The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Saturday, July 23, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, July 22, 2022

Applications for 11 positions on the new Maunakea Stewardship & Oversight Authority are open
through July 28, as management transitions from University of Hawaiʻi. Photo from UH

MAUNAKEA STEWARDSHIP & OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY is accepting applications for management of the Mauna. There will be 11 members of the Authority. Deadline to send in recommendations and apply for the positions is July 28.
The new Authority replaces University of Hawaiʻi as the manager of Maunakea. The decision to make the switch was made by the 2022 Hawaiʻi Legislature, with the signature of Gov. David Ige, who said, “I encourage people who have the expertise and commitment needed to shift to a community-based governance model for one of the state’s great natural resources to apply as quickly as possible. Together, we can continue Hawai‘i’s momentum toward a strong and sustainable future." The 11 positions on the Authority will be:

Chairperson of the Board of Land & Natural Resources, or chairperson’s designee;
Hawaiʻi County mayor, or mayor’s designee;
Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaiʻi, or chairperson’s designee (needs state Senate confirmation);
ʻAina (land) resource management expert with and experience with Hawaiʻi island‑based management (must be confirmed by state Senate);
Expert in the fields of p-12 public education or post-secondary education (must be confirmed by state Senate);

Maunakea will be managed by a diverse group of Native Hawaiians,
educators, scientists and other experts. Photo from Center for Maunakea Stewardship

Representative appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted by Maunakea Observatories (must be confirmed by state Senate);
Individual with business and finance experience who has previous administrative experience in managing a large private-sector business (must be confirmed by state Senate);
A lineal descendant of a practitioner of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices associated with Maunakea (must be confirmed by state Senate);
A recognized practitioner of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices (must be confirmed by state Senate); and
Two individuals appointed by the governor from a list of three names submitted for each appointment by the president of the Senate and speaker of the House (must be confirmed by state Senate).
To apply, click on the “Department of Land & Natural Resources” tab on the board and commissions website: https://forms.ehawaii.gov/pages/board-survey/. Scroll down to and click on Department of Land & Natural Resources. A drop-down menu appears; select the appropriate box next to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority; hit SUBMIT at the bottom of the page An application form then appears; fill it out in its entirety. Finally, sign and submit.

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

THE HAWAI'I JUSTICE GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE FORUM was sponsored by the Hawaiʻi

Civil Liberties Union and ʻEkolu Mea Nui earlier this week.

Former Hawaiʻi First Lady and Candidate for Governor Vicky Cayetano said that the ACLU plays a critically important role in advocating for civil liberties and rights of all people. "I would submit that our country has never been at a more critical stage in terms of our liberties and rights being compromised,

whether it's the overturning of Roe V Wade, the rampage on democracy on January 6 and the ever dismantling of the separation of church and state." She said the appointment of Supreme Court Justices "is a very important role as we've seen in the last three years."

Cayetano said she would look into what puts people in the prison system and whether so many people should be incarcerated when many crimes are nonviolent. She said she also wants to determine why so many people are repeat offenders.
Congressman and candidate for Governor Kai Kahele said he couldn't even describe overcrowding and conditions in Hawaiʻi prisons and called it a "total disaster." He said the private prisons where some 2,000 prisoners from Hawaiʻi stay on the mainland should be terminated. He talked about "place based solutions, pua honua and reconnecting people who have lost their way with the 'āina." He said there would be much collaboration with the legislature to change the prison system and noted that the governor has three critical appointments to make: Attorney General, Director of Public Safety and the paroling board that could change the course of the prison system.
He also noted that some 40 percent of prisoners are Native Hawaiians who have been imprisoned, incarcerated, and had their their sense of place, loss of 'āina, for over 100 years." He noted that as a young man, he was kicked out of Waiākea High School, arrested at 16 years of age and went to Olomana Boys Home. He spent hundreds of hours of community service, thousands of dollars in restitution for people he affected. He was arrested for assault at age 18.

Kahele said that "As a kid in Hilo, a juvenile delinquent I was. I was one mistake away from going into this system that we just talked about for 90 minutes. One mistake away. The fact that I'm sitting here right now as a native Hawaiian 30 years later, a sitting United States member of the House of Representatives and candidate for governor - unreal, unreal. That's what I bring to the office of the governor, somebody that has walked in multiple different worlds, worn different hats, bringing different pelina, kuleana and life experiences, to bring people hope. For those 26 percent native Hawaiians in our DOE public school systems, so they can look up and say, 'Hey, you're a native Hawaiian up there, the governor, kia'aina of Hawaiʻi.' So that's what I bring to this race."
Gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Josh Green did not attend. Also attending the forum were gubernatorial candidates Heidi Tsuneyoshi and Gary Cordery. See the entire Hawaiʻi Justice Forum at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43r1exd-bU

LT. GOV. JOSH GREEN, WHO IS RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR, WILL SERVE AS ACTING GOVERNOR, when Gov. David Ige attends the Western Governors' Association 2022 Annual Meeting in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Ige will join the group of bi-partisan western governors to discuss many of the most pressing issues facing the region, such as land use, rural healthcare, the threat of wildfire events, cybersecurity, transportation infrastructure, drought and more. Hawaiʻi's governor is also scheduled to lead a roundtable discussion at the Western Governors' Leadership Institute – highlighting the importance of youth leadership.

Green will serve as acting governor while Gov. Ige is out of the state, beginning this Saturday, July 23 until Friday, July 29.

HAWAI'I ISLAND POLICE ISSUED A WARNING FRIDAY ABOUT A CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAM. It says thieves are using the promise of cryptocurrency to commit financial crimes. Police report that individuals have received text messages from persons claiming to be from their financial institution

stating that their bank account has been compromised.

The text message urges the bank customer to transfer their account balance into cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin, until the fraudulent transactions can be resolved.
Customers are then directed to a bitcoin ATM and instructed to deposit their money, obtain a receipt, and to send a picture of the transaction to the person claiming to represent the bank. The information on the receipt contains account information that scammers can use to electronically steal money from the person’s bank account.
Hawai‘i Police Department reminds the public that cryptocurrency is not backed by the government and is not an approved U.S. currency. Cryptocurrency funds are not regulated and typically are not reversible once removed.
Members of the public who receive such a text message, are asked to report it to their financial institution and contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. Also available is Lt. Todd Pataray at (808) 961-2213.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC WILL USE HELICOPTERS TO CONDUCT quarterly aerial inspections of its major overhead transmission lines from Monday, Aug. 1, to Friday, Aug. 5.
The islandwide inspections are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., however, exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances.
Hawaiian Electric issued a statement to thank the community for patience and understanding. With questions or concerns, please call 969-6666.

Friday, July 22, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, July 21, 2022

The traditional Grand Rally for Democratic candidates is back at Hilo Bandstand. This photo is pre-pandemic with the late Sen.
Gil Kahele speaking. The event went virtual in 2020. It is live for the first time since 2018 on Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Photo by William Neal

ALL HAWAI’I COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMBER CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO SPEAK AT HILO BANDSTAND on Friday at Moʻoheau Park near the waterfront. A statement from Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party says the event "continues a unique-to-Hawaiʻi, sixty years plus tradition. What's new is moving the event up to coincide with arrival of vote-by-mail ballots in Hawaiʻi voters' mailboxes."

A past Grand Rally at Hilo Bandstand. Democrats resume the tradition
of each candidate giving a speech on Friday. Photo by Julia Neal

"The 2022 Hawaiʻi Primary Election is Saturday, Aug. 13. Hawaiʻi has now become a vote-by-mail state. Ballots are expected to be received in mailboxes by July 26." The statement says the Democrats "moved up the date of our pre-primary grand rally to make it meaningful to voters and candidates."

Pre-rally sign waving will be from 4 p.m. with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. with candidates ranging from County Council to Governor.

No food services will be provided at this year's Grand Rally, though food vendors and restaurants are nearby. Water will be provided.

Supporters of Congressman Kai Kahele's campaign for governor have "sent out the kāhea to take over the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party Grand Rally," which describes it as "a long-lasting tradition here in Hilo." Candidates are expected to conduct sign-waiving along the streets before the rally begins.

SEE DEBATES AMONG MANY OF THE CANDIDATES for Governor and Lieutenant Governor running on both the Democratic and Republican tickets at www.hawaiinewsnow.com. The debates were held Thursday evening.

FRANK A TRUSDELL, RESEARCH GEOLOGIST, HAS WON DEPT. OF INTERIOR'S MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD, the second highest honorary award that can be granted to a career employee by the U.S. federal agency. He is a graduate of Kamehameha High School and University of Hawaiʻi. The award is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, the weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the USGS in the field of volcanology, particularly to the understanding of Hawaiian volcanoes, their eruptions, and hazards.

HVO geologist Frank Trusdell collects a sample of lava from the fissure 8 channel during Kīlauea Volcano's lower East Rift Zone eruption in July 2018 (A. Hara). Inset photo shows Trusdell presenting an update on Mauna Loa for a Community
Forum in February 2018. Photos from HVO

During his decades with HVO, Trusdell’s work has included a wide range of field-based studies and the production of detailed geologic maps of Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano in the world. To date he has completed four of five maps, each encompassing an area of Mauna Loa from its summit to sea level. These geologic maps, which provide information on the long-term eruptive behavior of the volcano, are available under “Geologic Maps” on HVO’s Mauna Loa Publications webpage (https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/publications).
Trusdell also led the effort to create and publish lava inundation zone maps for Mauna Loa (https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3387). These nine maps, which identify parts of the volcano that could erupt and send lava flows downslope, provide information that will help emergency managers identify people, property, and facilities at risk during future Mauna Loa eruptions.
The award citation states that, “In addition to being the world's authority on Mauna Loa, Mr. Trusdell's meticulous investigations of eruption histories and volcano structure have also made him a foremost expert on Kīlauea and Hualālai volcanoes.” It further states that during periods of volcanic unrest in Hawaiʻi, Trusdell’s “calm demeanor and decades of experience critically informed HVO hazard assessments shared with the public and emergency managers.”
In addition to his work in Hawaiʻi, Trusdell has led USGS responses to volcanic crises in Ecuador, Alaska, the Cape Verde Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands. His role in these responses was to evaluate and quantify volcanic hazards.
The citation also commends Trusdell for his dedication to the next generation of geoscientists, noting that “his efforts to engage students and early-career scientists has strengthened the USGS and professional geologic community.” Throughout his federal service, Trusdell has mentored more than 50 students, visiting scientists, and volunteers. Under his direction, these aspiring professionals were able to experience working in a busy volcano observatory, witness eruption crises, engage with HVO scientists, and, in many cases, complete published studies.
Trusdell managed HVO's volunteer program for 10 years, during which he reviewed applicants (both domestic and international) and then guided selected volunteers as they learned about volcano monitoring. The award citation notes that the “far-reaching impacts of his dedication are reflected by the accomplishments of his protegees, many of whom have gone on to receive advanced degrees and accept positions with the USGS or universities.”
Trusdell, who grew up on Oʻahu, was also praised for his efforts to significantly increase the participation of minority youth in the earth sciences. The citation acknowledges that this is particularly important in Hawaiʻi, where the volcanic landscape and Hawaiian culture are inextricably intertwined.

Frank Trusdell is a U.S.G.S. scientist responsible for many of the maps of Mauna Loa. Here he explains

a point to Ocean View residents Steve Lewis, Peter Bosted, and Don Coons. Photo by Ann Bosted

Throughout his career, Trusdell has readily contributed to HVO’s outreach efforts. In addition to presenting countless talks in public programs, like those during Volcano Awareness Month, he has also participated in numerous community meetings during times of volcanic crisis to keep the public informed about the eruption.
After graduating from Kamehameha High School, Trusdell earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. He then attended the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he received a Master of Science degree from the Geology and Geophysics Department in 1991.
Trusdell began his USGS career as a student intern at HVO, coincidentally just one day after Mount St. Helens, Washington, erupted in 1980. Forty-plus years later, when asked about highlights from his time at HVO, he replied, “Working with great people; monitoring eruptions on Mauna Loa (1984) and Kīlauea (1982‒2022), as well as volcanoes beyond Hawaiʻi; mapping the submarine flanks of Mauna Loa; and mentoring up-and-coming volcanologists.” Today, Trusdell shares his vast experience with HVO's team of research and operational geologists as their supervisor, a role that he accepted in 2020.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory team says, "Congratulations, Frank! Your DOI Meritorious Service Award is well-deserved recognition for your many years of outstanding service to the USGS and HVO."

Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea volcano is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at WATCH (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued daily.
Over the past week, lava has continued to erupt from the western vent within Halemaʻumaʻu crater. All lava is confined within Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Sulfur dioxide emission rates remain elevated and were last measured at approximately 1,300 tonnes per day (t/d) on July 21. Seismicity is elevated but stable, with few earthquakes and ongoing volcanic tremor. Over the past week, summit tiltmeters recorded slow inflation, which transitioned to deflation the morning of July 20. For more information on the current eruption of Kīlauea, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/recent-eruption.
Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to an eruption from the current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
This past week, about 98 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded below the summit and upper elevation flanks of Mauna Loa—the majority of these occurred at shallow depths less than 15 kilometers (9 miles) below sea level. Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements show low rates of ground deformation over the past week. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures at both the summit and at Sulphur Cone on the Southwest Rift Zone have remained stable over the past week. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.
Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.1 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) SE of Pāhala at 32 km (20 mi) depth on July 17 at 11:35 p.m. HST and a M3.4 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) S of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on July 14 at 3:12 p.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea's ongoing eruption and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.
Visit HVO’s website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates at askHVO@usgs.gov.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 20, 2022

TMT is subject of a community meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Nāʻālehu Community Center.
Photo from National Science Foundation

A MEETING ON THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE is set for Nāʻālehu Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is a scoping meeting to be held by the National Science Foundation which is conducting an environmental review and preparing an Environmental Impact Statement to evaluate anticipated environmental impacts associated with a potential NSF investment in the construction and operation of an Extremely Large Telescope in the Northern Hemisphere. A statement from NSF notes:
"The only proposed Northern Hemisphere ELT is the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), which has a preferred site on the summit of Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai'i, and an alternative site on Roque de los Muchachos, La Palma, in the Canary Islands. Because the only proposed US-ELT that is located in the Northern Hemisphere is the TMT, and because many people who have a connection to Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island, have strong viewpoints about whether TMT should be built there, NSF has decided to go beyond the legal requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) (Section 106) in its environmental review and provide more opportunities for meaningful public engagement at critical junctures during NSF’s processes."

NSF has announced that the NEPA scoping process has begun with soliciting public comments to identify issues to be analyzed in the EIS. NSF is also initiating consultation under Section 106 to evaluate potential effects of the Proposed Action on any historic properties within the area and will conduct future Consulting Parties meetings, to be announced at a later date.
NSF will host four public scoping meetings from Aug. 9 through Aug. 12. Contact NSF at least one week in advance of each meeting to request special accommodations such as sign language interpretation.
Dates and addresses for all four meetings are:

Flags in Pāhala waived in support of preserving
Mauna Kea by rejecting TMT. Photo by Julia Neal

Hilo: Aug. 9, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grand Naniloa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Crown Room 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720
Nāʻālehu: Aug. 10, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nāʻālehu Community Center 95-5635 Hawaii Belt Rd., Nāʻālehu, HI 96772
Kona: Aug. 11, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, Kaleiopapa Convention Center 78-128 ʻEhukai St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Kamuela (Waimea): Aug. 12, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Kahilu Town Hall, 67-1182 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743.
Comments may be submitted verbally and in writing during the scoping meetings. Comments can also be provided in the Hawaiian language, which will subsequently be translated to the English language to facilitate NSF’s consideration of those comments.
Written comments on this Proposed Action may also be provided by the following methods: Website: https://beta.nsf.gov/tmt; Regular Mail: Elizabeth Pentecost, RE: ELT National Science Foundation, Room W9152 2415 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22314.
To be eligible for inclusion in the Draft EIS, comments must be received by Sept. 17, 2022. NSF

Farmer and supporter of TMT Richard Ha.
Photo from Big Island Video News

announced that it will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft EIS. Information regarding the Proposed Action participation upon publication of the Draft EIS. Information regarding the Proposed Action will be posted throughout the EIS process at https://beta.nsf.gov/tmt. For further information regarding the EIS process or the Section 106 consultation process, contact Pentecost at (703) 292-4907 or EIS.106.TMT@nsf.gov.
The public is also invited to comment on NSF’s Draft Community Engagement Plan (Draft CEP), which is available at https://beta.nsf.gov/tmt and at local libraries. In Kaʻū, it is available at Pāhala Public and School Library 96-3150 Pīkake St. Pāhala. The Draft CEP includes a summary of key concepts that NSF heard during its Informal Outreach Effort as well as NSF’s intentions for effective and meaningful engagement with the community during the environmental review process. Comments can be submitted via the methods specified above.

AN ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE SURVEY HAS BEEN COMPLETED and Hawaiʻi State Rural Health
Association and its President Lisa Rantz invite interested parties to webinar on Tuesday, July 26 at 9:30 a.m.. It is sponsored by Community First and Hawaiʻi State Rural Health Association. Register in advance:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wzpcIM4STRy8EkzGrqqL-Q

CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE HAS ANNOUNCED FUNDING FOR RURAL HAWAI'I. Among the
appropriations announced on Wednesday are:

Rural Development: $1 million for the Floriculture and Nursery Initiative including report language encouraging ARS to work on research that includes Hawaiʻi specific needs such as breeding programs to increase tolerance from insect pests, diseases and other climate change impacts;
$500,000 for the Coffee Plant Health Initiative to address coffee leaf rust;
$500,000 to support implementation of the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative;
$5,000,000 for the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Grants program
$3 million for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers;
$10 million for the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program; and
$35.5 million for agriculture quarantine inspections.

Kai Kahele at a recent talk in Kaʻū with coffee, tea and food farmers and other
residents. Photo by Julia Neal

Energy and Water Development: $1.16 million for the operations and maintenance of Barbers Point Deep Draft Harbor and projects;
Hawaiʻi beneficial language directing the U.S. Department of Energy to report back to Congress on the feasibility of incorporating engineering within Sea Water Air Conditioning and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion that would enhance open-ocean aquaculture and serve to stimulate biological productivity in nutrient-poor offshore waters as a means of accelerating capture and sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide as well as stimulating offshore fisheries.

Financial Services and General Government:

$5 million for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Native American Outreach, which creates entrepreneurial opportunities and empowerment in Native communities, including Native Hawaiian-owned businesses;
$22.5 million for the Native American Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Assistance Program, a program that helps Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities access capital, financial services, technical assistance and business training;

$110 million for the SBA Microloan program that targets women, veterans and minority entrepreneurs with limited assets;
Extends the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to provide for an additional one-year extension of Hawaiʻi's long-standing fourth "temporary" judgeship.

Interior and Environment:
Language requiring the Bureau of Land Management to continue executing the survey requirements of the Hawaiian Home Lands Recovery Act, Public Law 104–42 as soon as public health conditions allow. The Bureau shall consult with Homestead Beneficiary Associations, as defined under 43 C.F.R. § 47.1, when conducting these surveys.

Language directing the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) to develop a consultation policy with the Native Hawaiʻi community, similar to the one described in the Standard Operating Procedure for Consultation, for use by all federal agencies in order to promote the responsible execution of policy across the federal government. Additionally, the NHR is directed to provide an update to the Committee on the actions taken to develop the consultation policy and to seek to encourage regular and meaningful consultation by federal agencies with the Native Hawaiian community.
$34 million for the Volcano Hazards Program, a program that monitors volcano activities including at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park;
$6.75 million for the State of the Birds Program, which assesses the status and health of bird species such as the 'akikiki, 'iʻiwi and kiwikiu birds;
$4.6 million for the Japanese-American Confinement Sites Grants to preserve the historic confinement sites where Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War II$2.1 billion towards military family housing nationwide, including $373 million to address issues such as mold, vermin and lead and increased oversight of military privatized housing;
$274.4 million for Child Development Centers to support increased capacity and better facilities for the 1.2 million children of active duty service members worldwide.