Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 13, 2024

Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as seen from Maunakea. See more below. Image from EarthSkyScience

THIS MONTH: SKY GAZERS FROM KAʻŪ and the rest of citizens of planet Earth are treated to the arrival of a special celestial visitor, Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, with photographers capturing the image from Kilauea Military Camp on Sunday evening.

Atlas Comet as seen Sunday evening from Kīlauea
Military Camp. Photo by Thea Calumpit

     Here is the explanation from Volcano resident and astronomer for Hawai'i Public Radio and Kaʻū Night Skies, Christopher Phillips: 

    The comet was discovered in February 2023, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) sky survey. ATLAS has telescopes in both Hawaii and South Africa, enabling it to cover both the northern and southern hemispheres. 

     Comet A3 is currently visible in northern latitudes during sunset onwards. Its position in the sky, relative to the setting Sun, makes it a little tricky to spot, as sky conditions near the western horizon need to be quite clear. Once the Sun has set however, it should be visible to the naked eye as the sky darkens. Through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, it should present quite the sight. To find the comet, look to the west and to the setting stars of Orion, if you are familiar with the faint constellations in that region, you will find the comet in the small constellation of Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown). See the finder image in this post for a helping hand. 

 
       The comet itself is quite fascinating. It's large, with a nucleus that's around 2 miles wide, almost as large as the object that wiped out the Dinosaurs, 65 million years ago. During its closest approach to the Earth it is around 44 million miles away from us, so nothing to worry about in terms of it impacting the Earth.            

    This is the first time in 80,000 years that Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been visible to the inhabitants of planet Earth, and once it leaves our skies it won't be seen for another 80,000 years, so see it while you can! This type of comet is known as a 'long period' comet, because of its long orbital period around the Sun, in this case 80,000 years.

Image from The Sky Live https://theskylive.com

    Comets such as A3, along with the many asteroids in our skies, are left over construction material from the formation of the Solar system.
    However, there is one major difference between the two types of objects. Asteroids are mostly composed of rock and metals, comets on the other hand are dirty snowballs, mainly made of ice with some dirt thrown in for good measure. Comets in particular are thought to have been a major source of water in the early history of the Earth, bringing it to the surface during impacts.
    Seeing these beautiful celestial visitors in our skies is a reminder of the profound beauty of the cosmos, and also that the Solar system is still under construction, it is by no means finished. It's an enormous construction site with Mother Nature as the site foreman, and she's got plenty more work to do.

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THE LOCATION OF THE PLANNED NĀ’ĀLEHU SEWAGE PLANT DREW SOME QUESTIONING from Ala Kahakai's Waikapuna manager Keoni Fox during the county's public meeting last Thursday on the Draft Environmental Information Document. Public comments can be made by Oct. 21 by emailing publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com.
    Fox said that the county Department of Environmental Management has called for the condemnation of 28 acres of the Waikapuna land purchased for conservation with taxpayer money. The 28 acres, adjacent to the town of Nā'ālehu, is within the 2,317 acre Waikapuna preserve stewarded by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.   

     Fox suggested that other lands be considered for the sewer plant, now that the county has chosen what he called an industrial style package plant rather than a system with lagoons friendly to native plants and wildlife. He pointed to adjacent properties that he said are owned by Eva Liu, Christina Taylor and partners and Michelle Galimba.
    Environmental Management Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses, who led the meeting, said that the 28 acres is a small portion of the 2,317 acres that has been preserved and that using that small portion to solve the sewer problem in Nā'ālehu would benefit the community. It is required by federal law that the old polluting gang cesspool system be abandoned. She stressed that time is of the essence, with the county on a deadline to get the old sugar camp houses off the gang cesspools.
    She pointed out that $4 million towards buying the Waikapuna preserve came from the County of Hawai'i's Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Program. She stressed that the county has decided through soil sampling and other studies that the 28 acres is the best location. She said it has been considered as the site for the project for years and that no other properties are being considered for the initial sewer plant. She also said no private money is involved.
    Fox also pointed to the use of tax money to purchase the 2,317 acres but stressed that it was specifically for conservation. The acquisition was to preserve the Waikapuna coast, the 2.3 miles of Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast, and adjacent lands. In addition to the county helping to purchase the preserve, the state Legacy Land Conservation Program contributed $2 million. He said that discussions of the 28 acres for the treatment plant during the time of purchase, were in the context of it being the lagoon system that would also serve wildlife.
    Another speaker asked whether the proposed site would interfere with public access to Waikapuna. Iokepa-Moses said it wouldn't and that access was from a different location.
    One speaker asked whether existing but unused underground piping among the houses could be used and whether it would be able to handle the new sewer system. Iokepa-Moses said the pipes will be inspected and if unusable would be capped and left in place with new sewer pipes installed beside them. She said that the county is fully responsible for the maintenance of the current and new system from the houses to the sewer plant.
    Nā'ālehu Draft Environmental Information Document (Draft EID) is available at the Nā'ālehu Public Library, and also on the website for Department of Environmental Management projects: www.dem.hawaiicounty.gov/projects.

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Zonta's Pay it Forward Committee Wilma Matsumura, Jessic Gauthier and Laurie Higashi with 2024 Pay it Forward microgrant recipients Dawn Patterson on screen, Rachel Erdman, Napua Arakaki-Heen, Megan Brady and Syd Wang. Photo from Zonta

TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN PAY IT FORWARD MICROGRANTS has been distributed for 2024 by The Zonta Club on Hawai'i Island. The award program supports women entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

    "For the third year in a row, we saw a record number of applicants for the grant. It's inspiring to see so many women entrepreneurs in our community," said Zonta president Julie Tulang. She said Zonta "is proud to provide a financial boost to these five well-deserving women-owned businesses."

    Pay It Forward microgrants are funded annually through the charitable Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, donations to which are tax-deductible. 

    The 2024 microgrant recipients are Dawn Patterson of Dawn's Barber Shop, Rachel Edrman of LoveBug Farm LLC, Napua Arakaki-Heen of Nalani Farm Store, Megan Brady of Uproot Origin LLC, and Syd Wang of Wala'au Therapy LLC.

   Patterson has been a barber for 29 years and is sole proprietor of Dawn's Barber Shop in Hilo. She will use the grant to pay off her EIDL COVID loan and purchase tools for the shop.
    Erdman's LoveBug Farm raises hydroponic lettuce, microgreens, and produce as well as provides dog daycare, boarding, and training services. She will use the money to build a sink and a cleaning and processing area for the produce grown on her farm.
   Arakaki-Heen's Nalani Farm Store, located in downtown Hilo, is a boutique gift shop specializing in goods grown, made, and designed in Hawai'i. She estimates that around 70% of the products she stocks are produced by women-owned businesses. She will use the funds to purchase inventory for the store.
    Brady created her signature Uproot Origin elixir from organic ginger, organic turmeric, and organic honey sourced from small farms on the Big Island. She plans to use the grant to hire administrative support to help her business grow.
    Based in Hilo, Wang's Wala'au Therapy evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing/feeding disorders. She plans to use the award to build an ADA-compliant entrance ramp at her practice.
    For more on Zonta and to donate, visit zontahilo.org.

5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.

Kaʻū News Briefs July 30, 2024

The condominium association will ask again for contested case approval regarding development
at on the Punalu'u property owned by Black Sand Beach, LLC. Photo from Trip Advisor

THE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION at SeaMountain at Punalu'u will go before the Windward Planning Commission this Thursday, Aug. 1 in its second attempt to be become a party in a contested case regarding the Special Management Area permit proposal for development by Black Sand Beach, LLC. 
    The Colony One Association of Apartment Owners contends that infrastructure at Punalu'u for fire suppression, sewage and potable water should be repaired before consideration of issuing the SMA permit. The Association states that there are long-standing promises made to the Public Utilities Commission to make repairs.
    Black Sand Beach, LLC says that going forward with its project is necessary in order to fund the repairs and upgrades. Additional condos, cottages, retail entities, eateries and a wellness center are proposed. Fees from the existing 100 units of housing and condos that relay on the infrastructure could not support the repairs and upgrades for the sprawling system that was built to accommodate thousands of units on a resort property, according to the developers.

Black Sand Beach, LLC says it plans to keep development 1,000 feet from the shoreline to protect
the natural resources at Punalu'u. Photo from project website at punaluublacksandbeach.com

    The Windward Planning Commission accepted two other entities as parties in a contested case hearing regarding the same SMA permit request. They joined together for mediation that is ongoing with the developers and County of Hawai'i. They are Center for Biological Diversity and community group, ‘Iewe Hanau o Ka ‘Āina,

    Should the Planning Commission approve the condo association contested case, a settlement conference between the parties would be held. If a settlement isn't reached, a contested case would go forth. Should the contested case proceed, it could be a lengthy process. A hearings officer who operates as a judge, must be chosen, briefing deadlines set, and the quasi-judicial trial held. At the end, the hearings officer makes a final determination, which will be sent to the Windward Planning Commission, which can choose whether to accept the recommendation as it decides whether to approve the SMA permit.

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GRANTS TO PRESERVE SPECIAL PROPERTIES are available from the state Legacy Land Conservation Program. 

   In Kaʻū, Legacy funds and money from the county, other government agencies and private donors have purchased large swaths of Kaʻū Coast lands and some mauka lands. Trust for Public Land and Hawai'i Land Trust are two of the organizations that have been involved in helping to fund land preservation.

     Lands conserved with the state Legacy Land funding in Kaʻū are: Kaunāmano in 2020, Waikapuna in 2018, Kahuku Coastal Property in 2012, Kāwā II in 2008, Kāwā I in 2007 and Kipuka Kanohia for Cave Conservancy in Ocean View in 2007.

     Applications for 2025 Legacy Land funds are due Oct. 11. Grants totaling about $6.7 million are
expected to be available statewide through a competitive process that includes consultation with state agencies and legislators, investigations and recommendations from Department of Land & Natural Resources' Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Approvals are required from the Board of Land & Natural Resources and the Governor.

Attributes for land to be considered for Legacy Land funding.
Image from state Legacy Land Program.

    The aim of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land & Natural Resources program is "to preserve and protect land through acquisition that has natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural production, or historic value. This includes park and trail systems that provide access to such land.”
    State agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations are eligible to apply.
    See the Legacy Land website at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/.
   The Legacy Land website says that "Despite the regulation of land use and development in Hawai‘i, lands that hold important resource values are often unprotected, inaccessible, and threatened with damage and destruction. The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides grants to community organizations and government agencies that strive to purchase and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered resources.
    "The State of Hawai‘i dedicates a portion of its annual revenue from real estate conveyance taxes to the Land Conservation Fund. Each year the State Legislature provides the Legacy Land Conservation Program with some of the money held in the Fund. The Legacy Land Conservation Program distributes this money through a competitive grants process for purchasing land and conservation easements."   

    The program office can be contacted via email: legacyland@hawaii.gov, or telephone at 808-586-0921.

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Maunaiki in the Kaʻū Desert. NPS Photo

INVASIVE TREE CONTROL AND MAPPING IN THE KAʻŪ DESERT between sea level and 4,000 feet will be conducted with flight operations on Aug. 7 fom 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. On Aug. 7 and 9, the Park will conduct ungulate survey in the Kahuku Unit between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation and for ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 4,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.

Goats in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo

    On Aug 20 and 28, the Park will conduct flight operations between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for ungulate survey in the Kahuku Unit between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
    The Park announced that USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    The announcement says, "The Park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

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HAWAI'I IS TENTH WORST STATE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, according to a WalletHub study released Tuesday. It came in the bottom five for resources and economic support of early childhood education. WalletHub reports that Arkansas is the state with the best early education system, and one contributing factor is that parents do not have co-payment fees for child care. Arkansas spends over $13,000 per child enrolled in preschool each year and requires schools to be audited to make sure that they properly meet regulations. In addition, Arkansas has the fourth-highest share of 
three-year-olds enrolled in pre-K, pre-K special education or Head Start programs." See full report and rankings of all the states at
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-and-worst-early-education-systems/62668.

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The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film 
on history of the local coffee industry.

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
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Kaʻū News Briefs April 18, 2024

Kaunāmano between Honu‘apo and Nāʻālehu was seen in this real estate listing for $11.5 million in 2015 but has been conserved and is the subject of a community input stewardship meeting this Saturday at Kahuku Ranch Cabins at 10 a.m.
Photo from Hawai‘i Pacific Brokers

COMMUNITY TALK STORY ON STEWARDSHIP FOR KAUNĀMANO is this Saturday, April 20  at Kahuku Ranch Cabins from 10 a.m. to noon. The almost four miles along the coast with 1,363 acres, is conserved between Honu‘apo and Nāʻālehu and is managed by Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Community members are welcome to take part of the discussion on Saturday.

    In 2014, when community members were seeking funding for the purchase of Kaunāmano to preserve it, Trust for Public Land stated that “Acquisition would protect native gathering rights, subsistence fishing, the Kaʻū community’s access to the property’s nearly four miles of coastline, native ecosystems, possible endangered species, cultural sites and burials, and a cultural landscape of historic significance.                                      "Acquisition would also allow for some recreational practices to continue such as recreational fishing, flying kites from the property’s lookout area Pohina Pali Lookout, and possibly camping. 

     "Excluding the coastal village, the property is grazed by a local rancher. Since there are no trees on this land, the huge, open vistas from the top of the property down to the shoreline allow ocean views almost unparalleled from any other site in Kaʻū. The property offers high educational and cultural benefits from being able to visit and learn from the many cultural sites. Kaunāmano means 'the multitudes are placed here.’ Protecting Kaunamano will honor a place where Kaʻū’s kupuna lived and where the people of Kaʻū visit today to remember their past.”

     TPL described it as “a place of great historic significance as a seat of government for Kaʻū chiefs who kept a watchful eye on Kaunāmano from a vantage point overlooking the large coastal property and the Kahua ‘Olohu makahiki grounds directly mauka of the property. The property contains at least 444 ancient Hawaiian cultural sites with more than 3,900 features, including enclosures, mounds, platforms, walls, salt pans, walled terraces, petroglyphs, papamu, heiau, ceremonial sites, burial sites, a refuge cave (and other lava tubes) and a portion of Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail which connects the coastal villages of Honu‘apo to the north with Waikapuna to the south. Many of these sites are in the largely intact ancient coastal village of Pa‘ula. Native coastal plants dominate the coastal landscape, ‘opae ‘ula (native red shrimp) abound in the large coastal cave of Puhi‘ula, and its pristine waters are home to numerous native fish, limu and other marine species."

    In 2015, the property was listed for $11.5 million by Hawai‘i Pacific Brokers with the listing noting its potential for subdivision. It was later preserved through governmental funding.

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Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park has announced its 40th annual Cultural Festival
 will be July 20 at Kahuku. NPS Photo

THE 40TH ANNUAL VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HAWAIIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL IS ANNOUNCED. It is planned for Kahuku on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free.
    A vibrant lineup of local performers, hula performances and engaging Hawaiian arts and craft demonstrations will be announced in the weeks ahead. Visitors can also learn about local conservation efforts through fun, interactive exhibits.
    Bring water, sun protection, and a rain jacket. Sunscreen, a hat and a ground mat or chair are recommended. Festival T-shirts, food and refreshments will be available for sale (or bring a picnic). This family experience is a drug- and alcohol-free event.
    Kahuku is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance.
    The 40th annual Cultural Festival is co-sponsored by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association.

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‘O KAʻŪ  KĀKOU HAS ANNOUNCED THE 2024  Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade, Saturday, June 29 at 11 a.m. along Highway 11 in  Nāʻālehu. OKK is looking for businesses, churches, organizations, and individuals that would like to be in the parade. Call or text Lee McIntosh 808-854-7846 as soon as possible.

Kaʻū News Briefs December 13, 2023

Hukihuki, Hawaiian tug of war at the Makahiki Grounds celebration on Tuesday. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

 MAKAHIKI 2023 AT KAHUA 'OLOHŪ KAUNĀMANO AHUPUA'A welcomed many students on Tuesday to participate in Hawaiian games at the Makahiki grounds. Ki'eki'e Kaʻū sent out a statement saying that this year's Makahiki event featured 355 Keiki competitors including haumāna who assisted as Kia'i at differing stations for the games.

Hōlua, Hawaiian sliding was introduced to 
 the 2023 Makahiki. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

   Haumāna of Kua o Ka Lā from as far as Miloli'i, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary, Pāhoa High School and several haumāna of Nāʻālehu School attended.
    They competed in Kōnane, Kūkini, Hukihuki, Pala'ie, 'Ō'ō'ihe, Ulu Maika, Moa Pahe'e, Pōhaku Ho'oikaika, Pā 'Uma, Haka Moa and Hū.
    In addition, a new featured game station, the Hōlua, was introduced by 'Anakala Keone Kalawe of Puna. Tūtū Pele and Poli'ahu were known in mo'olelo for their expertise in the traditions of Hōlua, sled riding.
    Another new station featured Ku'i Kalo, implemented by Kamomi Bivings and his 'Ohana of Honaunau Momona. They also taught keiki how to weave lau niu.
    Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, Demetrius Oliveira and Hālau Hula O Leonalani entertained, along with emcee Kumu Kiliona Moku.
    The statement from Ki'eki'e Kaʻū said, "Mahalo to many 'Ohana from Kaʻū, South Kona and Puna Moku and to our Kaʻū community along with all who contributed with helping hands to make this successful event happen for all of our keiki.
    "Special Mahalo to our collaborators: Kua O Ka Lā, Kahua 'Olohū Stewardship group, Ka 'Ohana o Honu'apo, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Waikapuna hui, The Nature Conservancy, Ho'omalu Kaʻū, to all of our Kumu Kula who brought their haumāna and mostly, to our Kupuna who continues to guide us in the work that we do! Lonoikamakahiki."

Haumana from numerous schools gather for the Makahiki on Tuesday.  Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

Kōnane, the Hawaiian board game. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

Pā 'Uma, Hawaiian arm wrestling. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS FOR 2024 ARE OPEN ON MIDWAY ATOLL. Friends of Midway Atoll announced on Wednesday that the organization is providing $1,000 stipends for each volunteer accepted to a six-month Biological Field Crew position. Applications are being taken by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Volunteers will be serving in the biological program at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge from early April 2024 to early September 2024.

    See https://friendsofmidway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Volunteer-Announcement-Spring-2024.pdf

2023 volunteers banding Laysan Albatross. Applications are open

 for 2024 volunteer positions. Photo from Friends of Midway Atoll

    The biological program focuses on controlling and removing non-native species and maintaining, conserving, and restoring quality habitat to support indigenous plants, seabirds, waterbirds, monk seals, and sea turtles. In addition to being a National Wildlife Refuge, Midway Atoll is also designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial and is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Midway Atoll is a remote field site located over 1,300 miles from the main Hawaiian Islands and is inhabited by a small community of ~50 residents comprising FWS staff, volunteers, and contractors. 

     Another opportunity to volunteer opens the application period on Jan. 1. It is for the December 2024 - January 2025 Albatross Census Volunteer positions. 

    It requires volunteers to pay for airfare to and from Honolulu, 40 percent of the round trip from Honolulu to Midway and $15 a day for food. Lodging is free to volunteers. Volunteers must be able to hike six to ten miles per day, sometimes in strong wind; lift 25 lbs. and carry a day pack. Each volunteer will serve approximately 20 days for the Census.

    See https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll/get-involved.

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POLICE ARRESTED 23 MOTORISTS FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 4 through Dec. 10. Hawai‘i Island police arrested them for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One was under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 888 DUI arrests compared with 923 during the same period last year, a decrease of 3.8 percent.
Hawai'i Police Department's Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 797 major collissions so far this year compared with 790 during the same period last year, an increase of 0.9 percent. To date, there have been 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities, one crash with multiple deaths; compared to 30 fatal crashes, resulting in 32 fatalities, one crash with multiple deaths and another reclassified to a medical condition for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 50 percent for fatal crashes, and 50 percent for fatalities.
The non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Solid Waste Division Chief Mike Kaha and Mayor Mitch Roth untie the maile with Kahu Kimo Awai leading the blessing at the vastly expanded Wai'ōhinu Recyling & Transfer Station. Photo by Julia Neal

A BLESSING OF THE GREATLY EXPANDED RECYCLING & TRANSFER STATION was held last Friday, June 9 at Wai'ōhinu. It celebrated the end of construction and the May 1 soft opening of the improved county facility. It serves southernmost Hawai'i Island communities of Wai'ōhinu, Nā'ālehu, Discovery Harbour, Green Sands, Mark Twain and South Point. 

    The project involved building out new facilities for dumping at the lower end of the site and constructing a circular one-way road for ease-of-use and improved traffic flow. See story at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2023_04_27_archive.html.

Ramzi Mansour, Director of Environmental Management
for Hawai'i County. Photo by Julia Neal

     Attendees included Kahu Kimo Awai who blessed the facility, Mayor Mitch Roth, Department of Environmental Management Director Ramzi Mansour, Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Solid Waste Division Chief Michael Kaha, County Council Member Michelle Galimba, Environmental Commission member Lee McIntosh, and representatives of the Department of Parks & Recreation, Hawai'i Fire Department and  SSFM, the engineering consulting and construction management company that handled the job. Praise went to Loeffler Construction, which built the facility. 

    Iokepa-Moses sent out a big mahalo to former County Council Chair Maile Medeiros David who worked on the project during her four terms in office.

     Solid Waste Division Chief Kaha said he is very proud of the place. 

      Kaʻū's County Council member joked, "I kind of miss the old dump.... it's been forever, backing up to that thing, or carrying trash to that thing. It's kind of funny too because when I was thinking about running (for Council), should I run? What should my theme be? Everybody is like, well, you know, obvious one is fix the dump, cause that's what everybody really cared about." Galimba also gave credit to Maile David, saying the project was well on its way when Galimba took office. Galimba thanked those who attended and the county "from everyone in Kaʻū."

      The Director of Environmental Management noted that sustainability and environmental protection are top priorities for the mayor. He said there are many challenges, including recycling. "China stopped taking our products." He vowed that the County will work more on recycling, including energy conversion.

     Mansour praised those who work at the 21 transfer stations in the County of Hawai'i. "They work for you - the citizens." He noted that during holidays the supervisors and managers help out by taking the trucks on their routes.

The new Wai'ōhinu Recycling & Transfer station.
Photo by Annie Bosted

  Mayor Mitch Roth also praised the hardworking employees in the field of solid waste. "A lot of people don't really give them the due course. Really oftentimes a thankless job. People don't really understand how hard these guys are working... These guys really put in a lot of time, a lot of work, a lot of heart."

     He said the county is investing in equipment, particularly new trucks. 

     He said the County's vision is to have a "sustainable Hawai.....the goal is to have our keiki raise their keiki here and for their keiki to raise their keiki on this island." He pointed to the need for more affordable housing, more quality jobs. "We also look at energy and affordability." The mayor noted that Hawai'i has the highest gas and electricity cost and is looking at creating hydrogen fuel from landfills and wastewater treatment facilities.

   Turning to the Wai'ōhinu Recycling & Transfer Station's acres of land with an ocean view, the Mayor said it is the "best looking landfill" and the absolute "best on the island." He noted that improving infrastructure will continue and that Kaʻū's council member comes to his office about every two months and talks about the need for infrastructure.     

   The mayor said that often times "we think that this part of the island is forgotten," and vowed to continue work in Kaʻū, including further improving the transfer stations at Ocean View and Miloli'i and upgrading water infrastructure to help with affordable housing. He also said he is very proud of the Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Services, Brenda Iokepa-Moses who lives in Kaʻū. 

     Kahu Kimo Awai, with his own roots in Wai'ōhinu, gave the blessing in Hawaiian and English asking attendees to "preserve, protect, make good." He led the pa, clapping three times, each for Past, Present and Future and led the untying of the ti lei by Mike Kaha and the Mayor. See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMwbd8j7jgs.

    The project involved building out new facilities for dumping at the lower end of the site and then building a circular one-way road for ease-of-use and improved traffic flow.  See more at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2023_04_27_archive.html.

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THE TEAMSTERS STRIKE AGAINST HAWAI'I GAS IS OVER after two weeks. The union and Hawai'i Gas announced Wednesday evening that they reached an agreement. Hawai'i Gas unionized

employees totaling 217 statewide will receive a 15 percent wage increase over three years and the company will also pay 90 percent of the cost of health insurance.

    The strike lasted two weeks, forcing some restaurants and other businesses to close, including KaiLoki's in Ocean View, which reopened Wednesday afternoon with an alternate supplier for the gas for its stoves and ovens.
    Alicia Moy, President and CEO of Hawai'i Gas, said, “We are very glad to have come to an agreement with the Teamsters.This situation has been tough for everyone, and we know we will need to find ways to heal and come back together as one ʻohana. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to work and servicing our customers. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we dealt with the issues that arose during the strike and are committed to getting operations back to normal as soon as possible.” 

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THE FINAL WAIKAPUNA RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN is available online at at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/123842/Waikapuna%20Resources%20Management%20Plan%20by%20Townscape_Final%202023.pdf. A hard copy of the plan will be available for review at the County's Hilo (25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101) and Kona (74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg C) offices by the end of June.

Waikapua Resources Management Plan is final and available
online and in hard copy. Photo by Andrew Hara

    Gabriel Sham, Associate Planner with Townscape, the consultancy which oversaw creation of the management plan said: "We would like to express our gratitude to the people of Kaʻū for welcoming us into their community and to all who provided manaʻo and contributed to the management plan."

    The Executive Summary of the Plan notes that "Waikapuna, similar to other large tracts of land on the Kaʻū coastline, has been subjected to the threat of development over the years. These threats grew considerable after the closure of the sugar plantation in the late 1990's. In 2019, Ala Kahakai Trail Association, a non-profit organization, acquired the 2,317 acre Waikapuna parcel in fee-simple for conservation and placed a conservation easement over the property to protect it from future development.
    "ATA's interest in preserving these lands is to protect the ancient trail network including the surrounding

cultural, historical and natural landscape by facilitating partnerships and creating community connections through stewardship and education. 

    "Funds raised from The Trust for Public Land; the State Legacy Land Conservation Program; the County Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Fund and private donors were utilized to purchase the property. The County holds the conservation easement over the property, which was acquired using monies from the County's Preservation Fund that is funded by two percent of the County's annual real property tax revenues. The conservation easement protects the property from future development."

    For further information on plan implementation or to get involved with stewardship efforts,  refer to Ala Kahakai Trail Association's Website at www.alakahakaitrail.org.
    For information on the County's Public Access, Open Space, Natural Resources Commission Preservation or Maintenance funds, contact Maxine Cutler via email at Maxine.Cutler@hawaiicounty.gov.

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The Ka'u Calendar: 5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on stands.
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