Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, July 8, 2023

Rodeo in Nā'ālehu continues through late afternoon, Sunday, with events for paniolo of all ages as well as food and other booths. Photo by Eva Liu

Rodeo Queen ShaniaLee Silva reigns over two days of events  through Sunday at the Rodeo Grounds in Nā'ālehu. Photo by Joy Marie Ridgely

THE RODEO IS ON in Nā'ālehu with events for all ages wrapping up on Sunday and presentation of the buckles to the winners by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. See photos below:

A 3.8 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE RUMBLED WITH CRACKLING NOISES 2.5 miles southwest of Pāhala toward Punalu'u at 2:10 p.m. on Saturday. It was 6.5 miles deep, shallower than many recent earthquakes in the Pāhala swarm, most of them about 19 to 20 miles deep.

HAWAI'I GOOD FOOD ALLIANCE is hiring a full-time administrative assistant. This is a remote working position for a Hawaiʻi resident.                          Responsibilities include organizing, managing, and coordinating duties to support and facilitate HGFA day-to-day operations and communications. Deadline for application is July 12, 2023. Applicants are encouraged to apply through the Indeed posting https://www.indeed.com/job/administrative-assistant-58kyear-hawaii-residents-only-4bc16f487cbb6313 or send resumes and cover letters to Tanner Keys at tanner@hawaiigoodfoodalliance.org. 

HAWAI'I LAND TRUST IS HIRING A DIRECTOR OF LAND ACQUISITIONS. to lead related projects over lands with natural, cultural, agricultural, or other value to Hawaiʻi and its communities.      

Rodeo Princess Shaelia Freitas is in opening ceremonies  of the rodeo Saturday and Sunday. She is joined  by rodeo contestant Ramses Santiago. Photo by Marlene Freitas

    "Hawai'i Land Trust protects the lands that sustain Hawaiʻi and teaches future generations to do the same," says a statement from the organization. The position will be involved in all parts of acquisitions, including working with communities and landowners, identifying and scoping opportunities, fundraising, negotiating, due diligence, and completing legal processes to close transactions. If the candidate is an attorney licensed in Hawaiʻi, the position may be expanded to also serve as in-house counsel. More information on the position and how to apply can be found at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60ac5bb9eb895759b833a61d/t/6462ab59dbbd2d009cb9c756/1684187994492/HILT+DIRECTOR+OF+LAND+ACQUISITIONS.pdf

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THE NEW MAHI'AI AGRICULTURAL LOAN PROGRAM is seeking applicants through Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund program. In addition to low interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest. For more information on the Mahi 'Ai Agricultural Loan Program, visit https://loans.oha.org/mahiai-agricultural-loan, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org, or call the OHA office in East Hawai'i (Hilo) at (808) 933-3106 or West Hawai'i (Kona) at (808) 327-9525.

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Roping events are major at the Independence Day Rodeo ongoing Saturday, July 8 and 9 at Na'alehu Rodeo Grounds. Admission $10. Photo by Eva Liu

Out of the chute at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds during Saturday and Sunday's competition sponsored by Kaʻū Roping & Riding. Photo by Joy Marie Ridgely

All proceeds go to the rodeo at this booth sponsored by Black Sand Beach, LLC, with volunteer keiki Enzo, Chloe,  Dylan and Connor, as well as Zach Hou squeezing lemons for lemonade. Offerings also included honey, Punalu'u logo  tee shirts, water bottles and stickers as well as headbands with animals on them. Photo by Eva Liu

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WAYNE KNAPSTAD OF VOLCANO IS MISSING. Hawai’i Island police are asking for the public’s

Wayne Knapstad

assistance in locating 68-year-old Wayne Knapstad of Volcano who was reported as missing. He is considered endangered due to his age.
    Knapstad was last seen on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. in the Volcano area. He is described as having a light complexion, 5 feet 8 inches tall, approximately 155 pounds, balding with white hair, white goatee, and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue jacket, and a black baseball cap.
    Police ask anyone who may have information on Knapstad’s whereabouts to contact the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.