Kaʻū News Briefs July 24, 2024

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

HAWAI'I ISLAND FENTANYL TASK FORCE WILL HOST ITS 3rd Annual Hawaiʻi Fentanyl and Addictions Summit on Monday, August 5 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A statement from the County says, "This free event has established itself as the State's premier opioid and addiction awareness summit since its inception in 2022. It brings together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds across Hawaiʻi to tackle the opioid-driven addiction and overdose crisis affecting our communities."
    "We are committed to doing all we can to protect our community from the opioid and fentanyl epidemic," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Since November 2021, we have worked closely with community leaders and healthcare professionals to address this crisis head-on, and this summit represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to protect and educate our residents."
    The event will feature sessions aimed at educating attendees about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl, sharing the latest facts and statistics of this crushing epidemic, and identifying actionable solutions. Attendees can expect to hear from families directly impacted by a drug overdose, participate in active discussions, and collaborate on strategies.    Dr. Hannah Preston-Pita, the Chief Executive for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council and one of the leaders of the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force, emphasized the importance of community involvement: "This epidemic is much closer to your household than you might think. By attending the summit, you can become more educated and aware of this issue and learn how to protect your loved ones."
    Wally Lau, another leader of the Task Force, added, "Our goal is to save lives by raising awareness and providing the necessary tools and resources to fight this epidemic. We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors, without whom this summit would not be possible."
    Dr. Kevin Kunz, also a Task Force leader, echoed these sentiments: "The collaboration and dedication of everyone involved in this summit demonstrate our collective commitment to making a difference. Together, we can turn the tide on this crisis that is killing someone every nine days on Hawaiʻi Island and one every twenty-eight hours in the State of Hawaiʻi."
    For more information on the summit and to register, please visit https://www.hiftf.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

Kalo to Poi 101 with Desiree Moana Cruz during the upcoming Experience Volcano Weekend. Photos from Experience Volcano

'Ukulele lessons with Wes Awana

EXPERIENCE VOLCANO IS THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at venues around Volcano Village. The opening oli (chant) will kick off the festival. Other cultural highlights will include creating Leī Hulu with Zenaida Sawyer, Kalo to Poi 101 with Desiree Moana Cruz, Lauhala Weaving with Ku`uipo Morales, and Hawaiian hula with Ke `Olu `Āhinahina and Ke `Olu Makani O Mauna Loa.
    Participants will be able to learn about the 'ukulele and learn to play it with Wes Awana, and listen to Hawaiian jams with Keoki Kahumoku, Ti Chun, Tutu Bee, Huliau and Boni Narito.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.