Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 10, 2024

Vibrant Hawai'i's administrative and Hub leaders from around the island are planning for 2025
with Hub registration by end of January. Photo from Vibrant Hawai'i

VIBRANT HAWAIʻI RESILIENCE HUB NETWORK is open up for registration for new and existing HUBs throughout Volcano, Kaʻū, Miloli'i and beyond. Its recent statement says that since 2020, Vibrant Hawaiʻi has been serving as a coordinator for Hawaiʻi Island Resilience Hubs. Hubs have served all of Kaʻū and 100,000 residents islandwide by providing such programs as Kaukau 4 Keiki, health resources, access to the internet, and opportunities for training and certification. "Hubs empower community members to implement place-based, culturally relevant strategies that enhance individual and collective resilience, both at the local level and across the island."

Vibrant states that a Resilience Hub operates in three primary modes:"everyday" (normal operation), "disruption" (during a disaster event), and "recovery" (post-disaster); meaning they serve the community in regular times, provide support during emergencies, and assist with rebuilding efforts afterwards.
Hubs must provide the following: A team of no less than 4 adults; minimum of three years of experience serving the community of operation; two references from that community; a physical address accessible to the community and able to store equipment.
Vibrant asks that its Hubs commit to the following: One or more team members participate in monthly roundtables, first Wednesday of each month noon to 2 p.m.; minimum of three team members to participate in an annual Training Summit; and eam participation in an annual islandwide exercise

To register as a Vibrant Hawai'i Hub go to bit.ly/vh-hub-registration. Registration closes Jan. 31.
Vibrant Hawaiʻi's statement says, it is "a community-driven organization dedicated to strengthening resilience across Hawaiʻi Island. Through partnerships, programs, and grassroots initiatives, Vibrant Hawaiʻi works to enhance preparedness and build more connected, resilient communities." See more at www.vibranthawaii.org.

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Summit of Maunaloa as seen from the

Northeast Rift Zone from Maunakea.

USGS Photo

A HIGH WIND WARNING and a fallen tree has led to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closing Mauna Loa Road at Kīpukapuaulu. Most of the park is open, "but everyone should take extra caution of falling tree limbs. Gusts of 50 mph are expected," says the Park statement.

Hawai'i Police Department reported that wind overcame a large tree along Hwy 11 toward Kona. At 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, HPD advised motorists to avoid Hwy 11 in the South Kona area. A tree near the 101 mile marker fell onto the roadway, blocking both lanes of travel between Ho'okena Beach Road and Old Government, and required a detour of traffic for several hours. Additionally, as the tree fell it knocked down powerlines resulting in loss of electricity to residences in the immediate area.

The National Weather Service warns that 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph are expected into the interior of the island where there is a wind warning. “Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” the National Weather Service said. A wind advisory is in place for Kaʻū.

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TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL TOOK ON ANOTHER BIG SCHOOL on Tuesday. The game against Hilo was at Herkes Kaʻū District Gym. Hilo took the win with 67 points to the Trojans 49.