The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 22, 2024

TROPICAL STORM HONE WAS NOT NAMED HECTOR because she made it to the Central Pacific before becoming a Tropical Storm on Thursday. Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Hawai'i Island. Hawai'i County Civil Defense explained that a Tropical Storm Watch is issued when tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.
Civil Defense urges the following:

"Please take this time to review your emergency plans and prepare your emergency kit.
Prepare your property for heavy rains and flooding conditions.
You will be informed as conditions change."
The 11 p.m. forecast from Hawai'i Hurricane Center says:
The initial intensity of Hone has been increased slightly to 40 knots with this advisory. Air Force Reserve Reconnaissance Aircraft will give us a better idea of the intensity, structure, and size of Hone

Friday morning. The initial motion for this advisory is set at 280/12 knots. This general motion is expected to continue during the next several days as Hone is steered by a large subtropical ridge to the north.
A decrease in forward speed and a slight turn towards the west-northwest is expected during the first half of next week as a weakness develops in the subtropical ridge north of the system. The official forecast track lies nearly on top of the track from the previous advisory, and closely follows the tightly clustered consensus guidance.
Environmental conditions will change little during the next few days. Hone will remain in an environment characterized by low to moderate vertical wind shear, sea surface temperatures around 26 to 27C, and sufficient deep layer moisture. This is expected to support gradual strengthening of the system as it moves in a general westward direction during the next couple of days.
It appears that there is a window for further intensification Sunday through Tuesday as the system tracks south of the Hawaiian Islands. Hone will be moving into an area with sea surface temperatures of 27C and higher ocean heat content, while the westerly vertical wind shear remains at light to moderate levels. This could allow Hone to reach Hurricane strength and the current official forecast reflects this. Beyond day 4, westerly vertical wind shear increases sharply to between 30 and 35 knots, and some drier mid-level air appears to begin entraining into the system. This should result in a weakening trend by day 5.

KEY MESSAGES:
1. There is the potential for excessive rainfall and flash flooding on portions of the Big Island starting later Saturday, continuing through Sunday and lingering into Monday as a large area of moisture associated with Hone. The heaviest rainfall will likely occur over windward and southeast facing slopes.

2. Tropical storm conditions are possible on the Big Island later Saturday into Sunday. Winds are expected to be strongest where they blow downslope from higher terrain, over headlands, and through passes.

3. Swell generated by Hone is expected to reach the Hawaiian islands Saturday night into Sunday. This swell could cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. Listen for later advisories and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
While Hone comes this way, Hurricane Gilma is expected to weaken below Tropical Storm intensity before traveling near Hawai'i and could completely dissipate without reaching Hawaiian waters, according to the NOAA forecast.

Lady Trojan Kiara Ortega-Oliveira digs a spike during Tuesday night's BIIF volleyball match against the Lady Cougars at Keaau High School with Trojans Coach Josh Ortega in the background. Photo by Tim Wright

Kaʻū 's Zia Rae Wroblewski taps the ball over during Tuesday night's BIIF
winning volleyball match at Keaau High School. Photo by Tim Wright

KA'U LADY TROJANS VOLLEYBALL TEAM WON TWO MATCHES, THIS WEEK BEATING CHRISTIAN LIBERTY ACADEMY at home on Thursday in three straight games of varsity play, 25-6, 25-14, and 25-12. The Trojans beat Kea'au on Tuesday, 25-13, 23-25, 25-16, 27-25.

Coach is Josh Ortega, Assistant Coach is Sarah Ortega, Trainer Moses Whitcomb and Athletic Director is Jaime Guerpo.

The varsity team is comprised of Mckenzie Decoito, Leahi Kaupu, Jezerie Rose Nurial-Dacalio, Kiara Ortrega-Oliveira, Jazmyn Navarro, Aubrey Delos Santos-Graig, Aljshae Barrios, CaLiya Silva-Kamei and Zia Rae Wroblewski.
The JV team is comprised of Deijah Cabanilla-Nogales, Lily Dacalio, Christy Girl Grohs, Megan Pierpont, Kalesha Hashimoto, Alazae Forcum, Wailea Kainoa Haili-Barawis and Dhaylee Cabreros.

Leahi Kaupu spikes Lady Cougars at Keaau High School. Photo by Tim Wright

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 21, 2024

Lines and crowding at Hawai'i Volcanoes has led to recommendations to visit early and late. NPS Photo

WITH MUCH TRAFFIC AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, the staff is recommending going there before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. "to soak in the sights without the selfie congestion." The Park also put out a call for park-inspired poetry on its facebook. Some of them included one from David Lee:

Cracks that led to closing a section of Chain of Craters Road.
NPS photo

In the lines they wait,

To see the fiery gate.

Those Jeeps ever queuing,

To await that fateful spewing.

We locals go in the dark,

To visit our amazing park

In other developments, cracks on Chain of Craters Road that formed on July 21 between Hilina Pali Road intersection and the Maunaulu parking lot have widened due to continued seismic activity. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has temporarily closed the road to more thoroughly assess the damage.
The closure begins at the intersection of Crater Rim Drive East and Chain of Craters Road, at the Devastation Trail parking area, and continues to the coast.
The road remains open to bicycles and pedestrians. Kulanaokuaiki Campground is accessible only by biking or walking in.
"The park will continue to monitor Chain of Craters Road and will reopen it to vehicles when it is safe to do so," says the statement from the Park. Visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

U.S. Geological Survey reports that recent Upper East Rift Zone unrest, including a swarm of earthquakes, "may represent another pulse of magma being supplied to the UERZ, following the intrusive event that occurred near Pauahi Crater over July 22–25, 2024. Currently, the MERZ has not shown signs of increased unrest; however, magma has recently re-established a path to Kīlauea’s MERZ. Unrest could potentially extend to the MERZ with continued magma supply." USGS released this map showing uplift and subsidence of the terrain between Aug. 7 and 19.

Trojans in the home season opener
last week against Waiakea.
Photo by Kamamalu Kauwe

KAʻŪ LADIES VOLLEYBALL BEAT KEA'AU HIGH SCHOOL on Tuesday, 3-1 on the road. The scores were 25-13, 23-25, 25-16 and 27-25. Trojans host Christian Liberty on Thursday, Aug. 22. Kaʻū is on the road to Ka Umeke on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and again to the Kamehameha Tournament, which runs from Thursday, Aug. 29 through Saturday, Aug. 31. LCPCS/SIS comes to Kaʻū on Tuesday, Sept. 3. and Pahoa comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Trojans go on the road to Waiakea on Friday, Sept. 13 and again to Kamehameha on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Hilo comes to Kaʻū on Thursday, Sept. 19. Kea'au comes to Kaʻū on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Kaʻū travels to Christian Liberty on Saturday, Sept. 28 and again to LCPCS/SIS on Monday, Sept. 30. Ka Umeke comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Kaʻū travels to Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 12 and again to Pahoa on Monday, Oct. 13. Kamehameha comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Oct. 16, followed by Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs.

JEANNE KAPELA HAS WON THE ENDORSEMENT OF UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY. The member of the state House of Representative for all of Ka'u and into Puna and South Kona, Kapela responded to the union endorsement. "So proud to be endorsed by the University of Hawai’i Professional Assembly in my race for re-election. I’m committed to making the dream of higher education affordable for all. Cost should never be a barrier to the pursuit of a college degree." Kapela won the recent primary election and is at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week.

To read comments , add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.co m. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

INTERNSHIPS SPONSORED BY FRIENDS OF THE KAʻŪ LIBRARIES are available to three Kaʻū High School students. Interns will work with FKL board members and community volunteers who have expertise in internet research, creating spreadsheets, non-profit tax basics, marketing, graphic design, writing operations manuals, delivering periodic reports, and sitting on community boards. "FKL is looking for interns who will show up to meetings on time, meet deadlines, communicate well with all team members, be responsible, be willing to learn, and be willing to teach, that is, collaborate and share ideas and knowledge with the team," says a statement from the organization.

Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable and educational corporation whose purpose is to support the Pāhala Public & School Library and the Nāʻālehu Public Library to improve library services and resources. Most of FKL's revenue comes from sales of donated books at both libraries and the Farmers' Market in Nāʻālehu. The organization seeks to increase revenue, including money from book sales.

Interns will help to build a website and conduct online meetings, conduct fundraising campaigns, research monetary worth of potentially valuable books; create systems for tracking donations and inventory; market the books; and develop training materials for future researchers. There will be some monetary compensation for interns. To apply, contact friendsofthekaulibraries@gmail.com; (808) 854-1018.

THE DISTURBANCE SOME 1100 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF HILO shows an increase in shower and thunderstorm activity Wednesday night. Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported at 8 p.m.:
"Shower and thunderstorm activity has gradually increased tonight in association with an area of low pressure located well east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands. A slight improvement in organization could result in the formation of a tropical depression or tropical storm on Thursday while it moves generally westward at 10 to 15 mph. This system is expected to move into the central Pacific basin early Thursday morning, where it is then forecast to strengthen during the next couple of days and move near the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend or early next week.
"Interests in Hawai'i should closely monitor this disturbance, though it remains too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of potential impacts."
* Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.
* Formation chance through 7 days...high...90 percent.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 20, 2024

TWO DISTURBANCES SOUTHEAST OF THE ISLANDS ARE EXPECTED TO MERGE OVER TUESDAY NIGHT. NOAA's Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported at 8 p.m. that approximately 1350 miles east-southeast of the Hawaiian Islands, showers and thunderstorms associated with a well-defined area of low pressure located well east southeast of the Hawaiian Islands are gradually becoming better organized, Only a slight increase in organization could result in formation of a tropical depression or tropical storm while it moves generally westward at 10 to 15 mph.

The weaker disturbance located just to its southwest is expected to dissipate or merge with this system during the next several hours. This system is expected to strengthen as it moves across the central Pacific basin late this week and move near the Hawaiian Islands late this weekend or early next week.

Central Pacific Hurricane Center reports that while it is too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of potential impacts, interests in Hawai'i should closely monitor this disturbance. Formation chance through 48 hours...high...90 percent.

WITH TROPICAL DISTURBANCES OVER THE HORIZON and a forecast of possible stormy weather this weekend with potential impact to Hawaiʻi, Hawaiian Electric advises customers to review emergency preparedness plans and be ready for possible outages. The utility company released a statement on Tuesday saying that strong winds and flooding can damage utility equipment or blow trees and debris into power lines, which can lead to outages. When the weather improves, power lines must be inspected, possibly involving aerial inspections using helicopters and drones, and any damage must be repaired before service can be restored.
The company urges customers to review family and business emergency plans, ensure they have supplies they need on hand, and keep close watch on the development of the storm. Preparation and safety tips are available at

hawaiianelectric.com/stormcenter. Detailed tips also may be found in a free Handbook for Emergency Preparedness, which can be downloaded from hawaiianelectric.com/prepare. It is available in English, Cantonese, Ilocano, Korean, and Vietnamese languages, as well as a version for children.
"Safety is always Hawaiian Electric's top priority. We urge our customers to make it their top priority,"said the Hawaiian Tel statement. It recommended the following safety precautions, as appropriate: Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, emergency generators, battery-operated (hand-crank or solar) radios, light sticks, and lanterns to be sure they are operational, and buy extra batteries.
If someone in your home is dependent on electrically powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities. Plan where to go should the need for evacuation occurs. If you need to go to the hospital or other emergency shelter, remember to take your medical equipment and medications with you to the facility.
If you plan to use a ladder while preparing your home for the storm, note the location of power lines before you begin. Be sure that ladders or scaffolds are far enough away so that you – and the ends of the tools you're using – stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. Before lowering a TV antennae or satellite dish, make sure to turn off and unplug the TV.
If you plan to use a portable generator after the storm, make sure it is placed in a well-ventilated area outside the home, and be sure to carefully follow all instructions in the manufacturer's manual.
Most counties will suspend trash and debris pickup before a storm. Please do not trim trees now, as high winds can turn cut branches into dangerous, flying debris. However, if you have already trimmed trees, please help to prevent outages by tying down or securing any of those loose branches or other debris.
Hawaiian Electric stated that prior to hurricane season, the company conducts extensive training to prepare employees to respond safely and as quickly as possible to storms and other emergencies.
Hawaiian Tel secures mutual assistance agreements with other utilities outside the state in the event that additional restoration crews are needed.

"We also order backup emergency supplies and equipment, and plan staging sites across the island.
We conduct outreach with federal, state and local agencies to ensure coordination of response efforts.
We also prepare and strengthen our infrastructure throughout the year by: Doing ongoing vegetation management, inspecting and upgrading poles, power lines, transformers, and other equipment
and conducting ongoing maintenance of generating units."

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LIFEGUARD TRAINING will take Kaʻū residents on the road this year, since Pahala pool remains closed for renovations. The certification courses, which include deep water training, will be held at the following locations and times: NAS Swimming Pool (Hilo): Fridays, Sept. 6 – Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Pāhoa Community Aquatic Center: Oct. 7-11 (DOE Fall Break), 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kona Community Aquatic Center: Sept. 16-20, 6:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

"Providing our residents with essential lifesaving skills while opening doors to career development is crucial for the sustainability of our island home," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "We recognize the growing workforce demands across the island, and by equipping individuals with these vital skills, we aim to help fill critical roles not only within the County but throughout our entire community. Our commitment is to ensure that our workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow."
The American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification courses are open to participants who will be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the lifeguarding course. In addition, participants must complete two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations.
"Lifeguards perform a vital role in our community by enhancing the safety of our pools and beach parks," said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & Recreation. "By equipping more people with life-saving skills and increasing the number of certified lifeguards in our community, we not only ensure our County pools are fully staffed, we also build a stronger, safer County of Hawai'i."
Each course costs $121, and payment can be made on the first day of the course. To register, contact the pools directly. For more information about pre-requisites and pool contact information, visit the Department of Parks & Recreation Aquatics Section web page: https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/recreation/aquatics|\

POLICE ARRESTED 20 FOR DUI during the week of Aug. 12 through Aug. 18. Hawai'i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. One was under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 614 DUI arrests compared with 617 during the same period last year. This is a decrease of 0.49 percent. Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 621 major crashes so far this year, compared with 536 during the same time last year. This represents an increase of 15.9 percent. To date, there were 19 fatal crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities (two of which had multiple deaths, one was reclassified as suicide, one reclassified as a medical condition, and one died at a later date), compared with 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one died at a later date) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 90 percent for fatal crashes and 90.9 percent for fatalities.
To date, the non-traffic fatality count so far this year is 0 compared to 0 non-traffic fatalities (not on a public roadway) for the same time last year. HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.