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| Before the storm. Mauna Loa's solar observatory with a view of a snowcapped Mauna Kea. Blizzards on the summits and heavy rains are expected this weekend. See more below. Photo from USGS |
KA`U'S CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE AND SENATOR MAZIE HIRONO WANT ANSWERS FROM THE NAVY regarding its management of potable water sources for its facility. The problem is on
O'ahu, where water from Red Hill has tested positive for petroleum at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,
home and working place to thousands of military and contractor personnel and families. The area has been plagued with fuel leaks for years.
In a joint statement from Kahele, Hirono, Sen. Brian Schatz and Rep. Ed Case, the congressional
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| Rep. Kai Kahele works on the Navy's fuel contamination of drinking water on his flight back from Washington, D.C. today. Photo from Kai Kahele |
The delegation also implores Gov. David Ige to ask Pres. Joe Biden to declare an emergency to assist those exposed to the contaminated water and to fix the problem. It calls for a "wholesale change in an organizational culture that has allowed too many accidents to occur without any accountability."
While the statement calls for the Navy to provide all affected residents with safe drinking water, lodging and other services, it also says the Navy must work to make sure any fuel leaks are contained to prevent further contamination of drinking water resources on and off the military base. It urges the governor to ask for the emergency declaration "as soon as possible so that the state has access to every resource available to make families whole and protect the people of Hawai'i from future leaks.”
The governor issued a statement saying that he “urged the Navy to conduct a thorough investigation immediately and to take every precaution necessary to keep the community safe. I’ve also ordered the State Department of Health to continue independent testing and to be prepared to take immediate action to protect our drinking water.”
The Navy has offered those in affected housing alternative sources of water and places to shower and wash clothes, and also to pay for temporary housing off base.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Some flooding like this along Wood Valley Road in 2014 is expected this weekend, with heavy rains and a flood advisory in effect Friday night. Photo by Julia Neal |
SEVERE WEATHER IS PREDICTED FOR THE WEEKEND, with notices coming from the county, the National Weather Service and provider of utilities, including internet, television, telephone and electricity. The alert follows an extremely quiet hurricane season that ended in November.
Farmers and ranchers received a notice from County of Hawai'i Agriculture Specialist Glenn Sako, saying, "This storm is expected to bring heavy rains, 10-15 inches and intermittent thunderstorms. There is also the threat of flash floods. There will be high surf around the island and blizzard conditions at the summits. Wind gusts, at the summits, may reach 100 mph. Beach closures are expected. Please make preparations for the expected storm conditions. Move equipment and livestock out of low lying areas."
Andrea Kawabata, of the University of Hawai'i Agriculture Extension Service, urged preparation to report damages. "Before you begin cleanup, document all damages with (clear and focused) photos and/or video. Review your inventory and take note of anything damaged or missing. Be sure to receive clearance from your (insurance) agent before doing any clean-up, repairs, or replacements related to an insurance claim."The County and/or USDA Farm Service Agency may ask for an assessment of damages and losses from growers and ranchers and may be able to provide support to those affected. When an announcement is made by the County and/ or FSA, please contact them so they can learn of the full impact of the storm, damages and how to best assist."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
AN INTERACTIVE HAZARD MAP was announced by Hawaiʻi County, this afternoon. The aim is to provide the public with real-time information relating to natural hazards on Hawaiʻi Island. Managed by Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administration, the map is available online, accessible on any smart device, and is free to use. Information on the map is updated year-round and in real-time with any emergency or impending hazard. Hazard notifications on the interactive map include road closures, public facility
closures, active shelters, active fires, active flooding, and utility outages.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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COMMUNITY
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| Flood Advisory in light green, blizzard warning in red and flood advisory in dark green on Friday night on the Big Island. NOAA map |
closures, active shelters, active fires, active flooding, and utility outages.
The announcement of the hazard map comes in time for the sub-tropic cyclone or Winter Kona Low storm that is expected to onset tonight and strengthen through the weekend. The storm poses the potential for widespread heavy rain, thunderstorms, damaging winds, large north-northwest swells, and significant flooding into next week. In addition, there are high surf, high wind, and blizzard warnings currently in effect for Hawaiʻi Island.
“We hope that this new tool will empower our residents and help them and their families thrive through any emergency situation on our island,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “In emergencies, every minute counts, and that is why we are excited to offer a reliable source of information that will be available in real-time, so when we know it, the public will know it too. A well-informed community is a safe community. That said, we ask that everyone be mindful this weekend and do what they can to stay informed and avoid any dangerous situations that the impending storm may cause.”
The County encourages residents in flood-prone areas to make preparations before the onset of the heavy rains and secure loose outdoor items for strong winds. Coastal property and boat owners should also secure property before the surf arrives. Residents are urged to remain indoors when lightning occurs. To utilize the interactive hazard map, visit https://bit.ly/3pjNGfy. Other ways to remain informed through times of emergency are by listening to island radio stations or signing up for Civil Defense emergency messages on the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense website.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
AN UPTICK IN BREAK-INS AND AUTO THEFTS is the concern of Hawai‘i Police Department, which issued a is warning to the public today. The statement says that the crimes, particularly in East Hawaii, have in some cases been identified as crimes of opportunity.
"Would be thieves are breaking into or stealing vehicles when they are easy targets because owners leave valuables in plain sight, leave vehicle windows down and vehicle doors unlocked. Often times in the reported incidents police have found that the vehicle keys were left in the vehicle ignition or in the vehicle console.It’s not just isolated areas that this activity is taking place either. During the holiday season wherever people gather can become potential hot spots for criminal activity according to Captain Scott Amaral patrol commander in Puna.
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“Don’t be an easy target,” says Amaral. “Be a hard target for crime, it’s doing the simple stuff, like, lock your vehicle, even at home, hide valuables in the vehicle out of sight, or better yet don’t leave them in the vehicle. Be aware of your surroundings, and look out for each other, if you see something, say something”.
Police are offering up these other no non-sense tips:
Park only in well-lit areas. Don’t ever leave your car running, and unattended. Always keep your keys with you and never leave them in the vehicle. Activate/install audible vehicle alarms. Never leave valuables in a vehicle. Always lock your vehicle doors. Never leave a hidden spare key with the vehicle.
At home, never leave spare keys out in the open.
HPD reports that it will increase Police patrols, and form special units in an effort to combat and apprehend offenders in vehicle thefts.
The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Community Policing Teams can assist public members wanting to increase their ability to fight back against becoming a victim of crime. They can call 961-2350 in East Hawaii and 326-4646, ext. 259 in West Hawai‘i.
The Hawai‘i Island Police remind the public to be observant, report suspicious activity by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311, or in an emergency 911.
"Would be thieves are breaking into or stealing vehicles when they are easy targets because owners leave valuables in plain sight, leave vehicle windows down and vehicle doors unlocked. Often times in the reported incidents police have found that the vehicle keys were left in the vehicle ignition or in the vehicle console.It’s not just isolated areas that this activity is taking place either. During the holiday season wherever people gather can become potential hot spots for criminal activity according to Captain Scott Amaral patrol commander in Puna.
Police are offering up these other no non-sense tips:
Park only in well-lit areas. Don’t ever leave your car running, and unattended. Always keep your keys with you and never leave them in the vehicle. Activate/install audible vehicle alarms. Never leave valuables in a vehicle. Always lock your vehicle doors. Never leave a hidden spare key with the vehicle.
At home, never leave spare keys out in the open.
HPD reports that it will increase Police patrols, and form special units in an effort to combat and apprehend offenders in vehicle thefts.
The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Community Policing Teams can assist public members wanting to increase their ability to fight back against becoming a victim of crime. They can call 961-2350 in East Hawaii and 326-4646, ext. 259 in West Hawai‘i.
The Hawai‘i Island Police remind the public to be observant, report suspicious activity by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311, or in an emergency 911.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg![]()
WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
