Nā Wai Chamber Choir will perform in Wai‘ōhinu this Sunday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. under the direction of Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan. See more below. Photo from Nā Wai Chamber Choir |
James Yamaki, Chief organizer of annual Kaʻū High Potluck Reunion, invites all friends of the school to the luncheon on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m., Pāhala Community Center. Photo by Julia Neal |
ALL FRIENDS OF KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED to the Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Live music will be provided by Calvin Ponce. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.
James Yamaki, the chief organizer, noted “This will be the 20th potluck reunion that was started by our class of 1958 at Punalu‘u Pavilion in 2002.” He also noted that this year Principal Sharon Beck will be honored for receiving a special State of Hawai‘i leadership award for principals this past school year. “She is the longest serving principal at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School with 18 years of service and still continuing. She is putting our school on the map."
Yamaki said he is looking for someone to spearhead the reunion after he steps down. He called the Ka‘ū Potluck Reunion luncheon "a labor of love."
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ONE CASE OF DENGUE FEVER ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND has been identified, according to a statement on Friday by the state Department of Health. DOH has received two reports of travel-related dengue cases in Hawai‘i, one in Kaua‘i County and one in Hawai‘i County. Both were in individuals with recent travel to countries where dengue is commonly found. The last confirmed case of locally acquired dengue in the state was in 2016.In 2015, the state closed parks at Miloli‘i and Honomolino Bay after an outbreak of dengue with mosquitos and people testing positive. There was also an outbreak in 1993 and 1994 at Miloli‘i when dengue was called the Miloli‘i Flu.
Dengue virus is spread from person to person by mosquitos. In areas of suspected or confirmed dengue, Hawai‘i DOH personnel are conducting inspections and mosquito-reducing activities. Reducing mosquito populations reduces the chances of dengue being transmitted to other people.
DOH recommends that "In areas without reported dengue cases, eliminating mosquito breeding sites in and around your home is a good practice. Mosquitos only need small amounts of standing water to breed. Common breeding sites at home include buckets, water-catching plants (such as bromeliads), small containers, planters, rain barrels, or even cups left outside. Simply pouring out containers of standing water eliminates the potential for mosquito breeding."
While Hawai‘i is home to the type of mosquitos that can carry dengue, the disease is not established (endemic) here in the state, and cases are currently only seen in travelers. Dengue outbreaks do occur in many parts of the world including Central and South America, Asia (including the Republic of the Philippines), the Middle East, Africa, some Pacific Islands (including the U.S. territories of American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau) and in many popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean (including Puerto Rico).
DOH warns, "Anyone who travels to an area with dengue is at risk for infection. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases, so it is important 4-6 weeks before you travel to review country-specific travel information for the most up-to-date guidance on dengue risk and prevention measures for that country."
The threat of dengue fever can be reduced by getting rid of standing water in containers and pools where mosquitoes thrive. Photo from Department of Health |
"Travelers returning from an area with risk of dengue should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks, and if symptoms of dengue develop within 2 weeks upon return, should seek medical evaluation," advises DOH.
Symptoms of dengue may be mild or severe and include fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, and body aches. Symptoms typically last two to seven days and although severe and even life-threatening illness can occur, most people recover after about a week.
For more information, go to the state Disease Outbreak Control Division website https://mail.aloha.net/?_task=mail... and the state Vector Control Branch website https://health.hawaii.gov/vcb/.
Public Domain.Map of American Samoa volcano-monitoring network (top). Data from Wake Island hydrograph (located about 4,500 km, or 2,900 miles, northwest of Taʻū Island) shows the general trend in the number of events during the 2022 earthquake swarm (bottom left). Locations for larger earthquakes (M2.5 and greater) are available starting August 20, 2022 (bottom right). Data are from the USGS National Earthquake Information Center. Maps, images from USGS |
Dr. Drew Downs and geologist Natalia Deligne last year in American Samoa. Photo from talanei.com |
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is helping American Samoa with the monitoring of earthquakes in the volcanic islands. Photo from Manu‘atele Community Facebook |
Dr. Jace Kaholukula Saplan |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands. HURRICANE DORA DREW A STATEMENT FROM HAWAI‘I COUNTY on Friday afternoon: Hawaiʻi County is closely monitoring the development of Hurricane Dora and other related weather patterns as the hurricane makes its way into the Central Pacific. The storm is expected to pass well South of Hawaiʻi Island, and no significant impacts resulting from the hurricane are expected. However, related weather patterns are expected to cause strong tradewinds and dry conditions beginning on Monday, August 7, and strengthening through Tuesday, August 8. As of today, August 4, Hurricane Dora has been classified as Category 2 and is projected to enter waters South of Hawaiʻi County on Monday, August 7. While the County is closely monitoring the situation and will inform the community of any significant changes, it is essential for all residents to stay informed and be
prepared for any weather-related developments. At this time, there are no plans to cancel any outdoor events scheduled through the weekend. However, the County urges all event organizers, participants, and attendees to remain vigilant and stay updated on the latest weather advisories from official sources. Residents should be prepared for potential changes should the weather situation evolve.The Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Administration has been working diligently to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place and kindly requests all residents to take the following precautions: Stay Informed: Keep track of the latest weather updates and advisories from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service and the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency. Emergency Preparedness: Create a family emergency plan and have an emergency kit ready with essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. For preparation resources, visit: https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/.../emergency-preparedness Secure Outdoor Items: If you have outdoor furniture, decorations, or other loose items, secure or bring them indoors to prevent potential damage during strong winds. The safety and welfare of our community are of paramount importance, and we are committed to taking all necessary measures to protect our residents. To receive timely and essential alerts, the County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. This service allows individuals to receive critical notifications directly through their preferred communication channels, enabling them to make well-informed decisions in real time. To register for this service, please visit https://member.everbridge.net/371914103062563/login. For updates and additional information, please refer to the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency's website at: https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygi... |