 |
| Speed limits reduce to 25 mph in temporary bridge zones at Hīlea and Nīnole near Punaluʻu. Photo by Julia Neal |
The state Department of Transportation is funding the construction. Contractor for the new bridges is Hawaiian Dredging, which will also remove the vintage timber bridges, each more than 40 years of age.
 |
Nīnole bridge, near Punaluʻu, will be replaced. DOT photo |
For more detail on the old and new bridges, see Oct 13, 2018, Kaʻū News Briefs.
A COUNTY CHARTER PUBLIC MEETING IN KAʻŪ on Friday, March 29, starting at 5 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center will give Kaʻū residents a once-in-a-decade opportunity to publicly voice their opinions on proposed changes to the county's governing document, the County Charter
The volunteer charter commissioners will hold the meeting to garner public opinion on proposed charter amendments and are open to public suggestions for new amendments.
Perhaps the most hotly contested amendments will be CA-9 and CA-18, which relate to how the two percent land fund is administered and how the county's open space lands are maintained.
 |
Former PONC Property Management Technician, Alexandra Kelepolo, observes one of the many pictographs preserved for posterity when PONC acquired 3,200 acres of coastal lands in Kaʻū. Kelepolo resigned her position at the County Dept. of Finance in January of 2017. Since then, the acquisition of lands for conservation by PONC has slowed. PONC supporters propose funding a position for a full-time employee. Photo by Annie Bosted |
The two percent land fund has been supported by county voters three times, in 2006, 2010, and 2012. By order of the majority of voters, two percent of all property taxes collected by the county are allocated to the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission for buying land that should be preserved as a public resource.
In Kaʻū, PONC has a 2,200-acre property in Waikapuna, south of Nāʻālehu, in escrow. When that closes, this strategic stretch of coastline and related archaeology will be preserved as open space in perpetuity.
Since Harry Kim became mayor, the county acquisition of properties has slowed significantly. As a result, monies have been accumulating in the fund, which the Mayor proposed to appropriate to cover other expenses.
Supporters of PONC want to strengthen and streamline the land acquisition process. They are advocating that a member of the Finance Department staff should be assigned to work full-time on PONC projects, and that his or her salary should be paid from the two percent land fund.
Debbie Ward, chair of Sierra Club's Hawaiʻi Island group, and a PONC supporter, told The Kaʻū Calendar that "a dedicated staff person can apply to other state and federal agencies for grants and bring money into the county.
 |
A view of some of the coast preserved for public use by PONC in 2016. The 3,200-acre property is located makai of Ocean View, and can be accessed by the notorious Road to the Sea. The beaches are used for nests by the endangered Hawksbill turtles. The numerous archaeological features include a plethora of pictographs, shell middens, grinding rocks, and countless signs of pre-contact habitation. In the distance, white county vehicles can be seen. Photo by Annie Bosted |
"For example, in 2016 the county acquired a stretch of coastal land in Kaʻū that was worth $2.6 million by spending only $764,745. How did they do it? By securing matching funds. The Department of Fish and Wildlife kicked in $1,214,000 and the state's Legacy Land Grant program gave us 621,245. Buying land is all about opportunities.
"When a highly desirable property comes up for sale, we need somebody to jump on it, apply for the grants and close the deal. If the post is unmanned, we are all losing out on matching grants, prime real estate and conservation opportunities.
"The high balance in the account proves that it is not being managed. PONC has a wish list of about 180 properties to save for public access, of which 27 are in Kaʻū. We must have a full-time property management staff member in this job to make it work to the advantage of the public," said Ward.
CA-18 was proposed by Commissioner Sally Rice as another way to improve the maintenance of the county's public lands – a task mostly covered by volunteers and members of non-profit organizations who donate their time, but need funds for materials and supplies.
"The fund already buys tools," explained Ward, "but CA-18 expands the kinds of things that the land fund will pay for, such as portable or composting toilets, walkways, handicap access, outbuildings, storage sheds and such. The non-profits need to have full support of the county to be effective.
 |
Debbie Ward, a staunch supporter of PONC. Photo by Annie Bosted |
"For example, some volunteers in Waipio Valley
Aside from PONC issues, the public can testify on other amendments.
CA-17 would create a fund for disasters and emergencies. If approved by voters, it would mandate that one percent of the county's property taxes goes into an emergency fund so that the county has funds on hand and can respond to a disaster.
CA-8 would give elected County Council members longer, four-year terms, avoiding elections every two years. Former Kaʻū Council member Brenda Ford testified before the Charter Commission that she is opposed to CA-8. She told the commission that when she was on the council she worked with good and hard-working council members, and also lazy ones. She said that voters need to be able to get rid of the lazy ones promptly. Constituents know when their representatives are doing a good job and when not, she pointed out. CA-8 calls for council members to serve up to two four-year terms instead of four two-year terms.
CA-12 would allow the County Council to suspend a member who behaves in a "disorderly or contemptuous manner."
Other amendments relate to the fire department, council meetings, name changes and other "housekeeping" items.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
No significant change in monitoring data or volcanic activity occurred at Kīlauea this week. Low rates of seismicity continue across the volcano, with earthquakes occurring primarily in the summit and south flank regions. GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with refilling of the deep East Rift Zone magma reservoir. Sulfur dioxide emission rates from the summit and from Puʻu ʻŌʻō remain low. These rates have been steady over the past several weeks.
A GPS station on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō shows steady slumping of the craters edge. This motion is not directly related to magmatic activity, but is interpreted to be sliding of the unstable edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone. Small collapses at Puʻu ʻŌʻō have occurred since the eruption due to instability.
Hazards remain in the lower East Rift Zone eruption area and atKīlauea summit. Residents and visitors near the 2018 fissures, lava flows, and summit collapse area should heed Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense and National Park warnings. Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense advises that lava flows and features created by the 2018 eruption are primarily on private property and persons are asked to be respectful and not enter or park on private property.
The HVO continues to closely monitor seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any sign of increased activity. HVO maintains visual surveillance of the volcano with web cameras and occasional field visits. HVO will continue to issue a weekly update every Tuesday until further notice, and will issue additional messages as warranted by changing activity.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
![]()
JUST ANNOUNCED
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
![]()
UPCOMING
THURSDAY, MARCH 28
![]()
Hawaiian Language Classes with Kaliko Trapp, starting Thursday, March 28, Level 1: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Level 2: 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Level 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center. 8-week sessions. Level 1 - focus on simple vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and sentence structure. Level 2 - expand these. Level 3 - Some Hawaiian language experience preferred. $80/VAC member, $90/non-member. Workbook required. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
![]()
My Hawaiʻi Story Project 2019 submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. The creative writing contest is open to all Hawaiʻi sixth to eighth grade students. They are invited to submit their best story or poem that addresses the theme He ‘a‘ali‘i kū makani au: Resilience in the Face of Change, which aligns with the theme of the 2019 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference, which will be held in July in Honolulu . Only one entry per student will be accepted. All entries must be submitted electronically. Contact myhawaiistory@gmail.com with questions.
![]()
PONC Fund Public Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Community Center. Email Charter Commission your thoughts: charter.commission@hawaiicounty.gov. More about 2% fund at debbiehecht.com/2019/01/15/2-land-fund-program-at-the-charter-commission-as-of-january-142019/ or email Debbie Hecht, hecht.deb@gmail.com
![]()
Landscaping with Native Hawaiian Plants with Zach Mermel, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. $30/VAC member, $35/non-member. Register: volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
![]()
Beginner and Intermediate Mixed Media Encaustic with Mary Milelzcik, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Hands-on workshop. Learn safe studio practices, encaustic painting basics, step-by-step. $55/VAC member, $60/non-member, plus $25 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com![]()
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.
AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
![]()
Finger Puppetry, Tuesday, April 2, 3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., multi-purpose room, Ka‘ū District Gym. Open to keiki grades K-6. Free. Register through April 1. 928-3102, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
![]()
ONGOING
![]()
Beginning Farmer Institute Cohort Applications open through Monday, April 15. Free training program which "prepares new producers of any age or operation type for a successful future in agriculture." Applications at nfu.org/education/beginning-farmer-institute.
![]()
KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S STATUS HAS BEEN LOWERED as of Tuesday, March 26 reports U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory. Kīlauea is at NORMAL level for ground-based hazards and Aviation Code GREEN. This means the volcano is at a non-eruptive, background state. Kīlauea had been at ADVISORY level for ground-based hazards and Aviation Code YELLOW since October, 2018. For definitions of USGS Volcano Alert Levels and Aviation Color Codes, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html
Reports HVO: Kīlauea Volcano is quiet. Monitoring data over the past eight months have shown relatively low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas emission at the summit and East Rift Zone, including the area of the 2018 eruption. Despite this change, some hazardous conditions remain and are described below. Kīlauea remains an active volcano, and it will erupt again. Although we expect clear signs prior to a return to eruption, the time frame of warning may be short. Island of Hawaiʻi residents should be familiar with the long-term hazard map for Kīlauea Volcano and how to stay informed about Kīlauea activity.
Reports HVO: Kīlauea Volcano is quiet. Monitoring data over the past eight months have shown relatively low rates of seismicity, deformation, and gas emission at the summit and East Rift Zone, including the area of the 2018 eruption. Despite this change, some hazardous conditions remain and are described below. Kīlauea remains an active volcano, and it will erupt again. Although we expect clear signs prior to a return to eruption, the time frame of warning may be short. Island of Hawaiʻi residents should be familiar with the long-term hazard map for Kīlauea Volcano and how to stay informed about Kīlauea activity.
 |
| HVO map |
A GPS station on the north flank of Puʻu ʻŌʻō shows steady slumping of the craters edge. This motion is not directly related to magmatic activity, but is interpreted to be sliding of the unstable edge of Puʻu ʻŌʻō cone. Small collapses at Puʻu ʻŌʻō have occurred since the eruption due to instability.
Hazards remain in the lower East Rift Zone eruption area and at
The HVO continues to closely monitor seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any sign of increased activity. HVO maintains visual surveillance of the volcano with web cameras and occasional field visits. HVO will continue to issue a weekly update every Tuesday until further notice, and will issue additional messages as warranted by changing activity.
 |
See public Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
Kaʻū Trojans Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball:
Thu., March 28, 3 p.m. , @Kohala
Sat., March 30, 1 p.m. , @Konawaena
Tue., April 2, 3 p.m. , @HPA
Thu., April 4, 3 p.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 6, 11 a.m. , @Kealakehe
Sat., April 13, 3 p.m. , @ Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, BIIF Semi-Finals
Softball:
Sat., March 30, 11 a.m. , @Konawaena
Wed., April 3, host Waiakea
Fri., April 5, 3 p.m. , @Kealakehe
Fri., April 12, BIIF Semi-Finals
Sat., April 13, BIIF Semi-Finals
Fri., April 19, BIIF Finals
Boys Volleyball:
Fri., March 29, 6 p.m. , @HPA
Wed., April 3, 6 p.m. , host Ehunui
Fri., April 5, 6 p.m. , @Christian Liberty , Varsity
Tue., April 9, 6 p.m. , host Waiakea
Fri., April 12, 6 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Wed., April 17, 6 p.m. , Kamehameha
Fri., April 19, 6 p.m. , host Honokaʻa
Track:
Sat., March 30, 3 p.m. , @Keaʻau
Sat., April 6, 9 a.m. , @Waiakea
Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. , @HPA
Skateboard Movie Night, Friday, April 5, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free; open to public. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
Keiki Science Class, Saturday, April 6, 1st Saturday monthly, 11 a.m. – noon, Ace Hardware Stores islandwide; Nā‘ālehu, 929-9030 and Ocean View, 929-7315. Free. acehardware.com
Ham Radio Potluck Picnic, Sunday, April 7, 1st Sunday monthly, noon – 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. View sites.google.com/site/southpointarc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058
THURSDAY, MARCH 28
Hawai‘i County Council Mtg., Thursday, March 28, Council, Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov.
Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thursday, March 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Nā‘ālehu Elementary School. Provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thursday, March 28, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
Final Day to Apply for Preschool Opens Doors, Friday, March 29. For families seeking aid paying for preschool, for preschool participation July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020. patchhawaii.org, 800-746-5620
Ke Aliʻi Maka ʻĀinana – The Prince of the People – celebrates Prince Kūhiō on Friday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Kuhuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Coffee Talk. Find out: What is Kūhiō Day and why is it a state holiday? In respect to his memory and his accomplishments, Auntie Jessie Ke, a revered kupuna of Ka ͑ ū, will talk about the Prince, his legacy, the Hawaiian Civic Club movement, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka ͑ ū. Kaʻū coffee, tea, and pastries will be available for purchase. Entrance located just south of the 70.5 mile marker on the mauka side of Hwy 11. Free. nps.gov/havo
Little Fire Ants Community Mtg., Friday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. Community meeting to teach about the ant, how to survey, and if found, how to treat properly to ensure eradication. Franny Kinslow Brewer, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 933-3340, biisc@hawaii.edu
SATURDAY, MARCH 30
Count Humpback Whales – Final 2019 Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. to noon, Ka‘ū locations: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document animals' surface behavior during survey, providing valuable data to NOAA. Register at oceancount.org; registration closes one week prior to event. Free.
Exhibit - Ancient Hula: Through the Lens of Dino Morrow, daily, March 30-May 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Reception on Saturday, March 30, 5p.m. Morrow is a documentary and portrait photographer specializing in imagery of local cultures. Free; park entrance fees apply. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Classic Car and Bike Show, Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Fun, food, music, and open house. Pre-registration of vehicles strongly recommended. Sponsored by Ocean View Community Association. Show prizes provided by Dune Buggy Concessions and OVCA. Raffle prizes provided by local merchants and individuals. Dennis, 831-234-7143, or Ron, 217-7982
MONDAY, APRIL 1
Scholarship Application Deadlines for American Association of University Women-Kona, Three $2,000 awards for college-bound high school students: Monday, April 1. Application packets at kona-hi.aauw.net. sharonnind@aol.com
Ka‘ū Homeschool Co–op Group, Monday, April 1, 15 and 29, 1 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Parent-led homeschool activity and social group, building community in Ka‘ū. Confirm location in case of field trip. Laura Roberts, 406-249-3351
Ocean View Volunteer Fire Department Mtg., Monday, April 1, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
Vacation Rental Regulation Hearing, Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m., Hilo County Council Chambers. Testimony accepted.
AdvoCATS, Tuesday, April 2, 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org
Ka‘ū Coffee Growers Mtg., Tuesday, April 2, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., Pāhala Community Center.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3
Hula Voices with Kumu Kini Ka‘awa, Wednesday, April 3, 1st Wednesday monthly, 5:30 p.m – 7 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates the talk story session. Free. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org
Open Mic Night, Wednesday, April 3, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Lava Lounge, Kīlauea Military Camp. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up and for more details. Park entrance fees may apply. Open to KMC patrons and sponsored guests, 21+. 967-8371, kilaueamilitarycamp.com
Preschool Opens Doors Applications are open for the 2019-2020 school year. The Department of Human Services encourages families to apply before Friday, March 29. This program is for families seeking aid in paying for preschool. Applications, available at patchhawaii.org, received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. For more information, visit bit.ly/2TolEOm or call 800-746-5620.
Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School andWest Hawaiʻi high school students. Applications must be postmarked by Monday, April 1. Two $1,000 scholarships will go to any female high school graduate or older women attending a two-year vocational program leading to a marketable skill at Palamanui Campus . Applications must be postmarked by Wednesday, April 10. Application packets available at kona-hi.aauw.net. Contact sharonnind@aol.com.
Five Scholarships are available from American Association of University Women-Kona: Three $2000 scholarships will go to female college-bound Kaʻū High School and
Kaʻū Coffee Fest invites non-profits, clubs, cooperatives, and businesses to sign up for booths at the 11th annual Kaʻū Coffee Fest Hoʻolauleʻa on Saturday, May 4 at Pāhala Community Center. The all-day event comes with music, hula, coffee tasting, and meeting the famous Kaʻū Coffee farmers. See
Booth fees are $100 for food vendors; $60 for non-food items and crafts, including coffee and coffee samples; and $35 for pre-approved information displays. No campaign and other political displays. Fifty percent discounts for non-profit organizations and cooperatives selling food, crafts, and coffee. Vendors must also obtain county vendor permits costing $30 each and a Department of Health permit, if serving food. Call Gail Nagata 933-0918. Apply by Friday, April 26. Application at KauCoffeeFestival.com. Email to biokepamoses@gmail.com; mail to Brenda Iokepa-Moses, P.O. Box 208 , Pāhala , HI 96777
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.