Kaʻū News Briefs March 9, 2024

HAWAI'I ISLAND HAWKSBILL PROJECT ANNOUNCED A RECORD SEASON for nesting by critically endangered hawksbill turtles on the coast of this island. The following report was posted this week:

Hatchlings head to the water at Punalu'u. Photo from Kaylee Roofner Photography Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Turtle Project

    "The 2023 nesting season was a busy one for the Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project team and the hawksbill mamas!" The season ended in December with 82 confirmed nests–a new record for Hawai‘i Island. "This number far surpasses the previous record of 70 set all the way back in 1995!" 

    During the latest nesting season, the Hawksbill Project encountered 18 female hawksbills, six of them returnees from previous seasons. Their nests produced almost 9,000 hatchlings.

     "Mahalo to our partners at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, NOAA, Friends of HAVO, and Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association for helping make this season so successful," says the report.
    The 2024 hawksbill nesting season starts in May. "In the meantime, please continue to be respectful and take care of our beaches so they will be ready for the mamas to return," says the statement from the Hawksbill Project. It notes that all sea turtle work was completed under U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Permit TE72088A-3 by authorized individuals.
    Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Turtle Project lead Kelleigh Downs brought the organization's mission to the Friend-Raiser at Na'alehu Elementary School on Saturday and shared that volunteer positions will soon be available for the 2024 nesting season that begins in May. The org's website says: " By promoting public stewardship of rare ecosystems, mainly through education and outreach, we can ensure that future generations are taught their importance."

    To volunteer, call  808-985-6090 or email info@hawaiiislandhawksbillturtleproject.org. See more at www.hawaiiislandhawksbillturtle.org.

TESTIMONY REGARDING PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALU'U is still being accepted by County of Hawai'i, following the cutoff at the public hearing on Thursday after a county Planning Commission meeting that lasted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The email for all testimony regarding the requested Shoreline Management Area permit is wpctestimony@hawaiicounty.gov. 

    Some 80 persons testified live on Thursday before the Windward Planning Commission in Hilo, with some 50 remaining to testify at the extended meeting time to be announced. A very high percentage of testimony live and submitted has opposed the plan for Punalu'u. The live testimony with accompanying chat can be seen online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfA6VoyabyE. 

    Organizers of an online permit opposing the development announced more than 13,600 signatures as of late Saturday from people worldwide. See the narrative, names, countries and states at 

 

A SENSE OF JOY AND COMMUNITY ARE WORDS FROM staff members and attendees at Na'alehu Elementary School during their annual Friend-Raiser event on Saturday, sponsored by the Student Council. 

    School staff members said they are  grateful for the participants' support and for having a place to promote the sense of joy and community for the students and the families. They also pointed to the school campus on this day  as being a place for small businesses and individuals to promote and share their hard work with their products and community programs.

   Funds raised during the Friend-Raiser go toward student activities and supplies.
    Friend-raiser Coordinator Amber Keohuloa shared the importance of bringing family, students, school staff and community together.

State Department of Education partnered with Leadership  in Disabilities Services at the Friend-Raiser. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

    Leadership in Disabilities and Achievement of Hawai'i provided information regarding their services in collaboration with the Department of Education. Their offerings include small group sessions open to parents and older children to get support with the Individualized Education program. 
    Child & Family Services discussed ongoing 'ohana support through its virtual nurturing families parent support groups. See childandfamilyservives.org.

    Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi discussed the Sixth Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival scheduled for Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Pahala Community Center.

   The 31 year-old organization offers community outreach online and in person, with education, discussion and clinical services.