in danger of losing much of our watershed system due to Rapid Ohia Death and I don't feel we have the water needed to support this type of large resort development. We need to protect the water that we do have for the local residents, and for the farmers and ranchers that are working hard to make our island more self-sustainable. 
    "People who want to work in hotels or resorts have many job opportunities in the area that are already developed. We need to save and take care of our precious natural resources and our pristine undeveloped Aina. Keep Kaʻū Country."
        Katherine Okamura who operates a stand at the Black Sand Beach selling items to mostly visitors wrote, "I was born and raised in  Kaʻū and currently live in Pāhala. I oppose any kind of development down at Black Sand Beach. I live in Kaʻū because I love the country lifestyle. Building a resort will only bring more people to our already overcrowded beach. You have an obligation to follow the Kaʻū Community Development Plan for the sake of the residents of Kaʻū."
People filled the County Council chambers in Hilo on Thursday to 
testify, mostly in opposition of development at Punalu'u.
Photo from Kaʻū Bulletin Board
    Demetrius Oliveira, of Pāhala, is a well known musician who has provided music and often met with Black Sand Beach, LLC representatives. He supported the development and wrote, "This project holds the potential to rejuvenate Kaʻū, offering opportunities for its residents and fostering much-needed employment." He also said, "Recognizing the delicate balance between economic advancement and culturally significant sites of Punalu'u exemplifies commendable stewardship, a rarity in past land development endeavors. Furthermore, their exceptional receptiveness to community feedback demonstrated through meticulous plan adjustments, merits acknowledgement."
    Laura Wong, of Nāʻālehu, testified, "I object to the development of Punalu'u as described by land holder Eva Liu and her developer partners.
     "I demand that the county hold another meeting on a Saturday or a Sunday to allow the working people the opportunity to attend the meeting. Furthermore said meeting should be held in  Kaʻū at Pāhala or Na'alehu. I demand an updated shoreline certification to reflect the massive tidal actions of the past 36 months on the Kaʻū coastline. I demand a new shoreline certification be made prior to considering any additional building within one mile of the newly aligned coastline. 
    "I strongly object to any allowances for any building to occur in designated special use managment coastline of the District of  Kaʻū. I do not support this development at Punalu'u."
     See more testimony in upcoming Ka'u News Briefs.


Kumano I Ke Ala in Waimea Canyon on Kaua'i hosted Kaʻū Future Farmers during the recent Future Farmers of America state convention. The students volunteered to clean the lo'i where kalo, taro, is grown. Photo from Kumano I Ke Ala

KAʻŪ FUTURE FARMERS HELPED CARE FOR KALO GROWING IN WAIMEA CANYON and competed in Future Farmers of America events on Kaua'i last weekend during the state convention.They
Vladimir Fedoruk, Aljshae Barrios and Ezekiel
Kaawa-Kamimura took first in Chapter Records.
Photo from Kaʻū FFA
also met with Kaua'i Mayor Derk Kawakami. 
    They volunteered to clean the lo'i - the taro patch where kalo is grown under the guidance of Kumano Ike Ala, an organization dedicated to sustainability and food sovereignty.      
   FFA reporter Alajshae Barrios reported that 12 students from Kaʻū attended the State Convention at Kapa'a Kaua'i. They were supervised by Kaweni Ibarra, Jesse Denny, and Aunty Cynthia.
   FFA members participated in competitions called the Creed, Educational Exhibit, Floriculture, Chapter Records, Essay, and Quiz. Sherwin Agpaoa won third place in the Creed. Alajshae Barrios, Vladimir Fedoruk, and Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura won first place in Chapter Records. 
    Barrios reported: "On the first day of our arrival our chapter headed to Waimea, Kaua'i to volunteer to help clean the lo'i with Kumano Ike Ala, It was truly an amazing experience. The following day we completed Community Service at Kapa'a High School's garden, working as a team with other chapters from other schools and bonding with them."
     Kaʻū students who attended FAA's State Convention were: Sherwin Agpaoa, Vladimir Fedoruk, Desmond Camba, Zayden Gallano, Alajshae Barrios, Shaylie Martinez, Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura, Jacelyn Jara, Triton Blanco, Delisa Breithaupt, Laci Ah-Yee, and Dreana Vierra- Mukini.

 Kaʻū FFA students and leaders at a kalo farm in Waimea Canyon on Kaua'i. Photo from Kaʻū FFA
       

Kaʻū News Briefs March 8, 2024

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Hawai'i Public Radio ran a story about the Punalu'u development issue on Friday with this photo and caption, saying, "A controversial proposal for development near Punaluʻu Beach Park has sparked overwhelming opposition from the community, while some longtime Kaʻū families see it as an an opportunity for jobs and economic investment in the community." 
Photo by Kelsey Hiraishi/HPR



THE PUNALU'U ISSUE DREW COVERAGE BY HAWAI'I PUBLIC RADIO ON FRIDAY. HPR reporter Ku'uwehi Hiraishi quotes Ikaika Ka'ili'awa of Nāʻālehu and Sophia Hanoa, of Pāhala, and writes the following:
    "The fate of a controversial development on the south side of Hawaiʻi Island remains in limbo after a public hearing in Hilo stretched more than eight hours into Thursday evening.
    "The developer, Black Sand Beach LLC, is seeking a permit from Hawaiʻi County to build a residential and commercial community on 434 acres of land at Punaluʻu.
    "Overwhelming amounts of public testimony and limited time forced the Hawai’i County Windward Planning Commission to postpone a decision on the future of a controversial development in Punaluʻu.
Ku'uwehi Hiraishi writes about Punalu'u
for Hawai'i Public Radio.
    "Nāʻālehu resident Ikaika Kaʻiliʻawa-Smith said his opposition stems from a history of extractive developers using the land for profit.
"When C. Brewer developed Punaluʻu as a playground for the rich, they bulldozed graves, ancient home sites and heiau. When they extracted all the wealth that they could out of Kaʻū and its people, they left a mess in their wake. They left asbestos-built huts, gravel-filled ponds, and a leaking sewage system," Kaʻiliʻawa-Smith said.
    “Now this foreign developer wants us to ignore all of this. We cannot in good conscience allow this development to continue.”
    "Black Sand Beach LLC owner Eva Liu is proposing 225 residential and short-stay units, a village and wellness center, retail stores, and rehabilitation of the golf courses on the former Sea Mountain at Punaluʻu resort area.
    "Liu is requesting a special management area or SMA permit for the project.
    "However, not everyone from Kaʻū is opposed to the project. Sophia Hānoa, 59, whose family stewards land at Punaluʻu that has been in her ʻohana for generations, said there can be a win-win situation."
    The story quotes Hanoa saying, “Well, we must protect the wahi pana of Punaluʻu. No question. Where I stand on this development is if they do get the SMA approval, they will be doing things that will benefit the community. If they don’t get the approval, then nothing gets fixed, nothing gets repaired.”
Hānoa said, “There is a way through this, but everybody has to be able to sit down and see the bigger picture. What’s going to benefit future generations?”
      he story reported that the "commission adjourned Thursday evening with nearly 50 testifiers remaining. "There's no set date for the next meeting, but public notice needs to be sent out at least 48 hours in advance."


A STATEMENT ON PUNALU'U CAME FROM REP. JEANNE KAPELA on Friday. She serves Kaʻū in the state House of Representatives and writes:
    "We must preserve Punalu’u. I stand with the hundreds of people who testified yesterday in opposition to Black Sands, LLC’s proposed commercial development in Ka’ū. Our kuleana is to protect our heritage and our pristine coastline. The environment of Ka’ū is fragile and home to many sacred Hawaiian cultural sites, including important Native Hawaiian burial sites.
    "Moreover, this project is not sustainable. It does not contain provisions that align with our county’s or our state’s clean energy goals. Already, the Ka’ū area faces difficulty in sustaining local infrastructure. This project would be an additional drain on our precious energy and water resources. Instead of investing in private development that primarily benefits tourists, we should strengthen public facilities that uplift our community’s and our keiki’s health and well-being.
    "Ka’ū is a region in which people have carefully cultivated the land for generations. It is one of the few places not overrun by the visitor industry. We need to keep our community in the hands of its ancestral caretakers, not corporations from the continent. The Punalu’u coast also harbors numerous endangered spaces. Moving forward with this project without conducting another environmental impact statement would be reckless and a slap in the face of the families who have lived here for hundreds of years.
    "Planning Commission members should not rely on an outdated environmental impact statement to determine the course of our future. They must listen to the voices of the people, who are fiercely proclaiming that this proposal is not pono. Far too long, Hawaiians and rural residents have been silenced in our pursuit of a regenerative future. We will not be silent any longer. We will fight tirelessly to ensure the character of Ka’ū is determined by our community, not by nonresident corporations. And we will not back down."
 
Volunteers can help make the Kahuku-Pōhue trail. This photo is from the first day of trail work.
Photo from National Park Service

VOLUNTEERS FROM KAʻŪ ARE INVITED TO THE KAHUKU-PŌHUE unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park to help with trail maintenance, building a small rock wall, and ʻōpala (rubbish) clean-up .
The volunteer event at the newly acquired Kahuku-Pōhue unit is Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participate in one or both days. Meet at the Kahuku Visitor Contact Station. The park will shuttle all volunteers to and from the site.
    The park, with kōkua from Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and National Park Service staff from Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, have begun work on a 0.3-mile trail that will eventually allow pedestrian access to the Pōhue Bay area.
    Volunteers are asked to be prepared for rugged uneven terrain, very little shade and warm weather. Water, gloves and tools will be provided. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring lunch and snacks, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment with written consent is required.
    Canʻt make it but want to help? Let the organizers know so they can make contact for future volunteer opportunities. To register and for more information, contact Park Ranger Travis Heinrich via email: Travis_Heinrich@nps.gov.

Kaʻū News Briefs March 9, 2024

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Larry Katahara is legendary in his outreach to the community through the Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project.
Photo from hawaiiislandhawksbillproject.org.

HAWAI'I ISLAND HAWKSBILL PROJECT ANNOUNCED A RECORD SEASON for nesting by critically endangered hawksbill turtles on the coast of this island. The following report was posted this week:
Hatchlings head to the water at Punalu'u.
Photo from Kaylee Roofner Photography
Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Turtle Project
    "The 2023 nesting season was a busy one for the Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project team and the hawksbill mamas!" The season ended in December with 82 confirmed nests–a new record for Hawai‘i Island. "This number far surpasses the previous record of 70 set all the way back in 1995!" 
    During the latest nesting season, the Hawksbill Project encountered 18 female hawksbills, six of them returnees from previous seasons. Their nests produced almost 9,000 hatchlings.
     "Mahalo to our partners at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, NOAA, Friends of HAVO, and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association for helping make this season so successful," says the report.
    The 2024 hawksbill nesting season starts in May. "In the meantime, please continue to be respectful and take care of our beaches so they will be ready for the mamas to return," says the statement from the Hawksbill Project. It notes that all sea turtle work was completed under U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Permit TE72088A-3 by authorized individuals.
    Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Turtle Project lead Kelleigh Downs brought the organization's mission to the Friend-Raiser at Na'alehu Elementary School on Saturday and shared that volunteer positions will soon be available for the 2024 nesting season that begins in May. The org's website says: " By promoting public stewardship of rare ecosystems, mainly through education and outreach, we can ensure that future generations are taught their importance."
    To volunteer, call  808-985-6090 or email info@hawaiiislandhawksbillturtleproject.org. See more at www.hawaiiislandhawksbillturtle.org.


TESTIMONY REGARDING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALU'U is still being accepted by County of Hawai'i, following the cutoff at the public hearing on Thursday after a county Planning Commission meeting that lasted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The email for all testimony regarding the requested Shoreline Management Area permit is wpctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov
    Some 80 persons testified live on Thursday before the Windward Planning Commission in Hilo, with some 50 remaining to testify at the extended meeting time to be announced. A very high percentage of testimony live and submitted has opposed the plan for Punalu'u. The live testimony with accompanying chat can be seen online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfA6VoyabyE
    Organizers of an online permit opposing the development announced more than 13,600 signatures as of late Saturday from people worldwide. See the narrative, names, countries and states at 

 
Hats and Lei presented and for sale at the Friend-Raiser.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg
A SENSE OF JOY AND COMMUNITY ARE WORDS FROM staff members and attendees at Na'alehu Elementary School during their annual Friend-Raiser event on Saturday, sponsored by the Student Council. 
    School staff members said they are  grateful for the participants' support and for having a place to promote the sense of joy and community for the students and the families. They also pointed to the school campus on this day  as being a place for small businesses and individuals to promote and share their hard work with their products and community programs.
   Funds raised during the Friend-Raiser go toward student activities and supplies.
    Friend-raiser Coordinator Amber Keohuloa shared the importance of bringing family, students, school staff and community together.
State Department of Education partnered with Leadership
 in Disabilities Services at the Friend-Raiser.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg
    Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawai'i provided information regarding their services in collaboration with the Department of Education. Their offerings include small group sessions open to parents and older children to get support with the Individualized Education program. 
    Child & Family Services discussed ongoing 'ohana support through its virtual nurturing families parent support groups. See childandfamilyservives.org.
    Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi discussed the Sixth Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.
   The 31 year-old organization offers community outreach online and in person, with education, discussion and clinical services.

    The Mālama Nā Keiki Festival event aims to improve prenatal care, improve health outcomes, and enrich parenting skills for Hawaiʻi island ʻohana. This event is completely free and open to the public. It is focuses on keiki under age 18, expecting and first-time mothers, supporting ʻohana, young families, and women considering pregnancy from across the island. There will be free food, partnering agencies, health screenings, Makahiki games, make and take crafts, smoothie bikes, and more.
    Retired Principal Darlene Javaar said, "It's fun to come back and learn of the great things happening at Naalehu Elementary, like this Friend-Raiser. It's awesome to see familiar faces, and new faces, still supporting one another. I'm optimistic for NES."

Friend-Raiser Coordinator Amber Keohuloa and retired principal Darlene Javaar at the Friend-Raiser event at Na'alehu School 
on Saturday. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

Child & Family Service, operating since 1899, took its mission to Na'alehu School on Saturday.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg

Leadership & Achievement of Hawai'i, helps those with disabilities receive eduction and
training, even beyond the age for high school graduation. Photo by Ophir Danenberg




Kaʻū News Briefs March 10, 2024

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In February, Dr. Jim Kauahikaua, of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, who died last October, received the first award
given by the International Association of Volcanology & Chemistry of the Earth's Interior. The honor, with speech by
Dr. Ken Hon, HVO's Scientist in Charge was given at a meeting of Cities on Volcanoes held in Guatemala in February.
Kauahikaua was a Volcano resident and often spoke at volcano events in KaʻūUSGS Photo

HVO SCIENTISTS TRAVELED TO THE CITIES ON VOLCANOES CONFERENCE in February. The latest Volcano Watch, written by USGS Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory scientist Naalia Deigne, explains:  In February, the volcanological community gathered for the 12th edition of Cities on Volcanoes (COV12), a conference of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior.
    This conference series started in 1998, with the third conference held in Hilo in 2003; Cities on Volcanoes conferences are held every two to three years in a city that co-exists with and is influenced by volcanism.
    This year COV12 was in Antigua, Guatemala, the colonial capital of Guatemala from 1543-1773, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Three volcanoes, Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango, are located near Antigua. Fuego is quite active: minor explosions happen multiple times a day, with the resulting ash plumes visible from Antigua (quite a sight over breakfast!). Tragically, on June 3, 2018, Fuego had its largest eruption in more than 40 years, with pyroclastic flows (fast moving flows of hot gas, volcanic ash, and rocks) killing hundreds of people, mostly within a single rural community on the southeast flank of the volcano.
    About 650 people from around the world attended COV12, including volcano observatory staff, academics from a variety of disciplines, students, emergency managers and government officials, indigenous cultural practitioners, artists, and local residents. Seven State of Hawaii residents attended,

During Cities on Volcanoes conference, participants walk next to buildings of La Reunión Golf Resort damaged by pyroclastic flows during the June 3, 2018, eruption of Fuego volcano. The USGS photo shows Fuego in the background, a minor explosion underway and a small volcanic ash plume rising from the summit. At right, during the conference closing ceremony, Dr. Jim Kauahikaua was posthumously awarded the first IAVCEI Honorary Award. HVO Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon (center) accepted the award from the IAVCEI President and Secretary, on behalf of the Kauahikaua family.
Image from the Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrología in Guatemala.

hailing from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency, and the University of Hawaiʻi (Hilo and Mānoa).
    Conferences such as COV12 allow participants to share experiences, ideas, observations, and research findings. Four of the five conference days either started or ended with three or four general talks followed by a panel discussion open to the public. Together, these sessions explored volcanology and risk reduction in Latin America and beyond, with special attention paid to the role and contributions of local and indigenous communities, and emerging, more inclusive and holistic research approaches. These were conducted in both English and Spanish, with simultaneous translation provided.
        Most of the rest of the conference consisted of concurrent sessions, each grouped around a topic. Participants faced a tough choice for which of the many fascinating sessions to attend. Sessions at COV12
The late Dr. Jim Kauahikaua, of HVO.
Photo from Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
included short (5 minutes or less) and longer (12 minute) talks, panel discussions, facilitated participant discussions, and poster sessions that prompted engaging dialogues around specific studies, experiences, and initiatives.
    The Hawai'i contingent played an active role in the conference, including running and presenting in sessions such as Lessons from recent eruptions and other crises, Long-term engagement and interaction between civil authorities and volcano observatories, The Indigenous voice in volcanology, Multidisciplinary investigations to unravel the structure and dynamics of active volcanic systems, and Creating “volcano-ready” communities.
     During the third day of the conference, participants could attend one of two field trips: visiting either Pacaya or Fuego volcano. Pacaya volcano is near the capital Guatemala City, and its eruption in 2010 resulted in volcanic ash covering the city and causing significant disruption (for example, the airport was closed for nearly five days). Those who chose the Pacaya field trip were treated to a long hike and beautiful vistas.
    The Fuego field trip focused on that volcano’s deadly June 2018 eruption. Participants visited the La Reunión Golf Resort that was evacuated prior to pyroclastic density currents sweeping through, destroying and inundating much of the resort. This was followed by a visit to San Miguel Los Lotes, the village where hundreds of fatalities were caused by these pyroclastic density currents. Most buildings in this village are still buried under many feet and tons of deposits, with no night-time occupancy permitted. It was sobering and sad to walk down a cleared street near where so many had perished in and near their homes.
   At the end of the conference, the late Dr. Jim Kauahikaua of HVO was awarded the first IAVCEI Honorary Award, along with the late Dr. Peter Hall from the Instituto Geofísico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional (Ecuador’s volcano monitoring entity). This award was given in recognition of Jim’s contribution and services to volcano monitoring and risk reduction, which continues to serve as an example for the entire volcanology community. HVO Scientist-in-Charge Ken Hon gave a moving tribute in Jim’s honor.
   Cities on Volcanoes will soon return to the USA for the first time since 2003, with the next edition to be held in Bend, Oregon, in 2026.

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A bright red adult ʻiʻiwi. Photo by Janice Wei

PARADISE UNDER PRESSURE: TRACKING THE RARE FOREST BIRDS OF HAWAI'I is the topic at 
After Dark in the Park this Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Avian ecologist Seth Judge. NPS photo
    The announcement notes that Hawaiʻi has suffered the extinctions of more than 70 percent of its native forest birds since the islands were colonized by people. Introduced avian diseases and their vectors have pushed remaining birds into upland forests on Mauna Loa and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where surveys to estimate population densities and trends have been conducted since the 1970s.
    National Park Service Avian Ecologist Seth Judge describes the trends of native forest birds and how a warming climate has contributed to their decline. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing After Dark in the Park programs and co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

T
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A HUGE ROCK THAT TAKEN FROM KAʻŪ TO WASHINGTON, D.C. will be returned by the National Museum of the American Indian this summer. Named Kānepō, the boulder was leant to the museum through the Kūpuna Advisory Council of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park 20 years ago. Halena Kapuni-Reynolds, curator of the museum, released the following statement in Hawaiian and English:
    Aloha mai kākou! ʻO Halena kēia, ke kahu o ka moʻaukala a me ka moʻomeheu Hawaiʻi ma ka hale hōʻikeʻike aupuni o ka poʻe ʻŌiwi o ʻAmelika. Ma ka ʻaoʻao komohana o kā mākou hale hōʻikeʻike ma Wakinekona D.C., ua hoʻonohonoho ʻia he pōhaku nui mai Hawaiʻi mai no ka hōʻike ʻana aku i kā mākou

Kānepō, a huge boulder from Kaʻū, will be returned this summer from
 National Museum of the Native American Indian in Washington, D.C.
Photo from The Smithsonian Museum
kuleana i ka poʻe ʻŌiwi o Hawaiʻi. ʻO Kānepō ka inoa o kēia pōhaku, a no ka moku o Kaʻū ma ka mokupuni ʻo Hawaiʻi mai ʻo ia. I ka makahiki 2004, ua hāʻawi ʻia ʻo Kānepō e ka ʻAha Kūpuna o ka Pāka Aupuni ʻo Kīlauea no nā makahiki he iwakālua. I loko o ia manawa, ua kipa nui ʻia ʻo Kānepō e ka lehulehu, a waiho pinepine ʻia nā hoʻokupu nona. I kēia kauwela, e hoʻohanohano ʻia ana kēia pōhaku kaulana ma ka Hoʻolauleʻa Moʻomeheu, a laila, e hoʻihoʻi ana ʻo ia i kona ʻāina kamahaʻo. Ke ʻike ʻoe iā Kānepō, e aloha aku ʻoe iā ia e like me kekahi kūpuna i aloha nui ʻia.
    Greetings everyone! This is Halena, the curator of Native Hawaiian history and culture at the National Museum of the American Indian. On the western side of our museum in Washington D.C., a boulder from Hawaiʻi was placed in order to demonstrate our responsibility to representing Native Hawaiians. Kānepō is the name of this rock, and they are from the Kaʻū District on Hawaiʻi Island. In 2004, Kānepō was given by the Kūpuna (Elders) Advisory Council of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park for 20 years. In that time, they have been greeted by many people, and numerous offerings were left for them. This summer, this celebrated rock will be honored at the Folklife Festival and then sent home to its wonderful land. When you see Kānepō, greet him like you would an esteemed elder.
    ʻŌlelo Pākuʻi: Mahalo a nui loa iā ʻoukou pākahi a pau no kou mau manaʻo e pili ana iā Kānepō. ʻO ka manaʻo nui o nā ʻōlelo kākoʻo a me nā ʻōlelo hoʻohalahala, ʻo ia hoʻi ke aloha o ka poʻe Hawaiʻi no kā lākou ʻāina a me nā pōhaku. ʻO kēia aloha ke kumu i hāʻawi ʻia ʻo Kānepō no ka manawa i hiki iā ia ke
Kānepō from Kaʻū, outside Museum of the Native
American Indian, in Washington, D.C.
Photo by Julia Neal


hoʻi i Kaʻū. E like me ʻoukou, ua kūkākūkā nui ka ʻAha Kūpuna no ka hoʻouna ʻana i kekahi pōhaku i Wakinekona D.C. i ia mau makahiki 20 aku nei. Ua hōʻike ʻia nā mānaʻo kākoʻo a me nā mānaʻo kānalua no kēia hana, a no laila, ua hoʻoholo ka ʻAha Kūpuna e hoʻouna iā Kānepō me ka manaʻo e hoʻihoʻi mai ʻo ia i Hawaiʻi i ka manawa kūpono. I loko o nā makahiki 20, ua kipa pinepine ʻia ʻo Kānepō e ko Hawaiʻi poʻe iā lākou e huakaʻi ana ma Wakinekona D.C. Ua waiho nui ʻia nā hoʻokupu nona, a he hōʻike hou kēia o ke aloha o ka poʻe Hawaiʻiiā ia. Mahalo aku kākou i ka ʻaha kūpuna a me ka poʻe o Hawaiʻi no ka ʻae ʻana iā mākou e hōʻike aku iā Kānepō i kēia mau makahiki he nui. Na mākou ke kuleana e hoʻihoʻi iā ia i kona onehānau i kēia kauwela.
    Halena said, "Thanks to each of you for voicing your perspectives on Kānepō. Overall, your support and criticism illustrates how much aloha Native Hawaiians have for their lands and stones. This aloha is the reason that Kānepō was loaned so that they could be returned to Kaʻū. Just as you have done, the Kūpuna Advisory Council spent much time deliberating whether or not they should send a stone to Washington D.C. 20 years ago." 
    "There was support as well as doubt shared in doing this, thus the decision was made by the Council to send Kānepō with the intent of returning them to Hawaiʻi at the right time. In the past 20 years, Kānepō has been visited frequently by Native Hawaiians visiting Washington D.C. Many offerings were left for them—another testament to the aloha that Native Hawaiians have for them. We are grateful to the Kūpuna Council and to Native Hawaiians for allowing us to show Kānepō over these many years."

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punaluu Testimony

Macadamia Legislation



Kaʻū News Briefs March 11, 2024

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Women's History month is being celebrated at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Photo from HVNP

POWERFUL HAWAIIAN WOMEN IN HISTORY are some of the Women's History Month individuals highlighted by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park during March. One of them is Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani, who owned thousands of acres of in Kaʻū, which became Kamehameha Schools property, sugar plantation lands and some of the recently protected coastal shoreline properties. Hawai'i Volcanoes posted a link to a story about Princess Ruth, written by Faith Bennett:
    Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani was a direct descendent of Kamehameha I, the leader who united the Hawaiian islands and founded the kingdom of Hawai‘i. She was an advocate for Hawaiian culture who was best known for defending the town of Hilo during the 1880–1881 eruption of the Mauna Loa Volcano that is part of the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani owned thousands of acres in Kaʻū.
    Keʻelikōlani was born in Pohukaina, Oahu in 1826. Her mother, Chiefess Pauhi, married her third husband, Mataio Kekūanāoʻa, only three months before she died while giving birth to Princess Ruth. Both Kekūanāoʻa and the Chiefess’s second husband, High Chief Kahalaiʻa Luanuʻu, claimed Keʻelikōlani as a daughter. She was publicly recognized as keiki po‘olua, a “two heads” child, or someone who would inherit the mana (spiritual energy) of both fathers. This early controversy surrounding her paternity presented enduring challenges as she navigated the U.S. legal system to secure a vast land inheritance.
    When she was sixteen, the princess married Leleiohoku with whom she had two children. After Leleiohoku’s death, Keʻelikōlani married Isaac Young Davis, grandson of the haole (a white person) advisor to Kamehameha I. Together they had a son, whom she gave to her cousin Bernice Pauahi Bishop to raise in the Hawaiian tradition of hānai.
    Ke‘elikōlani maintained distinctive Hawaiian beliefs and practices during a period of ongoing tensions between self-proclaimed traditionalists and Christian Hawaiian chiefs. Educated by missionaries in English, she insisted on conducting business in the ‘ōlelo Hawai'i (the Hawaiian language). Inheriting palaces from her father, she preferred to live in a traditional grass house (hale pili) in Kailua.
    Her rejection of Christianity and the Anglo-American culture made her revered by her countrymen and women, and they turned to her for intervention when the volcano Mauna Loa began erupting in 1880. Six months later in a second wave of eruptions, Mauna Loa’s rift zones released three steady streams of lava flowing toward the town of Hilo, as well as the bases of Mauna Kea and the district of Ka’ū. Though the lava flows toward Ka’ū District and Mauna Kea ceased, the lava heading toward the town of Hilo steadily advanced for months. In August 1881 Queen Liliʻuokalani and Princess Ke‘elikōlani arrived in Hilo. At the foot of the lava flow, Keʻelikōlani chanted (oli) and made offerings (ho‘okupu) to Pele, the volcano goddess. The lava flow soon ceased and, according to some reports, Keʻelikōlani then camped overnight just beyond the lava’s reach.

Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani chanted (oli) and made offerings (ho‘okupu) to Pele, the volcano goddess at the foot of a lava flow from Mauna Loa during the 1880-1881 eruption. The lava flow soon ceased and, according to some reports, Keʻelikōlani then camped overnight just beyond the lava’s reach. Charles Furneaux completed this painting of the eruption in 1880, as seen from Hilo Bay. Image from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
    She died in May 1883 after a brief illness. At the time of her death she was proclaimed to be the highest ranking descendent of Kamehameha I. She laid claim to 353,000 acres of Kamehameha land, all of which she bequeathed to Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who established the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate to set aside land for the preservation of Hawaiian culture and the advancement of Native Hawaiian people. In her will, Pauahi Bishop dedicated the estate to the development of the Kamehameha Schools for Hawaiian Children.
    A statement from Hawai'i Volcanoes regarding Women's History Month says, "We're celebrating the remarkable women whose dedication has shaped the legacy of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park! From powerful eruptions to the lush landscapes, women have always played a vital role here. We're honoring the women scientists, conservationists, and cultural leaders who've worked hard to protect this special place. Their dedication helps keep our park beautiful and safe for everyone to enjoy." This and more stories about influential women of Hawaiʻi can be found here: https://go.nps.gov/Hawaii-women.

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Chris Manfredi, Government Affairs Coodinator
of Hawai'i Coffee Association, pushes for 
a truth in labeling bill. Photo from HCA
HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION AND CHRIS MANFREDI are asking for support from Hawai'i coffee consumers and the general public to push the 2024 Hawai'i Legislature to require coffee sold as Hawai'i Grown to be at least 50 percent of actual-Hawai'i Grown coffee. The legislation is House Bill 2298.
    Manfredi, who worked as a Kaʻū land manager, coffee broker, leader of Hawai'i Farm Bureau and Hawai'i Coffee Association, as well as a Kaʻū Coffee Fest organizer for years, remains Government Affairs Coordinator for Hawai'i Coffee Association.
    The statement is titled Preserving the Integrity and Future of Hawai'i-Grown Coffee. Manfredi writes: A bill advancing through the legislature establishes a timeline by which coffee sold as 'Hawai'i-grown' must contain at least 50% of actual Hawai'i-grown coffee. Coffee growers throughout the state overwhelmingly support this measure. A recent state-funded study showed this change would increase income to nearly 1,500 small farms that are only marginally profitable under the current law.
    Currently, farmers who built and preserve the reputation of Hawai'i-grown coffee are unfairly forced to compete with fake products, often priced below their own cost of production.
    A few members of Hawai'i's coffee industry import foreign-grown coffee and mix it with Hawai'i-grown coffee at a ratio of 9 to 1, so it may be sold as a Hawai'i origin product. The raw coffee they import commonly sells for less than $2/lb., is not subject to the strict grade standards applied to Hawai'i-grown coffee, and can contain invasive pests and disease. These foreign-grown blends are then priced many times higher than the commodity coffee that comprises 90% of the blend; often selling for more than $20/lb. solely because of the Hawai'i origin name. Blenders are reaping huge profits while farmers get squeezed.
    When substandard fakes are profiteered in the market, Hawai'i's reputation is undermined because the consumer can't taste one bean in 10 – they're tasting the $2 commodity coffee and paying a premium for it.
This is important because the practice creates downward price pressure. It's more expensive in Hawai'i to produce coffee than any other growing region. The high cost of land, labor, farm inputs, transportation

and regulatory compliance have all risen sharply. Hawai'i's growers are known for producing exceptionally high-quality coffee which allows them to earn prices that enable them to meet these elevated costs.
    After years of debate over this inequity, Hawai'i's legislature directed the state's Department of Agriculture to conduct a market study to examine the impacts of increasing the minimum blend ratio of Hawai'i coffee products. The study found increasing the blend ratio to 51 or even 100% will shift revenue away from the blenders and back to the growers. The study also indicated that consumers would be able to better identify and understand the authenticity of the product on the shelf.
   Farming is hard work. That's why the USDA has seen the average age of a farmer increase to nearly 60 years old. Shouldn't we be supporting our local farmers? Shouldn't we be encouraging young people to take up agriculture by rewarding them with a livelihood? Tell your legislature to preserve the integrity of Hawaii-grown coffee by supporting HB2298, 
writes Manfredi. He can be contacted at cmanfredi@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.

COFFEE GROWERS LEARN ABOUT the world of fighting Coffee Leaf Rust in Puerto Rico at the University of Hawai'i ag extension webinar on Tuesday. The disease also threatens coffee farms here. It starts at noon and features Paul Bayman of University of Puerto Rico and his presentation will be on Coffee Leaf Rust in Puerto Rico: Patterns and Pathogens.
    Andrea Kawabata will present on coffee pruning on March 19th and Melissa Johnson's presentation has been moved to April 9. Register at hawaiicoffeefeed.com/hawaiiwebinars.

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Shane Curry Bloking
HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTED MONDAY that Hawai‘i Island police arrested 49-year-old Shane Curry Bloking, of Nā‘ālehu, with fourth-degree sexual assault following an incident that occurred on Friday evening, March 8, on board an airline flight bound for Honolulu, from Hilo International Airport.
    As the flight was taxiing on the runway, Bloking reportedly touched and squeezed the leg of a 14-year-old girl he did not know, who was seated next to him, causing her to feel alarmed and unsafe. A passenger seated on the opposite side of the girl observed her to appear emotionally traumatized by Bloking’s actions, alerted a flight attendant, which resulted in the plane being diverted back to the terminal gate, where Bloking was detained by airport police until officers arrived and took him into custody.
   The 14-year-old victim had been in Hilo for several days for a function with other students and chaperones. After the plane returned to the terminal gate and Bloking was arrested, the flight was able to leave.
    On Saturday afternoon, March 9, after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives from the Area I Juvenile Aid Section were advised to release Bloking for the sexual assault offense, as according to the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, the elements for sexual assault had not been met by the actions of Bloking. He was then arrested and charged for harassment. The sexual assault case will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for further review.
    Bloking was later released from police custody on the harassment charge after posting $100 bail. He was issued a notice to appear for his initial court appearance schedule for Tuesday, April 2, at 1:30 p.m. in Hilo District Court.
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Kaʻū News Briefs March 12, 2024

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Akiapōlā‘au (Hemignathus munroi) is one of the rarest birds in the  Kaʻū forests. Photo from National Park Service

KAʻŪ HAS THE LARGEST NATIVE FOREST IN HAWAI'I AND HOSTS THE LARGEST POPULATIONS OF NATIVE BIRDS. County of Hawai'i is honoring native birds and their forest homes islandwide with Mayor Mitch Roth proclaiming 2024 Ka Makahiki o Nā ManuNahele, The Year of the Forest Birds. Gov. Josh Green made the same designation statewide.
    In addition to being the coastal conservation leader in all of Hawai'i, Kaʻū is the forest conservation leader in the Hawaiian Islands. The state's Kaʻū Forest Reserve is 61,000 acres. Its Kapāpala Forest Reserve is 37,276 acres. The Nature Conservancy Kaʻū Preserve consists of four separate areas totaling 3,548 acres that enable management access to state forest reserve lands. Kamehameha Schools holds about 67,357 acres in Kaʻū, planted acres of koa trees above Pāhala and hosts a captive breeding facility for the endangered Hawaiian crow on its property at Volcano.

    Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park acquired 116,00 acres stretching from Kahuku above South Point through lands above Nā'ālehu, Pāhala and the state forest Forest Reserves to Volcano. Most of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is in Kaʻū, all the way to Halema'uma'u Crater. Residents in Volcano have protected the trees on their lands to provide a flyway for birds.
   Hawaiian Homelands in Kaʻū totals 11,312 acres, including native dry and wetland forest. The county, nonprofits and private owners have preserved forest land for conservation. Resource managers from government and nonprofits, as well as private landowners help protect the native birds. Among the rarest are ‘Akiapōlā‘au (Hemignathus munroi), Hawai‘i Creeper (Oreomystis mana) and Hawai‘i ‘Akepa (Loxops coccineus).
A portion of the native forests and habitats of Hawaiian native birds in Kaʻū.
 Map from DLNR
    The state and some other entities allow hunting, hiking, gathering and, along with other cultural practices in the forest. 
     A statement from the Mayor's office says:
    "For millions of years prior to human contact, Hawaiʻi’s forests were the dominion of our native nā manu nahele (forest birds), comprising at least 84 species including honeycreepers, honeyeaters, flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, hawks, owls, and crows. Nā manu nahele have critical ecological roles in Hawaiʻi as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect managers in our Hawaiian forests, sometimes so closely co-evolved with plant species that native plants cannot reproduce without them.
    "The threats to the remaining manu species, particularly honeycreepers, include habitat loss; habitat degradation by invasive plants, insects, and diseases; predation by invasive rats, cats, and mongoose; and deadly diseases spread by mosquitoes, particularly avian malaria.
    "Nā manu nahele are an inextricable part of Native Hawaiian culture in their roles as ʻaumakua (family deities) and messengers between akua (gods) and kānaka (people). Nā manu nahele are celebrated in mele (songs) moʻolelo (stories), ʻōlelo noʻeau (proverbs), kaʻao (legends), and in the creation of feather adornments.
    'Hawai‘i is experiencing a bird extinction crisis, with roughly two-thirds of its known native manu nahele species having become extinct. Nearly all of the remaining 26 species are facing critical threats.
    “'Protecting our natural and cultural resources is at the core of our vision for a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can raise their keiki for generations to come,' said Mayor Mitch Roth. 'We are proud to declare this year the year of the forest birds, honoring all those who dedicate their careers to the restoration and conservation of our native forests so that the many creatures, including our endemic birds, can thrive and continue calling Hawaiʻi Island home.'
    "Continued community awareness and active support for native forest stewardship are essential to mālama native nā manu nahele as part of the Hawaiʻi ʻohana," concluded the statement from the Mayor's office.

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'Alala is extinct in the wild but raised in captivity in Ka'u near Volcano to be released into the native forest.
Bret Mossman Photo from DLNR

WILMA RODDY, OF NĀ'ĀLEHU ELEMENTARY, IS ONE OF THE TOP 15 PRINCIPALS IN HAWAI'I'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS, according to sponsors of the 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. State Department of Education and Island Insurance Foundation honored them on Saturday in Honolulu, where each received $1,000 as finalists. The top 2024 Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award recipient and two semi-finalists will be announced during the official program at the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation annual dinner on Thursday, April 18.
Wilma Roddy, right, Principal of Na'alehu Elementary, is one of 15 finalists in the Excellence in School Leadership Awards.
The other two principals are Hanana Loyola of Kohala Elementary, and Tiffany Pratt, of Kaʻūmana Elementary.
Photo from Island Insurance Foundation

    At the gala fundraiser, the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award winner will receive $25,000: a $10,000 personal award and $15,000 toward a school project of the principal’s choice. Two semi-finalists will each receive a $2,000 cash award.
    Other principals in the finals from Hawai'i Island are Hanana Loyola of Kohala Elementary School and Tiffany Pratt of Kaʻūmana Elementary School.
    The award is named for the late Masayuki Tokioka, founder of Island Insurance Company, Ltd. and a graduate of Hawai‘i public schools. It was established in 2004 and is underwritten by the Island Insurance Foundation.
    Last year, Pāhala High & Elementary School Principal Sharon Beck won the statewide honor and $25,000 award.
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Kaʻū News Briefs March 13, 2024

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A new poster with Hawai'i Volcanoes National depiction by late minimalist graphic artist and illustrator Charley Harper is printed in large size and available from U.S. Department of the Interior for $16 each. The art was commissioned in 1986.
See https://bookstore.gpo.gov/products/hawaii-volcanoes.

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK PLANT RESTORATION - Ke Ēweiēwe – will host volunteers led by Eric Hamren of Nursery Operations for six more days before he wraps up his time at the program. Days available for volunteers to sign up are:
    March 19th - Tuesday - Nahuku Restoration (Clearing invasives and planting)
    March 22nd - Friday - Mauna Loa Strip Rd (Clearing invasives and planting)
    March 23rd - Saturday - Nahuku Restoration (Clearing invasives and planting)
    March 26th - Tuesday - Nahuku Restoration (Clearing invasives and planting)
    March 28th - Thursday - Nahuku Restoration (Clearing invasives and planting)
    March 30th - Saturday- Hamren's last day iwth clearing ginger and potluck.

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KAʻŪ BUSINESSES ARE INVITED TO HAWAI'I ON THE HILL TO PROMOTE LOCAL PRODUCTS and services. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono collaborates with Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i to host the four-day event in Washington, D.C. June 15-18 to, showcase Hawai'i to the nation's leaders and the D.C. community. The eighth annual Hawai'i on the Hill offers opportunities to gain insights into federal resources and support.
     The Taste of Hawai'i on Capitol Hill, a highlight of the gathering, draws thousands to the Hart Senate Office Building, providing a tantalizing taste of what Hawaii has to offer. It is the largest such event each year on Capitol Hill. Other highlights include a Welcome Reception presented by Alaska Airlines and The Queen's Health System, Policy Summit presented by Papa Ola Lokahi, a Manufacturing Tour and general visitor tours. Registration packages range from $500 to $25,000 and Alaska Airlines is offering a 25 percent discount on air tickets roundtrip to D.C. For more information, contact Tricia Fetui, VP of Events and Business Development, at tfetui@cochawaii.org.

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2023 first prize winner in Congresswoman
Jill Tokuda's Art Competition.

KAʻŪ STUDENTS CAN ENTER THE CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION FOR 2024. Ka'u's Congresswoman Jill Tokuda is accepting art and applications through Friday, April 19 from high school students in her Hawai'i Second Congressional District. The winning artwork of will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon tunnel, where Members of Congress and tens of thousands of visitors walk and ride underground from the offices of the members of Congress to the U.S. Capitol. The winning artwork is also featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition page and Tokuda's website and social media pages. A photo of the completed art and a completed student release form must be submitted to Shaun Kim at Shaun.Kim@mail.house.gov by Monday, April 15, 2024. The physical artwork must be mailed or delivered by Friday, April 19, 2024, 5 p.m. Hawaiʻi time to office of Rep. Jill Tokuda at Topa Financial Center, 700 Bishop St. Suite 1902, Honolulu, HI 96813.
    Contact Tokuda's Hawaiʻi District Office at (808) 746-6220 with any questions.

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THE NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT OPTION FOR PĀHALA is tentatively identified by the County as a "package wastewater treatment plant with new collection system." set back from the corner of Hwy 11 and Maile Street that comes into town along the pine tree road. It is described in the Amended Draft Pāhala Environmental Information Document, which became available on Wednesday through the County's monthly status updates at https://www.dem.hawaiicounty.gov/projects/pahala-na-alehu-large-capacity-cesspool-closures and for direct download at https://www.dem.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/307481/638459178461591134.
    The document will also be available at the Pāhala Public and School Library. The community is invited to the Pāhala Community Center at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, to provide comments on the Revised Draft EID and the County’s preferred option. The link to join the meeting by Zoom on April 10 is: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16031058165.
Under the 2024 Revised AOC, the Final EID is due to EPA on July 30, 2024. The final deadline for the County to close the large capacity cesspools is Jan. 22, 2027.
    The document not only presents the analysis of plans for dealing with the closure of old polluting gang cesspool left over by the sugar plantation when it shut down, it offers an overview of the geography of the area, including:
    "Even though Ka‘ū was one of the originally settled areas in the Hawaiian Islands, it remains a vast remote area. Only a fraction of a percent of the Ka‘ū District has been developed with residential properties, and the remainder is largely used for agricultural purposes or remains undeveloped. The Ka‘ū District covers about 922 square miles (approximately 590,000 acres), with over 80 miles of virtually undeveloped coastline. Nearly two-thirds of its total land area is in the Conservation District. The Ka‘ū District consists of several communities, including the Pāhala community, which had a population of approximately 2,210 persons according to the US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2021. The distance to the communities of Hilo and Kailua-Kona means that the Ka‘ū District is relatively isolated from the major infrastructure systems found in those communities, including wastewater treatment and disposal facilities."
    The Environmental Information Document also describes the location tentatively selected:
    "The Project Area includes approximately 200 parcels (in whole or in part) and portions of eight County of Hawai’i streets in Pāhala. The Proposed WWTP Site is located adjacent to the intersection of Maile Street and Māmalahoa Highway within a 14.9-acre portion of Tax Map Key (TMK): (3) 9-6-002-018. The Proposed Collection System Area will include five streets in the western portion of the community (Maile, 'llima, Huapala, Hinano, and Hala Streets) and three public streets in the eastern portion of the community (Puahala, Pikake, and Kamani Streets). The two LCCs slated for closure are located within TMKs (3) 9-6-002:016 (por.), LCC 1, and 9-6-016:041 (por.), LCC 2."

This illustration shows the sewage treatment plant set back from the scenic pine tree entry to Pāhalavillage

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 14, 2024

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INPUT ON A PROPOSED 7,042-ACRES ADDITION TO KAPĀPALA FOREST RESERVE is sought by
state Department of Land & Natural Resources. DLNR released a statement on Thursday describing the planned Hawaiʻi Forest Reserve System expansion. Its DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) invites comment before and during a community hearing on Thursday, March 28 at the DOFAW Hilo Office Conference Room,19 E. Kawili Street at 5:30 p.m. To testify remotely via Zoom, email forestry@hawaii.gov at least 24 hours before the hearing to receive a Zoom link.
     The DOFAW statement says it "manages the Forest Reserve System to provide a variety of benefits including recreational and hunting opportunities, watershed restoration, cultural resource preservation, and habitat protection for threatened and endangered native species."
   Kapāpala Forest Reserve is currently comprised of 37,276 acres on the slopes of Mauna Loa above Mamaloha Highway and northwest of Kīlauea crater. It was first dedicated as a Forest Reserve by Governor's Proclamation on Oct. 17, 1930.
Kapāpala Forest Reserve is slated to expand by 7,042 acres. Photo from DLNR
    The land to be added to Kapāpala Forest Reserve is currently leased for pasture purposes. The proposed action would subdivide the parcel adding approximately 7,042 acres covered by intact native koa and ʻōhiʻa forest to the Kapāpala Forest Reserve. The remaining 15,684 acres of the lease would be set aside to be managed and stewarded by the state Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.
    Another proposed addition of land to a Forest Reserve to be heard at the meeting is 162 acres in north Hawaiʻi adjacent to the Manowaialeʻe and Hilo Forest Reserves. It includes a koa seed bank with potential for restoration. The property location also enables public access and opportunity for reforestation activities.
    Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments can email forestry@hawaii.gov  or mail written testimony, postmarked no later than April 5, to Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Attn: Forestry Program Manager, 1151 Punchbowl St., #325, Honolulu, HI 96813.
    See the guidelines and learn more about public permits for hunting, gathering, hiking and other activities within the state Forest Reserves at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/permits/.

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COLLABORATION BETWEEN CIVIL DEFENSE AND USGS TO SAVE LIVES is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by Barry Periatt, Administrative Officer with County of Hawa'i Civil Defense Agency. Volcano Watch is a weekly article from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and its affiliates. The COV meeting is held every other year, and it brings scientists from around the world together to share information on the latest eruptive activity and how communities have been impacted, and to present studies on the effects of volcanism. 
    This year, with financial support from the USGS Volcano Science Center, I attended the twelfth COV meeting in Antigua because one of the conference's four themes, "From volcano monitoring and hazard assessment to risk management," had a strong emergency management focus.
    In Hawaiʻi, HVO monitors the active volcanoes, determines what hazards we can expect during unrest, and tracks eruptions. HVO is also responsible for setting the volcano alert levels and aviation color codes in Hawaii and American Samoa, using the USGS Volcano Alert Level System for Volcanoes. In this capacity, HVO notifies federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, as well as the residents and visitors, of notable volcanic unrest and eruptive activity. HCCDA is then responsible for disseminating alerts about volcanic activity (and other natural or man-made hazards) via our public information and warning system. HCCDA is also responsible for making emergency management decisions, such as road closures or evacuations, if communities or infrastructure are being threatened by volcanic activity. 
Barry Periatt, left, is Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency panelist participating in
 the discussion Lessons from Recent Eruptions and other crises at the recent
 Cities on Volcanoes 12 conference in Antigua, Guatemala. Fellow panelists (were
Jake Lowenstern (USGS/USAID Volcano Disaster Assistance Program), Stavros
Meletlidis(Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Spain), Gustavo Chigna (Instituto Nacional
 de Sismología, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia e Hidrología, Guatemala), and Lina
Dorado (Colombia Red Cross). USGS photo
    Over the five-day COV meeting in Antigua, the reason HVO wanted HCCDA to attend became very apparent. The relationship between HCCDA and HVO exists beyond volcanic unrest; we talk to and share information with each other even when Hawaii's volcanoes are at alert-level normal. What makes our relationship unique is that HCCDA can ask the scientists at HVO questions about the current situation, and they are willing to have a candid conversation about the unrest or eruption. Through these conversations, HCCDA is then able to determine and convey the magnitude (dire versus non-threatening) of the current situation to the public. 
     Hawai'i is fortunate to have such a close relationship between scientists and emergency managers. In some countries, the collaboration between these two groups appears strained. From the outside, it appears that part of the conflict between volcano observatory scientists and emergency managers is the result of their roles not being clearly defined.
    In other places in the world, the responsibilities for setting volcano alert levels and for providing public information and warning appear to be not clearly assigned, or if assigned, not understood by one or more of the organizations involved in the response. This has led to confusion in the public on how serious the threat is and on what actions they need to take. For example, on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, many residents were evacuated in the 1990s from the most threatened area many months before any impacts from eruptions happened. Some individuals who had evacuated returned to their homes because of the lack of impacts, only to perish during the most devasting pyroclastic flow months later. While many factors contributed, in retrospect it appears clearer messaging and communication may have saved more lives. 
    A similar situation occurred in Guatemala in 2018 where the volcano observatory communicated their observations to emergency managers, but some believe that the magnitude of the eruption and its potential hazards was under appreciated, which resulted in a community not being adequately warned to evacuate. A pyroclastic density current destroyed the community and hundreds of residents perished.
    The focus of the COV meeting was on improving all aspects of monitoring, evaluating, and communicating volcanic activity. It's clear that emergency managers and volcano observatories need to work closely together so that emergency managers can get the volcano hazards information that we need to fulfill our obligations to protect life and property during a volcanic event. Emergency managers at HCCDA and scientists at HVO share the same passion for their work, and we will continue working closely together in the future, as new volcanic activity occurs on the Island of Hawaiʻi. 

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
Low levels of disbursed seismicity continue at Kīlauea's summit and along the Koa'e fault system southwest of the caldera. Earthquake counts remained below 10 per day until March 11; since March 11, there has been a minor increase in activity, with up to 60 disbursed events occurring per day in this region. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff have continued to record modest inflationary trends over the past week. No unusual activity has been noted along the rift zones.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
There were no earthquakes reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 15, 2024

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HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCED ITS 29TH ANNUAL Conference, Trade Show, and 15th Statewide Cupping Competition update on Friday. Kaʻū Coffee growers have been big winners in the past and can submit their entries between May 6 and May 31 under new rules expected by April 1.
    The Conference will return to Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Special room rates start at $209. The HCA statement says the committee is meeting weekly to discuss lecture and schedule details. "As soon as they are finalized in the coming weeks, we will let you all know."
    HCA's Workshop Series will return to the Conference with coffee education. Past workshops have included Coffee Cupping, Roasting, Water for Coffee, Grafting, and Post Harvest Processing. The announcement says, "We know that there are many talented educators and leaders in our local community and broader networks. If you have, or someone you know has, a topic for a hands-on, engaging and educational workshops, we are interested to learn about it!" See https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=903dbacfc5f15daf97277cc28&id=4e4586b81d&e=2a99e2fced for more details on the Workshop Series and a questionnaire for those proposing to present. There are a few slots available and the conference committee will review proposals the first week of April.
    Interested in volunteering? HCA is looking for community volunteers for the Conference and the Workshop Series. A two-hour volunteer commitment nets access to daily lectures and updates in the main hall and Trade Show. Prospective volunteers can email events@hawaiicoffeeassoc.org

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HONOLULU CIVIL BEAT COVERED THE PUNALU'U DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL this week, with a lead saying, "A battle is brewing on the Big Island over a proposed development in Punalu'u, a stretch of black sand beach and ponds along the rugged Kaʻū coastline that's popular among locals, tourists, fishermen and many others." 
    Writer Paula Dobbyn reports on a written statement from Mayor Mitch Roth who "said his administration was pleased to see the community actively engaging and being heard about the proposed development." It quotes the Mayor saying, "The process is designed to give all of us a voice in
Punalu'u's exposed rocky shoreline. Photo by Bob Martin

transparently shaping our community’s future.” 
    The story also notes that with the recommendation of the county planning director, the Planning Commission is "considering granting a Special Management Area permit to Black Sand Beach, a limited liability company that wants to develop 147 of the 434 acres it owns at Punalu'u.
    "The company's permit application for its Punalu'u Village entails building 225 residential and vacation rentals, a retail and wellness center, a fish market and seafood restaurant and rehabilitating an existing golf course, among other features. The company estimates the construction cost at between $200 million and $350 million."
     The story reports that Planning Director Zendo Kern recommends approval, "without making the developers prepare an updated environmental impact statement or environmental assessment because the project did not meet the criteria set out in state law for such a requirement." The last EIS came out in 1988. One was drafted in 2008 but not completed.
     The story states that hundreds protested the project on the March 7 hearing day. It points to signs that were held by citizens outside the planing commission hearing, "like Keep Kaʻū Country" and "Protect our Land and Natural Resources," and says testifiers "shared concerns over an outdated wastewater treatment plant in Punalu'u, increased population and traffic, an influx of tourists, lack of a disaster mitigation plan in an area vulnerable to king tides and tsunamis, and the potential disruption of culturally important areas and ancient burial grounds."
    The story quotes Kaʻū residents Nohea Ka'awa, Nora Kawachi, Dane Shibuya, and Elsa Dedman, along with cultural practitioner Jonah Maikahoku I and developer consultant Daryn Arai.
    See the entire Civil Beat story at https://www.civilbeat.org/2024/03/hundreds-of-hawaii-island-residents-protest-proposed-housing-project-in-punaluu/?fbclid=IwAR18STe0twfnmchLB12gMz9CJaVb9NG2SmUsMbYAXAC5T2i-NnyHiB6uw1E

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O KAʻŪ KAKOU SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE with the deadline to apply this April 30. A statement from OKK says, "Our children are our future and to secure that future, many will need a competitive edge in our changing, fast-paced world. For those students who qualify, OKK is offering scholarships to Ka'ū student undergraduates currently enrolled in secondary education institutions." Students will each receive a $500 scholarship per semester.
    Applicants must be residents of Ka'ū District and graduating seniors in either public, private or home-school and headed to higher education, or they must be full-time undergraduates already attending two or four year colleges. Download scholarship form at https://www.okaukakou.org/_files/ugd/c5d967_18c03f8ca28f41c99c10d6962c31a028.pdf.
    The application includes the requirement to answer the questions, "What are your future plans to use your degree to improve life in Ka'ū?" and another asking the applicant to state intentions and goals to "give back to the community in the decade following your graduation from college or trade school."
For answer to questions, email okaukakou.or.scholarship@gmail.com.
Soto No Michi Aikido is open for 
new students at Pahala Hongwanji.

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SOTO NO MICHI AIKIDO MARTIAL ARTS & MOVEMENT CLASSES are open to new students at Pāhala Hongwanji on Thursdays and Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Students are adults and keiki and must be at least eight years of age. Sensei Gabriel Cuevas leads the classes. For more information and answers to questions call him at 206-281-8821.

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A CAR FIRE SHUT DOWN HWY 11 for a short period early Friday evening near mile marker 65, Waiohinu at Konohiki Road. Hwy 11 closed about 6 p.m. with traffic detoured down South Point Road and Kamaoa. Hawai'i Police and Fire Departments responded to multiple 911 calls. The car was a Toyota Camry LE.


Toyota Camry on fire this evening near Waiohinu. Photo by Bob Martin

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HULA SHOWCASE AND DINNER AT VOLCANO ART CENTER'S Nia'ulani Campus is this Saturday, March 16 with two seatings, 4:20 p.m. and 6:25 p.m. The presentation by Hula Halau Ke 'Olu Makani O Mauna Loa is directed by Kumu Hula Meleana Manuel. The dinner is by Mexi-Cali Street Tacos following each show. Tickets are $55 via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hula-in-the-moonlight-tickets-843134386647.



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Kaʻū News Briefs March 16, 2024

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Raising fighting cocks is common in Hawai'i, called cultural by some, cruel by others. It is the
subject of Bill 1980 at the Hawai'i Legislature that would classify chicken fighting, associated gambling and
possessing chicken fighting paraphernalia as felonies. Photo from Humane Society of U.S.

RAISING FIGHTING CHICKENS AND FIGHTING THEM WOULD BE ELEVATED FROM MISDEMEANORS TO FELONIES with up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine, under proposed legislation making its way through the 2024 Hawai'i Legislature. The measure would also make it a felony to allow minors to attend chicken fights. The state Office of the Public Defender opposes the bill, while the state Attorney General, state Department of Law Enforcement, animal rights groups and Hawai'i Humane Society support it.
    State House member Jeanne Kapela, who represents all of  Kaʻū, and Rep. Richard Onishi, who represents Volcano into Hilo, were both introducers of a version of the measure back in 2022.
    The latest House Bill 1980 separates chicken fighting from other animal cruelty law. It would also create separate second degree felonies for gambling on chicken fights, paying to go to the fights and possessing chicken fighting paraphernalia, with $1,000 fine per first violation or up to 30 days in jail, or both. A second violation would net a $2,000 fine or up to a year in prison, or both.

Equipping a fighting chicken with spurs would be a felony
 under proposed state law. Photo from Humane Society of the U.S.
   Devices include slashers, gaffs, knifes and muffs designed to be attached in place of or to the natural spur of the birds.
   The legislation defines a fight as "a bird or birds pitted against another bird or birds, with the intent that the encounter will result in injury to one or more of the birds." The legislation would mean "Each violation of this section, including each bird and each device used in violation of this section, shall constitute a separate offense."
    The narrative for the bill says: "The legislature finds that illegal animal fighting is directly associated with other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, illegal firearms possession, illegal drug distribution, endangerment of minors, and human violence, as evidenced by a double homicide that occurred at an illegal bird fighting operation in Maili, O'ahu, in April of 2023, and this was but one of a number of cases of human violence occurring at an illegal animal fight over the years. Further, Hawaiʻi is one of only eight states that lacks a felony penalty for animal fights between birds and has no existing penalty for attending a fight or allowing a minor to attend a fight.
    "Psychologists and criminologists have long determined that children exposed to human or animal violence, or who engage in animal cruelty, are more likely to escalate to violence against humans, threatening the overall community and public safety. In addition, birds used for fighting purposes are mutilated in preparation for a fight by having various body parts cut off and their natural spurs either removed or sharpened, in preparation for a fight, in which even the winner of the fight often dies. Birds subject to such mutilations suffer unnecessary pain and are more prone to illness and disease, including zoonotic diseases that can be spread to humans and to other avian species including native birds and birds at agricultural facilities."
Photo of fighting chicken from Humane Society of U.S.

   Opposition to the legislation includes testimony from state Public Defender Jon. N. Kenaga who writes: "Cockfighting in Hawai‘i is a deeply engrained part of the community that traces its roots to immigrants who came to work on sugar and pineapple plantations more than a century ago. What to do about it has been a recurring discussion among generations of local lawmakers. This bill is a reaction to the terrible violence that erupted from a cockfight on O'ahu last spring. The violence is indeed abhorrent and troubling, but it was made possible because the event itself was driven underground by making the cockfight a crime in the first place.
    "Criminalizing cockfighting—like possessing fireworks, using drugs, gambling, or even riding in the back of a pickup truck—does little to stop the activity itself. Making it against the law removes the activity from the normal regulations and protections of the law. That attracts more unlawful activity.
    "If it was tolerated and lawfully permitted, the presence of police officers could ensure safety at these events. Making it a more severe criminal offense will only drive it further underground, make the events even more clandestine, and will only make it more conducive to unwanted criminal activity.
    "Parts of the bill are also unconstitutional. Long ago, the City and County of Honolulu criminalized going to cockfights and the Hawai‘i Supreme Court held that unconstitutional because “[a]n ordinance or statute proscribing presence, whether at a cockfight, a gambling game, or a house of prostitution, is too vague to satisfy the requirements of due process.” State v. Abellano, 50 Haw. 384, 386, 441 P.2d 333, 334 (1968). While the Legislature should be and remain committed to ending violence, disrupting organized crime, and ensuring safety in the community, criminalizing a deeply engrained part of local culture has not worked in the past and is not likely to work in the future. This is not an ideal way to reduce crime."
    See more testimonies, which are mostly in support of making chicken fighting a felony, at https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/Testimony/HB1980_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-21-24_.PDF

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The Plateau of Makanau rising in the distance from the viewpoint of Heiau Punalu'u Nui, also known as Heiau Kāne'ele'ele, adjacent to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and Bay. Photo from Kai Markell

Kai Markel
PUNALU'U IS A TOPIC FROM KAI MARKELL, COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT MANAGER FOR OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS. He is former Director of Native Rights, Land & Culture at OHA, former Director of Burial Sites Program at state Department of Land & Natural Resources and former Investigator at state Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. He posted this look back into Punalu'u history this week with accompanying photos of Punalu'u:    

    Punalu'u Nui is a po'o kanaka class of temple, or luakini, with human sacrificial use by the Ali'i Nui of Hawai'i Island, the Chiefess Keakealaniwahine, in the 1600s.Also used in the time of Kamehameha, its last recorded use as a luakini was by Liholiho, Kamehameha II, after Kamehameha passed as part of the required 'Aha Rituals of the new young leader.
    Makanau, which also has a heiau on its plateau, is said to be the starting point for the Beloved Ka'ū Chief, Keouakū'ahu'ula, on his somber fateful journey across the island to Heiau Pu'ukoholā, where he was sacrificed at that luakini, to dedicate its construction, and activate it.

    This was to fulfill the prophecies rendered by Kaua'i Kahuna and Kaula, Kapoukahi, regarding the acts needed to ensure the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
    The prophecy Kapoukahi is said to have uttered was "war shall cease on Hawai`i when one shall come and shall be laid above on the altar (lele) of Pu`ukoholā, the House of God."
    The death of Kamehameha's cousin came in 1791 when Keouakū`ahu`ula was placed on the altar in Heiau Pu`ukoholā, and the whole of Hawai`i eventually became Kamehamehas, as prophesied by Kapoukahi.
    Archaeologists will tell you that so much has been destroyed from previous recorded tsunamis and from rampant bulldozing for previous development projects in the area.
    What lies beneath, however, is where the Mana resides.
    When the old, now long gone, wharf warehouse was built next to the heiau, they discovered the lua, or "body pit", where the mōhai kanaka, or human sacrifices were deposited, much like the lua discovered at the heiau luakini, Ke'ekū, in Keauhou, in the early 2000s. That pit, or ana, cave, is still there.
    The fresh water springs, which erupt on the sands, and in the near-shore waters, is where Ka Wai Ola a Kāne, the Living Waters of Kāne, meet the ocean waters of his brother, Kanaloa, Creating Life, Thriving Limu, Fish Fingerlings, Estuaries, Healing Springs, and all kinds of Mauli Ola Life Sustaining Mana.
    A former Sugar Cane Plantation Luna, or Boss, at C. Brewer, in his 80s at the time, shared with me about twenty-years ago, when we were battling the Sea Mountain Development proposal there in 2006, where the location of a massive, as of yet, undisturbed Ali'i Burial Cave resides.
    The workers lifted up a massive pāhoehoe slab with a backhoe, by accident, and it revealed a subsurface lavatube. The Luna was immediately called to the site and the workers went in, and soon came out shook up, and reported a large canoe in the cave, with bones, feathered garments, large standing kahili, or feathered standards, and other artifacts or nā mea kapu.
    The Luna had them immediately lower and replace the pāhoehoe slab, cover it with earth, and they revised their project around the burial cave.
    What lies beneath...
    All of Hawai'i should be concerned about what is happening at Punalu'u, and the entire Lāhui on all islands, given its history in our National Identity and the Mana which resides there.


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Kaʻū News Briefs March 17, 2024

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A native fern called 'Ama'u is plant of the month. Illustration by Joan Yoshioka

LĀ'AU LETTERS, NATIVE PLANTS OF KAʻŪ:  'Ama'u (Sadleria Cyatheoides) is plant of the month for March. Author Jodie Rosam and illustrator Joan Yoshioka seek to encourage making new plant friends and to reunite with others:
    Huli ka lau o ka ʻamaʻu i uka, nui ka wai o kahawai. When the leaves of the ʻamaʻu turn toward the upland, it is a sign of a flood. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #1137 (Mary Kawena Pukui).
    Description: ʻAmaʻu is an endemic fern in the Blechnaceae or chain fern family. There are actually six species in this endemic genus, divided into two groups: the Cyatheoides group (medium to large and even tree ferns found on recent lava flows and in forests), and the Squarrosa group (small ferns found on dark and wet river banks). ʻAmaʻu are easy to distinguish from their fern friend hapuʻu with just a little bit of practice. The new fronds emerge in brilliant shades of bright red and orange, turning gold and then green with maturity. ʻAmaʻu fronds are also less divided than hapuʻu (in other words, ʻamaʻu fronds are more simple). Another name for ʻamaʻu is maʻumaʻu. That name should sound familiar…you surely have heard of Halemaʻumaʻu, which is surrounded by beautiful, healthy ʻamaʻu ferns.
'Ama'u, the native fern, is steeped in the history of Hawai'i.
Photo from state Department of Land & Natural Resources

   
    Uses:ʻAmaʻu have many uses. For agriculture, fronds were used as a mulch for dry-land kalo gardens and as a planting layer in dry areas (much like putting straw down in your home garden to cut back on evaporation).          
    The fronds make a red dye for kapa and the leaf stems can be used for kapa beating or sizing.      Fronds were used for thatching with or in addition to lau hala and pili. The starchy centers were occasionally eaten or even used for animal feed, and when dried and ground, ʻamaʻu can be made into a drink similar to coffee or tea. ʻAmaʻu can also be used medicinally in lāʻau lapaʻau. ʻAmaʻu is also a kinolau (form) that Kamapuaʻa (the son of Hina and Kahikiula) transformed into as he attempted to flee from the fire of Pele at Kīlauea. Yet another name for ʻamaʻu is puaʻa ʻehuʻehu (which translates into red pig), referring to the relationship between ʻamaʻu and Kamapuaʻa.
    Habitat:ʻAmaʻu can be found in low (around 150’) to mid elevations (around 5,000’) in dry, mesic, and wet environments on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Niʻihau and Kahoʻolawe. ʻAmaʻu is among one of the first plants to colonize new lava flows, essentially building ecosystems and creating microhabitat sites for other species (along with its friends, ʻōhiʻa and kupukupu). 
    In Kaʻū, you can see ʻamaʻu colonizing new lava flows and interspersed among other early successional species throughout the district. Growing and Purchasing: Unfortunately, ʻamaʻu is not seen as a common landscaping plant, despite its hardiness and beauty. On top of that, it is uncommon to see it for sale at big box stores and some local nurseries. But if you really want ʻamaʻu in your space, please ask me for ideas! ʻAmaʻu can handle extreme environments, but are a bit happier with a little protection from the midday sun. One non-negotiable for ʻamaʻu is that it requires well-drained soils, so find an area you can amend with plenty of cinder so it does not hold water. Your ʻamaʻu will require a bit of supplemental watering to get it started, but once it is happy, you will find that it doesn’t need much from you, other than love, admiration, and kindness.

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Menehune by Dietrich Varez, the print
available through Volcano Art Center.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY BRINGS UP STORIES OF THE IRISH COMING TO HAWAI'I. The Irish arrived in Hawai'i as early as 1794 and represent about 4.3 percent of the current population. The first two governors following statehood were Irish-Americans William F. Quinn (1959-62) and John A. Burns (1962-74). Maurice J. Sullivan, who founded Foodland, the state’s first big supermarket, came from Clare and grew his business into100 retail stores in Hawai'i. A former Honolulu police chief, Lee D. Donohue, was Irish-Korean. Another Irish name well known in Hawai'i comes from McCandlis Ranch. Actor Jason Mamoa is Hawaiian-Irish.
   In common between Hawai'i and Ireland is not only being an island but also being the home of the little people, the legendary menehune in Hawai'i and the leprechauns in Ireland. A description of the Menehune giclée by Dietrich Varez at Volcano Art Center says, "Menehune is the name given to the mysterious little people of Hawaiian legend and folklore. Like leprechauns, they are seldom seen and do most of their miraculous work in the dark of night."

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AN ALZHEIMER'S & OTHER DEMENTIA WORKSHOP is this Monday, March 18 at 2:30 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center. "Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia can be one of life's greatest challenges. Early stages are often not recognized properly," says a statement from the sponsors of the free workshop.
    Leader of the event is Elena de Ru, an international speaker on this subject. She is based out of Brussels in Belgium and studied at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands where she received her Master's degree in Social Studies and a unique and prestigious award for social skills.
    She has taught in several countries around the world including the Kyiv Christian University in Ukraine and currently does workshops for the largest health insurance company in Belgium. In addition to being an expert guest speaker, she is a caregiver coach.
Elena de Ru (right) with her late husband, whom she 
cared for at home for 15 years with his dementia, will give a 
workshop on Monday at Discovery Harbour.
    De Ru developed much of her understanding of the subject of caregiving to dementia patients firsthand.        
    She and her husband learned to live well with his dementia, at home, for almost 15 years. Key to that successful approach was found through acceptance, music and humor.
    The statement says that "Knowing when to bring in professional help is difficult, as is finding the strength and means to postpone admitting a person living with Alzheimer's to a full-time facility. Working through the issues surrounding this challenging condition is Elena's specialty. Elena's workshop will define dementia in general, offer ideas and suggestions for improving interaction and communication with the patient. It is possible to cherish and even enjoy your time with someone who is in decline but finding comfort as a caregiver and creating community are vital to surviving and thriving through this trial.
    De Ru wrote a book with Elane Cross, titled, Courage for the Caregiver, Ministering to Those with Alzheimer's and Other Dementia. Copies will be made available this Monday during the class.
    This workshop is sponsored by Purpose Ministries, which made the following statement, "Although not a typical aspect of our non-profit organization, the opportunity for an event on dementia and Alzheimer's became available which we wholeheartedly wanted to support. You can find us online at www.purposehi.com."

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 18. 2024

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 Kaʻū, Kona and other Hawai'i Coffee growers are asking the legislature to require truth in labeling.
A public hearing will be this Wednesday, testimony due Tuesday. Photo by Geneveve Fyvie

HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION SENT OUT AN URGENT CALL ON MONDAY FOR FARMERS AND CONSUMERS TO SUPPORT TRUTH IN LABELING by providing testimony and contacting legislators by 5 p.m. Tuesday, before Wednesday's public hearing. Hawai'i Coffee Association's initiative concerning the minimum blend ratio of Hawai'i coffee products is scheduled for a hearing in the Hawai'i state Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection this Wednesday, March 20.
    The call to action says, "No one knows better than you that Hawai'i's coffee is among the best in the world. Diluting it with foreign-grown coffee, to the point that consumers can't taste one Hawai'i-grown bean in ten, is simply wrong. Please immediately make your voice heard by telling the legislature to pass HB2298 in its original form and protect the integrity of Hawai'i's coffee industry.
    "Hawai'i's Department of Agriculture commissioned a study last year that shows that this legislation will cause revenue to shift from the few blenders to the many growers located throughout the state!
    "If you're tired of seeing 10% blends masquerading as Hawai'i-grown coffee, please submit your
testimony.
    "If you believe competing with 10% blends in the market is unfair, please submit your testimony.
    "If you agree that Hawai'i coffee products containing 90% foreign-grown coffee, yet carry the names of Hawai'i's growing regions push prices down, please submit your testimony.
    "If you're tired of foreign-grown blends deceiving consumers, please submit your testimony.
    "If you agree substandard blends undermine Hawai'i's reputation for high-quality coffee, please offer your support.
    "Please make your voice heard by clicking the 'Submit Testimony' button on this link and follow the prompts as soon as possible or by 5pm Tuesday, March 19 at the latest!"
    The statement noted that the Consumer Protection committee in the state House of Representatives, "significantly changed the bill in the last hearing. Its current form calls for a move to a 50% minimum blend ratio with a phase-in over nine years! Please tell the Senate committee you want to revert to the bill's original form requiring Hawai'i's coffee products contain 100% Hawai'i-grown coffee with a phase-in over three years (in the testimony's comment section)."
    Read the bill, see other testimony and submit your own at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2298&year=2024

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Accommodations would be no closer than about a quarter mile from the shore. A Beach Club Cafe, Tour Bus Drop Off, Performance Grass Stage, Open Market, Fish Market and Seafood Restaurant, as well as an outdoor Multipurpose Event Lawn/Lu'au Area for Special Private and Community Events would be close to Black Sand Beach. The proposal is
before the Windward Planning Commission, which plans to continue its public hearing on the matter.
Plan from Black Sand Beach, LLC

THOUGHTS ON PUNALU'U HAVE COME FROM KAʻŪ'S COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MICHELLE GALIMBA. In her March newsletter she writes:
    "Punaluʻu is a treasured wahi pana and beloved place of our District, and the Special Management Area (SMA) application for residential and commercial development by land-owner Black Sands LLC that is being considered by the Windward Planning Commission (WPC) has important implications for the future, not just for Punaluʻu, but for the entire District. At the WPC hearing on March 7, so many wished to testify that the WPC could not finish hearing from everyone. Therefore the March 7 meeting has been continued until a later date as yet to be determined to finish hearing testimony. I am in communication
County Council member Michelle Galimba
with the Planning Commission staff to offer any assistance that might be needed for a meeting in Kaʻū.
    "It is my belief that we can best express our aloha for Punaluʻu during the SMA process by both sharing our knowledge, experience, interests and perspective, and by listening deeply and respectfully to all perspectives on this issue. As your representative on the County Council, I believe that my role at this time is to listen, gather and share information about the process, and ensure that all have access and feel safe to share their testimony with the WPC. This will ensure that the WPC - as the community's representatives at the Planning Department - can come to an informed and sound decision that is in the best interest for Punaluʻu, Kaʻū, and our island. I would like to note that this SMA application does not come before the County Council.
    "I would also like to provide some information about the Planning Commissions. There are two Planning Commissions - Windward (covering Kaʻū, Puna, Hamakua, and Hilo districts), and Leeward (covering South Kona, Kona, and Kohala districts). Commissioners are nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Serving on the Planning Commission is a volunteer position and requires a considerable investment of time and energy to prepare for and deliberate on the matters that are brought before the Commissions. As a former Planning Commission member, I know how seriously the Commissioners take their responsibilities and how difficult their decisions can be in highly controversial matters such as the Punaluʻu SMA. I hope that we can all respect our WPC Commissioners as fellow citizens and members of our community.
    "I would like to encourage members of the community to consider applying to serve on our County Boards and Commissions. There are vacancies or upcoming vacancies on both Planning Commissions as well as the Kaʻū Community Development Action Committee, and other important volunteer commissions such as the Board of Appeals, and the Fire Commission. see links below to apply.
    "Please do not hesitate to contact me or my office if you have questions or concerns about the SMA and the WPC hearing process."

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The last whale count on the coast in 2024 will be Saturday March 30 with registration due noon, March 23.
Photo from NOAA
REGISTER FOR FOR THE LAST HUMPBACK WHALE OCEAN COUNT IN 2024 by noon, March 23. The Kaʻū count will be held at Punalu'u on Saturday, March 30 from 8 a.m. to noon. Sign up with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Advance registration is required at https://oceancount.org/registration #HumpbackWhale#CitizenScience

Jaymelyn Pua-Queja is reported
as a runaway from Nā‘ālehu.
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JAYMELYN PUA-QUEJA is repored as a runaway and Hawai‘i Island police are asking the public’s assistance in locating the 17-year-old. She was last seen leaving her residence for school in the Nā‘ālehu area on the morning of Wednesday, March 13. She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 130 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes.
    Pua-Queja is believed to be in the Hilo area, according to police who ask anyone with information on her whereabouts to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
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WHY IS HAWAI'I RANKED LAST IN PLACES FOR DOCTORS to practice medicine in the latest WalletHub study? It ranked 51st in the study that include all the states and Washington, D.C. It ranked 50th in compensation that is adjusted for cost of living; only D.C. was lower. Hawai'i ranked. 49th in what WalletHub called Opportunity & Competition Rank and 47th in Medical Environment Rank.
    According to WalletHub, the best states to practice medicine are Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska,Utah, Indiana and Minnesota. The worst are Hawai'i, followed by Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New York and New Mexico, according to WalletHub.
    WalletHub noted that nationwide a family physician's salary ranges from around $130,000 to $310,000, depending on the state. The data for the WalletHub study set ranges from the average annual wage of physicians to the number of hospitals per capita to the quality of the public hospital system.
     In explaining Montana's success, WalletHub reported: "Montana is the best state for doctors, and it has
Woodley White starts eight weeks
of free 'ukulele classes this
Wednesday.

one of the top hospital systems in the country, with 82.5% of patients giving their hospital a score of 9 or 10 out of 10. Montana doctors also receive high wages. For example, the state has the second-highest average income for obstetricians and gynecologists, at nearly $375,000, and one of the highest incomes for surgeons, at almost $420,000 on average."
   WalletHub also reported that "Montana is a good place for doctors’ mental health, with the lowest rate of physicians reporting that they are burned out. Over 63% of medical residents who train in the state end up staying there, too – one of the highest retention rates in the country."

NEW 'UKULELE SCHOOL SESSION BEGINS THIS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2O at Na'alehu Methodist Church under the guidance of luthier and music teacher Woodley White. The beginners class is at 12:30 p.m. with Music Theory at 1:30 p.m. and Kanikapila Sing Along at 2:30 p.m. The session runs for eight weeks. Classes are free and 'ukulele are available. All ages are welcomed. 

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 19, 2024

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The state Department of Land & Natural Resources and other partners encourage involvement in Climate Week.
Photo from DLNR

PARTICIPATING IN CLIMATE WEEK, starting this weekend, is encouraged by Dawn Chang, chair of the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. She said, "Climate impacts are being felt deeply across the
state. Climate Week highlights the need for urgent action on implementing climate change strategies that
are equitable, culturally responsive, and resilient.” Chang cochairs the Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission.
    Climate Week organizers aim to highlight many actions funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and other
federal source, including rollout of the Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands chapter of the fifth National Climate Assessment and the official launch of the state Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.
    Mary Alice Evans, Interim Director of the State Office of Planning & Sustainable Development, and Climate Week Commission Co-Chair said, "“Listening to communities and developing local solutions is a priority for CCMAC as we create the Climate Action Plan."
    One of the events involving this island is a webinar titled: High elevation Hawaiian plant communities: implications for conservation under climate change. See all of the events around the state at https://climate.hawaii.gov/hawai%ca%bbi-climate-week-2024/

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GOV. JOSH GREEN IS IN JAPAN FOR A WEEK TO PROMOTE MORE TOURISM TO HAWAI'I. He flew to Hawai'i March 15 and is scheduled to return this Saturday, March 23, after meetings with business officials and government leaders. A statement from his office says the Governor is "pushing forward with his efforts to lower barriers to travel between Japan and Hawai‘i. In partnership with the U.S. government, the Japan government and private industry, Governor Green is committed to strengthening the bond between Hawai‘i and Japan, by enhancing tourism and fostering shared economic growth."
Gov. Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Green are in Japan for a week to meet with
government and business officials to foster increased tourism to Hawai'i.
Photo from the Governor's office
    The statement says he is fostering stronger ties between Japan and Hawai‘i and said, “Japan and the Japanese people are part of our ‘ohana due to our historic connections, economic ties and culture, and we are committed to enhancing travel through our ‘Travel Corridor’ concept. By expanding Global Entry, integrating biometric screening, and pursuing preclearance status, we are making travel more efficient, convenient and secure for Japanese citizens visiting Hawai‘i.”
    Green continues pursuit of pre-clearance status between Hawai‘i and partner airports such as Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Pre-clearance is a program administered by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that allows travelers to undergo customs and immigration inspections at their departure airport, rather than upon arrival in the United States. "This initiative has been successfully implemented in 15 different locations across six partner countries, and has been proven to streamline the travel process, reduce wait times and enhance the overall travel experience," says the statement from the governor.
    "Key among Governor Green’s initiatives is the expansion of Global Entry for Japanese citizens," says the statement from his office. "Global Entry, a trusted traveler program administered by CBP, expedites the customs and immigration process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. The benefits of holding Global Entry status include no processing lines, no paperwork, reduced wait-times, and PreCheck via the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Currently, Global Entry status is allowed for up to 1,500 Japanese citizens. The Biden Administration and Japan’s government are collaborating to find a way to expand Global Entry to Japanese citizens by removing the cap by late 2024. This will streamline entry for Japanese citizens into Hawai‘i and the rest of the United States."
    Hawai‘i Department of Transportation is also working to leverage CBP’s Mobile Passport Control through advanced biometric collection and exploring new partnerships with TSA to enhance the traveler experience, reduce wait times and increase security. "Biometric screening technology offers a secure and efficient means of verifying travelers’ identities and improving border security, while expediting the screening process and reducing costs. Additionally, HDOT has begun a review of the international passenger journey for specific recommendations that can enhance the traveler experience and increase facilitation," says the statement.

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THE BILL TO PUT MORE TEETH INTO VICIOUS DOG LAW passed the state Senate Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday and goes on to a conference committee. Failing to to control a dog that kills a human would become a felony and net up to five years in prison. A dangerous dog would be defined as
Bob Northrop was killed last Aug. 1 in Ocean
View by four dogs as he walked to a friend's house.

“any dog that, without provocation, causes a bite injury to a person or another animal.” The measure would also establish misdemeanor penalties for allowing dogs to injure a person or kill an animal.
    During the hearing on Tuesday, Attorney Teresa Tico testified in support of Bill 2058 making it a felony to allow dogs to hurt people. She works with a hui, including Sharon Matson whose father Bob Northrop was killed by a pack of dogs in Ocean View. They aim to reduce the number of dog attacks in Hawai'i.
    Tico relayed that in a separate attack in Hawai'i two months ago, a pit bull in a pack of dogs grabbed a doctor and severed an artery in his leg, but charges still have not been brought against the dog owner. He nearly bled out and almost died, said the attending EMTs. The victim suffered 47 dog bite wounds and received 17 staples. Tico said the number of dog bite cases in Hawai'i has risen since Covid, but since the offense is only a petty misdemeanor, there is no deterrence.
    Tico said she sees time and time again that prosecutors and defense attorneys plea bargain the case down to a leash law violation, even for injuries inflicted on children with facial disfigurements for the rest of their lives. She said that the felony is needed to deter people from letting dangerous dogs run loose.

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Tree Molds Road area will be closed on weekdays from this Thursday into April. Map from NPS

RESTRICTION OF VEHICLES FROM TREE MOLDS RECREATIONAL AREA OFF MAUNA LOA ROAD will begin this Thursday, March 21 on weekdays from 7:30 am. to 3:30 p.m..Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park announced the temporary closure due to heavy equipment operations for the Park's Disaster Recovery Project.
    "Pedestrians will be allowed access but must use caution and yield to trucks and machinery on the roadway," says the Park statement. The closure to vehicles is expected to last through early April.
Outside of the restricted 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, the road and Tree Molds area will be open to vehicles at all other times.
    Work continues on Phase One of the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Disaster Recovery Project and traffic safety and infrastructure upgrades. The latest project updates include establishing a materials staging area at the former horse corral off Mauna Loa Road.
Construction closures and delays are updated on the park's new construction webpage: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/construction-closures.htm?fbclid=IwAR0EX87hntI2rgwuZ9nZUxvd90a0U2aW0tJSd9wwpOvX2GWKIrYRk9OzdxY

New construction in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has led to a new website on the progress 
and road and trail closures. NPS map 

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HPD ARRESTED 13 MOTORISTS MARCH 11-17. Hawai‘i Police Department arrested 13 for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Four of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Three were

under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 197 DUI arrests compared with 224 during the same period last year, a decrease of 12.1 percent.
   HPD's Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 205 major crashes so far this year, compared with 200 during the same time last year, an increase of 2.5 percent.
    To date, there were eight fatal crashes, resulting in eight fatalities, compared with four fatal crashes, resulting in five fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 100 percent for fatal crashes and 60 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 20, 2024

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Visitors below the cliff at a distance from the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Photo by Summer Fisher
 

Monk seal at Green Sand Beach taken long distance with lens. Photo by Summer Fisher
PAPAKŌLEA, MAHANA,  GREEN SAND BEACH, in online promotions for the many visitors that trek there each day, is the recent resting place of a critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, 'īlio holo i ka uaua, who was documented by photographer Summer Fisher on Tuesday. 
    Fisher said she remained more than 50 feet from the seal and captured its photo along with a photo showing nearby tourists on the Green Sand Beach at a good distanced from the seal.
    The Hawaiian Monk Seal,  Neomonachus schauinslandi, is one of the most endangered seal species on the planet. According to NOAA, the population declined for six decades and current numbers, though increasing, are only about one-third of historic population levels. NOAA reports that the current upward trend is due in part due to federal NOAA Fisheries recovery efforts.
    NOAA reports: "Hawaiian monk seals are found in the Hawaiian archipelago which includes both the main and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and rarely at Johnston Atoll which lies nearly 1,000 miles southwest of Hawai'i. These monk seals are endemic to these islands, occurring nowhere else in the world. Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and State of Hawai'i law."
    The popular tourist trail to Green Sands Beach is owned by the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The beach itself belongs to the public and is stewarded by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. There is no lifeguard nor steward to protect the beach and educate visitors about the place, the culture and the wildlife.

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KĪLAUEA SUMMIT AREA CONGESTION, SAFETY, RESOURCE PROTECTION AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE are topics for public input, which has been extended for comment until March 31 by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
    "The park encourages input, especially from those who hold a deep connection to Kīlauea, who participate in cultural protocol, and recreate or conduct business within the park," says an HVNP statement.
    The Kīlauea Summit Area and Corridor Management Plan aims to identify management strategies and
solutions to reduce conflicts among cars, buses, motorcycles, bicyclists (including e-bikes) and pedestrians on park roads and trails that traverse the popular and often-crowded summit of Kīlauea volcano.
   An online newsletter describes the desired conditions of the project, the issues the plan will address, and project goals, and is available for comment at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/kilaueasummitcmp.
    The public comment period began Feb. 22 and was extended to March 31. "This comment period is the initial phase of the plan and future opportunities to provide input will be announced as the plan develops," says the park statement.
    Since 2008, following the first significant summit eruption since 1924, park visitation has soared with most visitors drawn to areas between Uēkahuna and Devastation, including Nāhuku lava tube, Kīlauea Iki, Kīlauea Visitor Center, the entrance station and the overall summit corridor. The high concentration of vehicles and people in a relatively small area often results in full parking lots, lines of traffic at the entrance station, crowded overlooks, resource damage and frustrated visitors.
    Major damage to Crater Rim Drive and the loss of buildings and infrastructure during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption and summit collapse has exacerbated park congestion, especially during eruptions, and the busy winter and summer holiday travel seasons. The park lost Jaggar Museum, a portion of Crater Rim Drive, Halema'uma'u Overlook and 'Iliahi Trail due to the eruptive events that year.
    The need for, and development of, a Kīlauea summit site plan was included in the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 2016 General Management Plan. See:                                                               https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management/upload/Hawaii-Volcanoes-General-Management-Plan_2016_508.pdf.

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THE HAWAI'I WE DESERVE is the title of Gov. Josh Green's report, released last Friday on the eve of his one week visit to Japan to promote tourism to the islands.
    Green reported that The Hawai‘i We Deserve is: 
• A place where our children can grow up and thrive, have families of their own, and find abundant educational and economic opportunities. 
• A center of innovation and progress in the Pacific, contributing to and enriching the global community. • A place where our keiki and kūpuna are cared for, our communities and institutions are supported, and our local culture and natural resources are respected and preserved. 
• A place where local families can always call home. 
• A place where we value tolerance and mutual respect regardless of race or religion, age, sex, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. 
   The Governor stated, "Our vision for Hawai‘i encompasses all these things and more. But how do we collectively reach The Hawai‘i We Deserve? Through decades of commitment, shared values, and hard work, today Hawai‘i is filled with aloha, beautiful scenery, some of the most welcoming people on earth, and our unique spirit of aloha.
    "We want people from around the world to visit Hawaiʻi and experience this beauty and spirit for themselves. However, Hawai‘i struggles with chronic, fundamental challenges that are not necessarily unique to Hawaiʻi, but which impact the full potential of our state and most importantly, the well-being of our people. We live in a rapidly changing world, and in many ways, Hawai‘i is still adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. Many residents feel that our state has lost the momentum and energy generated by the hard work of the past—and with it, our hope for a better future. Some feel that our once close-knit communities are drifting apart. Mounting economic challenges in the new millennium have forced many to leave our state—as many as 15,000 each year.
    "Too many of these are people who were born in Hawaiʻi and grew up here have struggled to find economic opportunity and the hope for a better life in their home state. To me this is unacceptable and must change. The past year has also presented new and unexpected challenges. The disastrous fires of August 8, 2023, claimed 101 lives on Maui in a single tragic day, and left thousands more homeless. Maui’s recovery is far from complete, and the survivors have ongoing and immense needs that we are continuing to meet. 
    "To truly realize The Hawaiʻi We Deserve, we must continue to address these challenges, push for change, and keep making real progress in our state. What does change and progress mean for the people of Hawaiʻi? Fundamentally, this means taking action based on our shared values. It’s not enough to simply debate ideas, delay over minor details, and stall initiatives—we need to tackle our challenges headon. It means asking more from our leaders and institutions—to push for solutions, take action, and move Hawaiʻi forward," stated the Governor. 

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THE SOUTH HAWAI'I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA will present the concert An Afternoon at the Movies on Saturday, March 30 at Ocean View Community Center, starting at 2 p.m. The concert is free, but donations are appreciated.
Farley Sangels will conduct An Afternoon at the Movies.
    An Afternoon at the Movies will be largely composed of pieces of music that were either soundtracks or theme songs for a large variety of popular movies, such as Ben Hur, Star Wars, Lion King and many others.
    The orchestra will be conducted by Farley Sangels, a musician with a long career in many of the country's top orchestras, and more recently with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Sangels' taste for crowd pleasing music and his relaxed conducting style has made him popular with Ka'u audiences.
    The South Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra is composed of about 20 musicians, largely from Ka'u, who play a wide variety of orchestral instruments. They perform as volunteers for the community orchestra.
    This will be the third concert that the South Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra has presented. Its previous shows drew audiences of over 100 music fans and culminated in standing ovations.

Kaʻū News Briefs March 21, 2024

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Vacation rentals like this one in Volcano could become unavailable should passage of a state law allowing
counties to phase them out becomes successful. Photo from Love Big Island
A BILL THAT COULD LEAD TO A BAN ON VACATION RENTALS IN ALL BUT RESORT and some commercial-zoned places is gaining momentum in the state House of Representatives. Attorney Shery Broder, known for working on causes that support local initiatives, submitted testimony "strongly opposing" SB2919, which would allow counties to phase out vacation rentals, with the aim of the units becoming long term housing.
   Her testimony contends that instead of vacation rentals, building more hotels is is one of the problems of affordable housing. Broder writes that "The counties keep approving more hotel rooms, more tourists keep coming, and then many tourists want to have a home in Hawai'i." She points to the Punalu'u development proposal here, the proposed Coco Palms and Koloa/Po'ipu units on Kaua'i, and a new hotel planned in Wailea on Maui. On O'ahu, she notes plans for several large hotel projects and numerous smaller ones. She objects to the argument that a vacation rental ban will solve the affordable housing problem.
Hawai'i Hotel Alliance supports the ban
on vacation rentals.
    Broder claims that the bill to ban vacation rentals "is great for the lucrative hotel industry and bad for local people who have the opportunity to access a very small portion of the tourism dollars through short term rentals (STRs)." She notes that Planning Directors around the state are recommending "approvals or more hotel rooms, more expensive housing for non-locals and more golf courses." She writes that "The super wealthy and international corporations receive the tourism dollars in Hawai'i. Private equity companies own almost 30% of Hawai‘i’s hotel rooms." She says Hawai'i continues to be attractive for private equity buyers because it’s one of the highest performing hotel markets in the country. "Local people do not share in the real tourism dollars because of the high barrier to entry," says Broder. "All local people bear the burden of tourism. It is unfair that only hotels can make money from tourism. Today the hotels are mostly owned by hedge funds and multinational corporations. For the most part, local people earn low wages at the hotels."
    Broder contends that short-term rentals bring positive economic benefits to local people and to county governments.
    "Many STRs are owned by local people who do not have access to the capital needed to build a hotel
American Hotel & Lodging Association supports
ban on vacation rentals.
and local people should be supported in their efforts to engage in making money from the tourists. The STR market provides new income channels for State and county governments. Prohibiting STRs will contribute to the continuing decline of economic opportunities for local people.
    "Many local people seek to stay at STRs as most often they are a more affordable option.
    "Short term rentals bring tax dollars to the state and local governments," writes Broder.
    She writes that building affordable housing is difficult because: Land ownership is concentrated in a very few landowners in Hawai'i which drives up the price of land. The cost of materials is very high because of the shipping costs and the competition for materials.
    "Hawai'i is like the national trend of the rise in economic inequality making it harder for lower-income
Hotel workers union supports
ban on vacation rentals.
households to buy secure housing. The PEW Foundation reports that the rise in economic inequality in the U.S. is tied to several factors. These include in no particular order, technological change, globalization, the decline of unions and the eroding value of the minimum wage. Whatever the causes, there has been an uninterrupted increase in inequality in wealth since 1980. a greater share of the nation’s aggregate income is now going to upper-income households and the share going to middle- and lower-income households is falling. See https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/01/09/trends-in-income-and-wealth-inequality/. This bill perpetuates this economic inequality by prohibiting ordinary local people from participating in the lucrative tourism market," concludes Broder.
    The Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy, Economic Development, Tourism & Public Safety reported that "short-term rentals can be disruptive, not only to Hawai'i's traditional and economically essential lodging industries, but to the character and fabric of local residential neighborhoods. Further, while short-term
Rental by Owner Awareness Association opposes
ban on vacation rentals.

rentals may not be legally inconsistent with the land uses that they are intended for, they must be regulated properly so that users of short-term rentals and communities alike can mutually benefit from these transactions. Therefore, this measure establishes a comprehensive regulatory scheme for short-term rentals of dwelling units and expands the zoning powers of counties to phase out future nonconforming uses over time, in order to promote the orderly development of each county and ensure the greatest benefit for the State as a whole."
Expedia Opposes Ban on vacation rentals.
    
    Testimony supporting the bill to allow the phase out of vacation rentals came from such organizations as Hawaiʻi Hotel Alliance, The American Hotel & Lodging Association, Hawaiʻi State Association of Counties, Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Lahaina Strong, Housing Hawaiʻi's Future, UNITE HERE Local 5, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 142, one member of the Honolulu City Council, two members of the Maui County Council, and more than 290 individuals.
    Testimony opposing the bill came from Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS, Airbnb, Rental By Owner Awareness Association, Expedia Group, and more than 120 individuals.
    See all the testimony and follow the progress of the bill at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2919&year=2024

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USGS VOLCANO EXPERTS HELP EQUATORIAL GUINEA TO FORECAST ERUPTIONS. Establishing a Nascent Monitoring Program on Pico Basile Volcano, Equatorial Guinea is the title of the latest Volcano Watch, the weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey 
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
    In 2012, steam began to rise from beneath the cracked concrete of a telecommunication station at the summit of Pico Basile volcano on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, in western Africa. The steaming lasted several days and extended to two nearby summit craters.

Color photograph of volcano
Pico Basile volcano, located on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea in western Africa. USGS photo
    Pico Basile is a shield volcano located at the center of the enigmatic Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) in western Africa. Like the volcanoes in Hawai'i, it features basaltlava flows, scoria cones, and tuff rings. Pico Basile is the second-most active volcano on the CVL, after Mount Cameroon, which is 65 km (40 mi) to the northeast on the African continent. The most recent series of recorded eruptions on Pico Basile took place from the 1890s to 1923. These eruptions impacted population centers on the South and East flanks of the volcano. Malabo, the capital city of Equatorial Guinea with a population of approximately 300,000 people, is located on its northern flank.
    Potential eruption hazards from Pico Basile are similar to those in Hawai'i and include earthquakes, lava flows, ballistic projectiles, and volcanic gases including sulfur dioxide (SO2). Even in its current quiescent state, hazards on Pico Basile include carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation, landslides, and wildfires.
    Since 2017, international researchers had been working to assess the state of activity at Pico Basile and piece together its eruptive history. The 2021 disaster on La Palma, Spain, where Cumbre Vieja erupted after 50 years of quiescence destroying over 3,000 buildings and displacing over 7,000 people, highlighted the importance of monitoring quiescent volcanoes. Following that eruption, it became apparent that foreign research was not enough; the people of Equatorial Guinea needed the ability to monitor their volcanoes from within their own country.
    In 2023, the National University of Equatorial Guinea (UNGE) partnered with a Research Corporation of the University of Hawai'i affiliate staff member of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory through the Fulbright Specialist Program. With support from the U.S. Agency for International Development–USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program (USAID-USGS VDAP), they created the first volcano monitoring program in Equatorial Guinea for Pico Basile volcano.
Color photograph of volcano scientists with volcano monitoring equipment
UNGE team with a newly installed seismic station. Also pictured is Dr. Christine Sealing (Fulbright Specialist), top row second from left, and Aaron Rinehart (USAID-USGS VDAP) bottom row second from right. USGS photo
    The backbone of the new volcano monitoring program is a team of eight UNGE staff and two students who participated in a month-long workshop where they gained a broad understanding of volcanology and volcanic hazards, including the history and hazards specific to Pico Basile. They also learned essential field engineering techniques and installed four broadband seismic stations around the volcano to detect earthquakes. Using data from previous research stations, the UNGE team received training in seismic analysis and learned to recognize signs of volcano seismic unrest. Although in its infancy, the new monitoring program has already served as an important source of information by reassuring officials that recent remote wildfires on Pico Basile were not caused by volcanic activity.
    Collaborative assistance programs such as the Fulbright Specialist Program and USAID-USGS VDAP are integral in building technical capacity and diplomatic relationships overseas through education and science. These programs work by invitation such that host countries and institutions lead the collaboration, cultivating trust and goodwill between all partners.
    The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government for the purpose of fostering enduring connections between U.S. Americans and people from other countries around the world. The mission of USAID-USGS VDAP, funded through an interagency agreement with the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance within USAID, is to mitigate volcanic risk overseas by assisting scientists with volcano monitoring, hazards assessments, and eruption forecasting. At Pico Basile, this collaboration between the UNGE, the USAID-USGS VDAP, and U.S. scientists through the Fulbright Specialist Program has culminated in the first volcano-monitoring program in Equatorial Guinea and hopefully the beginning of lasting scientific relationships.
    Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.Low levels of disbursed seismicity continue at Kīlauea's summit and along the Koa'e fault system southwest of the caldera. Earthquake counts in this region increased slightly over the past two weeks but remain well
below those detected during the January–February intrusion or prior to recent summit eruptions. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff have continued to record modest inflationary trends over the past week. No unusual activity has been noted along the rift zones.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    Five earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.9 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) NNW of Kukuihaele at 13 km (8 mi) depth on March 20 at 6:18 p.m. HST, a M3.0 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) ENE of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on March 19 at 9:38 p.m. HST, a M3.2 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) S of Pāhala at 32 km (19 mi) depth on March 15 at 8:37 p.m. HST, a M3.3 earthquake 4 km (2 mi) SSW of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on March 15 at 8:11 p.m. HST, and a M2.0 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) NE of Pāhala at 4 km (2 mi) depth on March 15 at 7:01 a.m. HST.
   Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 22, 2024

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Truth in labeling of Hawaiian Macadamia products is addressed by a bill moving through the
2024 Hawai'i Legislature. Photo from Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co.
LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE MACADAMIA NUT INDUSTRY THROUGH TRUTH IN LABELING is moving forward during the 2024 Hawai'i Legislature. The macadamia nut industry is
one of the largest employers in Kaʻū.
    House Bill 2278 would require the country of origin to be included on the principal display panel of a consumer package of raw and processed macadamia nuts.
    Testimony from local supporters of the measure came from Macadamia Nut Services, LLC, Edmund C. Olson Trust 2, OK Farms, Hamakua Macadamia Nut Co., Kaʻū Farms Management, LLC; Kapāpala Ranch; Hawai'i Farm Bureau; Hawai'i Farmers Union United, Macadamia Growers of Hawai'i and more organizations, farms and individuals.
    Opposition came from Hawaiian Host Group, which purchased Mauna Loa and MacFarms and is known to import nuts to use in its Hawai'i-labeled macadamia products. Submitting testimony against the bill were numerous workers at its Kapua Orchards and Hawaiian Host's management team, claiming they could use their jobs if their company was not allowed to use foreign nuts, when needed.
Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. and Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Services,
which sell 100% Hawaiian, fear a shut down if products are labeled
Hawai'i when most of the mac nuts come from other countries.
Photo from Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co.
    Reggie Souza, Orchard Manager for Macadamia Nut Services, LLC, which farms thousands of acres in Kaʻū, wrote, " I am a farmer of Hawai’i-grown macadamia nuts in the districts of Kea‘au and Kaʻū on the Big Island. I am pleading with you to strongly support HB2278 HD2, Relating to Labeling of Macadamia Nuts. I have farmed macadamia nuts for 36 years. Throughout all of these years, I have witnessed so many challenges that our macadamia nut industry has had to endure, especially after the covid pandemic. 
    "Today, the Hawai‘i macadamia nut farmers like me are facing the greater challenge of having to compete with low-cost foreign kernels. Well-known local brands have replaced our nuts with foreign macadamia nuts in their products but have continued to market their products as Hawai'i-grown nuts. This is deceptive to Hawai‘i’s people and visitors. 
    "Growers are just asking that companies be required to label the origin of their nuts. HB2278 HD2 will give Hawai‘i growers a chance to keep our jobs and save Hawai'i’s macadamia nut industry. Like many of our employees, I too have family members working for our company.
    "My wife, sons, daughter, and son-in-law all work in the industry. Employees who live and work in  Kaʻū are proud of what we do and have virtually no other job options in the area because Kaʻū is an hour and a half drive from Hilo and it’s also an hour and a half drive to Kona. 
    "Pāhala is a small rural community that is an old sugar plantation farming town that farms coffee and macadamia nuts. We currently employ multiple families in this area. What will happen to these families if we can no longer stay in business? 
    "As a macadamia nut farmer, my biggest fear is that we will end up just like sugar and pineapple; closed down. We have 180 employees, and the majority of them are ILWU members. This also affects the smaller local macadamia farmers. Some of them have suffered so badly that they have now begun to clear off the macadamia nut trees from their land. It’s sad to see these trees that have taken nearly 20 years to reach maturity be cut down."
    The House of Representatives Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce issued a statement saying, "Hawai'i is currently the fifth largest producer of macadamia nuts in the world, but the macadamia nut industry faces significant environmental and economic pressures, including competition from out-of-state and foreign macadamia nut growers. 
   "Your Committee further finds that certain businesses may be using company names with Hawaiian words or images of Hawaii to mislead consumers into thinking that the macadamia nuts in their products were grown in Hawai'i when in fact they were not. This measure bolsters the State's existing protections

on the labelling of the origin of macadamia nuts to protect the Hawai'i brand."

   The Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee approved the bill and referred it to the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs. The measure went before the Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection on Wednesday and was approved for further consideration.

    The Hawai'i Legislature issued a report saying: The legislature finds that Hawai'i-grown commodities of the State are an important sector of Hawai'i’s economy and the branding of these commodities is critical to protect and safeguard consumers. The macadamia nut production industry in Hawai'i is one such example. According to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, the value of the macadamia-nut crop in Hawai'i in 2022 totaled $33,200,000. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to enhance, preserve, and protect the premium brand and cachet of Hawai'i grown macadamia nuts by clarifying the labeling requirements for macadamia nuts, including requiring the country of origin to be included on the principal display panel of a consumer package of raw or processed macadamia nuts."

    Follow the bill and see all the testimony at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2278&year=2024


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MAYOR MITCH ROTH DELIVERED HIS STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS on Friday, focusing on Malama 'Aina, Hawaiian culture, the county workforce, affordable housing, building permitting, homelessness, parks and recreation, infrastructure, safety and the cost of living.
    Regarding environment and Malama 'Aina, the Mayor's list of accomplishments includes acquisition of more land for Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resource Preservation than any previous administration, preserving over 4,100 acres for future generations. He also pointed to plans to acquire four new electric buses and one new hydrogen bus for the free county Hele On service. He noted that Hele On will remain free at least through 2025. He also pointed to the formation of Office of Climate, Sustainability, Equity & Resilience, led by Director Bethany Morrision "to ensure continuity of sustainability-focused initiatives beyond the current administration."
   Regarding Hawaiian culture, the Mayor pointed to: Establishment of an Indigenous Data science Division at Department of Research & Development led by Director Doug Adams and Deptuty Frecia Cevallos. He said the initiative Pehea Ka 'Aina, Ola Ka 'Aina led by indigenous data specialists Hokulani Fortunato and Malia Silva-Meeken focuses on "transforming governance on Hawai'i by fostering a deep connection between the land and its people." 
    He said the initiative Ku'ikahi Na'auao provides, "county employees with opportunities to learn
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, left of Mayor Mitch Roth at the State of the
County address on Friday. Photo by Cyrus Johnasen

Hawaiian culture, including lei-making, hula, oil (chanting) and significant events in Hawaiian history."
   "Incorporation of cultural practices such as oli and piko protocol into County events" provides employees with "a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture," says the statement from the Mayor's office.
   Regarding the county workforce, the Mayor pointed to "Creation of opportunities for greater work flexibility, including telecommuting, flexible work schedules and an Alternative Work Schedule Pilot Program with the union, Hawai' Government Employees Association led by Department of Human Resources Director Sommer Tokihiro and Deputy Danny Patel. He also addressed a Professional Intern Pilot Program, starting in July and enhancements to the Tuition Reimbursement Program and a $1 million employee training fund for county employees.
   Regarding affordable housing, the Mayor highlighted the Office of Housing & Community Development's efforts, led by Susan Kunz and Harry Yada, in increasing the aff0 more slated for local, working-class families this year.
   Regarding building permits, the Mayor said permitting time for single-family homes has ben reduced to an average of 42 days from 200 days. He said the time could be reduced again by one third through legislative changes and also credited Building chief Julann Sonomura. He also pointed to new county legislation to allow Accessory Dwelling Units on existing parcel to alleviate housing shortage and the effort to encourage more vacation rental owners to rent long term.
   Regarding homelessness, the Mayor said a comprehensive approach has been taken by his administration, resulting in capacity building of service providers and increasing affordable housing. He pointed to 19 million provided to programs and organizations addressing homelessness, plus completion of the first phase of the Kūkuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center, with the second phase set to add 48 affordable permanent housing units.
Keiki singing at the State of the County address on
Friday. Photo by Cyrus Johnasen
    Regarding parks and recreation, Roth discussed his commitment to enforcing parks' rules for the safety of all park-goers. He highlighted major park projects, including playground and field upgrades, new community centers, and emergency swimming pool repairs. The county pool at Pahala is currently under repair.
    Rega
rding public safety
, the Mayor pointed to investments, including a new joint dispatch center and fleet upgrades with new helicopter, brush trucks fire engines, tankers and ambulances, aiming to improve emergency response and coordination between police and fire departments. He emphasized pedestrian safety enhancements. He vowed to fill police vacancies "with plans to expand police services and reduce response times."
     Regarding infrastructure improvements, the Mayor pointed to improving the water system and conducting islandwide inventory of water laterals for clean drinking water. He also noted the Connect Kakou Initiative, a partnership with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, to expand broadband and digital literacy, providing high-speed intenet to 40 county-managed facilities, plus free wireless access. He pointed to numerous road pavings, bridge repairs and wastewater system redesigns, including those for Na'alehu and Pahala.   
    Regarding cost of living, the Mayor said he and his administration are committed to ease the financial burden on residents, including a potential decrease in property tax rates for homeowners, "reflecting a commitment to ensuring a more equitable future for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island." said the statement from his office.

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CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR JR. TUPAI comes to Discovery Harbour Center at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. His topic is Community Development and Growth: Fostering a Thriving Local Community.
The address is 94-1604 Makali'i St.

Kaʻū News Briefs March 23, 2024

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Sen. Mazie Hirono announced that the Marine Mammal Center will receive $880,000 to work with local cultural advisors, academics, and other stakeholders and partners to design a data-driven behavior change campaign focused on protecting monk seals from harmful human behavior. See more funding below. Photo from Marine Mammal Center.
 

MORE HELP FOR THE MARSHALLESE and the folks from Federated States of Micronesia and Palau came this month when Congress passed and the U.S. President signed the 20 year renewal of the
Compacts of Free Association. With $6.5 billion in funding, Department of the Interior manages the program for these Pacific Islanders who live in their home islands, for some 20.000 who live in Hawai'i and for those who live in other places in the U.S. In  Kaʻū, these Pacific Islander populations are largely concentrated in Ocean View. The relationship that allows them to live in the U.S., with this country providing funding for them and their home islands is based on U.S. military bases there and nuclear testing on some of the islands more than a half century ago.             
    Their funds are ensured by Hawai'i Sen. Mazie Hirono's wording in the Compact Impact Fairness Act, which aims to lessen burdens on communities where the islanders are living and provides programs to help lift them out of poverty. The funding was included in the federal budget that passed this week.
Marshallese family members congratulate their 
 Kaʻū High graduate last May. Photo by Julia Neal
    Hirono is a champion of assisting Pacific Islands and said,  “These renegotiated Compacts of Free Association will continue the United States’ decades-long relationship with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. In addition to solidifying our relationship with the Compact nations for the next 20 years, this agreement corrects a nearly 30-year old policy failure that has prevented the tens of thousands of COFA citizens who live, work, and pay taxes in the U.S.—many of whom choose to build their lives in Hawai'i—from accessing federal benefits.
    Hirono said, "I’m glad that after years of advocacy to restore these benefits, and following restoration of eligibility for Medicaid, this bill includes my provision to provide access to federal benefits—including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and more—for COFA citizens living in the U.S. This change will make life better for thousands of COFA citizens in Hawai'i. I’ve appreciated the partnership of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and thank the many advocates—in Hawai'i and in COFA communities across the country—whose hard work made this victory possible.”

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THE FEDERAL BUDGET THAT PASSED THIS WEEK includes nearly 50 projects for Hawai'i submitted by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She said, “These projects will help strengthen our conservation efforts, protect native species, upgrade infrastructure, and support programs that serve our keiki, kupuna, and local families. As we continue working to fund the federal government, I’ll keep fighting to secure crucial federal investments for Hawai'i’s families, children, and communities.” The projects include:
    Hawai'i Land Trust - $1,097,000 to install predator proof fencing to protect native forest species from invasive predators.
    Aha Punana Leo - $1,050,000 to improve the infrastructure of Hawaiian language medium facilities and consolidate parcels to better suit the needs of the Hawaiian language community.
    MA'O Organic Farms - $567,000 to construct an Agroforesty Training Baseyard as proper infrastructure to support a new offshoot of youth workforce programs.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Aquatic Resources - $300,000 to evaluate the potential of using native Hawaiian aquatic plants to sequester carbon in freshwater and estuarine ecosystems.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Water Resources - $350,000 to improve the state of understanding of the complex hydrologic systems in Hawai'i and use sound science to manage and protect water resources into the future.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Aquatic Resources - $700,000 to establish varieties of limu (native seaweed) stocks in a secure laboratory setting, maintain a repository of culturally and ecologically important limu, and adapt standard plant tissue culture techniques to maintain diverse limu seed stocks.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Aquatic Resources - $750,000 to restore two native estuarine
habitats on Hawai'i Island and to increase educational opportunities and public awareness about the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of these habitats.
    University of Hawai'i System - $2,250,000 to use remote sensing and data modeling to forecast and monitor the spread of rapid 'ohia death (ROD) across native 'ohia forests throughout the islands.
    The Marine Mammal Center - $880,000 to work with local cultural advisors, academics, and other stakeholders and partners to design a data-driven behavior change campaign focused on protecting monk seals from harmful human behavior.
    County of Hawai'i, Department of Water Supply - $1,000,000 to invest in watershed protection and restoration in West Hawai'i.
    The Nature Conservancy Hawai'i & Palmyra - $1,000,000 to support the establishment of community-organized post-storm response and coral restoration groups, baseline reef monitoring, and watershed, coastal habitat, and marine restoration projects throughout Hawai'i.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Forestry & Wildlife - $700,000 to protect wetland that is home to many birds, invertebrates, and aquatic species including 12 endangered species by constructing a predator exclosure fence.
    Department of Land and Natural Resources, Water Resources - $2,400,000 to decommission unused and abandoned wells across the state that pose a serious threat to drinking water aquifers as pollutants have a direct conduit to the aquifer via an unmaintained well.
    County of Hawai'i, Department of Environmental Management - $2,035,000 to renovate an existing sewage pump station and force main (pipeline) that are both about 50 years old.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Forestry & Wildlife - $2,500,000 to continue the effort of releasing sterile male mosquitoes across the islands to save native honeycreepers from extinction.
    County of Hawai'i, Department of Environmental Management - $1,000,000 to upgrade a pump control system, as the system is obsolete and replacement parts can no longer be acquired.

    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Water Resources - $959,757 to support upgrades and improvements to water systems based on the results of Annual Water Audit data.
    Department of Land & Natural Resources, Water Resources - $959,757 to support the construction of 1-two new Drinking Water Monitors statewide, with a focus on areas experiencing an increased demand on water resources or are targeted for increased development, to monitor the health of Hawai'i’s drinking water aquifers.
    Child & Family Service - $1,000,000 to undertake demolition and infrastructure work on Child and Family Service’s existing property in an effort to build a new youth residential crisis stabilization facility for children in crisis.
    YWCA of Hawaii Island - $1,500,000 to replace a defunct swimming complex with a new, modern preschool, including age-appropriate play areas and a commercial kitchen.
    Hui Malama O Ke Kai Foundation - $785,000 to construct a multi-purpose pavilion with a certified commercial kitchen and multipurpose space for educational and community activities.
    Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE) - $3,000,000 to build and renovate facilities to address youth homelessness through small census living models and residential care, programming, and supportive services.
    Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i - $1,500,000 to purchase and renovate a building to create a new headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai'i. The headquarters will serve as a space to host youth programs, to facilitate community and family workshops, to distribute resources, and as a hub for mentoring services for youth and teens.
    Island of Hawai'i YMCA - $625,000 to acquire parcel of land adjacent to the existing Island of Hawai'i YWCA, allowing the organization to expand program access.
    Child & Family Service - $2,000,000 to contribute to the construction of a 6,000 sq ft walk-in service and resource center adjacent to the organization’s existing location.

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PONO KEKELA, CHAIR OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAI'I ISLAND, reminds
Pono Kekela, Chair Hawai'i Democratic Party
members that deadline to sign up to serve on the Hawai'i County Pre-Convention and Convention Resolutions or Platform Committee is noon, this Sunday, March 24.
    County Convention Registration opens this Monday, March 25. See Democratic Party's county website: https://www.hawaiicountydemocrats.net. The party is also working to finalize rosters for its eight Hawai’i County Districts and County and State Convention Delegates and is emailing County party members. The party is open to accepting new members to volunteer during "this critical election year," says the statement. 
    Kekala said, "There will be tremendous challenges that we will face this election cycle, but I believe that by working together and leaning on the manaʻo of our leaders before us, we can be the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi to once again serve as the Party of the People." Reach the County Chair at onokekela@gmail.com.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 24, 2024

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Seaula Jr. Tupa'i took his mayoral campaign Saturday to Discovery Harbour. He travels Wednesday to Cooper Center in Volcano.
Photo from Tupa'i for Hawai'i County Mayor

MAYORAL CANDIDATE SEAULA JR. TUPA'I CAME TO DISCOVERY HARBOUR CENTER on Saturday and plans another meet-and-greet this Wednesday, March 27 at Cooper Center in Volcano at 6 p.m.
    At Discovery Harbour, he was accompanied by Nāʻālehu team member Ikaika Kailiawa-Smith and BJ Penn, the famous retired mixed martial arts fighter who has run for public offices on the Republican ticket in recent years. Tupa'i, who ran for Lt. Governor in 2022 as a Republican, is not required to name a political party affiliation in the nonpartisan mayoral race. Two other candidates, incumbent Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda, are running as Democrats. The top two candidates in the primary election Aug. 10 will move on to the runoff in the General Election on Nov. 5.

    At Discovery Harbour, the Jr. Tupa'i team talked about a Tupa'i administration with a focus on accountability for tax-payer money and the need to grow food on the island, with its cost being so high. Food production is one challenge where government could be more involved, they said, and gave the example of providing land for community gardens. An attendee said she has access to a seed bank in Kaʻū and would like to see a community garden growing food in Discovery Harbour.
    The Jr. Tupa'i team questioned accountability for millions of dollars in grants spent by the county and through contracts to non-profit organizations. They said they want an audit and to see results of the money spent. They said that should Tupa'i be elected, county employees would be reviewed for their qualifications and accountability before being affirmed to continue their work.
    They talked about working people knowing how to get things done and pointed to broken lights at the Nāʻālehu and Pāhala ballparks that hinder sports for youth at night. They talked about poor conditions of playing fields. Baseball Coach Josh Crook said that he and his volunteers have helped to improve the ballfields in Kaʻū.
    Ka'iliawa-Smith gave the example of a ramp for the Wai'ohinu transfer station. He said he was able to install it it himself as part of his job for the county, cutting red tape to get it done affordably -for $1,000 after putting in a ramp was delayed for many months.
    Regarding affordable housing, the county code came up with some of the team suggesting that single wall houses, like the old plantation homes, be allowed for new construction. Regarding cost of land, it was suggested that foreigners pay much higher property taxes or be prohibited from owning land here.
    Tupa'i's campaign website says this about Tupa'i's background:
Jr. Tupa'i and BJ Penn at Saturday evening's campaign
 event for Tupa'i run for mayor. Photo by Julia Neal

Seaula Jr. Tupa'i was born and raised in California. His parents Seaula and Tina Tupa'i moved from American Samoa and his father became pastor of a Samoan Assemblies of God church in Monterey. "Growing up in that environment of faith, worship, and sports, Jr. gravitated towards football and music, while his love for God stayed with him throughout his life."
    He graduated from Washington state University where he played football and received a Master's Degree in music. He moved to Hilo in 2007. He worked at Hawai'i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy and coached football at Kamehameha School for one season and Hilo High for nine.
    Tupa'i became Senior Pastor at Overcoming Faith Center in Hilo. "He understands that as a public servant, the emphasis should be on serving...For far too long, servants in office have not listened to the people and have forgotten what it means to serve. It's about time to put people in office who are close to the pulse of the community."

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PUNALU'U PUBLIC HEARING EXTENSION WILL NOT BE ON THE AGENDA for the Windward Planning Commission in April and may be held during the May meeting or on a separate date, according to Deputy Planning Director Jeff Darrow. The March 9 hearing ended with 50 people waiting to testify and a new date to continue the hearing was promised. The hearing is for public comment on a proposed Special Management Area permit for a development at Punalu'u. During the March hearing eight supported and some 80 other testifiers opposed the project. 
    Read the Punalu‘u Village proposal by Black Sand Beach LLC to receive an SMA permit at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7pd2i9x0uu9bl348lyebt/SMA-Major-Use-Permit-Application-for-Black-Sands-LLC-Complete-2023.12.18.pdf?rlkey=okd8wklno9p4rnss3alqwsz8r&e=1&dl=0. See the live testimony from the March 9 hearing at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfA6VoyabyE.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS VARSITY BASEBALL PLAYS AT KAMEHAMEHA ON TUESDAY, followed by two home games on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. and Saturday April 13 at 1 p.m. The record is three wins and one loss.
    On Tuesday, March 19th, the Trojans played Kohala Cowboys at Kohala. The game ended in the 8th after the Cowboys tied Kaʻū in the 7th and took the game to extra innings with a score of 15-10 Trojans. Caleb Crook started the game pitching, giving up 7, including a few unearned runs. He went 3 for 6, with a single, double, and triple, a home run short of the cycle. Koch, who batted first in the lineup, went 4 for 6 with a sacrifice fly and one ground out. Koch also turned a double play for the Trojans. Koch closed the game out, pitching and ending the game by striking out the Cowboys. Koch had two strikeouts while

 Kaʻū Trojan baseball plays Kamehameha on Tuesday, 
with two home games coming up April 10 and 13.
pitching. Senior starters Joe Buyuan, TJ Faafia, Ocean Sesson, Jaestin Karasuda, and Dominic Decalio all had a productive game. Karasuda got on base five times, scoring four runs and stealing multiple bases. Faffia had two base hits, a walk, and one strikeout. Buyuan went 4 for 5 with two base hits, two walks, and a strikeout. Freshman Ian Beck of Kaʻū caught a great game against the Cowboys. He didn't allow any stolen bases.
   Saturday, March 9th, Trojans played the Hilo High Vikings at home. Coming into this game, Coach Josh Crook said, "We knew this game would be tough; Hilo teams are usually really good." Offensively, the Trojans were pretty quiet. Defensively, they performed fairly well.
    Sophomore Caleb Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina took the hill and went into the 4th inning, giving up 8 runs with 3 home runs. Sophomore Riley Koch of Kaʻū closed the game, giving up three runs and one home run. Koch and Sophomore Devin Alpin of Kaʻū gave the Trojans the only hits of the game , each scoring 1 run. The game ended with a score of 11-1.
    "Although it appeared to be a blowout, it was a great performance by the Trojans defensively," said the coach. The majority of the runs came by way of long balls over our short right-field fence. These would have been fly ball outs on other fields. We have a lot of work to do offensively, but overall, it was a pretty 
positive performance," said the Coach.

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SUBMITTING BUILDING PERMITS WILL BE OFFLINE for county Department of Public Works Building Division with a scheduled maintenance outage of the EPIC Permitting system from 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Access to the EPIC system will be unavailable during this time.
    Public Works issued a statement saying it "would like to thank you for your understanding while we
Nakuina will be featured this Tuesday
at After Dark in the Park.
continue to make improvements to enhance the EPIC application."

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EMMA KA'ILIKAPUOLONO NAKUINA will be featured as an Extraordinary Woman of Hawai'i on Tuesday, March 26 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Nakuina was many things: Museum Curator under Kalakaua, author, and Commissioner of Water Rights under the Territorial government. Born in 1847, throughout her long life, her work and her writing illuminated Hawaiian culture from a Hawaiian point of view. Join Park librarian, Martha Janet Hoverson as she highlights the life of one of the most influential women in Hawaiian history. Free. Park entrance may fees apply.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 25, 2024

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Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Halau O Leonalani recently hosted Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman, of Kea'au at the Pu'uhonua in Na'alehu. Ryder and halau also danced and are getting ready for Merrie
Monarch week performances. See more below. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses.

MATCHING GRANTS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS BENEFICIARIES OF UP TO $5,000 each to help them build or buy homes was announced Monday by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL has partnered with homestead nonprofit, Hawaiian Lending & Investments, to provide direct assistance to
KipuKai Kuali'i, Chair of the Sovereign Council
 of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, which
founded the org that will give grants for building
or buying homes on Hawaiian Homestead land.
beneficiaries looking to construct, or purchase, a home on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    DHHL Act 279 Down Payment Assistance Program will match Hawai'i Lending & Investments grants of up to $5,000 that are awarded to eligible DHHL beneficiaries on any of DHHL's Application Waiting Lists and those holding undivided interest homestead leases.
    "Getting our families into homes is at the forefront of our mission," said DHHL Director Kali Watson. "Through our collaboration with HLI, we are able to make a direct and immediate difference for our beneficiaries by providing financial support and eliminating obstacles to home ownership."
    DHHL's memorandum of agreement with HLI dedicates $250,000 of the department's general revenues appropriated by Act 279 to fund the program.
    "Our HLI team, and our board members from every island region, appreciate the purposes of this MOA," said Rolina Faagai, HLI executive director. "HLI will facilitate a matching grant from DHHL to waitlist families that receive funding support from any number of agencies that specialize in down payment assistance."
    Founded by the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, HLI will be responsible for determining a beneficiary's eligibility and administering the match awards. Sovereign Council chair KipuKai Kuali'i said, "This initial investment is a great start; it won't resolve 29,000 on the Waitlist, but it supports those DHHL has or will be awarding lots to. As a coalition of Homestead Beneficiary Associations across the state this partnership is exactly the kind of work we want HLI to be doing with the DHHL." For more information contact HLI@hawaiianhomesteads.org.

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Halau Hula O Leionalani hosted halau from Kea'au recently with free performances at  Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu and heads
 to Merrie Monarch week to share hula. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses

HALAU HULA O LEONALANI has a full Merrie Monarch schedule coming up, with a performance on Sunday, March 31 at the Hilo Civic at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 3 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m., and on Saturday, April 6 at noon at Hilo Hawaiian. 
    The halau, under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, also performed on Saturday, March 16, hosting a halau from Kea'au at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua. Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo is under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman.
     Halau Hula O Leionalani is fundraising for a visit to Mexico and leaves April 23, flying to Honolulu to Houston and Cancoon for a six day stay. The halau will perform at Riviera Maya Splash resort and also participate in workshops with the kumu's students from Mexico and Japan. The Mexican and Japanese halau will compete in Cancoon. Hawaiian musician Lorna Lim will teach in the workshops with Ryder.
    
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PRINCE KUHIO DAY IS TUESDAY AND A STATE A HOLIDAY. A bronze sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole "in reverent tribute to his leadership and his profound impact on the Hawaiian people," has gone on display in the Mayor's office, according to a statement from the county.
    The sculpture, crafted by Allen Ipo Auwae, son of the late Henry Auwae, a respected Hawaiian Kahuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau, "stands as a tribute to Prince Kūhiō's commitment to enhancing the lives of Native Hawaiians. Prince Kūhiō's legacy includes his work in enacting the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act while serving as the second Native Hawaiian elected as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This Act has since granted thousands of Native Hawaiians homesteads and continues to be a pivotal part of Hawaiian land policy today," says the statement from Mayor Mitch Roth.
    He said, "We are honored to have this beautiful sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole in our office. Prince Kūhiō's leadership and advocacy for the Hawaiian people continues to inspire us today, and we are proud to pay tribute to his legacy."
    The sculpture will be held in the Mayor's Office until the Auwae ʻOhana decides on a final resting place. For more information contact HLI@hawaiianhomesteads.org.

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Junson Heckerz, wanted by HPD
TWO OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE. Hawai'i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Junson Heckerz and 34-year-old Justina Alves, both wanted for outstanding bench warrants and for questioning in other criminal investigations.
    Heckerz has two outstanding warrants for his arrest that were issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in five separate theft investigations.
     Heckerz, who also goes by “Jay” or “Noel”, is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has the tattoo of his last name on his left arm. 
     Alves has an outstanding warrant for her arrest which was issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in four different criminal investigations, including theft and narcotics investigations. She is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 125 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her left neck area that reads "Ronald" and has tattoos on both thights. 
Justina Alves, wanted by HPD

     The Hawai‘i Police Department would like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
     Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either Heckerz or Alves is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.  They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
     Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

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MATTHEW KOI, OF NA'ALEHU, is sought by Hawai‘i Island police who are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the 20-year-old. He is  wanted for an outstanding bench warrant, as well as for questioning in two investigations regarding an auto theft and a separate unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
    Koi is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Matthew Koi, wanted by HPD
He is known to frequent the Nā‘ālehu town area.
    Hawai‘i Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
    Persons with information on Koi’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
    Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can report a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.


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Kaʻū News Briefs March 26, 2024

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 Kaʻū Coffee growers will be represented along with other Hawai'i Coffees by Hawai'i Coffee Association at the Specialty 
Coffee Association Expo April 12-14 in Chicago. Image from HCA
Ralph Gaston invites Kaʻū Coffee growers to promote
 their coffee at the SCA Expo in Chicago in April.
Here he is shown with Rusty's Hawai'i Kaʻū Coffee
Grower  Lorie Obra. Photo by Julia Neal
KAʻŪ COFFEE AND ITS LOCAL GROWERS ARE HEADED TO CHICAGO for the Specialty Coffee Association Expo from April 12-14. Kaʻū Coffee has been represented at HCA's Expo for many years and has taken top awards in the past. 
    In preparation for the event, Kaʻū Coffee grower Ralph Gaston, who chairs Hawai'i Coffee Association's SCA Planning Committee, sent out this message: "HCA team is attending the 2024 SCA Expo in Chicago next month where we will be promoting Hawaii coffee. If you produce green 100% Hawaii coffee and have any of it available for sale, please fill out this survey, so we can give out your contact info to any interested buyers. Please submit this survey no later than April 5." The survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024_SCA_Expo;
    Among coffee local representatives attending the Expo are two from Kaʻū Coffee Mill.

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GENERATIONAL ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY FOR HAWAI'I AGRICULTURE is the subject of a survey by the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. Its leader and Chair of Hawai'i Board of Agriculture Sharon Hurd is "requesting your input to identify the underlying issues impacting your achieving success as an agriculturist in Hawaiʻi. HDOA needs to understand the obstacles you are confronting and develop strategies, investments, and legislative priorities to support a vibrant agriculture industry in Hawaiʻi. Your input on these issues is necessary for HDOA to put together programs and provide the
resources you identify as important to achieve Generational Economic Profitability." The survey can be taken at 

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC IS ASKING ALL HAWAI'I ISLAND CUSTOMERS to reduce or shift their electricity use over the next month. "This is an unusual situation, driven mainly by the unavailability of several large generators that have experienced mechanical problems, are at reduced output, or are undergoing maintenance," says the statement from the utility. 
    "The largest generator, an independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiian Electric, is offline with significant mechanical issues. The plant generates 60 megawatts or nearly one-third of the typical peak demand of 180 megawatts on the island."
   The company reports that Hawaiian Electric is using companywide resources and working with its independent power producers to return units to full service as soon as possible. "At least through the middle of April, when one of the company's larger generators is scheduled to return from an overhaul on the mainland, generation margin will be extremely tight, especially when wind, solar and hydroelectric output is lower than forecast.
    "Customers may see alerts asking them to conserve energy, especially on days when there isn't much wind, which can generate up to 15% of the electricity on the grid. When the alerts are issued, customers are asked to take immediate action to minimize the use of electricity.
   "Even without an alert, customers – including hotels and large retailers – are urged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible, especially between 5 and 9 p.m. weekdays. Suggestions include turning off air conditioners and unneeded lighting, shutting off water heaters and pumps, and shifting activities like cooking, showering, laundry, and dishwashing. Shifting large appliance use to the daytime, when solar is abundant, is also recommended.
    Without enough supply to meet electricity demand, the company may initiate rolling outages of up to an hour around the island. The impacted areas and the timing will be based on the amount of demand that needs to be reduced. Hawaiian Electric will post alerts on its X (formerly Twitter) @HIElectricLight and Facebook account. Customers also are encouraged to subscribe to Hawai'i County Civil Defense's emergency notification system, Everbridge, to receive alerts.
    "Customers may experience delays or busy signals on the Trouble Line (808) 969-6666 due to high call volume. Other options are calling Customer Care (808) 969-6999 or direct messaging on X or Facebook.?     For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/HawaiiIslandUpdate.

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A PHONE SCAM IS THE TARGET OF Hawai‘i Police Department, which is warning the public, after
receiving an uptick in reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as Hawai‘i Police Department officers or court officials.
    According to HPD, scammers are calling with altered caller ID numbers displaying Hawai‘i Police Department phone numbers, posing as police officers telling victims that they have outstanding warrants. The individuals then ask the victims to divulge personal information or make payments.
    "While Hawai‘i Island police officers have called individuals with outstanding warrants as a courtesy in hopes that they may turn themselves in, they will never ask for personal information or payment of any kind over the phone, says the statement from HPD.

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Kaʻū Little League registration deadline is April 2.
Photo by Elizabeth Crook
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE IS APPROACHING. Last day to register is Tuesday, April 2. Children ages 8-14 can register for either Ocean View or Nāʻālehu teams. 
     Practices for both locations are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practice for the Minors team (ages 8-10) is from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Practice for the 50/70 team (ages 11-14) is from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
    Kaʻū Little League is also looking for coaches and umpires. Information can be found for parents and players on the Kaʻū Little League Facebook page. Information about games for the community can be found on the Kaʻū Little League Hawai'i Facebook page. Registration is $100, but scholarships for registration are also available. For more information on scholarships or Kaʻū Little League contact Elizabeth Crook at 808-345-0511

Kaʻū News Briefs March 27, 2024

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‘Ahi, giclée by Dietrich Varez, the artist honored with March 28 declared as Dietrich Varez Day and a special presentation at Volcano Art Center on April 7.
DIETRICH VAREZ DAY IS MARCH 28. In honor of the late artist's birthday, Mayor Mitch Roth signed a proclamation and Volcano Art Center extends an invitation to a free program in April to share life, art and legacy of the renowned printmaker, painter and author. The Varez Legacy program will be a movie screening and talk-story event on Sunday, April 7 at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village.
        The free event highlighting Varez's connections to Hawaiʻi's people, stories, and places will begin
with a Spectrum Documentary filmed in 1983 that focuses on the Volcano Art Center and features Varez
1801 eruption with Pele and Kamehameha.
Art by Dietrich Varez
and his wife Linda and volcano artist Chiu Leong. The 25 minute film looks back in time when Dietrich was prolifically producing new prints year after year, signing each image by hand. The film is available through VAC's Heritage and Archive Program which catalogues an extensive collection of archive material including photographs, imagery, audio and films.
    After the film screening, a panel discussion will reveal the man behind the iconic images. It will include leader Desiree Moana Cruz and participants who worked closely with artust. Volcano Art Center encourages all those who have been touched by his story to attend the event which will be held in Dietrich Varez Hall at VAC's Niaulani Campus.
    The Varez Legacy Program also invites participants to visit the free exhibition titled Dietrich Varez Legacy: The Expanded Collection, at VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Featuring unpublished works recently made available through the Varez Family Estate, the exhibit runs through May 26, 9 a.m -5 pm, daily. For more information call (808) 967-7565 or visit the exhibition online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-exhibit/the-dietrich-varez-legacy-expanded-collection/
    A statement from VAC says, "A true artist for the people, Varez carved a deep understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian values and lifestyle that can be learned and perpetuated through his art. The event is funded by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

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DR. KIMO ALAMEDA, CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF HAWAI'I COUNTY, will talk story with Kaʻū residents at Pāhala  Community Center this Thursday, March 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He will also provide dinner. He said he asks the public to ask the tough questions and "hear for yourself why Dr. Kimo for Mayor." 
    Alameda is former administrator of Bay Clinic and worked in the Mayor Billy Kenoi administration. He had this to say on Wednesday evening ahead of his Talk Story on Thursday in Pāhala:
    "I'd like to ask that the people in Pāhala and surrounding areas come out to hear my story. I'm not your traditional politician. I've never ran for office before but I did run a major county department, several state departments, and the largest health center on the island. I come to Pāhala  humbled with an open heart, hearing what I can do for the community and for you.
    "As an extension of our gratitude, my wife and I will be preparing dinner for attendees and we will also have a few prize giveaways.
    "For those who already know me and my track record in serving this island, please come and let's sign wave together right up the street from the event at 5 p.m. I'll bring the signs and the shirts. You just bring yourself and a double shaka."

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2024 SUMMER FUN IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION IN KAʻŪ. Venues will be Nā'ālehu Community Center and Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala. For more on the Pāhala program, call Nona Makuakane at 808-928-3102. For Nā'ālehu, call Elijah Navarro at 808-939-2510.
    County of Hawai'i Department of Parks & Recreation announces its 2024 Summer Fun Programs will provide recreational opportunities for teens and youth at locations island-wide during summer break.
   "We take pride in offering our keiki a safe and enjoyable environment for play and learning during their summer break," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "These programs are a lifeline for many working parents who would otherwise face challenges in finding appropriate care for their children. By providing these opportunities, we are not only enhancing the lives of our young ones but also bolstering the overall health of our families and communities."
    The offerings include 16 Summer Fun Programs for elementary-aged children who have completed Kindergarten to 6th grade, five teen enrichment programs, and two specialized enrichment programs. All summer programs will be in operation from June 12 to July 19.
    "It is so important for keiki and teens to engage in healthy, safe, and fun activities during the summer months," said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & recreation. "With our 2024 Summer Fun Programs, we are proud to offer a range of affordable recreational opportunities to support Hawai'i County youth and their families."
    The programs include arts and crafts projects, indoor and outdoor games, sports, music, dance, special events, and excursions.
    Detailed information about program hours, registration dates, cost, and age groups can be found online at https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/facilities-parks/recreation. For more information, please contact the respective Hawai'i County Recreation Division facilities listed in the program flyers.
    Other locations for Summer Fun around the island are: 
    Hilo District Sites: Kawānanakoa Gym, Pana'ewa Park, Andrews Gym,  Hilo Armory, Waiākea Uka Gym and Pi'ihonua Gym
    Hāmākua District Sites: Pāpa'ikou Gym and Honoka'a Sports Complex
    North & South Kohala District Sites: Spencer "Kalani" Schutte District Park in Waimea, Hisaoka Gym in Kohala, Pu'u Nui Park in Waikōloa
   North & South Kona District Sites: Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona
   Puna & Ka'ū District Sites: Nā'ālehu Community Center, Rep. Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala, Kea'au Armory, William "Billy" Kenoi Park in Pāhoa,
    TEEN PROGRAMS:Programs for teenagers will be offered at the Pu'u'eo Community Center in Wainaku; Pāpa'ikou Gym; Shipman Park in Kea'au; Hale Hālāwai in Kona; and Spencer "Kalani" Schutte District Park in Waimea.
    SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS:The 'Ike Kai program will engage children, ages 8-12, in lessons about the ocean. This specialized program will be held at the Richardson Ocean Center with three two-week sessions available. The 'Ike Pono-Hāmākua program will host children Kindergarten to 6th Grade with one 3-week session at Kula'imano Community Center and one at Pāpaʻaloa Annex.

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DORSON "BUDDY" BEHRENDT OF OCEAN VIEW was arrested in Ka‘ū on Saturday, March 23. The Hawai‘i Police Department previously issued a media release requesting the public’s assistance locating Behrendt after he was indicted for the shooting of a 53-year-old Ocean View man last October. Behrendt was also wanted on a warrant issued by the Kona District Court in December 2023 for violating his terms and conditions of release on bail.
Buddy Behrendt arrested. HPD photo
    Behrendt was taken into custody after Ka‘ū patrol officers conducting area checks observed him crouched down behind a parked vehicle on a public roadway near the intersection of Paradise Parkway and Luau Drive. When police tried to contact Behrendt, he attempted to flee and was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
    Upon being taken into custody, Behrendt was found to be in possession of 1.4 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
    He was subsequently charged with one count of violating his terms and conditions of release on bail, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and possessing drug paraphernalia. His bail for those offenses was set at $6,000.
    Behrendt’s bail was set at an additional $500,000 after he was indicted for one count each of: second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted robbery,
two counts of carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a felony. His total bail is set at $506,000.
    The indictment was obtained after Behrendt was arrested on October 30, 2023, for a shooting that occurred on October 15, 2023, in Ocean View and he was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
    Behrendt was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Monday, March 25, 2024, in both District and Circuit courts in Kona.

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HPD ARRESTED 19 FOR DUI, during the week of March 18, through March 24. Hawai‘i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eleven were involved in a traffic

accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 216 DUI arrests compared with 245 during the same period last year, a decrease of 11.8 percent.
    Hawai'i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 224 major crashes so far this year, compared with 217 during the same time last year, an increase of 3.2 percent.
    To date, there have been 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths), compared with four fatal crashes, resulting in five fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 150 percent for fatal crashes and 120 percent for fatalities.
  In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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