Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, July 22, 2018

 David Ige at the Historic Hilo Bandstand in 2014, on the event of his election to the Hawai`i Governor's post.
Candidates vying to represent Kaʻū in the state Senate, House, and County Council, as well as the Governor's race,
will be at the bandstand from 5 p.m. on Primary Election Eve, Friday, Aug. 10. See story below.
Photo by Julia Neal

THE ALLEGED KILLER OF A HAWAIʻI COUNTY POLICE OFFICER should not have been out on bail, says County Prosecutor Mitch Roth. Roth told news reporters this weekend that Justin Joshua Waiki shot and killed Officer Bronson Kaililoa last Tuesday during a Mountain View traffic stop while Waiki was out on $7,000 bail. He had been extradited to Hawaiʻi from Las Vegas on outstanding warrants. Waiki's record shows 37 arrests and 16 convictions.

County Prosecutor Mitch Roth said
the police killer should not have
been out on bail.

     Police shot and killed the 33-year old Waiki on Friday, near South Point, after he opened fire and shot another police officer during a traffic check designed to hunt him down. During the traffic check, police found Waiki hidden under a blanket, from which he emerged to open fire with a stolen .38 handgun. Sgt. Bryan Tina, a 12-year veteran Police Response Team sergeant, wearing a bullet proof vest, is recovering from chest and arm wounds. A woman inside the Toyota 4-Runner where Waiki was hiding suffered a bullet wound and broken thigh bone during the crossfire, and was taken to Hilo Hospital. Police arrested three companions in the car. On Sunday, all three were charged with hindering prosecution first degree, accomplice to attempted first degree murder, and accomplice to illegally carrying a revolver. If convicted, they could spend the rest of their lives in prison.
     They are: Hilo residents Jorge Allen Pagan-Torres, 35, and Malia Kaalaneo Lajala, 30; and Kamuela resident Krystle Lynn Ferreira, 29.

“Why is he out of jail is really a common
question,” said Hawaiʻi Police Major
Robert Wagner.

     Roth said the prosecuting attorney’s office argued against releasing Waiki into the community after he was flown back to Hawaiʻi. However, said Roth, the pressure of overcrowded jails and prisons is creating more leniency. He told KITV news, “We don’t have enough jail space, so every time we’re putting people in we’re kicking people out. What I’ve seen is the legislature has been trying to fix a lot of these problems by making crimes less serious by reducing bail. It’s problematic when people like him get out and can commit more crimes.”
     Police Major Robert Wagner told KITV news, “We don’t want people that are criminals to be out of jail at all, but we deal with it all the time. Why is he out of jail is really a common question that we have.”
     Roth said the prison system needs an upgrade, so those recommending and handing down sentences feel comfortable putting convicted criminals in Hawaiʻi’s jails for the appropriate amount of time. He noted that the Hilo jail was built for 200 but houses 400.
     Police are looking for leads on anyone who may have housed, transported, or otherwise protected Waiki during the manhunt. Contact Detective Jerome Manuel at 326-4645, ext. 262 or at Jerome.Manuel@hawaiicounty.gov.
     The public is invited to Memorial Services for Officer Bronson Kaliloa at Ballard Family Mortuary in Hilo on Saturday, Aug. 4. He is survived by a wife and three young children.

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The grand old Historic Hilo Bandstand draws Kaʻū residents and candidates
to rally with speeches and food on Aug. 10. Photo by Julia Neal

THE HISTORIC DEMOCRATIC GRAND RALLY THAT ATTRACTS CANDIDATES FROM ACROSS THE STATE is on for Friday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m. at the Hilo Bandstand. Candidates in the Democratic Party running for office to represent Kaʻū will be there, the night before the Primary Election. The tradition has revved up the bandstand on election years every since 1954, with food and speeches from the Democratic candidates. It is expected to draw candidates for the U.S. Congress, Hawaiʻi Governor, state Senate and House, and County Council.
     A statement from the Democratic Party says, “We have an extensive line-up, with over 30 candidates for public office giving speeches, and available to talk story and share pupus with their constituents.”
     “We provide access to this event without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, or disability. If you require reasonable modifications due to disability, please call Shannon Matson phone: (808)937-3037 at least ten working days prior to August 10th.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

The Steve Wroblewski family, of Pāhala, won heaviest pig at 148.4 lbs in the Second Annual Kaʻū Multicultural
Society Pig Hunt. One of their prizes was a cooler, from organizers in red, Kalani Vierra and Keenan Toriano.
See story below. Photo by Julia Neal

PIG HUNTERS CONVERGED ON PĀHALA on Saturday, with their kill trucked into the Olson Trust weigh-in site on Maile Street. Hunters came from as far away as Capt. Cook, Honaunau, Kurtistown, and Mountain View to compete in the second annual Kaʻū Multicultural Society Pig Hunt. The remainder of the 27 hunters were from Kaʻū. Twenty of the competitors scored pigs from early morning until 5 p.m.
     Steven Wroblewski and his family brought down the heaviest pig, weighing in at 148.4 lbs. Wroblewski was followed by Billy Walton's boar, weighing in at 142.6 lbs, Dedrick Saplan's weighing 134.4, and Chaunice Emmseley's at 130.8 lbs.

Donald Garo, with niece Cileyna holding his daughter 
Dlyla, weigh their pig on Saturday at the Olson Trust 
weigh in site in Pāhala. Photo by Aloha Vierra

     Heaviest sow went to Paul Kuahiwinui, Sr. at 112.2 lbs, followed by Jon Roddy's at 99.6 lbs, and Rashad Kaupu's at 97.4 lbs.

Darlyne and Aloha Vierra, backed
by Liz Kuluwaimaka, three of
the pig hunt organizers.
Photo by Julia Neal

     Longest Tusk first place went to Konrad Wagner at 8 1/2 inches, followed by Aaron Spider Gomez at 7 inches, and John Garcia at 5 5/8 inches.
     The smoke meat contest was tied between John Roddy and John Navarro.
     Sponsors included KTA of Keauhou, Mt. View Mini Mart, Tokunaga Store, PepsiCo., Rambla of Kauaʻi, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, Wikiwiki Mart in Nāʻālehu, Jeff Anderson, J. Hara Store, Kealakekua Ace Hardware, Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., and Edmund C. Olson Trust.
     Organizers were Kalani Vierra, Keenan Toriano, Aloha Vierra, and Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka of Kaʻū Multicultural Association. Darlyne said the number of entries this year went from 20 to 27.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NEW and UPCOMING

Photo from National Park Service

A NEW RANGER-GUIDED PROGRAM, Paths and Trails, with participants taken on a two mile, moderately-difficult hike through Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, takes place on Saturday, July 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Attendees travel along the newly opened Pali O Ka‘eo Trail that offers some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. “This will be an introduction to this trail by the Park, and the first time this interpretive hike is offered to the public,” says Park Ranger Wendy Vance. Along the journey, hikers discover all the ways in which people, animals, and plants came to Kahuku, and the paths they followed to get to this unique place. Car pooling is appreciated and a 4-wheel drive vehicle, while not required, is suggested.
     Join the free hike again on Saturday, August 18. For a comprehensive list of guided hikes and programs offered at Kahuku, visit nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.

See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment. 

See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily, and weekly events. 

Print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 

throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano, and free on 

stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com

and facebook.com/kaucalendar.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

TUESDAY, JULY 24

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Tue/Wed, July 24 (Committees)/25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

Kōkua Kupuna Project, Wed, July 25, 9-11am, St. Jude's Episcopal Church, Ocean View. Seniors 60 years and older encouraged to attend, ask questions, and inquire about services offered through Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i - referral required from Hawai‘i County Office of Aging at 961-8626 for free legal services. Under 60, call 1-800-499-4302. More info: tahisha.despontes@legalaidhawaii.org, 329-3910 ext. 925. legalaidhawaii.org

Hawai‘i County Council Meetings, beginning at 9 a.m., Wed, July 25 (Council), Kona. Ka‘ū residents can participate via videoconferencing at Nā‘ālehu State Office Building. Agendas at hawaiicounty.gov

Summer Fun Event, Wed, July 25, 9:30-10:30am, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. Parents, caregivers and keiki create fun summer art; 0-7 years old. Wear clothes that can get messy. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

Vision Board Event, Wed, July 25, 4-6pm, PARENTS, Inc., Nā‘ālehu. 8-18 years old and parents/caregivers. Set intentions, goals and give voice to wishes and dreams by creating a vision board. Art supplies, healthy snacks and drinks provided. Free. 333-3460, lindsey@hawaiiparents.org

THURSDAY, JULY 26

Ka‘ū Community Children's Council, Thu, July 26, 12:30-1:30pm, Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Monthly meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, text 808-381-2584, domingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us

Volcano Bay Clinic Mobile Health Unit Visit, Thu, July 26, 1-5pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Must be Bay Clinic, Inc. patient. Medical services offered last Thursday of every month. Dental to be announced. Call 333-3600 to schedule appointment. See Cooper Center June newsletter for details. thecoopercenter.org

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Thu, July 26, 4-6pm, Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Free community dinner for all. Additional packaged goods to take home - for those in need. Donations and volunteers encouraged. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

FRIDAY, JULY 27

Coffee Talk, Fri, July 27, 9:30-11am, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. NPS Law Enforcement Rangers talk story about Mitigating Disaster in National Parks. Ka’ū coffee, tea, and pastries available for purchase. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

SATURDAY, JULY 28

Second Annual Mālama Nā Keiki Festival, Sat, July 28, 9-1pm, Nā‘ālehu Park. Free. Health screenings: hearing, vision, height and weight, BMI. Education and activities: Prenatal Panel, breastfeeding class w/lactation specialists, grow your own plant! Also, keiki activities, food, entertainment and prizes. Host: Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Oiwi. 969-9220, HMONO.org

Paths and Trails, Sat, July 28, 9:30-12:30pm, Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Moderately-difficult, 2-mile, hike with some of the most spectacular overlooks in Kahuku. Discover the ways people, animals, and plants got to Kahuku and the paths they followed. Free. nps.gov/HAVO

Discovery Harbour Volunteer Fire Department Tribute for James Masters, Sat, July 28, 4-10pm, Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net

ONGOING

Oliver!, a KDEN Production, through July 29; Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30pm, Sundays 2:30pm. Shows at UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors 60+ and students, $12 keiki 12 and under. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, and The Most Irresistible Shop in Hilo. Info and reservations: 982-7344, kden73@aol.com

Exhibit, Birds of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: The Hawai‘i Nei Invitational Daily, through Aug 4, 9-5pm, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, Volcano Village. Free. Artists: John Dawson, Reyn Ojiri, Sarah Koh, Wendy Barske, Maria Macias, Cody Yamaguchi, Ann Guth, and John Mydoock. Art represents endemic bird species. volcanoartcenter.org

Volcano Rain Forest Runs Registration Open through Friday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Half marathon $85, 10K $45, 5K $30. Registration increases August 1: half marathon to $95, 10K to $55, and 5K to $35. Race is run from Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano Village on Saturday, August 18.

5th annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run registration open. Race day Sat, Sept 22, 7 a.m.; begins and ends at Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Register online before Sun, Aug 11: 5K, $30/person; 10K, $40/person; and 1/2 Marathon, $45/person. From Aug 13: $35/person, $45/person, and $55/person. Race day registration ends Sat, Sept 22, at 6:30 a.m. Event organizers, ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou; start location, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill.

Disaster Recovery Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Keaʻau High School Gym. The DRC will be closed on Sunday, July 22. Buses run to and from Keaʻau Armory every 20 minutes and Pāhoa Community Center Shelter every hour; see full bus schedule on the Civil Defense Website at HawaiiCounty.gov/Active-Alerts. For a list of the information applicants need to bring to the DRC, or to register online, go to DisasterAssistance.gov. The Salvation Army continues to operate a distribution center at the Pāhoa Community Center on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To donate, please coordinate with the Salvation Army at (808) 756-0306.

Kona Vet Center visits to Ocean View Community Center are Suspended until further notice. Veterans may call 329-0574 for VA benefit information. ovcahi.org

Tūtū and Me Offers Home Visits to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 464-9634.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Calls For More Volunteers for the Saturday community outreach. Especially needed are cooks for the soup served to those in need, and organizers for the hot showers. "Volunteering for St. Jude's Saturday Shower and Soup ministry is an opportunity to serve God in a powerful way," states St. Jude's April newsletter. Volunteer by contacting Dave Breskin at 319-8333.

Find Your Park, invites Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Kamaʻaina and tourist alike are encouraged to experience authentic Hawaiian cultural programs, guided hikes, After Dark events, and more from Ka‘ū to Volcano to Hilo. “While Kīlauea continues to shake the ground and blast ash from its ever-changing summit crater – causing the partial closure of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on May 11 – park rangers continue to enlighten and engage visitors from other locations,” says a release from HVNP staff.
     Rangers offer new and familiar programs – free of charge, with no entry fees – for visitors at the park’s Kahuku Unit, Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus, and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center and Prince Kūhio Plaza in Hilo.

Kahuku Unit
     In addition to regularly scheduled Guided Hikes and the monthly Coffee Talk, Kahuku Unit has added daily Ranger Talks, and cultural demonstrations and activities on weekends.

     Visitor Contact Station hosts ʻIke Hana Noʻeau: Experience the Skillful Work Cultural Demonstrations and Activities, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
     Visitor Contact Station hosts Ranger Talks on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

     Guided Hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday in July. Meet the ranger at the welcome tent.
     Coffee Talk, in the Visitor Contact Station is held the last Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.
     Kahuku events are posted to the park website, nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/kahuku-hikes.htm.
Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus

     Find Park Rangers in Volcano at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd., in Volcano Village. Rangers are there most days from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide talks and answer questions about the current eruption.

     The return of After Dark …near the park at the Volcano Art Center’s Ni‘aulani Campus. Each event will have a different subject matter.

Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

     Find Park Rangers in downtown Hilo, Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rangers provide daily eruption updates, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., give a talk about all five of Hawai‘i Island’s volcanoes – including Kīlauea. Get NPS Passport Books stamped. Located at 76 Kamehameha Ave., Hilo.
Prince Kūhio Plaza

     Find Park Rangers alongside the park’s non-profit partners, Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association, at their brand new mall store.
Grand Naniloa Hotel

     Find Park Rangers stationed at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in downtown Hilo, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., every Sunday and Monday, in the Willie K Crown Room - as long as nothing else is scheduled in the space. The rangers will be doing daily talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. about the eruption. They will show the park film that is normally available to visitors to see at the Kilauea Visitor’s Center at the Summit, Born of Fire, Born in the Sea, every half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m.

     Park rangers also greet incoming arrivals at the Hilo International Airport, welcome cruise ship passengers as they disembark at the Port of Hilo, and inform visitors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center most Sundays.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.