Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, July 17, 2023

    County Camping Permits Cancellation: In the interest of public safety, all County camping permits islandwide will be cancelled from Tuesday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 19. This measure aims to protect individuals from the potential risks associated with camping during adverse weather conditions.
   Emergency Shelters Prepared: Two emergency shelters are being readied in the Kaʻū district to provide refuge for those in need. The Robert Herkes Gymnasium and the Nāʻālehu Community Center will serve as safe locations for residents seeking shelter during the storm. These shelters will be staffed with trained personnel and will be equipped with essential supplies to accommodate residents. The shelters are pet friendly, requiring owners to be responsible for providing a carrier, food, and other supplies for their animals.
    Waipiʻo Valley Access Road Restrictions: Starting tomorrow, July 18, the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road will only be accessible to residents and farmers. This restriction is necessary to facilitate swift and safe evacuations if required and to prevent any unnecessary congestion on the roadways.
    Advisory Updates: The County's emergency management team is continuously monitoring the situation and will be providing regular updates on Tropical Storm Calvin's progress. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official sources of information for the latest developments and safety guidelines.
    The Mayor urged all residents and visitors to take this storm seriously and to make the necessary preparations for potential impacts. He stated, "While we hope for the best, it's crucial that we plan for the worst. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that everyone remains safe and well-prepared throughout the duration of the storm."
    Residents are reminded to prepare emergency kits, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed about weather conditions through official channels. Evacuation orders, if necessary, should be followed promptly and diligently, said the County statement.
    To ensure timely and critical alerts, the County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. By doing so, residents will receive important notifications directly to their preferred communication channels, allowing them to stay informed and make informed decisions. To sign up, visit: https://member.everbridge.net/371914103062563/login
    The public is also encouraged to visit the official website of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygi.... This website serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors seeking the latest storm advisories, evacuation orders, emergency shelter locations and hours of operation, and other essential information related to the storm. CALVIN IS MARCHING QUICKLY TOWARD HAWAI'I ISLAND, at 21 mph, 33 km/h, according to the Monday 8 p.m. National Weather Service advisory. Calvin was located 17.3N, 146.5W, about 570 mi., ESE of Hilo and 615 mi. ESE of South Point. Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph, 75 km/h.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Hawai'i County, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
    Calvin 's rapid motion toward the west is expected to continue over the next several days. On the forecast track, tropical storm conditions are expected to start spreading over Hawai'i County starting Tuesday night.
    In addition to maximum sustained winds near 45 mph (75 km/h), there are higher gusts. Calvin is forecast to gradually weaken during the next several days.
    Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center.
    The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
    See hurricanes.gov/text/HFOTCDCP1.shtmlTropical for storm conditions expected within the warning area starting Tuesday night.
    RAINFALL: From Tuesday night into Thursday, storm total rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches are possible, mainly along the windward areas of the Big Island of

Hawai'i. Storm total rainfall amounts of 1-4 inches are expected elsewhere in the state. This rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding and mudslides.
    SURF: Swells generated by Calvin are expected to begin spreading across the main Hawaiian Islands tomorrow. A rapid increase in surf is expected along east facing shorelines exposed to these swells Tuesday and Wednesday. This elevated surf will likely cause life-threatening conditions along exposed shorelines.

LIBRARIES ARE OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK Kaʻū, with their internet service, computer availability, books, publications, live events, air-conditioning and restrooms.
    The new schedule began Monday and the first talk is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. with a presentation on autism and ADHD in America by Kaʻū resident, Dr. Renee Du Fault. Her focus is Nutritional Epigenetics, which she researched as a scientist with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. She will talk about the effects of nutrition on autism and ADHD. The session will be held at Pāhala School & Public Library.
    Branch Manager Sara Kamibayashi reports that Pāhala will be open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays noon to 4p.m.
    Nā'ālehu Public Library will be open Mondays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 am. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays noon to 4 p.m.