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| Ikaika Rodenhurst and the county administration parted ways this week. He served for 18 months as chief of the Department of Public Works. Photo from Tracy Niimi |
WORKS DIRECTOR. A statement from the county says as of Monday, June 13 – Ikaika Rodenhurst no longer serves as the head of the department. The new "primary point of contact" is Deputy Director Steven Pause, until a new chief of Public Works is selected by Mayor Mitch Roth and confirmed by the County Council.
The county also announced that Julann Sonomura is the new Acting Building Division Chief and Neal Tanaka is Acting Deputy Building Chief.
The mayor stated, “We would like to thank Ikaika for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors, as well as welcome both Julann and Neal to their new positions. Our administration remains![]()
committed to helping our community thrive and succeed, and through that, we will continue to work diligently to address the issues surrounding our building permitting process. We understand that our folks rely on a consistent flow of permits to keep food on their tables and roofs over their heads, and we are dedicated to ensuring that they have every opportunity to do just that.”
The county also announced that Julann Sonomura is the new Acting Building Division Chief and Neal Tanaka is Acting Deputy Building Chief.
The mayor stated, “We would like to thank Ikaika for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors, as well as welcome both Julann and Neal to their new positions. Our administration remains
Department of Public Works has been transitioning into a new online and streamlined permitting system and a backlog of permits and expired permits have built up in recent months.
A story by Nancy Cook Lauer in Hawaiʻi Tribune Herald on Wednesday said, "During his approximately 18-month tenure, Rodenhurst, 32, helped shepherd new building codes for the county, tried to work out the glitches in a long-in-the-works paperless building permit system, tried to advance overdue road projects such as Puna access roads, Waikoloa Road and Kalanianaole Avenue and became embroiled in a lawsuit over the administration’s decision to close Waipiʻo Valley Road."
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NEEDS OF THOSE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES are subject of a public survey by Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities. The survey announced on Wednesday can be filled in online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSCDDsurvey. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. It is confidential and requires no identifying information to complete it. The survey is available now until Aug. 3 and the responses will inform the council and shape how the state of Hawaiʻi meets the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"It is our hope that we reach all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hawaiʻi," said Daintry Bartoldus, the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities. "We want to hear from them, their families and their caregivers about their health, educational and work or employment related needs that are so vital to their quality of life and well-being."
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Those invited to the survey are people diagnosed with and not limited to: autism spectrum disorder; CHARGE syndrome; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; fragile X; a genetic defect; down syndrome; intellectual disability; Prader-Willi syndrome; Spina bifida; and Williams syndrome.
Council on Developmental Disabilities asks that the survey be filled out once for each individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. The survey link may be shared with everyone who is eligible to take it. Family members, support workers, educators, or caregivers, may assist the individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities in filling the survey out.
For more information on the Developmental Disabilities Council's needs assessment survey or to request a copy of the survey via mail, call (808) 586-8100, or via email HSCDDsurvey@gmail.com.
The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities empowers, advocates, and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities statewide. The council helps them control their own destiny and determine the quality of life they desire.
Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities envisions that: "Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are viewed as equal to all persons and enjoy basic human rights, life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, and that they have choices about where they live, work, learn, play, and pursue their spiritual beliefs, are respected and receive the support they need."
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.
NEEDS OF THOSE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES are subject of a public survey by Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities. The survey announced on Wednesday can be filled in online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSCDDsurvey. The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. It is confidential and requires no identifying information to complete it. The survey is available now until Aug. 3 and the responses will inform the council and shape how the state of Hawaiʻi meets the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"It is our hope that we reach all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hawaiʻi," said Daintry Bartoldus, the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities. "We want to hear from them, their families and their caregivers about their health, educational and work or employment related needs that are so vital to their quality of life and well-being."
Council on Developmental Disabilities asks that the survey be filled out once for each individual with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. The survey link may be shared with everyone who is eligible to take it. Family members, support workers, educators, or caregivers, may assist the individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities in filling the survey out.
For more information on the Developmental Disabilities Council's needs assessment survey or to request a copy of the survey via mail, call (808) 586-8100, or via email HSCDDsurvey@gmail.com.
The Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities empowers, advocates, and supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities statewide. The council helps them control their own destiny and determine the quality of life they desire.
Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities envisions that: "Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are viewed as equal to all persons and enjoy basic human rights, life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, and that they have choices about where they live, work, learn, play, and pursue their spiritual beliefs, are respected and receive the support they need."
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.
JUSTICE JAYDEN KAWELU KAAWA DIED AFTER A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT. The three vehicle collision happened Wednesday in South Kona, south of the intersection of Old Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 180) and Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11). This marks the third traffic fatality in as many days on Hawai‘i Island roads.
Kaawa, 19, was operating the the motorcycle and was listed as living in Kona. Responding to a 9:28 a.m. call, police determined that a gray 2019 Toyota 4Runner SUV operated by a 64-year-old Kealakekua woman, was making a left turn onto Highway 11 (north) when it was struck by a southbound black 2001 Honda VT1100 motorcycle operated by Kaawa. After striking the Toyota SUV, the motorcycle then struck a silver 2016 Kia Sedona van operated by a 38-year-old Captain Cook woman. The motorcyclist was not 
wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
The driver of the Toyota SUV and the Kia van were not injured in the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger on the motorcycle was transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment of his injuries and is listed in stable condition. The motorcycle operator was also transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 3:49 p.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 12 at this time last year. There is a correction to the total number of deaths that was previously reported. One traffic fatality was determined to be due to a medical condition.
TWO ARE ARRESTED FOR OCEAN VIEW PROPERTY CRIMES. According to Hawaiʻi Island police, during early morning hours of Monday, Ka‘ū patrol officers responding to a report of several windows damaged at two separate businesses on the 92-8600 block of Lotus Blossom Lane in Ocean View determined that the windows had been damaged after an object was thrown at them.
In the course of investigation, police determined that two more businesses, located on the 92-8700 block of Mamalahoa Highway, had also sustained damages to their windows after being struck with an object.
Upon reviewing video surveillance footage from several area businesses, police identified two suspects: 28-year-old Daeja Elizabeth Taetuna, of Kailua-Kona, and 33-year-old Peterson Balos of Ocean View.
On Tuesday, June 7, Taetuna was charged with four counts of criminal property damage in the fourth degree and her bail was set at $2,000. She has since made her initial court appearance and is being held at the Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Facility.
Police determined that the second suspect, Balos, was also involved in two burglaries at a business located on the 92-8600 block of Lotus Blossom Lane in Ocean View. The first burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, June 11, and the second took place in the early morning hours of Monday, June 13. During the course of investigating the burglaries, it was determined that video surveillance footage showed a man, later identified as Balos, entering into the business and removing items on two separate occasions while the business was closed.
At 10:35 a.m. on Monday, June 13, Balos was apprehended in the Ocean View area and taken into custody while a detective from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation. After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Balos was charged with two counts of burglary in the second degree and his bail was set at $4,000. Balos made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, June 14.
Investigators determined that Balos may be responsible for several other break-ins that occurred last November at other businesses in the Ocean View area. These investigations will be forwarded to the County Prosecutor’s Office for their review.
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| Peterson Balos arrested for burglaries in Ocean View. |
In the course of investigation, police determined that two more businesses, located on the 92-8700 block of Mamalahoa Highway, had also sustained damages to their windows after being struck with an object.
Upon reviewing video surveillance footage from several area businesses, police identified two suspects: 28-year-old Daeja Elizabeth Taetuna, of Kailua-Kona, and 33-year-old Peterson Balos of Ocean View.
At 4:42 p.m. on Monday, June 6, Ka‘ū patrol officers apprehended Taetuna in the area of Manuka State Park and she was taken into custody while a detective from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation.
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| Daeja Taetuna, arrested at Manuka State Park. |
Police determined that the second suspect, Balos, was also involved in two burglaries at a business located on the 92-8600 block of Lotus Blossom Lane in Ocean View. The first burglary occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, June 11, and the second took place in the early morning hours of Monday, June 13. During the course of investigating the burglaries, it was determined that video surveillance footage showed a man, later identified as Balos, entering into the business and removing items on two separate occasions while the business was closed.
At 10:35 a.m. on Monday, June 13, Balos was apprehended in the Ocean View area and taken into custody while a detective from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued the investigation. After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Balos was charged with two counts of burglary in the second degree and his bail was set at $4,000. Balos made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, June 14.
Investigators determined that Balos may be responsible for several other break-ins that occurred last November at other businesses in the Ocean View area. These investigations will be forwarded to the County Prosecutor’s Office for their review.
Anyone with information on these investigations is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646 ext. 267, or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov, or call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-331. Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.
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.
VOLCANO VILLAGE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE welcomes walking and riding groups and individuals. It is sponsored by Volcano Community Association in Volcano Village from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Monday, July 4 parade starts at the Post Office at 9 a.m. and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Rd., followed by Cooper Center’s Independence Day celebration packed with live entertainment, craft and food vendors, keiki games and a large silent auction from 9 a.m.to 11:30 a.m. Parking maps can be found at www.thecoopercenter.org. (No parking at Cooper Center except handicap permitted vehicles with prior reservation.)
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SPONSOR A BUCKLE,
VOTE FOR RODEO QUEEN
ahead of the Saturday,
July 9 Rodeo sponsored by
Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association
and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Event to
be held on the rodeo grounds
behind Nāʻālehu Park.
Call 808-854-7917.
BECOME A VENDOR AT THE 3RD ANNUAL EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Last year, over 2,500 visitors attended and over 40 events were featured during the EVH festival. All vendor spaces are $50 for both days of the festival. Sign up as a vendor or a sponsor at experiencevolcano.com. If you have questions, contact experiencevolcano@gmail.com.
SIGN UP FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS with a change of date from July 3 to Sept. 17. Registration deadline for the annual event is Sept. 14. Organized by Hawaiʻi Island Racers, the 50K begins at 6 a.m., Half Marathon at 7 a.m., and 5K at 7:15 a.m., all starting from Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road in Pāhala. Proceeds go to support ʻO Kaʻū Kakou. For more details on the event and registration fees, visit https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.
See The Kaʻū Calendar June Edition at www.kaucalendar.com
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See The Kaʻū Calendar June edition at on newsstands and in the mail. |
SEE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR