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| Punalu'u was the subject of a public meeting called by the property owner this evening to discuss future plans. Another meeting will be held on Friday in Nāʻālehu and Saturday in Pāhala. Photo by Bob Martin |
A MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF PUNALU'U was held in Nāʻālehu Wednesday evening. A second will be held in Nāʻālehu on Friday and a third in Pāhala on Saturday. A team from Black Sand Beach, LLC and its principal Eva Liu presented the big picture of tentative plans for the 320 acres below Highway 11,
saying that they are all open for suggestions from the community. The entire Wednesday meeting can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/punaluuohanacommunity/videos/1063754174198196.
Project Manager and architect Norman Quon and planning consultant Daryn Arai said the plan is to keep the lands in their existing zoning which means conservation along the coast and commercial, resort, and residential multifamily inland. Nine holes of the 18-holf golf course would turn into an active and passive park area.
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| A public meeting on the future of Punalu'u, held Wednesday evening in a building being constructed for a coffee roastry in Nāʻālehu. Photo by Julia Neal |
Adjacent would remain "Tutu's House," the longtime home of 98 year-old Jeanette Howard, who grew up in Punalu'a and is a native speaker of Hawaiian. The team promised to allow her to stay in her home for the rest of her life. Mauka of her house would be an Activity Center retail and office.
Above Tutu's House could be a Punalu'u Park with horse paddocks, walkways, bike runs, and open space. There could be a children's playground, day care center, cultural games, bike paths, and a rope challenge course. "A wonderful resource in an abandoned golf course," was the way Quon described it, suggesting that some treehouses be added. "A mini- zip line to create a little action," was also imagined, along with kite flying, miniature golf and electric bikes.
The park, with its "great view of Makanau," was described as a way to draw people away from the already crowded beach, while creating jobs and a place for local people and visitors. "Visitors and residents can use a large component of Punalu'u for economic and recreational opportunities."
The team said many people have called for rebuilding the old Punalu'u restaurant next to the pond on the Black Sand Beach but the county, state and federal regulatory environment would require a lot of effort. The restaurant would have to be at 17 feet in elevation, by raising it 12 feet. An art center dedicated to Herb Kane could be near the old restaurant area. The remains of the old restaurant could be repurposed. A lu'au grounds could be possible.
Above Tutu's House could be a Punalu'u Park with horse paddocks, walkways, bike runs, and open space. There could be a children's playground, day care center, cultural games, bike paths, and a rope challenge course. "A wonderful resource in an abandoned golf course," was the way Quon described it, suggesting that some treehouses be added. "A mini- zip line to create a little action," was also imagined, along with kite flying, miniature golf and electric bikes.
The team said many people have called for rebuilding the old Punalu'u restaurant next to the pond on the Black Sand Beach but the county, state and federal regulatory environment would require a lot of effort. The restaurant would have to be at 17 feet in elevation, by raising it 12 feet. An art center dedicated to Herb Kane could be near the old restaurant area. The remains of the old restaurant could be repurposed. A lu'au grounds could be possible.
See more on the plans including ideas for the old golf course clubhouse area, the tennis center a set of new condominiums, cabins, camping spots, wellness center and more in Thursday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
Also, in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs, read about community comments from the meeting, a talk from owner Eva Liu, and opinions about the proposal in the context of the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. Read concerns about preservation of wildlife and culture.
Another meeting on Punalu'u will be held on Friday at the future coffee roastery building on Liu's property behind Punalu'u Bake Shop, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The third meeting will be in Pāhala on Saturday at the Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
HOLLY SHIKADA IS LIKELY TO BE THE NEXT HAWAI'I ATTORNEY GENERAL. Gov. David Ige appointed her following the confirmation of current AG Clare Conners to become the U.S. Attorney for Hawai'i. The appointment of Shikada is subject to state Senate confirmation. Shikada said, “It is my honor to continue my service to the State of Hawai'i as the Attorney General and I am thankful to Gov.Ige for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity and responsibility. I have the pleasure of working with some of the best and brightest attorneys in the state and look forward to championing their efforts to make Hawaii a better place. I would also like to congratulate Clare and wish her the best in her new role as U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii. I know that our friendship will translate into a great partnership between the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Justice.”
Shikada has worked for 30 years at the state Department of the Attorney General, with18 years as supervising deputy attorney general for the Education Division. She led a unit that focused on ensuring compliance with the class-action Felix Consent Decree. She served in the Family Law Division.
The governor said, “Holly’s experience and expertise allow her to step into this important role without missing a beat, whether it’s representing the state in court cases, leading investigations, providing advice on legal matters, or carrying out other functions as the state’s chief legal and law enforcement officer.”
Shikada earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Hawaii and her law degree from William S. Richardson School of Law at U.H.
The meetings will be held around the state in compliance with Act 220 and comply with any existing COVID-19 guidelines at the time of the meeting. A livestream broadcast of HHC meetings is viewable via the DHHL. See the website, dhhl.hawaii.gov/live. Past meetings are also accessible through archived links at the bottom of the same page.
Passed by the 2021 legislature and signed into law by Governor David Ige on July 6, 2021, Act 220 provides state agencies the flexibility to utilize interactive conference technology for the public to view meetings online as well as provide remote oral testimony so board members and other participants can hear the testimony whether through the internet, a telephone, or other means.
"While the Commission looks forward to getting back out to neighbor islands to meet with beneficiaries in person, having the flexibility to add this level of technology is a real service to our community," said HHC Chairman William J. Ailā, Jr. "Beneficiaries can see our meeting live online or watch them at their
convenience and should they need to testify, they can do so conveniently from their phone or computer."
HHC Meetings are generally held on the third Monday and Tuesday of each month, except for January and February when the meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday due to a Monday holiday.
They begin at 9:30 a.m.:
Jan. 18 (Tue) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei – (No Community Meeting); Jan. 19 (Wed) - HHC
Meeting, Kapolei.
Feb. 22 (Tue) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Community Meeting - Kapolei; Feb. 23 (Wed) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu
March 21 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Waimānalo; March 22 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu
April 18- HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Molokaʻi; April 19 - HHC Meeting, Lanikeha, Molokaʻi
May 16 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting –Kailua-Kona; May 17- HHC Meeting, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
June 20 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei – (No Community Meeting); June 21 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu;
July 18 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – PapakōleaJuly 19 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Hawaiʻi
Aug. 15 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Kauaʻi; Aug. 16 - HHC Meeting, Līhue, Kauaʻi
Sept. 19 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – West Maui; Sept. 20 - HHC Meeting, Lahaina, Maui
Oct. 17 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Hilo; Oct. 18 - HHC Meeting, Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Nov. 21 - HHC Meeting, Central/Upcountry; Nov. 22 - HHC Meeting, Wailuku, Maui.
Dec. 19 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Nānākuli/Waiʻanae; Dec, 20, 2022 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu
HHC meeting agenda, packets with submittal information, and other relevant HHC meeting information can be found on the DHHL website, dhhl.hawaii.gov/hhc
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
COMMUNITY
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see
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| Holly Shikada will likely be the next Hawai'i Attorney General, with Senate Confirmation. |
Shikada has worked for 30 years at the state Department of the Attorney General, with18 years as supervising deputy attorney general for the Education Division. She led a unit that focused on ensuring compliance with the class-action Felix Consent Decree. She served in the Family Law Division.
The governor said, “Holly’s experience and expertise allow her to step into this important role without missing a beat, whether it’s representing the state in court cases, leading investigations, providing advice on legal matters, or carrying out other functions as the state’s chief legal and law enforcement officer.”
Shikada earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Hawaii and her law degree from William S. Richardson School of Law at U.H.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see
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KTA, Hawaiian Macadamia Give Free COVID Shots Macadamia and coffee workers, keiki and more of the general public came to Pāhala on Wednesday for J&J, Pfizer and COVID vaccinations and boosters. Sponsored by KTA and Hawaiian Macadamia. Photo by Julia Neal |
HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION, the nine-person executive board that governs the Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands, has approved and announced its 2022 meeting calendar. A statement from the commission says:
"The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole's vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading." Kaʻū is one of the districts with the most Hawaiian Home Lands.
Passed by the 2021 legislature and signed into law by Governor David Ige on July 6, 2021, Act 220 provides state agencies the flexibility to utilize interactive conference technology for the public to view meetings online as well as provide remote oral testimony so board members and other participants can hear the testimony whether through the internet, a telephone, or other means.
"While the Commission looks forward to getting back out to neighbor islands to meet with beneficiaries in person, having the flexibility to add this level of technology is a real service to our community," said HHC Chairman William J. Ailā, Jr. "Beneficiaries can see our meeting live online or watch them at their
convenience and should they need to testify, they can do so conveniently from their phone or computer."
HHC Meetings are generally held on the third Monday and Tuesday of each month, except for January and February when the meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday due to a Monday holiday.
They begin at 9:30 a.m.:
Jan. 18 (Tue) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei – (No Community Meeting); Jan. 19 (Wed) - HHC
Meeting, Kapolei.
Feb. 22 (Tue) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Community Meeting - Kapolei; Feb. 23 (Wed) - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu
April 18- HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Molokaʻi; April 19 - HHC Meeting, Lanikeha, Molokaʻi
May 16 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting –Kailua-Kona; May 17- HHC Meeting, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
June 20 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei – (No Community Meeting); June 21 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu;
July 18 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – PapakōleaJuly 19 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Hawaiʻi
Aug. 15 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Kauaʻi; Aug. 16 - HHC Meeting, Līhue, Kauaʻi
Sept. 19 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – West Maui; Sept. 20 - HHC Meeting, Lahaina, Maui
Oct. 17 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Hilo; Oct. 18 - HHC Meeting, Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Nov. 21 - HHC Meeting, Central/Upcountry; Nov. 22 - HHC Meeting, Wailuku, Maui.
Dec. 19 - HHC Meeting, Community Meeting – Nānākuli/Waiʻanae; Dec, 20, 2022 - HHC Meeting, Kapolei, Oʻahu
HHC meeting agenda, packets with submittal information, and other relevant HHC meeting information can be found on the DHHL website, dhhl.hawaii.gov/hhc
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg
WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
