Ka`u News Briefs Tuesday, May 16, 2017

"I FACE THIS FIGHT WITH THE SAME DETERMINATION that I've fought for the people of Hawai`i. And I'll never quit, especially when things get tough," Sen. Mazie K. Hirono said today. She revealed that, “During a routine pre-operative physical for my eye surgery, my doctor discovered an abnormality on my chest x-ray. After a series of follow up tests, I have been diagnosed with kidney cancer that is also present in my seventh rib. 

Sen. Mazie Hirono said today she will fight cancer and also seek reelection.

    “My treatment is being overseen by one of the preeminent kidney cancer specialists in the country at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital. He has designed a comprehensive treatment plan – including surgery to remove my right kidney and an innovative, non-invasive, outpatient procedure called Cyberknife to eradicate the lesion on my rib. At the conclusion of this treatment, there will be no identifiable disease left untreated. My doctor expects I will make a full recovery from these treatments. I will continue working during my recovery, and look forward to returning to the Senate as soon as possible," said Hirono.

     The 69-year old Senator who who has also served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Ka`u, said, “I appreciate your support and good wishes, and look forward to getting back to the Senate to continue fighting for Hawai`i as soon as possible.”
     Hirono also wrote a letter to supporters, following her statement about her cancer treatment: "And here’s what I also want you to know: I am, without question, running for re-election in 2018. The stakes are too high and our shared values are under attack like never before. Mahalo for the honor of continuing to serve you in the United States Senate, and for your support and aloha during this time."
     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard released the following statement: "I send my warmest aloha, prayers and well wishes for a quick recovery to Senator Hirono as she undergoes treatment for kidney cancer. I talked with Mazie today, and she was upbeat and fearless as she takes on this fight. I look forward to seeing Mazie back at the Capitol soon to continue our work together on behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi.”
     Gov. David Ige said, "Mazie is a fighter, and I know that she brings that spirit to this latest challenge. Dawn and I pray for Sen. Hirono’s full recovery and we send our best wishes to her and her family."

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EDMUND C. OLSON RECEIVED A LIFETIME LEGACY AWARD FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION during  a Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce gathering at Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo on Monday.

Last year Ed Olson gave Trust for Land $2 million toward its land preservation efforts. Yesterday, he received the SBA's Makana Ho`oko No Ke Ola award. Photo from TPL

     The Makana Ho`oko No Ke Ola award was given for Olson's preservation of agricultural lands and support of cultural and environmental heritage in Hawai`i. Olson was key to the preservation of the Ka`u Coast from Honu`apo to Kawa and Punalu`u. At the request if community members, he bought Ka`u Coast land that was for sale and could have been developed. He held the land until government, nonprofit groups and private donors could come up with money to purchase and preserve it. He has also helped with the preservation of the rodeo grounds in Na`alehu.
     The 86-year old entrepreneur owns 8,000 acres in Ka`u including such historic places as Makanao which is stewarded by Demetrius Oliveira and his `ohana. On land owned by Olson is one of two known hula heiau in the state. Olson made an arrangement for its conservation and restoration through the Edith Kanakaoli Foundation.  Olson also provided a large endowment to Trust for Public Land which has worked to preserve coastal lands in Ka`u.        
     Olson built Ka`u Coffee Mill, grows his own coffee along Hwy 11 and around his mill and is working on a hydroelectric plant in Wood Valley. He provides affordable farm lots for local farmers and is one of the top funders of the Ka`u Festival. Olson has made numerous donations to Ka`u Hospital, the Boys & Girls Club Ka`u High School and many other community efforts in Ka`u. He owns homes in Pahala and Wood Valley.
    The SBA award also honors successful business owner who "has had an extraordinary impact and created a strong legacy of supporting economic vitality, small business growth, and exemplifies the best practices in business and community," says a statement from SBA.

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A CAR CHASE TO APPREHEND A FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE led to damaging two cars and arresting four people in the HOVE subdivision of Ocean View. The saga began with two teams from a bail bond company responding to information on the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive, Jerrilynn Rego, who was at large in Ocean View.
     According to information given to the police, the first team of bail bond agents, driving a small SUV, were looking for Rego and were stopped on the side of the road, when their quarry drove by in a white Chevrolet truck. Accompanied by a female passenger, Rego passed them at the intersection of Reef Parkway and Ohia. The bail bondsmen in the SUV recognized her and gave chase, while communicating their whereabouts to their second bail bonds team in a Mercedes Benz. Police were later told that this allegedly high-speed chase lasted about 15 minutes before Rego allegedly backed her truck into the front bumper of the SUV driven by the first team of bail bondsmen, then drove away.

Police in Ka`u found that a car chase between bail bondsmen and a fugitives led to a crash. Four arrests were made. Photo by Ann Bosted

     While turning left onto Tradewinds Blvd., Rego’s truck ran off the road, damaging her left front tire. The tire began smoking so she had to stop. One of the bail bondsmen followed, captured and held Rego. According to information supplied to the police, the woman who had been riding with Rego, grabbed a tire iron and began threatening the bail bondsmen. One of the bail bondsmen then apprehended Rego, searched her, and took money from her. It is alleged that the bondsman also threw Rego to the ground, hand cuffed her and sprayed her with mace. It is also alleged that the female passenger grabbed the money from the bondsmen and gave it to another person, who fled the scene.
     Meanwhile, the police had been summoned to the scene. Upon arrival they found that Rego had cuts on her right cheek, and her face was irritated by the spray. The police took possession of Rego’s truck, and after they obtained consent from Rego and her passenger to search the truck, they found marijuana, a scale and Ziploc packets. The police also took possession of the bail bondsman’s SUV, which they used for evidence in the reconstruction of the vehicle collision. Police have since released the SUV.
     Rego was arrested for warrants and discharge of sureties, and transported to the Kona cellblock. She has since been released on bail. Rego’s female passenger was arrested for hindering prosecution, terroristic threatening and promotion of a detrimental drug and released pending further investigation.

Kickoff party for Ka`u Coffee Festival is this Friday at Pahala Plantation House at 6 p.m, featuring a Puerto Rican band.

   Two bail bond agents were arrested for reckless endangering, reckless driving, assault and conspiracy to commit theft and both released pending further investigation. Police are seeking a male, who was assisting the bail bond company, for information as well as the outstanding no-bail warrant. The pending investigations will be routed to the Prosecutor’s Office.

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AUDITIONS FOR FINIAN'S RAINBOW, produced by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network, as its annual summer musical will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 16 and 17, at Kilauea Military Camp's Kilauea Theater starting at 6:30 pm. Directing the show will be Suzi Bond, with musical direction by Walter Greenwood.

HAUNANI'S ALOHA EXPRESSIONS entertain Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Enjoy an evening of music and hula of Haunani’s Aloha Expressions. With their handmade colorful costumes and lei, these energetic kūpuna have competed at, and won, various hula festivals. They bring to life the magic of old Hawai‘i. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ongoing Nā Leo Manu Heavenly Voices presentations. Free.

KICKOFF PARTY AND OPEN HOUSE FOR THE KA`U COFFEE FESTIVAL is this Friday, May 19 at Pahala Plantation House beginning at 6 p.m. El Leo, the Puerto Rican band will play music along with Sen. Russell Ruderman, who is back from the 2017 Hawai`i Legislature. Also playing are the Back Yahd Bruddahs, with Ti Chun, Makana Kamahele and Sheldon Salmo. The event is free.