Kaʻū News Briefs May 7, 2024

Award ceremonies last Saturday, honoring Kaʻū High tenth grader Megan Pierpoint, right, and
other younger winners in the Maunakea Coin Contest. Photo from Maunakea Observatories

MEGAN PIERPOINT WON THE 2024 MAUNAKEA COIN CONTEST, reports social studies teacher and mentor David Santos. The tenth grader at Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary was given the award last Saturday at AstroDay at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. The Maunakea Coin Contest was initiated by an astronomer related to Subaru Telescope in 2011, and the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee has led the contest. See https://www.maunakeaobservatories.org/coincontest./

    The annual Maunakea Coin Contest is open to all Big Island students in grades K to 12, including homeschooled children with separate categories for the keiki and older students. Students are asked to make a drawing for a design that can go on a bronze collector’s coin, available at the First Light Bookstore at the Visitor Information Station on Maunakea. Aluminum versions are available at Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee events throughout the year. The designs submitted for each year’s contest represent Maunakea and include different aspects of the mountain: its natural resources, astronomy, and culture.
    Sponsors of the event include KTA Super Stores, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i, Galaxy Garden/Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, and Maunakea Observatories.

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THE SUDDEN PASSING OF STAR ALAMEDA, WIFE OF MAYORAL CANDIDATE DR. KIMO ALAMEDA is a tragedy that struck the Alameda 'Ohana last Friday, May 3. She was found

Dr. Kimo Alameda and his wife who died suddenly
on Friday morning. Photo from Alameda family

unresponsive in the morning. Valiant efforts by family and Hawai'i County EMS personnel were unable to revive her, says a statement from the family.
    Star Alameda accompanied her husband to their mayoral campaign events throughout Kaʻū, serving up food to community members and meeting people. The family statement says:
    "Star was immensely proud of her seven children, one grandchild, and her large extended island 'ohana. Before joining her husband on the campaign, she taught reading at E. B. DeSilva Elementary and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Star was well-known in her community for her kindness, generosity, and love of children. 'Gentle and soft-hearted,' 'a spiritual giant,' 'humble and sweet,' 'approachable and dedicated' are a few of the hundreds of comments on their Facebook page.
    "My mom was everything to us. Always putting the needs of others before her own. We are super sad, but we know she is still guiding us and my dad to do good and to be happy," shared Angel Alameda, the eldest of the seven children.
    Kimo Alameda said, "Star was the light of my life and the backbone of our family. Through everything, she stood right by my side as my number one supporter and advisor. Her memory will continue to shine on to everyone who was lucky enough to know her."
    When asked about the campaign, he stated that he intends to continue, but "my immediate focus right now is to be with my family as we remember Star. I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers and aloha during this difficult time."
    Born in Hilo, Star was the daughter of the late Herbert Ishibashi and is survived by her mother Mona Ishibashi, brothers Sky (Tina) Ishibashi, Herbert Pua (Gloria) Ishibashi, and sister Roxy Tubbs. Star's children are Angel Alameda, Kekaulike Alameda, Seizen (Tavita) Ika, Kekaukahi Alameda, Kekaulana Alameda, Kira Alameda, and Kimo Alameda Jr.
    Updates on any services or arrangements will be forthcoming, says the family statement.

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A POLICEMAN WHO DIED IN 1916 will be added to this island's Memorial Wall for fallen police officers during Police Hawai'i Police Department recently learned that Hilo Police Officer Michol Octobre was murdered in a shootout with a suspect in Kalopa on December 8, 1916.

    An HPD statement says, "Hilo and Kalopa were gripped by fear as a serial killer, Maxime Bondad, terrorized the community. Officer Octobre, undercover as a laborer, embarked on a dangerous mission to locate Bondad. His dedication led to a crucial lead – Bondad's suspected hiding place.
    "With Deputy Sheriff Rickard by his side, Officer Octobre bravely ascended the Kalopa hillside. Despite the risk, he attempted a peaceful resolution by calling out to Bondad. This courageous act tragically went unanswered. A single gunshot shattered the quiet. Bondad, who was hidden in the brush, shot and fatally wounded Officer Octobre. Officers returned gunfire and killed Bondad where he hid.

Some of the fallen police officers memorialized on the wall. HPD photos

    "Officer Michol Octobre, and all heroes whose names grace this wall, deserve our deepest gratitude, utmost respect, and a promise: We will never forget. Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. In Hawaiʻi County, Police Week activities will take place from Sunday, May 12, through Friday, May 18.
The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m., at Hilo police station and Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at West Hawaii Civic Center. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Police will pay tribute to:                                                                                      

    Police Captain T. Simeona, who gave his life in 1890.

   Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.

    Officer William “Red” Oili, who gave his life in 1936.
    Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990.
    Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.
    Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.
    Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who gave his life in 2018.
   
    During Police Week, members of the public are encouraged to attend station tours at the Hilo and Kona Police stations on Friday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Sergeant Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.

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DANGERS OF FENTANYL ARE SHARED BY Hawai‘i Police Department, which provides monthly updates on the amount of fentanyl related arrests (possession/distribution) in Hawai‘i County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month.
    During  April, there were six fentanyl related arrests, five in Area I (east Hawai‘i) and one in Area II (west Hawai‘i). Police recovered 142.17 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, including 14.77 grams in Area I and 127.4 grams in Area II.
    According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, two milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose. The 142.17 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by HPD in March was enough to kill over 50,000 Hawai‘i Island residents. In the first quarter of 2024, HPD recovered 297.91 grams of illicit fentanyl, enough to kill 148,955 Hawai‘i Island residents.

Image from Hawai'i Police Department

    HPD also recovered a total of 80.5 fentanyl pills, with 80.5 pills recovered in Area I and zero recovered in Area II. An HPD statement says, "
    Hawai‘i Police Department is committed to fighting drugs on island and apprehending those that distribute and sell illegal narcotics. In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.
    For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, go to HPD’s website: https://www.hawaiipolice.com/services/crime-tips#fentanyl.
    Those with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice issues such as prostitution, gambling, and other related crimes, HPD encourages calling  East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotlines at (808) 329-“ZERO-ICE” (808) 329-0423 with infopertaining to districts of Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala, and North Kohala, and (808) 934-“VICE” (808) 934-8423 with info pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo, North Hilo, and Hāmākua.
    Those who call will be asked to provide information, without giving their name, address or telephone number. All information is kept confidential and within the Criminal Investigation Division. Information is cross-referenced, allowing detectives to determine if additional information related to the criminal activity about which you are calling has been reported in the past. Even “small” bits of information can at times provide detectives with the “missing link” that allows them to take action, according to HPD.

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HOME HERBALIST WORKSHOP WITH HEATHER PENFIELD is Saturday May 11 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn germ boosting powers of plants & herbs and discover how to use them, learn the art of making effective remedies at home. Watch how products are made from start to finish. Includes: class handout with recipes and samples. Class fee is $60/$55 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

NA'OHULELUA HISTORICAL GARDEN, NURSERY & NATIVE PROPAGATION CENTER IS OPEN Saturday, May 11, Sunday May 19 and Saturday May 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 94-6488 Kama'ōa Road, Nāʻālehu. Offering rare & endangered native Hawaiian plants, several varieties of organic Moringa "The Miracle Tree" & more, ready to plant. A Mission of Alanui 'O Ka'ū a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Private appointments, special orders, volunteer opportunities and other inquiries text (808) 256-3193.

ZENTANGLE® RIXTY VARIATIONS WORKSHOP WITH IRIS THORNTON is Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Rixty is a simple and dynamic tangle that is odd and familiar at the same time. This class is open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. Students are encouraged to bring snacks/beverages to share. Cost is $35/$30 VAC members plus a $15 supply and facility fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

HULA KAHIKO UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU KINI KAʻAWA is Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. Presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. For more information call (808) 967-7565.

SOUTH HAWAI`I SYMPHONY PRESENTS: MOTHERS' APPRECIATION CONCERT. Saturday, May 11 from 2 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center, 94-1604 Makali`i St, Nāʻālehu. With classical pieces by Mozart and Shubert and popular music from movies such as Star Wars, Ben Hur, Harry Potter, E.T. and more. Farley Sangels will conduct 15-piece orchestra. Free event. Donations welcome.

JAZZ IN THE FOREST: "TAKE A GIANT STEP OUTSIDE YOUR MIND – A HISTORY OF JAZZ GUITAR MUSIC" is Saturday, May 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Featuring internationally known and respected guitarist and vocalist Benny Yutake, along with JP and the Jazztones featuring JP Thoma on saxophones and clarinet, Joey Carroll on vocals, acoustic as well as electric bass, and Owen Matsui on percussion. Tickets are $25 for VAC members and $30 for non-members. Purchase tickets at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village.

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT: FEATURING THE VOLCANO CHAMBER PLAYERS is Sunday, May 12 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Dietrich Varez Hall in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert is a special tribute to mothers. Beverages and pupu will be available for purchase. Tickets available at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/purchase-tickets-to-vac-events/.

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Kaʻū News Briefs May 6, 2024

A special public hearing on the proposed development at Punalu'u was held Monday but Windward Planning Commission
 is unable to vote until two contested cases are heard on the matter and a recommendation made by a hearing officer.
Photo from YouTube of the meeting

WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION'S VOTE ON APPROVING THE BLACK SAND BEACH, LLC DEVELOPMENT will be delayed until mediation or a contested case hearing is completed. See testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTfM1FCZxW4
    Following hours of public testimony on Monday when most speakers opposed the development, Windward Planning Commission voted to accept two contested cases, which take discussion on the proposed development at Punalu'u to mediation between the developers and the community groups. If mediation doesn't work, the process will enter a court like contested case process with a hearing officer. The hearing officer provides a recommendation to the Planning Commission, which is tasked with taking the hearing officer's and planning director's recommendations into consideration along with testimony and advice from the Planning Commission. Planning Commission voted on Monday to process the two contested cases in concert.
    The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve the contested case requested by community group 'Iewe Hanau o Ka 'Āina and its attorney David Kimo Frankel. In its petition addressing Punalu'u, 'Iewe Hanau o Ka 'Āina was described as "an unincorporated hui of Kaʻū residents who desire to protect the cultural practices, natural resources, and stunning beauty of Punalu'u. The protection of the iwi and honu are of great importance. Members of 'Iewe Hanao o Ka 'Āina walk along the Punalu'u coastline, swim at Punalu'u Beach, observe marine life, provide stewardship of the land, work to protect the honu that live in the area, gather marine life, participate in cultural protocol, and respect the burials in the area. 'Iewe Hanau o Ka 'Āina includes Native Hawaiians with deep cultural connections to Punalu'u. The interests of 'Iewe Hanau o Ka 'Āina and its members would be adversely affected by the proposed project in numerous ways."
    The petition contends that increasing the density of people in area would jeopardize the coastal water quality and further desecrate burials on the land at Punalu'u. It says the group's "constitutionally protected cultural practices would be jeopardized," and that the group has "a right to a clean and healthful environment."

Majority of testimonies submitted on Monday opposed the plan by Black Sand Beach, LLC
Black Sand Beach, LLC. See testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTfM1FCZxW4

    Windward Planning Commission voted 4-1 to approve the contested case requested by the Center for Biological Diversity, its members including the 'ohana of Elsa Kalanikauleleiaiwi Dedman, which owns land adjacent to the Black Sand Beach, LLC project.
    The organization and its Hawai'i Director and staff attorney Maxx Phillips stated that its "Hawai'i Program focuses specifically on conserving ecosystems and seeks to ensure that imperiled species are properly protected from destructive practices across our pae'aina. Through sciences, policy and environmental law, the Center is actively involved i species and habitat protection issues throughout Hawai'i, including efforts related to Hawai'i's imperiled pland and animal species, such as the endangered hawksbill and threatened green sea turtles, and effective implementation of Federal, State, and County laws. The Center's members hav legally protected interests in the survival and recovery of endangered and threatened species and habitats they depend on. The Center's members derive scientific, recreational, cultural religious, conservation, spiritual, subsistence, educational, and aesthetic benefits form the myriad of native plants' and animals' existence in the wild of Punalu'u."
    The petition contends that the Black Sand Beach, LLC project would injure the species, habitat and environment of Punalu'u." The petition quotes section of the Hawai'i State Constitution, as approved in 1978, which said that "Each person has the right to a clean and healthful environment defined by laws relating to environmental quality, including control of pollution and conservation, protection and enhancement of natural resources. Any person may enforce the right against any party, public or private, through appropriate legal proceedings..."
    The Commission informed the petitioners that they will be contacted within about a week to set up the contested case proceedings.
The attorney for Black Sand Beach, LLC, Lincoln Ashida, filed an objection against the acceptance of both petitions. He also argued against a third contested case petitioned by condo owners at Punalu'u. The Planning Commission voted 3-2 to approve the petition but needed four votes for approval, under its rules.
See the hours of testimony and contested case procedure at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTfM1FCZxW4

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Kaʻū News Briefs May 5, 2024

Black Sand Beach, LLC's plan for Punalu'u, with residences, accommodations, a Wellness Center, tennis, golf, retail and some of the old infrastructure restored. Image from Black Sand Beach, LLC

TESTIMONIES AND TESTIMONIALS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALUʻU are being provided to the media and the Windward Planning Commission ahead of Monday's public hearing, 9 a.m. in County Council Chambers in Hilo, with live YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAFoRMb3rfWLQMPd6TAkEGA?view_as=subscriber. Testimonies sent in ahead of the hearing can be read at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?dbid=1&startid=130300&row=1&cr=1. The majority of the testimonies, including those submitted in recent weeks, are in opposition to the development.
    Leiahiʻena Kaʻawa, a student at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, sent this testimony to The Kaʻū Calendar after participating in Saturday's protest on Hwy 11:
    "Aloha, my name is Leiahiʻena Kaʻawa. I live in the ahupuaʻa of Pālauhulu, in the moku of Kaʻū. I am writing this testimony in strong opposition to the proposed Development plan at Punaluʻu put forth by Black Sand Beach LLC.
   "I am a lineal descendant of the lands of Punaluʻu, Nīnole and Wailau, Land Commission Award #8760 and Land Commission Award #7313. I am asking of you all today to please take into consideration the future of both Kaʻū and the people of Kaʻū. The importance of keeping Punaluʻu untouched by mass development is because Punaluʻu is home to native, endemic and endangered plants and animals, ancient and traditional places of worship and ceremony, ancestral burials, fresh water springs, brackish water pools, and because Punaluʻu has provided the people of Kaʻū an abundance of food and resources to feed the multitudes of generations it has.

Leiahiʻena Kaʻawa

    "The untouched and undeveloped state of Punaluʻu would allow us to keep these practices alive. This is the way the kanaka ʻōiwi in Kaʻū have learned to live, to live with the intention of reciprocation as one with the land, with the awareness that the health of the land reflects the health of her people.
    "Our Ka‘ū community’s long standing goal is to protect our beloved and untouched 80 mile coast to perpetuate our rural lifestyle and Hawaiian culture. My ʻohana and I are here to oppose the potential gentrification and harm that this 343 acre resort would bring to Kaʻūʻs untouched coastlines and waterways. I speak today in hopes of finding a more sustainable and practical avenue of land management to the fragile environment that Punaluʻu is.
    "I speak today in hopes of raising my future children in the conditions of a healthy environment in the same kept and untouched areas of Kaʻū, just as I have been raised. Iʻd like to end my testimony with the ʻōlelo noʻeau #1932; “Kuʻu ēwe, kuʻu piko, kuʻu iwi, kuʻu koko.” Meaning “My umbilical cord, my navel, my bones, my blood.” This is who Punaluʻu is to me."
    "I strongly recommend an EIS."
    On May 2, Irene Eklund, of Discovery Harbour, sent testimony favoring the Black Sand Beach, LLC plan to Windward Planning Commission, saying:
    "I am writing in support of the Black Sand Beach LLC, Punalu'u project. The entire area needs help. This is a small project that offers so much to the area, without over populating. It is the perfect size project for that area. This is a phased project so there will be much needed construction jobs that are good paying jobs for the younger set. It's important to remember that over the past four years, the project has listened to the community and is working to nurture, steward and manage these lands in a manner that reflects the visiton of the community. They have reached out to ask what the community needs, unklike others before them. That area needs protection before it is too late and this developer has stepped up and is willint to do that.

https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan
-community-planning/cdp/kau/doc

    "Establishing a shoreline Conservation Management Area to ensure preservation for future generations and creating a community-led and community-driven Foundation to manage and steward the conservation areas and wahi pana (sacred sites). We can work together on a project that benefits all i Ka'u. It has been hard as that vocal ones that have spent much time trying to stop the rest of us from s peaking and want to Keep Ka'u, Ka'u have made it very difficult. Progress does. not stand still..."
   On May 2, Ka'u Community Development Plan Action Committee member Babette Morrow sent in her personal testimony to the Windward Planning Commission. It says,
    "I hope you will consider all of the community input that was gathered during the seven years of meeting for the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. Hundreds of Kaʻū residents attended the many Steering Committee meetings to give their input on the future of our area.
    "Page 97 of the Kaʻū CDP states, "A large number of CDP objectives and strategies intersect at Punalu'u, which has a rich ecological, historical, and cultural legacy and is dear to the hearts of most residents to this day. This section includes references to each of the policies, actions, advocacy initiatives and community-based collaborative actions that pertain to Punalu'u. Community Action 27 outlines a community driven, collaborative process for planing the future of Punalu'u."
    "It is my hope that the Planning Commission can take into account all of the land use policies and community actions found in the CDP during their consideration of the SMA. Of particular benefit would be the formation of a collaborative process to bring all the community factions together to hep plan for the future of this site."

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Camdon Higbee, of Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary, won the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Poetry contest for Hawai'i Island on Saturday. To his left is Governor's Representative  Amy Miwa and Mayor Mitch Roth. To his right are Ka'u High honorees Kamalea Davis and Krystal Eder and Peace Project founder Melinda Gohn. Photo by Tina Eder

NINTH GRADER CAMDON HIGBEE WON THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PEACE POETRY AWARD for Hawai'i Island. On Saturday. Kaʻū High social studies teacher David Santos who mentored the students for their entry into the competition, was named Peace Poetry teacher of the year for the island. 

     Santos, Principal Sharon Beck and Vice Principal Jason Britt joined the students at the awards ceremony at University of Hawai'i-Hilo. Mayor Mitch Roth presented the honors.

    Golden Circle first place certificates for Peace Poetry from Kaʻū went to ninth graders Kamalea Davis, Krystal K. Eder, Camdon C. Higbee and tenth grader Aubrey-Ann K. Delos Santos-Graig. Second place winners from Ka'u are ninth graders Jessica Lyn Velasco, Emil A Soriano and Zia-Rae K. Wroblewski. Also taking second was tenth grader Josiah Makoa L. Justo-Rosenbloom. 

    The Peace Poetry program started in 1996 as the International Peace Project on Maui with a six year old poet Libby Barker writing: Everyone's Heart's is like Everyone's and I Hope We Can all find Peace in this World. In 2000, the project, led by Melinda Gohn, reached out into schools throughout Hawai'i, calling for poetry honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. It grew to become an international event involving schools throughout the world.

     Here is the winning poem for Hawai'i Island:

           

The Realm of Dream

by Camdon Higbee

Ka'u High & Pahala Elementary

In the realm of dreams where hope takes flight

There stood a man, a beacon of light.

With unwavering resolve, he took his stand,

A champion of justice, in a divided land.

Martin Luther King, a name etched in gold.

A tireliess warrior, courageous and bold.

His work thick, a testament to his might,

A relentless pursuit of what is right.

From the pulpit he preached, his voice so clear.

A symphony of truth, for all to hear.

With eloquence and passion, he spoke of love,

A vision of unity, sent from above.

In the face of adversity, he stood tall,

Defying hatred, he answered the call.

Through tough marches and protests, he led the way

Demanding equality day after day.

His life, a testament to his unwavering cause

A legacy of justice without any pause

He fought for hte oppressed, the marginalized,

   With unwavering conviction, he harmonized.

Advocating for the change, he faced many trials,

Bur his spirit remained unbroken, his resolve never defiled.

He believed in a future, where all would be free,

Where the content of character would be a decree.

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Isaiah (Hano) Manila Louis qualified for Big Island Interscholastic finals on Friday for 300m hurdles and is going to States for long jump with a distance of 20'2.25. Photo from Coach Tolu Rasmussen

Kalia Grace qualified for BIIF finals on Friday for 400m
 with a time of 1:03.96. Photo from Coach Tolu Rasmussen

PRAISE FOR KAʻŪ HIGH'S TRACK team came from Coach Tolu Rasmussen this weekend. He shared some season highlights:

    Isaiah (Hano) Manila Louis qualified for Big Island Interscholastic finals on Friday for 300m hurdles and heads to States for long jump with a distance of 20'2.25.

    Kalia Grace qualified for BIIF finals on Friday for 400m with a time of 1:03.96.

    Tristan Rasmusssen took second in the 1500m in the recent Freshman/Sophomore championship with a time of 4:44.40 and qualified for the BIIF finals.

    Senior Stephen Adler took his senior walk at BIIF trials Friday at Kealakehe HIgh School. He will attend Grand Canyon University this Fall to pursue a degree in computer science. He competed in the long jump, 100, 200m, 400m races and and 4X100 and 

Kaʻū High's track team. Photo from Coach Tolu Rasmussen

4XD400 relays.
    BIIF Track & Field Finals Were held at Kealakehe High School in Kona on Saturday. The islandwide team titles went to Hilo High Girlst and Kealakehe Boys.

Stephen Adler takes a senior walk at BIIF trials and plans to attend
Grand Canyon University in Arizona. Photo from Coach Tolu Rasmussen