Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 12, 202

Hawai'i Police Department launched its new website on Tuesday. All photos from www.hawaiipolice.gov

A NEW HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE went live on Tuesday. It offers access to a Crime Map, the Booking Log, and sections on Unsolved Homicides, K9's of HPD, HPD History, and much more about the police department staff bios, community resources and other info. 

Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna

Chief Ben Moskowicz

    Denise Laitinen, Public Relations Specialist for HPD, noted that during the annual HPD-Media meeting last April, Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz told attendees that he is committed to providing a digitized copy of the booking log and to making it accessible on the new website. The new booking log will be updated daily around 6:30 a.m, said Laitinen.

    See the new website at www.hawaiipolice.gov. 

    Laitinen said, "One of the most exciting new features on the updated website is a Crime Map, provided by City Protect. At any time, members of the public can use the map to see what crimes have occurred in their neighborhood during a time frame of their choosing."
    She also noted that the website is a year in the making, the first time updated since 2011. The website is mobile-responsive, meaning it is easy to use on smartphone, tablet and laptop.
    “We are extremely excited to launch this new website and provide an easy-to-use and helpful resource to community members,” said the Police Chief.

Members of the HPD K9 Team.

Kaʻū Patrol Captain
Edwin Buyten

   The new website features:  An events page of police outreach efforts; FAQ page featuring frequently asked questions; History of Hawai‘i Police Department; K9s of Hawai‘i Police Department; HPD’s Police Memorial Wall and bios of HPD fallen officers.
    People can also easily find out how to obtain a police report, background check, request an active shooter presentation or station tour, as well as how to request a special duty officer.   Those seeking a career in law enforcement, will find detailed information on civilian and sworn positions, as well as current positions available in the department.
    The new website provides a wealth of safety tips for keiki, business owners, and kupuna. Teens and families can find info and resources on how to combat cyberbullying and sextortion. There are scam prevention tips for the elderly.
   Laitinen said the department’s old website domain, hawaiipolice.com, will go down for maintenance once the new website goes live and will come back online a few days later as an archived media release site featuring the department’s media releases dating back to when the website first launched in March 1999.
    "We encourage you to spend a few minutes to take a look at the many new features offered on hawaiipolice.gov," said Laitinen.

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Hawai'i farmers and ranchers gathered at Hawai'i Convention Center last weekend for Hawai'i Ag Conference. Photo from Agricultural Leadership Foundation. See www.agleaderhi.org

DURING THE HAWAI'I AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE, PASSING THE FEDERAL FARM BILL before the end of the year with initiatives to help Hawai'i farmers and ranchers was a main topic of Congresswoman Jill Tokuda who represents Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i. Tokuda holds a seat on the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee. See https://tokuda.house.gov/farm-bill.

    She spoke at last weekend's Hawai'i Agriculture Conference at Hawai'i Convention Center on O'ahu with its theme, "Building CommUNITY through Hawai'i Agriculture."

Rep. Jill Tokuda encouraged farmers to fight
for the federal Farm Bill when she spoke at the
Hawai'i Ag Conference. Photo from Tokuda

    Tokuda said, "It’s critical that we have a long-term Farm Bill to help small and family farmers meet the challenges we face today. Only five weeks left to get this done—we must keep pushing for Hawaiʻi’s ag community!" 

    Also attending the Hawai'i Agriculture Conference was Kaʻū's County Council member Michelle Galimba who said she encourages local farmers to attend in the future. The next one is scheduled for 2026. "The Hawai'i Ag Conference is a great event to learn and network with farmers and other people working in agriculture. Congratulations to the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai'i on the best Hawai'i Ag Conference that I have been to yet," said Galimba.

    In his message, Gov. Josh Green said, "Agriculture is a vital economic engine for our islands and a cornerstone of our cultural heritage and identity. Your work in promoting food security, advancing sustainable. practices, and preserving our natural resources is commendable.... Building a vibrant agricultural industry requires the collective effort of producers, neighbors, landowners, lenders, decision-makers and consumers alike."

    Agricultural Leadership Foundation sponsors the Ag Convention and also the Agricultural Leadership Program for promising leaders from Hawai‘i’s agricultural, natural resource management, and rural community sectors. Since its inception in 1982, Agricultural Leadership Foundation has graduated 191 leaders to positively impact Hawai‘i agriculture and their communities.
    Agricultural Leadership Foundation also works with youth through Future Farmers of America and other organizations. See the programs at www.agleaderhi.org.

    

Hawai'i Agricultural Leadership Foundation sponsored last weekend's statewide Hawai'i Agriculture Conference and also programs to develop agricultural adult and youth leaders. See www.agleaderhi.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

Kaʻū Taro Festival will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at Kaʻū Herkes Gym Complex in Pāhala. Vendors
 can sign up until Nov. 26. Sign up for a booth online at www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival.
 The event is free and open to the public.