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Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, May 24, 2023

The County of Hawai'i plans to clean out homeless encampments on county properties and started Wednesday morning at
Hale Halawai Beach Park in Kailua-Kona. County oceanfront properties in the Kaʻū area are leased at Punalu'u, and
owned at Kawa, Honu'apo and Miloli'i. Photo from County of Hawai'i

CLEANING OUT HOMELESS CAMPS ON COUNTY PROPERTIES is a move that Hawai'i County is willing to make, according to an announcement detailing a sweep early Wednesday at Hale Hālāwai on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona and a plan to move on to clean out the encampment around Kona gym and pool.
    The large-scale operation involved substantial resources, including the dedicated participation of County Kona maintenance staff, a significant contingent of Hawaiʻi Police Department Community Policing Officers , and vehicles to transport refuse to county refuse facilities. Mayor Mitch Roth collaborated with Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Housing and Community Development and state Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
Belongings of homeless people were taken to
a 40-foot container at a county baseyard.
Photo from County of Hawai'i
    The sweep was called a "park rules enforcement operation." A statement from the Mayor's office said, " "The operation aimed to address the homeless encampments within and around the park facility, falling under the jurisdiction of the County and presenting unsafe and unhealthy conditions. Roth said, "We understand that enforcement cannot always be the answer, but we also have to ensure that our parks are safe for our local families, especially our keiki, to enjoy. Our goal is to continue working with our on-island service providers to get folks the help they need. We have made and will continue to make significant investments in addressing homelessness islandwide and are steadfast in our commitment to building a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed."
     Efforts by homeless outreach specialists, under the direction of Office of Housing have been ongoing to conduct outreach to individuals. According to the Mayor's statement, "Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately half of the individuals will be open to accepting the offered services."
    To ensure the proper handling of personal property that individuals cannot take with them, Roth directed the placement of a 40-foot Matson container at the County Parks' Kona base yard. "The non-perishable, non-hazardous, and non-junk property will be meticulously inventoried and stored for a period of 30 days before any necessary disposal."
    Upon completion of the operation, all encampments, unauthorized campers, and individuals establishing residence within the County park facility will no longer be present, says the County statement. "Mayor Roth's focus is on restoring the park's intended purpose and creating a safe and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors."
    The statement quotes citizen Jerome Kanuha saying, "When I look along our coastline along Aliʻi Drive, our beaches, our wahi pana, all I see is ʻopala (trash) these days, and it's just getting worse. That's not safe. It's not healthy – not for our local families, our keiki. As a community, we applaud Mayor Roth for hearing our plea and taking action to tackle this issue with aloha and humanity while putting our keiki first."
The County and partners clean up beach parks so locals and visitors
  can enjoy clean and safe facilities. Photo from County of Hawai'i
    The Mayor emphasized the importance of upholding park rules and "prioritizing the well-being of our community. This park rules enforcement operation is a testament to an ongoing commitment to address the issue of homelessness while maintaining the quality of our public spaces."
    Susan Kunz, who heads Office of Housing and Community Development, expressed gratitude for the partnership and coordinated effort in this operation. "OHCD acknowledges the need for time to allow service providers to engage with those affected and ensure housing and support for as many individuals as possible."
    The Roth administration has executed contracts with 13 nonprofits for 16 projects, receiving $7.5 million in grants through the Homelessness and Housing Fund. Furthermore, an additional $18 million has been allocated for the Affordable Housing Production Program, which is currently accepting proposals until June 30.
    The first phase of the Kūkuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in Kailua-Kona is underway, with mass grading in progress. This phase includes 16 emergency shelter units, and vertical construction is scheduled to commence in early 2024.
    The statement from the County says, "Mayor Roth and the County are confident that these ongoing programs, substantial investments in addressing homelessness and affordable housing through the establishment of the Homelessness and Housing Fund and the Affordable Housing Production Program,
and the development of dedicated projects like the Kūkuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center will contribute to reducing the number of Hawaiʻi Island residents experiencing homelessness and create a more sustainable future for the County of Hawaiʻi moving forward."

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COUNTY OF HAWAI'I SEEKS FEEDBACK ON ITS INTEGRATED CLIMATE ACTION PLAN,  with June 1 the deadline. A statement from the County says, "The ICAP is a cross-departmental effort that charts the County's responsibility to reduce its contribution to global climate change and make its services and facilities resilient to the effects of a changing climate. The ICAP identifies actions the County can take and will be used as a tool to hold the County accountable for climate action. The County of Hawaiʻi encourages all residents to review the ICAP and provide feedback through Konveio, an interactive online platform." The link to the Konveio site is cohplanning.konveio.com.

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PAUBOX SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NATIVE HAWAIIANS' deadline to apply is May 31. The primary objective of the Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship is to encourage Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
    The scholarship is recurring annually. In other words, recipients receive $1,000 per year until they
graduate. Applicants must be Native Hawaiian, pursuing a STEM-related major, enrolled in an accredited college or university and be willing to annually publish content on the student's college journey.
    Paubox Kahikina STEM Scholarship is named after Paubox Founder Hoala Greevy’s grandmother, Mabel Kahikina Mansfield (Pohina). Greevy grew up in Hawai'i but founded a tech company in San Francisco focusing on marketing services for health institutions. He has about 50 employees.
    About two dozen scholarships are already being renewed each year, said Greevy. He said he expects about ten new scholarship recipients to be added this year. See the application at https://scholarsapp.com/scholarship/kahikina-scholarship.


WITH MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND COMING UP, Hawai'i Police Department is urging people to use seatbelts. It's Click It or Ticket. Hawai‘i Island police along with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country will be issuing tickets to drivers who choose not to buckle up. In Hawai’i County, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $102 per person. During 2022 in Hawai’i County, four people were killed as a result of a vehicle crash in which they were not wearing a seatbelt. So far this year, 33 percent, three of the nine people killed on Hawai‘i Island as a result of vehicle crashes were not wearing their seatbelts.
    “People have to understand that buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash,” says Torey Keltner, program manager of Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section.

    “We see the results of not wearing a seat belt all the time. Officers see the loss of life far too often that very likely could have been prevented. There’s no good excuse…Just wear a seat belt.”
    According to NHTSA, in 2021, there were 11,813 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in
crashes in the United States. That same year, 57 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed at night (6 p.m.–5:59 a.m.) were not wearing their seat belts. That’s why one focus of the Click It or Ticket campaign is nighttime enforcement.
    According to HPD, men not wearing a seat belt are more likely to be killed in a car crash than women. In fact, nearly twice as many males were killed in crashes as compared to females in 2021. Of the males killed in crashes during that same year, more than half, 54 percent, were unrestrained. For females killed in crashes, 42 percent were not buckled up.
    No matter the type of vehicle, wearing a seatbelt is the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers, says HPD. "Even if your car has airbags, the safest way to ride is properly buckled up. It’s simple. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. You should never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. When purchasing a new car, be sure to check that its seat belts fit you. Remember: every trip, every time, buckle up."



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Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, with its increasing number of novice visitors going into the ocean, will be the location
of a Junior Lifeguard Program this summer to help train young local people in rescue and water safety. Photo by Julia Neal
THE JUNIOR LIFEGUARD PROGRAM will resume this summer at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. It is open for up to 25 students ages 12 to 17 who pass swim tests on Saturday, June 17 at 9 a.m. at Punalu'u.
Each day there will be two County of Hawai'i Jr. Lifeguard training sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on  June 19 - 23 and June 26 - 30.
      The training will also be held at Richardson's in Hilo during the same times, with two additional sessions, July 10-14 and July 24-28.
      An island championship will be held for all the summer Jr. Lifeguard trainees on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Hapuna.
      The week-long sessions aim to familiarize participants with ocean safety and beach rescue skills. It will include training in water safety, teamwork, first aid, CPR, surf rescue techniques, and beach and ocean hazard awareness.
      At time of registration, parent or guardian most be present to sign a waiver form. Registration is first come, first served. If more than 25 apply and pass the swim test, the limit on students may be expanded depending on instructor availability.
    County of Hawai'i Lifeguards urge all participants bring fins, athletic shoes, swimshorts or swimsuit, lunch, drinks and towel each day.

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC IS PROMISING ENERGY BILL SAVINGS islandwide with its signing fixed rate contracts with providers of alternative energy. The contractors are Puna Geothermal Venture, Hawi
Renewable Development windmill enterprise, and Wailuku River Hydroelectric. The state Public Utilities Commission has received the newly amended contracts for its approval.  According to a statement from Hawaiian Electric, residential customers could see savings of $9 to $13 a month.  Savings would grow as Puna geothermal and windmill company Hawi Renewal Development increase output, slated for 2026, states the utility.

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KAʻŪ NONPROFITS CAN APPLY FOR FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING from Vibrant Hawai'i with support from County council member Michelle Galimba. Deadline to apply is Monday, May 29.
    According to Vibrant Hawai'i, the aim is to help non-profits increase their capacity and advance their goals in supporting the 
 Kaʻū community. The program will run from June through Aug. 18.
    Participating non-profits can expect weekly one-on-one advising and ongoing support tailored to the organization's needs. Examples of technical assistance and training activities include grant writing and research 401(c)(3) application preparation, fundraising support, website design, and community outreach support. At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive personalized recommendations and timelines to assist in their long-term success.
   To apply, visit: tinyurl.com/KauNonprofits

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TEE & TASTE IS A NEW OFFERING FROM VOLCANO GOLF COURSE AND VOLCANO WINERY. Volcano Golf Course, at 4,000 feet elevation, is Hawai‘i Island’s first and oldest golf course. It has partnered with Volcano Winery to to create an exclusive package for locals and visitors, pairing golf play with a tasting of the finest of local wines. Kama‘āina rates are offered.
    “We love to explore new partnerships that support Volcano community members and businesses,” said Volcano Golf Course General Manager Dawn Crozier. “Volcano is known for its natural beauty and uniqueness, and this collaboration allows us to share this special place through its golf and wines.”
    Every Tee & Taste package includes five holes of walking play at Volcano Golf Course, as well as a certificate for a tasting of six wines and two estate teas at Volcano Winery. The tasting certificates can be
Tee & Taste is the new offering from Volcano Golf
Course and Volcano Winery, with kama‘āina discount.
Photo from Volcano Golf Course
redeemed anytime at the winery, which is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tee & Taste packages can be purchased for $25 for kama‘āina and $35 for visitors at the Volcano Golf Course check-in.
    Volcano Golf Course has been a gathering place for the community since opening in 1921 as a three-hole course on pasture lands. Today, the 18-hole, par-72 course spans 156 acres adjacent to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. "Since the return of the property to Kamehameha Schools in 2020, the landowner has focused its efforts on making necessary investments to enhance the golf experience while prioritizing the continued stewardship of ‘āina and the native wildlife and plants that make this place so unique," says a statement from the golf course.
    “The Volcano Golf Course has served the Hawai‘i Island community for over 100 years,” said Crozier. “Our kuleana is to steward these lands in support of Kamehameha Schools’ educational mission, as well as ensure this cherished course continues to serve the needs of the greater community.”
    A two-minute drive away from the first tee at the golf course, Volcano Winery features several signature wines, including the Volcano Red, Hawaiian Guava-Grape, Volcano Blush, and Macadamia Nut Honey Wine. Founded in 1986, the winery produces three grape wines, three fruit blends and two honey meads. In addition to the wines and teas, Volcano Winery also offers gift items from local vendors, including cookies, butters, salts, coffee and artwork.
    “Among numerous similarities between our brands, we share a commitment to providing memorable experiences for Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors alike,” said Alex Wood, vice president of Volcano Winery.
    To book tee times, swing lessons and to learn more about the Tee & Taste package, call (808) 319-4745 or visit www.volcanogc.com.

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One of many decoys deployed on Palmyra to bring back the grey-backed terns, following eradication
of rats, which ate their eggs. Photo from The Nature Conservancy

PAKALAKALA, THE GREY-BACKED TURN IS NESTING AT PALMYRA ATOLL. The Nature Conservancy Hawai'i & Palmyra announced Monday that a tiny grey-backed tern chick has been observed at Palmyra Atoll, validating that seabird attraction efforts are working.
    This bird is one of eight seabird species that is known to the region but has been conspicuously absent from the atoll, likely due to invasives rats that were introduced during the World War II era. In 2011, rats were successfully eradicated from Palmyra Atoll and in 2020 scientists began deploying social attraction techniques including wooden seabird decoys mimicking colonies and "seabird discotheques" that play the calls of the eight absent seabirds 24/7.
    "It is very exciting to observe this grey-backed tern chick at Palmyra," says Hannah Martin, TNC
Grey-backed terns flying over Palmyra.
Photo from The Nature Conservancy
Palmyra Conservation Science Volunteer. "An important part of our work as Science Volunteers at Palmyra is to maintain the social attraction sites and record observations or indications of the seabirds we're trying to attract back to Palmyra. It's very rewarding to see a first indicator of success!"
   Grey-backed terns (Sterna lunata), or Pākalakala in Hawaiian, are found in Hawai'i as well as other remote islands across the Pacific. While they are not endangered, they are especially vulnerable to invasive predators as they lay a single egg per season. They feed on small fish and squid.
    "The discovery of this chick is very exciting because it signals we are moving in the right direction with our seabird restoration efforts at Palmyra," says Katie Franklin, Palmyra Island Conservation Strategy Lead. "We are collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance Palmyra's seabird habitat and maintain social attraction sites across the atoll to encourage seabirds extirpated from the atoll to come home and settle down."
    A statement from The Nature Conservancy notes that "Approximately 30% of seabirds are endangered, making them one of the most threatened bird groups on the planet. They play a vital role in island ecosystems – their guano provides nutrients for plants and trees on land and directly increases the health and resilience of coral reefs and fish. Providing safe havens that are predator-free, like Palmyra Atoll or areas with predator-proof fencing, gives these birds a chance to thrive."

A baby grey-backed tern on Palmyra Atoll, free from the threat of rats. Photo from The Nature Conservancy









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Monday, May 22, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, May 22, 2023

Small town, big venue at the Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym for high school graduation last Friday. Photo by Julia Neal

Principal Sharon Beck presents the diplomas. Photo by Julia Neal
'A'ALI'I KU MAKANI is the phrase that celebrates Kaʻū people standing in the strong winds and facing difficulties with strength of character. It is the message that opened the address of Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary Principal Sharon Beck to the Class of 2023 during graduation on Friday. She said 
Valedictorian Tayler Rasmussen's speech also captured this strength of Kaʻū people.
    Beck explained the meaning of the Hawaiian words. 'A'ali'i is a native plant and ku makani means strong wind. The words "historically allude to the tough, independent nature of the people of Kaʻū and the beautiful tough land,"
Family and friends portraits after
the graduation. Photo by Julia Neal
said Beck. She noted that they are also the inspiration for the 'A'ali'i Ku Makani sculpture in front of the main building on campus.
    "Graduates be proud of being from Kaʻū and be proud of the skills and resilience you have developed over the years. With the hard work of our teachers and staff, our students have had some amazing opportunities." Beck described the Career in Technical Education as a program that gives students’ real world 21st century skills in Arts and Communication, Business, Health Services, Industrial & Engineering Technology, Natural Resources and Public and Human Services. She noted that the state Department of Education "has a Goal for schools to have 68% of their graduation class to have completed a CTE program. Kaʻū High has surpassed that goal and has 77% of the class of 2023 completing a program."
    Beck also explained the HOSA Future Health Professionals program at the school. It is a nationwide, student-led organization supported by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education Division of the Association for Career & Technical Education. "We have 16 seniors who are members with nine participating in the HOSA Competitions. Five made States and three not only qualified for States but qualified for the National Competition. HOSA students were able to complete the OSHA health certification, CPR
Families and friends joined the graduates outside of the
gym for the lei and balloons festivities. Photo by Julia Neal
HeartSaver and First Aid Certification and the HIPAA Certification through Hilo Medical Center. She named the HOSA standouts as Rutha Lamille, Taylor Rasmussen and Sean Ancheta.
    Beck recognized students who have excelled in the visual arts. Kaira Pensula won an Honorable Mention for the youth division in this year's Hawai'i Nei exhibition, in addition to a Silver Key award in this year's Scholastics Art & Writing Competition. Crystal Quigley won one Gold Key and 2 Silver Key awards in this year's Scholastic Art & Writing Competition, and was awarded a scholarship by the Windward Artists Guild for these artworks. "Both Kaira and Crystal were also honored by the House of Representatives for their awards and exhibition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition by State Rep.
Zane Rodriques and family after graduation.
  Photo by Julia Neal
Jeanne Kapela for House 

District 5."
    The Principal noted that "Athletics is an important way for students to learn teamwork, goal setting, and how to manage their time to ensure they are keeping their grades in good standing. Thirty-four of our graduates are athletes." Athletic Director Jaime Guerpo announced the following awards: Male Scholar Athlete - Patrick Riehle, Male Senior Award - Collin Hanshew and Female Senior Award - Hulali HU La Lee Baji. Beck said that KHPES esports club provides students a safe environment to compete against other high school teams at the state and national level in competitive video games, such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, Rocket League, and Super Smash Brothers. Senior members include:Patrick Riehle, Marcky Tamayo, Ivan Ramos, Rylan Perlata, and Chloe Gabini. Together, they came in second place in the Vanta Hawai'i State High School Valorant Championships, losing to Castle High after defeating Iolani and Keaau in the
playoffs.

    Future Farmers of America has been re- established at Kaʻū High this year, noted the Principal. "They were able to raise $5,000 in their fundraising to take students on three field trips and to the District and State Convention. Three seniors have completed a range of projects on our school farm. Kaʻū's chapter also secured a $500 scholarship for one of our seniors." She named standouts Collin Hanshew, ShaniaLee Silva, and Pomai.

Graduates Alexis and Gabriel Miranda with their grandpa,
 who came to the U.S. years ago from El Salvador to seek
 the American dream. The family has become successful
 in Kaʻū Coffee farming and retail. Photo by Anita Miranda

    Beck also noted an an agreement and partnership with Hawai'i Community College, Kaʻū High students are able to concurrently earn dual high school and college credits through the Dual Credit Program. Students enrolled in Spring 2023 courses were Caius Jenson, Crystal Quigley, ShalniaLee Silva, Kaira Pensula, Kawai Smith, Riley-Ann Brown, Hulali Baji, Catherine Quigley and Rutha Lamille.
    Another component of education at the school is The  Kaʻū Global Learning Lab Internship Program that      Beck described as "internships/work-based learning with an expert mentor in a field of the student's interest; students complete an authentic experience that benefits both the student and the mentor's worksite." She pointed to four Student Interns, two Student Ag Workers, and Five Afterschool Student Tutors. She named Riley-Ann Brown, Caius Jenson, Candace Keohuloa, ShanaiLee Silva, Janice Kajiwara-Ke, Sean Ancheta, Rutha lamille, Catherine Quigley and Crystal Quigley.
    Beck also announced two recipients of the new $800 Hawaii Civic Club of Kaʻū Memorial Scholarship in memory of Kupuna Jeanette Kaualani Akiu Howard. They are Candace Keoholua and Kawai Smith.
    The Principal pointed to more student accomplishments and proclaimed to the class of 73 graduates, "Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary may be small but we are mighty."


DUI ARRESTS NUMBERED 23 during the week of May 8 through May 14. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests of motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. None of drivers were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 378 DUI arrests compared with 393 during the same period last year, a decrease of 3.8 percent. The numbers of arrests by district were:
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 327 major collisions so far this year compared with 297 during the same period last year, an increase of 10.1 percent.
    To date, there have been eight fatal crashes, resulting in 9 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 38.5 percent for fatal crashes, and 40 percent for fatalities.
    DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide, promises HPD.

KAUAHA'AO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH LINE DANCING RESUMES ON WEDNESDAY from 4 p.m. until 530 p.m. with beginner Level Dances with instruction by Delana Phillips. Suggested donation is $6 per class and $25 for six classes. No prior attendance or experience is required.
    On May 31 there will be a two- hour dance party from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share. Bottled water, sodas and snacks will provided. Suggested donation of $10 per person for dancers, watchers, judges, photographers, eaters.
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