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Tuesday, May 09, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 9, 2023


EXPANDING THE PACIFIC REMOTE ISLANDS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT AROUND PALMYRA ATOL, KINGMAN REEF AND BAKER AND HOWLAND ISLANDS goes to a public meeting this Thursday, May 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo.
    The plan is to expand Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current size of 50
nautical square miles to 200 nautical square miles miles. The plan is to expand Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current size of 
50 nautical square miles to 200 nautical square miles miles.
    A statement from Conservation Council for Hawai'i says, "This expansion will enable more reefs to regenerate and flourish, protect the ocean floor from mining, and give native wildlife a chance to survive. To the native communities, these islands hold much cultural and historical significance." According to  Conservation Council, the expansion would also honor the memory of the 130 men who occupied the islands during World War II from 1935 - 1942 and "perpetuate the indigenous seafaring knowledge between Pacific Islanders.
    In conjunction with the expansion, in Conservation Council for Hawai'i's statement, the monument would be renamed. and a co-management team knowledgable in traditional and scientific practices would steward the place. NOAA has begun a scoping process for the Pacific Remote Islands with in-person public meetings, including the option of joining virtually for the meeting on Wednesday, May 10 in Honolulu and the meeting May 11 in Hilo.
    The public comment period ends on June 2. Voice opinions at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/NOAA-NOS-2023-0052-0001 or by mail to PRI-Proposed Sanctuary, NOAA, c/o Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima, 76 Kamehameha Ave Hilo, HI 96720. See https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/pacific-remote-islands/.



A hole in one was accomplished at 4,000 ft elevation, announced Volcano Golf Course. Photo from Volcano Golf Course

Janelle Akuna, after her Hole in One at Volcano
 Golf Course. Photo from Volcano Golf Course
A HOLE IN ONE AT VOLCANO GOLF COURSE was scored by Janelle Akuna, reports Volcano Golf Course General Manager Dawn Crozier. She said Akuna accomplished the feat on Hole #3 on April 23, using a hybrid club from the forward tees approximately 105 yards to the hole. This was Akuna's first HIO.
    Volcano Golf Course is owned by Kamehameha Schools and operated by Toon, which manages nine courses in the Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Lani. Toon operates more than 665 courses worldwide.
     Volcanogc.com gives the description: "For over 100 years at Volcano Golf Course, guests have been treated to panoramic views of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea while playing alongside endemic ‘ōhi‘a trees that bloom vibrant red, and the nēnē, Hawai‘i’s state bird that nest throughout the property. This 18-hole golf course is set at the rim of the active Kīlauea volcanic crater, 4000 feet above sea, making it a truly unique golfing experience."
     In regard to Kamehameha Schools stewardship, the website says, "KS holds a great kuleana, or responsibility, to sustainably care for, nurture and enhance our lands for communities of today and tomorrow."
    Volcano Golf Course offers an All You Can Play Yearly Membership for $329 per month. Pay $3,290 in advance to receive a $658 discount. A 30-day All You Can Play Pass costs $349. A Ten Round Punch Card costs $359. A Twilight 30-day pass for unlimited play with tee time starting at 1:30 p.m. is $150.00. Driving Range passes are $10 per month. See more at volcanogc.com and on https://www.facebook.com/VolcanoGolfCourse/, with a link to Volcano Golf Courses's new online store.
Volcano Golf Course is owned by Kamehameha Schools and operated by Toon. See volcanogc.com and https://www.facebook.com/VolcanoGolfCourse/, with a link to its new online store. Photo from Volcano Golf Course
Miloli'i- Kaʻū 16s took first in their category at the tournament on Saturday that brought 16 teams to Robert Herkes Kaʻū 
District Gym  from around the island and O'ahu. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Club
Mauloa Girls took first in 4s category. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū

MILOLI'I KAʻŪ VOLLEYBALL GIRLS WON THE 16s CATEGORY in the tournament held last Saturday at Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym. Second went to Keaukaka Boys. In the 14s category. Mauloa Girls won, with second going to AMP. 
     Sixteen teams from eight clubs from as far away as O'ahu came to Kaʻū for the tournament organized by Kaimi Kaupiko and crew. 
    The clubs were Miloli'i-Kaʻū, Keaukaha, Pu'uki, AMP, Maunalani from O'ahu, Ho'opa, Mauloa and Hi Intensity.
     Maunalani's coach, who hosts the club at Kamehameha School gym on Oa'hu with team members from Kapolei and other parts of Honolulu, said she looks forward to the event becoming an annual tournament with students traveling to Kaʻū.   

This Maunalani Club came from O'ahu with two teams. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball

Miloli'i- Kaʻū 14s at the tournament held last Saturday, with teams from as far away as O'ahu.  Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū