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| Hawai'i County Band marched and played in the OKK Indpendence Day Parade last Saturday and returns to the Volcano Parade at 8:30 a.m. this Thursday, July 4. Photo by Julia Neal |
COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE IKAIKA KAILIAWA-SMITH has issued a statement regarding his campaign for the election that is coming up this month, with voting in the non-partisan race mostly from ballots that come in the mai from late July into early August. He writes that his platform aligns with concerns about sustainable agriculture and food production.
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| County Council Candidate Ikaika-Kailiawa Smith |
Kailiawa-Smith also said he recognizes the financial struggles faced by retired individuals and is committed to removing property taxes for retirees on a fixed income. "This initiative aims to provide financial relief to those who have contributed to society for many years.
Regarding public safety, Kailiawa-Smith said he plans to address the issue of violent criminals and mentally unstable individuals on the streets by implementing measures to remove them from communities.
He also said he supports the construction of sub stations for police and fire departments to improve response times and overall safety for residents.
Kailiawa-Smith said he is dedicated to "making positive changes in Hawai'i by addressing important issues like food security, taxes, public safety, and government accountability, and that his commitment to these causes makes him a strong candidate for office.
Kailiawa-Smith said he is dedicated to "making positive changes in Hawai'i by addressing important issues like food security, taxes, public safety, and government accountability, and that his commitment to these causes makes him a strong candidate for office.
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.
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS COME TO A COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR & BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle.
The state Department of Health Public Health Educator Paul Strauss, who works with the Hawai'i
District Health Office in Kealakekua, is helping to organize and spread the word for the event. He said that Project Vision, KTA Pharmacy, as well as other community partners will provide the free health screenings and information for the public.
THE COUNTY REMINDS THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS KAʻŪ MEETING ON HOUSING, which is set for next Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St.
The County of Hawai'i Office of Housing & Community Development is hosting public meetings around the island to gather community input for the development of its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.
"Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community. Join us in these public meetings to ensure that every perspective is heard, and every need is addressed,” said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. “Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of Hawaiʻi Island.
A statement from the county says the "Consolidated Plan serves as a vital blueprint, ensuring that communities receiving federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assistance effectively address the housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families. It aims to enhance the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing within suitable living environments."
The County of Hawaiʻi’s CP will outline the needs, priorities, funding plans, and program certification requirements over the five-year period between 2025 and 2029. Submission of the CP to HUD is required for the County of Hawaiʻi to receive its annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) allocations. Similarly, the State relies on the CP to obtain its annual HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) allocations.
To meet federal requirements and the County of Hawaiʻi's Citizen Participation Plan, a series of public meetings are being conducted at locations and times on Hawaiʻi Island. "These meetings offer an opportunity for engagement with diverse communities to solicit views and comments on goals and priorities related to housing, community development, and homelessness for the upcoming five years."
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS COME TO A COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR & BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Circle.
The state Department of Health Public Health Educator Paul Strauss, who works with the Hawai'i
Screenings include: Vaccinations, physicals, hearing checks, eye exams and eye glasses, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, checks, and more.
For keiki there will be: school physicals, vision screenings and glasses, hearing tests, and keiki vaccinations, back packs and school supplies giveaway
Keiki IDs will be provided by the Hawai'i County Police Department
For more, contact Strauss at paul.strauss@doh.hawaii.gov. Phone 808-322-1513.
THE COUNTY REMINDS THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS KAʻŪ MEETING ON HOUSING, which is set for next Tuesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St.
The County of Hawai'i Office of Housing & Community Development is hosting public meetings around the island to gather community input for the development of its 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan.
A statement from the county says the "Consolidated Plan serves as a vital blueprint, ensuring that communities receiving federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assistance effectively address the housing and related needs of low- and moderate-income families. It aims to enhance the availability and affordability of decent, safe, and sanitary housing within suitable living environments."
To meet federal requirements and the County of Hawaiʻi's Citizen Participation Plan, a series of public meetings are being conducted at locations and times on Hawaiʻi Island. "These meetings offer an opportunity for engagement with diverse communities to solicit views and comments on goals and priorities related to housing, community development, and homelessness for the upcoming five years."
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.
POLICE URGE SAFE DRIVING THIS JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY WEEKEND. As the holiday approaches, Hawai‘i Police Department and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, remind Hawai‘i Island residents to drive sober as part of the nationa Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving awareness campaign. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair the ability to drive safely. For instance, a blood alcohol concentration as low as .02 can affect multitasking abilities, significantly impacting driving skills. Historically, the Fourth of July sees an increase in impaired driving crashes, putting lives at risk. During the month of July between 2018 and 2023, 11 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes on Big island 
roads.
Alcohol impairment was involved in 39 percent of all Hawai‘i Island fatal traffic crashes from 2018 through 2023. That percentage climbs to nearly 69 percent when drug impairment is included. In the first half of 2024, there have been 20 traffic fatalities across Hawai‘i Island, compared to 10 this time last year. There have also been 498 major traffic crashes to date in 2024, a 16 percent increase over the 429 traffic crashes that occurred by this time last year.
Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, said, “Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force this Fourth of July to ensure our roads stay safe. Please do your part and drive safely so everyone makes it home alive,” He also offered the following
Tips for Celebrating Safely and Getting Home Without Driving:Plan ahead: If you're planning to drink, arrange for a sober ride home before the festivities begin.
Designate a sober driver: Even if you've had just one drink, ensure your driver has consumed no alcohol whatsoever.
Offer non-alcoholic options: If you're hosting a gathering, provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to support designated drivers.
Intervene responsibly: If a friend intends to drive impaired, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
Report impaired driving: If you witness an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911.
Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, it’s your best defense against crashes.Remember, impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol; drug-impaired driving poses a similar danger. Whether legal or illegal, driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal. “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.”
Alcohol impairment was involved in 39 percent of all Hawai‘i Island fatal traffic crashes from 2018 through 2023. That percentage climbs to nearly 69 percent when drug impairment is included. In the first half of 2024, there have been 20 traffic fatalities across Hawai‘i Island, compared to 10 this time last year. There have also been 498 major traffic crashes to date in 2024, a 16 percent increase over the 429 traffic crashes that occurred by this time last year.
Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, said, “Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force this Fourth of July to ensure our roads stay safe. Please do your part and drive safely so everyone makes it home alive,” He also offered the following
Tips for Celebrating Safely and Getting Home Without Driving:Plan ahead: If you're planning to drink, arrange for a sober ride home before the festivities begin.
Designate a sober driver: Even if you've had just one drink, ensure your driver has consumed no alcohol whatsoever.
Offer non-alcoholic options: If you're hosting a gathering, provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to support designated drivers.
Intervene responsibly: If a friend intends to drive impaired, take their keys and arrange a safe way for them to get home.
Report impaired driving: If you witness an impaired driver on the road, pull over safely and call 911.
Buckle up: Always wear your seat belt, it’s your best defense against crashes.Remember, impaired driving isn’t limited to alcohol; drug-impaired driving poses a similar danger. Whether legal or illegal, driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous and illegal. “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.”
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.
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| 5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i |
