Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

    ʻŌhiʻa comprise 80% of Hawaiʻi’s native forests and play a key role in watershed protection and erosion prevention. ʻŌhiʻa are referred to as ka ʻupena o ke ola – the “net of life” which provide food, water, and habitat for several native animals and invertebrates – but their numbers are under threat.
    Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungus discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 2014, can kill ʻōhiʻa and spread over long distances, potentially impacting the trees statewide.

    See guides to growing ʻōhiʻa and many educational and recreational resources at https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/EDUCATION-OUTREACH/%CA%BB%C5%8CHI%CA%BBA-LOVE-FEST.

FIRE WEATHER RED FLAG WARNING AND WIND ADVISORY ARE CANCELLED, as of 4:30 p.m. on Monday. County Civil Defense urges to "Please continue to exercise caution as winds will remain elevated and dry conditions persist. Thank you for your kokua in helping to protect our families and communities during high fire danger periods."For more information on the Red Flag Warning Emergency Proclamation, visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3526/720.
For more information, visit County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/34f756070f8349c4b3ad1e827d4c8a4b.

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HAS SHUT DOWN SOME ROADS AND CAMPGROUNDS DUE TO FIRE RISK. The Park statement calls the fire weather risk critical. Hilina Pali Road at the Chain of Craters intersection and Mauna Loa Road past Kīpikapuaulu are closed to vehicles due to critical wildfire risk. Hikers, bicyclists and overnight backcountry permit holders allowed. Campfire restrictions are in place. Kulanaokuaiki Campground is also temporarily closed.

Before its closure years ago, PāhalaSwimming Pool hosted swimming lessons, lifeguard classes, and competition, along with playtime for youth and lap sessions for serious swimmers. Photo by Julia Neal

    The planned renovations at Miloli'i Park also involve the Americas With Disabilities Act and will lead to a complete new facility on the shore. It could be done by the end of 2024. 

    Volcano Skate Park is also up for renovations in a county - community partnership. 

    The first skatepark in the Kahuku County Park in Ocean View will be entirely new and is a partnership between Parks & Rec and Ocean View advocates.
    There are opportunities for architects, engineers and draftspersons to get the projects done more quickly. Anyone interested can email parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov or call 808-961-9311.

Pāhala Swimming Pool could reopen by July of 2024, according to the County Department of Parks & Recreation. Photo by Julia Neal