Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, May 25, 2022

WITH ITS SECURITY BUDGET STRETCHED TO OVER $1 MILLION, County of Hawai'i Department of Parks & Recreation is asking for public assistance to notify law enforcement immediately when seeing "active vandalism or theft at any County park and/or beach." Parks & Recreation Director Maurice Messina urged, "If damage or vandalism is found at any County park and/or beach, please inform Parks & Recreation as soon as possible at (808) 961-8311.

    “We are in constant struggle with people who do not respect our public facilities and feel that vandalizing County vehicles to steal gas or breaking into our maintenance supply rooms to rip off cleaning supplies has no consequences. Every time we have to repair a vandalized facility or replace stolen equipment, it costs public tax dollars which should be used in other areas like programs and services,” said Messina.

    The plea came as Mayor Mitch Roth condemned the actions of arsonists responsible for destruction of four County of Hawaiʻi vehicles serving the Elderly Activities Division of Department of Parks & Recreation. The vehicles were stored at the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo and destroyed by fire last Sunday, May 22. The damage estimate is about $100,000.

    The mayor, who perviously held the post of County Prosecuting Attorney, said, “It’s a shame to think that there are folks in our community who would intentionally destroy vehicles that are specifically meant to serve our kupuna. We urge anyone who sees or hears of this type of activity to report it directly to the police. We will not stand for it and will ensure that any individual who attempts this type of egregious action is punished to the fullest extent of the law."

    “These vehicles were used for elderly transportation services and meal deliveries to home-bound seniors, so the idea of someone setting them on fire is senseless to me,” said the Director of Parks & Recreation. “

    To report information about the vehicle fires at the Kamana Senior Center, contact the Police nonemergency number at 935-3311. ###

NUMEROUS COMMENTS ON THE CLOSING OF PĀHALA POOL have come to The Ka'u Calendar newspaper. Jo Barnard said, "I spent so many hours in that pool, it’s so sad to hear it’s not open for kids."  Irene Perrigo Eklund said, ..."no pool for the kids and families? Our elected officials need to get with it, we deserve better." Bob Bouffiou asked, "A machine issue should take two weeks to fix at most. What's the issue? And why is is taking all summer?" Annie Ridgely said, "Keiki need to learn to swim. This should be a priority. Open the job up for outside contractors to fix." Dave Shaffer said, "I am a certified pool technician. I'll be happy to look at it for ya!"

    Rosa Stewart said, "Aww so sad...I learned to swim there." Dawn Liza said, "I had so much childhood memories swimming in that pool. So sad it is closed." Josh-Elizabeth Crook said, "third year without swim team. So sad because the kids loved it and were doing so well." Chelsae-Lynn Rosario Kobzi said, "That was the one thing I looked forward to during the summer as a kid. That's sad."

    Megan Denny said, "It was such a blessing to this community... literally was so important to my kids' growth and learning. A huge part of their life. (And our memories) This little town needs that pool greatly." 

    The message on the pool's phone says, "We are currently closed. Possible reopening of the pool may take up to eight to 12 months due to ongoing mechanical issues. All keiki Learn to Swim Summer Classes will be cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience." Messages can be left at 808-928-8177. The pool is operated by the County of Hawai'i Department of Parks & Recreation's Aquatics Division.

EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, coming up July 30 and 31, is open to volunteers and those wanting to show and sell their arts and crafts and services. The vendor deadline is July 11, noon.     Organizers report that last year more than 2,500 attended the festival with venues dispersed throughout the Volcano Village area. There were 36 vendors and more than 40 events.
    This year Experience Volcano Festival continues to partner with previous host locations that included Volcano Garden Arts, Lava Rock Cafe, Kilauea Lodge, Volcano Winery, and the Volcano Art Center - all of the providing locations for  vendors. See vendor application and more at 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

VIBRANT HAWAIʻI MICRO-INVESTMENT DEADLINE TO APPLY is Thursday, May 26 at 11:59 p.m. Micro-investments are intended to support quick action to demonstrate the feasibility of solutions and are available in amounts up to $2, 500. Investments should be spent within a 3-6 month time period. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in mid-June. This opportunity is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents, businesses, nonprofits, associations, and civic groups. To apply, visit https://www.vibranthawaii.org/economy. 

NATURE & ART AS THERAPY: WINDS & CHIMES is a free workshop offered by Root & Rise Hawaiʻi on Friday, May 27 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Root & Rise Outdoor Studio in South Kona. This FREE program is open to anyone seeking mental health support, family/friends of those with mental challenges, social service & mental health professionals, and interested community members. The goal of the program is to reduce stress, improve mood, and restore hope. Space is limited, so please call 617-543-8065 to reserve a spot and for more information.

KANAKAPILA CONCERT on Sunday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at the Outdoor Pavilion behind United Methodist Church in Nāʻālehu. Students from Keoki Sereno's free ukulele classes will be performing. Refreshments to follow.