Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

    A solitary ʻAe‘o was observed at Honu‘apo on Aug. 20, 2014 during statewide waterbird counts according to Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources, but the 'Ae'o didn't establish itself here. Since 2017, the only breeding ‘Aeʻo on the East side of Hawai‘i Island were at Haʻena.
    This year, a pair nested in Kaʻū. Biologists from DLNR set up mongoose traps near the nest and in September, two female chicks fledged. Since then, the ʻAeʻo ʻOhana has moved to Honuʻapo where the community group, Ka ʻOhana O Honu‘apo,  has worked to care for the area for the past two decades with support from Hawai‘i County Parks & Recreation staff.
    John Replogle, a co-founder of Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo and current Loko Iʻa Coordinator for the organization, said, “Na Akua has bestowed upon us in Kaʻū a great gift, ʻAeʻo! It is our duty to show them hospitality and to care for this great gift. Let us all mālama ʻāina and help to keep them safe and productive."
 

An adult ʻAeʻo searches for food at Honuʻapo in September, 2022. Photo by Bret Mossman

   The decline of traditional agriculture and a rapid increase of development coupled with the establishment of invasive plants and animals have been the primary threats to ʻAeʻo survival. Feral cats and mongooses in particular pose the most danger to these special waterbirds. Controlling invasive predators, restoring traditional agriculture and aquaculture, and removing invasive plants are important ways to help secure more safe habitat so these native birds can continue to return to areas they once called home. Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo is supporting the plans initiated by Birds of Hawaiʻi Past Present to control mongoose activities around the estuary and protect breeding habitat in order to encourage ʻAeʻo - and other listed species and migratory birds - to more safely take residence within the estuary.
    A joint statement from Ka 'Ohana and Birds of Hawai'i Past Present says, "As we welcome these native winged residents back to Kaʻū, we humbly ask that you are especially mindful of your behavior around this wahi pana (storied / special place) and wetland ecosystem. Please remember that ʻAeʻo are a Federally-listed endangered species, protected under Endangered Species Act which prohibits harming or killing (with heavy fines and potential imprisonment). We must all do our part to protect them and provide a safe and clean habitat. Help us by practicing pono wildlife viewing - maintain a distance of 150m (300ft) or more - and following all park rules and regulations."
    For more information about Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo and future volunteer opportunities, see www.honuapopark.org and visit @kaohanaohonuapo. For more information on Birds of Hawaiʻi Past Present, visit www.birdshawaiipastpresent.com. Contact birdshawaiipastpresent@gmail.com.

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Nā'ālehu glowed last night during the annual Night Parade with Ka'ū Roping & Riding. Photo by Lee McIntosh

An inflatable dragon, Mickey Mouse, a candy cane arch, and many lights festooned this float last night. Photo by Lee McIntosh

NIGHT PARADE WITH KA'Ū ROPING & RIDING rolled through Nā'ālehu on Saturday evening.    

    Christmas floats - four-wheeled vehicles, decorated with holiday icons and lights paraded - down Hwy 11 after sunset.

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Nā'ālehu's night sky brightened with many decorated golf carts, trucks, and other vehicles, celebrating the holiday season with a Night Parade. Photo by Lee McIntosh

TROJAN BOYS BEAT KOHALA IN BASKETBALL SATURDAY NIGHT, led by Coach Troy Gacayan.

    Trojan Varsity won with 66-59 over the Kohala Cowboys. Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia scored 30 points, Kaimana Kaupu-Manini 12, Lois Emmanuele Badua 10, Jensen Navarro-Villa 8, Jaestin Karsuda 6.

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A VOLCANO MAN DIED IN HILO SATURDAY MORNING in a single-vehicle collision, says a report from Hawai’i Police Department. They are investigating the cause of the 54-year-old’s death. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

    A report from HPD says the crash occurred in the Hilo-bound (northbound) section of Highway 11, in the area of the 5 mile-marker near Ikaika Street, with police responding at 9:17 a.m. The report says police “determined through investigation and witness statements that a green 1993 Mazda sedan was observed weaving in the outer lane while traveling northbound on Highway 11. The sedan then veered off into the right shoulder and clipped the end of a guardrail. It continued into the grassy shoulder when it struck a telephone pole before coming to a final rest. The operator and sole occupant of the Mazda sedan was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 9:59 a.m.” This is the 34th traffic fatality of 2022 compared to 25 traffic fatalities during this same time period last year, says the report.
    Police “believe that speed is a primary factor at this time,” according to the report. East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and will continue investigating this traffic collision, says the report. Police ask for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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A HIGH WIND WARNING AND A FLOOD WATCH FOR ALL OF HAWAI'I ISLAND were issued on Sunday. A High Wind Warning means damaging winds between 20 to 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph were expected from the southwest. Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a statement saying, "Due to the High Wind Warning, the following are in effect: Residents should secure outdoor items such as canopies. Strong winds will make driving hazardous, especially for high profile vehicles. Be alert for downed utility lines; do not drive over or attempt to move utility lines as they may be energized. Treat intersections with inoperable or downed traffic signals as four-way stops. A Flood Watch means dangerous flooding can occur. Flood prone areas and roadways may be closed due to run off and elevated streams. Do not cross fast flowing water, turn around don't drown." Waipio Valley Road closed at 3pm today except to residents and farmers.