The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Saturday, July 02, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, July 1, 2022

Nāʻālehu's Independence Day Parade is Saturday, July 2 at 11 a.m. along Hwy 11 and often features the
County of Hawai'i Band. Photo by Julia Neal

REAFFIRMATION OF THE COUNTY'S COMMITMENT TO WORKING ON CLIMATE CHANGE came from Mayor Mitch Roth on Friday in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling limiting the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions of power plants. A statement from the mayor says, "The June 30th ruling of 6-3 'in favor' goes against the nation's efforts to reduce the carbon footprint and combat climate change globally. However, the EPA maintains that it has authority to address greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, and EPA Administrator Regan said in an Associated Press article published earlier this week that the agency "will move forward with lawfully setting and implementing environmental standards that meet our obligation to protect all people and all communities from environmental harm."

Roth said, "We remain committed to our goal of fostering a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can thrive and succeed for generations to come. Regardless of decisions made on the Federal level, we have the power to take action on a local level, and that's powerful. As a county, we will continue efforts to shift our fleet to 100 percent alternative fuel vehicles, pressure the Governor to declare an energy emergency to fasttrack the PUC and get us closer to our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045, and push forward on our 1t.org pledge to help plant one million trees on Hawaiʻi Island before 2030 to help with carbon drawdown and combat global climate change.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to cut back on the power of the EPA to tackle climate change led to a reaffirmation of County of Hawai'i's Climate Action Plan, which includes the planting of one million trees.
Photo from Hawai'i County

"In addition, we will continue working toward our Climate Action Plan and engaging partners statewide to join our efforts."

The County of Hawaiʻi Research & Development Climate Action Plan works to identify values, actions, and implement strategies that directly relate to the needs and concerns of Hawaiʻi Island. "The County of Hawaiʻi also continues to commit to the Paris Climate Change Agreement and work towards the goal of 100% renewable transportation by 2045 to lower greenhouse gas emissions," says the county statement.

Concerning Hawaiʻi County's climate history, the mayor noted that in 2017, "Hawai'i County joined the Climate Mayors network to uphold the Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hold global warming to 1.5 degrees C, and accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that benefits our people's security, prosperity, and health."

In December 2017, Mayor Harry Kim joined other Hawai'i counties in a pledge to transform transportation by signing a Proclamation of Commitment to 100% Renewable Ground Transportation by 2045. This would ensure that all public and private ground transportation is fueled by renewable energy by 2045.

County of Hawai'i also pledged to lead by example and establish a goal of operating a 100 percent renewable-powered city fleet by 2035.

Mayor Roth at the TEDx County of Hawaiʻi event hosted in 2021 as part of a TEDx Countdown to Climate

Change series.

In October 2019, the Hawai'i County Council passed Resolution 322-19, declaring a Hawai'i County climate emergency and requesting regional collaboration towards an immediate, just transition and emergency mobilization effort to restore a safe climate. The County of Hawai'i completed the 2015 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report in January 2020, which was developed to serve as a basis for understanding emissions trends and where to prioritize reduction efforts in a County Climate Action Plan.

Following the GHG Inventory, the first draft of the County of Hawai'i Climate Action Plan was released for public comment. This document "is the next step forward for Hawai'i County to reach its Greenhouse Gas emissions goals and protect our communities health and safety. Implementing the actions and strategies outlined in this plan will enable Hawai'i Island to become more sustainable and self-reliant while embracing its role in mitigating global climate change," says the county statement.

In March 2020, the Hawai'i County Council passed Bill 142 to amend Chapter 2, Article 8, Section 2-37 of the Hawai'i County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), relating to the Department of Research & Development's Sustainability Action Committee. The amendment includes climate change in the subjects the committee can advise on. It also includes environmental science as a basis on which a member can serve on the committee. The County Council provided more information on the Department of Research & Developments' alignment with the Sustainability Action Committee. In July 2020, the County of Hawai'i signed on to the Climate Mayors Congressional Letter delivered to leaders in D.C. advocating a zero-carbon green economy that creates good-paying jobs and prioritizes equity.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

FOOD SYSTEMS SPECIALIST WITH Hawaiʻi County's Department of Research & Development, has been accepted into the 2022 Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Sarah Freeman is one of 50 awarded a full scholarship as a Bloomberg Fellow to pursue a Master of Public Health.

The Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship aims to create experts to combat the nation's five most critical health challenges: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence.

Sarah Freeman, Food system Specialist with County of
Hawai'i has received a Bloomberg Health Fellowship.

Freeman has a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, concentrating on urban agriculture, conflict resolution, and city repair. As a Food System Specialist, she focuses on improving Hawaiʻi's food systems by working with government and community-initiated projects to foster a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi Island.
"We are proud to support Sarah through this incredible opportunity in hopes that she will return home with added skillsets to better serve our community," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Her excellent work for the County as a collaborative organizer in food systems made her the perfect candidate for the Bloomberg Fellowship. We look forward to her return and wish her the best throughout her fellowship. Food security is a key component of a sustainable community, and we will remain committed to bolstering production islandwide."

Of five crucial health challenges facing the nation, Freeman will be focusing on the obesity and food system challenges throughout her Master's program. "Freeman will continue to be supported by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research & Development through her studies and will continue to help the community after she receives her degree. In addition, the skills and tools she will gain from her Master of Public Health and focus on obesity and the food system will aid her

continued work as a Food System Specialist for the County of Hawaiʻi," says the statement from the county.

THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND, Hawai‘i Police Department is participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over impaired driving awareness campaign. The primary goal of the law enforcement presence will be to prevent the tragedies previously seen around the July 4th holiday.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes that involved an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. Last year, 493 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6). Of those fatalities, 41 percent (201) occurred in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
On this island, traffic fatalities have increased dramatically compared to last year. To date there have been 20 traffic deaths on island, compared to 12 this time last year.
Of the 12 traffic fatalities at this time last year, being impaired was a factor in ten of them. So far this year, test results have shown that impairment is a factor in seven of the 20 fatalities. However it should be noted that test results for 10 of the fatalities have not been finalized, so this number may increase significantly, says a statement from HPD.
“While we wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday, we need to be clear that drunk driving in Hawai’i is 100 percent illegal and completely dangerous,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, “especially in light of the dramatic increase in traffic fatalities we’ve seen so far this year.”
“It’s important to understand that there’s absolutely no excuse for drinking and driving, impairment can occur even after just one alcoholic beverage. Being impaired at all means your ability perceive a situation, understand the correct course of action, and react to it are distorted and/or slowed.
“Sometimes fractions of seconds in a traffic crash are the difference between life and death,” said Keltner. He adds that Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force conducting saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints to help keep Hawai‘i Island residents safe.
“Being arrested for a DUI costs thousands of dollars and it means you put yourself, your passengers and everyone on the road at risk.
“There are many options for getting home safe, other than driving a vehicle while impaired. Call a friend, a family member, and nowadays you can call a ride share or taxi very easily. It doesn’t cost a lot for sober ride and you can avoid very dangerous situations and potentially life altering events.”

With many Fourth of July festivities wrapping up late in the evening, nighttime hours are particularly dangerous: Over the 2020 July 4th holiday period, of the 201 people who died in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle traffic crashes, 85 percent of the crashes were at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.).
Police urge motorists to drive responsibly this holiday weekend and have a safe driving plan. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving. Hawai‘i Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:
Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. It could save you $10,000 on a DUI.
When seeing a drunken driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or in case of emergency, 911.
Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to for the friend to return home safely.

"This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober. Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." says the HPD statement.

VOLCANO VILLAGE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE welcomes walking and riding groups and individuals. It is sponsored by Volcano Community Association in Volcano Village from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The Monday, July 4 parade starts at the Post Office at 9 a.m. and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Rd., followed by Cooper Center's Independence Day celebration packed with live entertainment, craft and food vendors, keiki games and a large silent auction from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parking maps can be found at www.thecoopercenter.org. (No parking at Cooper Center except handicap permitted vehicles with prior reservation.)

SPONSOR A BUCKLE, VOTE FOR RODEO QUEEN ahead of the Saturday, July 9 Rodeo organized by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Event to be held on the rodeo grounds behind Nāʻālehu Park. Call 808-854-7917.

BECOME A SPONSOR AT THE 3RD ANNUAL EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Last year, over 2,500 visitors attended and over 40 events were featured during the EVH festival. Sign up as a sponsor at experiencevolcano.com. If you have questions, contact experiencevolcano@gmail.com.

All vendor locations are taken.
SIGN UP FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS with a change of date from July 3 to Sept. 17. Registration deadline for the annual event is Sept. 14. Organized by Hawaiʻi Island Racers, the 50K begins at 6 a.m., Half Marathon at 7 a.m., and 5K at 7:15 a.m., all starting from Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road in Pāhala. Proceeds go to support ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. For more details on the event and registration fees, visit https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.

SEE EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR
at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/05/sponsors-of-kau-calendar.htm

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, June 30, 2022

This image from University of Hawaiʻi indicates the impacts of Climate Change.
Illustration from U.H.

THE SUPREME COURT'S DECISION ON THURSDAY TO LIMIT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IN ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE has drawn concern from Hawaiʻi Gov. David Ige and Board of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case. Case is also Hawai‘i Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Commission co-chair. She said:
“It’s unfortunate that this ruling limits the federal government's ability to act strongly on climate change. We have a moral imperative to address climate change due to impacts we already see to natural resources. Sea level rise is eroding our beaches and shorelines. Coral bleaching is damaging our reefs. Warmer temperatures are forcing disease-carrying mosquitoes into higher elevations where the avian malaria they infect native birds with, is on the verge of causing the extinction of two honeycreeper species in as little as two years. Right now, we are experiencing the impacts of drought statewide, and this has already caused more frequent and more intense wildfires.
“As Gov. Ige said, Hawai‘i has shown great progress and leadership in addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change and we will continue to work with other leaders at all levels of government who remain committed to addressing what is the greatest existential threat facing the planet.”

Case said that the Climate Commission sees this ruling as reaffirming the need for climate action at the state level. Climate Commission Co-Chair Mary Alice Evans said, “Just as we did in 2017, when the federal government withdrew from global leadership, Hawai‘i, in partnership with other states will step forward to lead on climate action.” Evans emphasized the importance of mitigation and adaptation actions locally, “as we are already experiencing droughts, flooding, and heat stress.”
The Land Board statement says, "The Climate Commission promotes ambitious, climate-neutral, culturally responsive strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, in a manner that is clean, equitable, and resilient." The Climate Commission was created by Act 32 in 2017. The commission is administratively attached to Department of Land & Natural Resources.

Learn about the Climate Commission at https://climate.hawaii.gov/hi-commission/

The governor said, “Hawaiʻi has long led the nation in response to the existential threat of climate change, and we will continue to do so. This ruling is another reminder that government action at all levels is needed, and Hawaiʻi has shown that it is possible. We will continue our work with other governors and local leaders to enact priority policies and take high-impact actions to help lead the world to a better place.”

The vote on the Supreme Court was three to three and is seen as supporting a return to mining coal for energy. The case involves West Virginia vs the EPA. It is also involves the view that the EPA has too much administrative power.

HAWAIʻI POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 95TH Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Thursday, at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in Hilo. This was an invite-only ceremony limited to police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the recruits. The public was able to view the ceremony live by visiting the Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Facebook page.
The 95th Police Recruit Class began training on December 16, 2021. The recruits started off as strangers who had come together from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. In the end, after six and a half months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of nine police recruits.

Hawai‘i Police Department's 95th Recruit Class: Left to Right: Collin
Roberts, Melani Cline, Grant Kunihiro, Rylan Fujii, Derek Okabayashi,
Mikhail Watkins, Troyson Reilly, Marcus Sosa, Edward Petrie.
Photo from HPD

Class Officers are: Officer Edward Petrie, Class President; Officer Collin Roberts, Vice President; Officer Melani Cline, Secretary; and Officer Troyson Reilly, Treasurer.
Other members of the class are Rylan Fujii, Grant Kunihiro, Derek Okabayashi, Marcus Sosa, and Mikhail Watkins.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Officer Edward Petrie who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations.
Officer Collin Roberts was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department's training room.
Officer Grant Kunihiro was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning. Officer Collin Roberts received the Overall Outstanding Recruit Award for his performance and motivational qualities.
The newly graduated officers will undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

Fencing to keep ungulates out of native forests in Hawaiʻi
Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo

FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are set for July:
July 6 and 7 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to support vegetation monitoring between 6,000-ft and 8,000-ft. elevation in the Kahuku Unit.
July 13 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to support vegetation monitoring between 6,000-ft and 8,000-ft. elevation on Mauna Loa.
July 18 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for sling loads of fence material and gear to the Koa Unit of ʻŌlaʻa, between 3,500- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
July 19 between 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for ungulate survey in Kahuku between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
July 19 and July 21 between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. for Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation. July 20 and 21 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to support vegetation monitoring between 6,000- and 8,000-ft. elevation on Mauna Loa.
July 21 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for survey and control of invasive guinea grass in the coastal Keauhou area, between sea level and 2,500-ft. elevation.

July 22 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for sling loads of fence material and gear to the Koa Unit of ʻŌlaʻa, between 3,500- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
In addition, USGS will start a schedule of low-level helicopter flights in early July that will cover Kīlauea volcano over a three-week period. (Visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website for more information). The USGS may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
The statement from the Park says it "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 back-country facilities."

www.thecoopercenter.org. (No parking at

Cooper Center except handicap permitted

vehicles with prior reservation.)

If you have questions, contact experiencevolcano@gmail.com. All vendor locations are taken.

SIGN UP FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS with a change of date from July 3 to Sept. 17. Registration deadline for the annual event is Sept. 14. Organized by Hawaiʻi Island Racers, the 50K begins at 6 a.m., Half Marathon at 7 a.m., and 5K at 7:15 a.m., all starting from Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road in Pāhala. Proceeds go to support ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. For more details on the event and registration fees, visit https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade travels down Hwy 11 this Saturday, July 2 beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a
gathering at Nāʻālehu Park with pizza, shave ice, watermelon, water slide, bounce house, senior bingo and lunch.
It is sponsored by OKK. Photo by Ron Johnson

HAWAIʻI RANKS 18TH IN STATES NEEDING EMPLOYEES, according to a WalletHub study released on Wednesday. According to WalletHub, "Lots of businesses are struggling to hire enough workers, which has sometimes led to delays in services and reduced business hours. In fact, the labor force participation rate has experienced the slowest recovery of any recession since World War II. Some businesses aren’t even able to keep the employees they already have – as Americans are quitting their jobs at record rates in what's been dubbed the Great Resignation."
In order to see where employers are struggling the most in hiring, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on the rate of job openings for both the latest month and the last 12 months.
States struggling the most to find and keep employees include Alaska, ranking number one, followed by Kentucky, Georgia, Montana, Iowa and West Virginia. The places with the fewest problems in keeping jobs filled are New York, D.C., Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington. See the full report at https://wallethub.com/edu/states-employers-hiring/101730.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

"Honoring people who have come before us is an important
practice," and is captured in the painting by Kamehameha
School's Luluka Brown Spielman, said Congressman Kai
As winner of the Congressional Art Competition, the
painting is on display in the U.S. Capitol for 11 months.

HUMANS HONORING THEIR ANCESTORS is the theme of a painting by an artist and student at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi. The art, which is on display for 11 months in the U.S. Capitol, is by Luluka Brown-Spielman, a junior at Kamehameha.

She won first place for Hawaiʻi's Second Congressional District in the Congressional Institute's nationwide, annual high school art competition. Every spring, it recognizes and encourages artistic talent in each congressional district across the nation. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
“Luluka has had a pretty stellar year with her arts. This is her second juried show that she has been accepted into this year! The first was at Kahilu Theatre/Gallery in Waimea," said KS Hawaiʻi art kumu Carl Pao. “So joyous for all of her hard work and dedication to recognized both locally, and now, D.C.!”
Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele announced the winner on Wednesday. "On behalf of the people of Hawaiʻi, I want to offer a big congratulations to Luluka on being this year's winner of the Congressional Art Competition. In Hawaiian culture, honoring those who have come before us is an important practice, and Luluka's beautiful piece captures that relationship. I am especially proud that her artwork will be displayed in our nation's Capitol Building to represent the Aloha State. Mahalo to all of the extremely talented artists

from our district who submitted their work in this year's competition."
The paintings by winning student artists from congressional districts throughout the country are displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the U.S. Capitol.

JESUS SANCHEZ HAS BEEN LOCATED. Hawai‘i Island police report that the 39-year-old, who was reported as missing, was located on Tuesday, June 28, in good health. He was known to have frequented Volcano, Pāhala and Ocean View and had been last seen near a hunting station.

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

https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

All vendor locations are taken.

See The Kaʻū Calendar June edition at www.kaucalendar.com.