Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021

    The meetings for Hawai'i Island are West Side: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1; Video: Zoom; Meeting ID: 996 6312 0815. East Side: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2; Video: Zoom; Meeting ID: 969 9109 6001.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UNWRAP THOSE RANGER TIPS BEFORE VISITING HAWAI'I VOLCANOES. National Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane says, "It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but when parking lots are full, roads are temporarily closed due to congestion and visitors bump into each other on trails and overlooks, the holiday spirit can take a dive. This season, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park helps you plan like a park ranger with five insightful tips to help you navigate the festive season." Here are the five tips for visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes:
    Be flexible. Have a Plan B and even a Plan C. The eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is showing no signs of taking time off for the holidays. During peak times, expect parking lots to be full and for temporary road closures when parking lots at Devastation Trail and Puʻupuaʻi overflow with vehicles backed up onto roadways. Avoid the peak times of sunrise and sunset and come at an unconventional time, like 4 a.m., or after 8 p.m. If there is no parking, visit another area in the park and try again later. HVNP is open 24 hours a day.

Crowded Crater Rim Drive. NPS photo

    Plan ahead. Explore the park website, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes well before arrival. Ferracane notes, "It’s like a stocking stuffed with favorite things: what to bring, information on uncrowded park areas away from the eruption site, directions, how to dress and more."
    Download the free app. The NPS has a free app with tools to explore more than 400 national parks across the country, and "the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes app is as sweet as a candy cane," says Farracane. "Self-guided tours, alerts and other valuable information is like having a ranger in your pocket. You can even send a postcard without a stamp right from your phone!" Download the app in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
  Be respectful. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are cherished by many people, including kānaka maʻoli (Native Hawaiians). Consider others before taking photos, and use an "indoor voice" when sharing

Keanakakoi side of Kilauea and visitors. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

overlooks with others. Listen for rumbling lava, the singing forest birds and the wind through the trees.
    Stay safe and recreate responsibly. Erupting volcanoes can be dangerous and activity can change at any time. Volcanic gas, sinkholes, steep unstable cliff edges and earth cracks all present hazards. Stay on trail and do not enter closed areas. Maintain social distance of six feet from others and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If sick, visit another day. Masks are required in all park buildings and several overlooks.
    "With a little planning and plenty of flexibility, the first-time visitor or the long-time resident can have a memorable visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this holiday season. Please recreate responsibly, respect wildlife and each other, and wear a mask when in crowded outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained," says Ferracane. See www.nps.gov  

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

AN EASE OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS was announced Tuesday by Mayor Mitch Roth, following

Gov. David Ige agreeing to let counties make their own rules without his approvals.
    A statement from the Mayor's office noted that since the beginning of November there has been gradual reduction in the number of new COVID-19 cases, declining to a seven day average of 12 new cases per day and a test positivity rate of 2.4 percent on Nov. 29 when more than 63 percent of Hawai'i Island residents had completed vaccinations.

    However, the Mayor's statement noted that more than 87,585 people in the Hawaiian Islands have contracted COVID and there have been at least 1018 deaths attributed to COVID in this state. He also pointed to the spread of COVID resulting in increased hospitalization and strained health care resources. "As a result, it has become necessary to continue restrictions. with a gradual modification of our Emergency Rule that recognizes progress being made."
  The new rule says businesses, operations and activity sponsors can protect their employees and customers by requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test of employees or customers as as condition of entry.
    Restaurants, bars, food courts and other eating establishment must still require face coverings for employees and customers, except when actively eating or drinking.
    The new rule allows social gatherings up to 25 persons indoors and 100 outdoors. Except when special permission has been granted, larger indoor and outdoor venues must remain closed. Nightclubs remain closed. Road races, including marathons and triathlons are not allowed unless special permission is approved. Those seeking special permission must show insurance and a plan.
    At county parks and recreational facilities, face coverings are not required at indoor and outdoor venues when people are actively participating in recreational and exercise activities. When not exercising, even at beach parks, face masks are required.
    In places of worship, persons of different households must remain at least six fee apart and everyone must wear a mask.