Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, June 19, 2023

A new community pavilion has been approved and a public meeting will be held by the County
at the Miloli'i Halau on Saturday, July 15 at 9 a.m. Photo from Environmental Assessment

RENOVATIONS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE MILOLI'I HALAU AND COUNTY PARK will be presented and discussed on site on Saturday, July 15 at 9 a.m.  A statement from the County regarding the Miloli'i Beach Park Accessibility Improvements Project says the Department of Parks & Recreation

The new halau at Miloli'i, the community pavilion, will be
set back from the ocean. Drawing from project EA

"cordially invites you and all interested persons to a community meeting where the department will share new information and updated project details, address issues raised at prior meetings, and provide opportunities for additional comments, community input and address new questions or concerns related to the project as well as the operation and maintenance of your county park in Miloli‘i."
    Representing Department of Parks & Recreation will be Director Maurice Messina, Park Planner James Komata, and Park Projects Manager Jeffrey Ochi. The Parks statement says, "We ask for your assistance to forward this information to any individual, group, or entity that you feel would benefit from attending this meeting or that has expressed any interest in the proposed project in the past."
    Those with questions in advance of this meeting or requiring accommodation to participate in this meeting, can contact Jeffrey Ochi by 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 14 at Jeffrey.Ochi@hawaiicounty.gov or (808) 961-8311.
        See the final Environmental Assessment published in February for the project, with photos and diagrams at https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2023-02-08-HA-FEA-Milolii-Beach-Park-Accessibility-Improvement-Project.pdf

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USGS Photo/Aerial view of NPS and USGS facilities at Uēkahuna
years before the 2018 eruption.

DR. JADELYN MONIZ-NAKAMURA PRESENTS AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. She focuses on Uēkahuna and Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, which educated the public in volcano science and Hawaiian culture on the edge of the crater until the earthquakes of the 2018 eruption and summit collapse damaged the foundations of the historic buildings beyond repair.
    Moniz-Nakamura shares the journey through the past of this sacred place known as Uēkahuna on the eve of the park’s efforts to restore a more natural landscape and provide a dramatic vantage point for locals and visitors.
The talk is sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. It is free, but park entrance fees apply.
USGS Photo/Aerial view of the NPS and USGS facilities at Uēkahuna

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A NEXAMP SOLAR MEETING WILL BE HELD THIS THURSDAY, regarding the solar farm planned near Na'alehu. The meeting will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Register online at https://bit.ly/NexampNaalehuSolarMeeting.
    Similar to the January meeting, this online meeting will on the project will provide updates on the permitting process and review general information about the proposed solar project in Nā'ālehu, located south of Māmalahoa Highway. A Nexamp statement says, "If you know anyone that was unable to attend the in-person meeting, please feel free to share this information, as this will be a great opportunity for them to learn more about the project and participate in this important discussion."

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HAWAI'I RANKS IN THE TOP 15 MOST PATRIOTIC STATE IN THE U.S., according to an analysis from WalletHub. "With the Fourth of July approaching but America troubled by issues like high inflation and elevated homicide rates, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023's Most Patriotic States in America, as well as expert commentary."
To determine where Americans have the most red, white and blue pride, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 13 key indicators of patriotism. Our data set ranges from the state's military enlistees and veterans to the share of adults who voted in the 2020 presidential election to AmeriCorps volunteers per capita. Hawai'i ranked:
    1st – Active-Duty Military Personnel per 100,000 Civilian Adults
    5th - Average Number of Military Enlistees per 1,000 Civilian Adults
    29th – Peace Corps Volunteers per Capita
    5th – Veterans per 1,000 Civilian Adults
    1st – U.S. History or Civics Education Requirement
    22nd – Volunteer Hours per Resident
    11th – AmeriCorps Volunteers per Capita
    For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/most-patriotic-states/13680

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MAJOR REED MAHUNA BECOMES ACTING DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF on Saturday, July 1. Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz made the announcement Monday.  “I am extremely excited to welcome Chief Mahuna to the administration,” said the HPD Chief. “Reed brings an unrivaled integrity, work ethic, and 

Major Reed Mahuna becomes Active Deputy
Police Chief on July 1. Photo from HPD

technical ability to the job that will help the department continue moving forward in our pursuit to improve public safety."
     Moszkowicz also noted: “As the Salary Commission continues its important work, I look forward to working with the Police Commission in the coming months to appoint and confirm Deputy Chief Mahuna on a permanent basis.”
   Mahuna, a 25-year veteran of the department has most recently served as Major of Area I Operations, overseeing the Criminal Investigation Division, which includes Vice, Juvenile Aid, and the Criminal Investigation Sections, as well as the Crime Lab. Prior to that he served as Major of the Technical Services Division, which includes the department’s Communications Dispatch Center, Communications Maintenance Section, Computer Center, Records and Identification Section, and Traffic Services Section.
    Mahuna’s former assignments include serving as a Police Officer and Field Training Officer in the South Hilo district, Police Officer in the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, Detective in Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Lieutenant in the Puna district, and Lieutenant in Area I Vice Section. He has also served as Captain of the Area II Criminal Investigation Division, Captain of the Hāmākua and South Hilo districts, and Captain of the Area I Criminal Investigation Division.''

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HPD'S BACKPACK DRIVE FOR ISLAND KEIKI will run through July 15. "Hawaiʻi Police Department is proud to participate once again in an islandwide backpack drive for island keiki in need," says the HPD statement. New and unfilled backpacks may be dropped off at any Hawai‘i Island police station.
    Backpacks are the most requested non-food item by charities in Hawaiʻi. The donated backpacks will be distributed to children at women’s shelters, homeless shelters, and transitional housing facilities around the island.
    Since 2008, HPD has teamed up with Hope Services Hawaiʻi to collect school backpacks for children who cannot afford them. Last year more than 700 backpacks were collected throughout the island’s police stations and distributed by Hope Services. "Your contribution to help a child in need is greatly appreciated," says the HPD statement. 

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, June 18, 2023

Thirteen Kaʻū Coffees earned above 80 points in the Hawai'i Coffee Association's 14th Annual Cupping Contest, with Miranda's Farms coming in first in Kaʻū, followed by Navarro Farms and JN Farms. Photo from HCA

 MIRANDA'S FARMS TOOK FIRST IN KAʻŪ DISTRICT AND SECOND STATEWIDE in the 14th Annual Hawai'i Coffee Association Cupping Competition, the results revealed at the annual conference on Kaua'i this weekend.
    In the Kaʻū District Category, Miranda's Farms' first place finish was followed by Navarro Farms and the Norberte family's JN Farms. Miranda's Farms scored 86.75 points. The Geisha beans were parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated. Navarro Farms scored 84.35 points. The Pacamara beans were parchment-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated. JN Farms scored, 83.75 points. The Bourbon beans were fruit-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated. Kaʻū's top three coffees ranked higher than any of the coffees from O'ahu and Hamakua.
    Here are the other Kaʻū Coffees that earned a high ranking with over 80 points: 

The mauka orchard of Miranda's Farms, which took first in  Kaʻū and second
 statewide at the 14th annual Hawai'i CoffeeAssociation Cupping
Competition this weekend. Photo from Miranda's

    Rusty's Hawaiian scored 83.65 points with its Bourbon beans, fruit-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    Casablanca Farms, LLC scored 83.44 points with its Geisha Catuai beans, pulp dried with no yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    R&G Farm scored 82.65 points with its Typica  beans, parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    Wido Farms, LLC scored 82.50 points with its Caturra beans, parchment-dried, without yeast and conventionally grown.

   Rusty's Hawaiian's second entry scored 82.35 points with its Typica beans, parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated.

     Miranda's Farms' second entry scored 82 points with its Caturra beans, parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated.

     Navarro Farms' second entry scored 81.90 points with its Pacamara beans, pulp dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    Wido Farms, LLC's second entry scored 81.15 points with its Typica beans, parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    Silver Cloud Coffee Farm scored 80.85 points with its Catuai & Typica beans, parchment-dried, without yeast and conventionally cultivated.

    Casablanca Farms, LLC's second entry scored 80.81 points with its Geisha beans, fruit-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated.

 Kaʻū Coffees did well in the 14th annual Hawai'i Coffee
 Association Cupping Contest. Photo from HCA

    Of the top ten coffees statewide, first place went to Kopiko Farm, of Kona, with 87 points. The Red Bourbon beans were parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Second went to Miranda's Farms, with 86.75 points. The Geisha beans were parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kaʻū.
    Third went to Greenwell Farms, Inc., with 86.35 points. The Geisha beans were fruit-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Fourth went to Monarch Coffee with 85.94 points. The Pacamara beans were fruit-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Fifth went to Heavenly Hawaiian with 85 points. The Progeny 502 beans were parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Sixth went to Imagine 100% Kona Coffee. The Typica beans were parchment dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Seventh went to Kona RainForest Farms, LLC with 84.88 points. The K7 beans were parchment -dried without yeast and and organically cultivated in Kona.
    Eighth went to Hula Daddy Kona Coffee, LLC with 84.75 points. The Kona Mocca beans were fruit-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated in Kona.
    Ninth was Kamaole Ranch with 84.60 points. The Red Catuai beans were parchment-dried with yeast and conventionally cultivated on Maui.
    Tenth was Ka'awaloa Trail Farm with 84.55 points. The Typica beans were parchment-dried without yeast and conventionally grown in Kona.

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The new OHA Mahi'ai Agricultural Loan program offers from $2,500 to up to $100,000 to support food security. Photo from OHA

OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS' MAHI 'AI AGRICULTURAL LOAN is new this year. OHA's Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund introduced the program to support Native Hawaiian farmers across the pae ʻāina. A statement from OHA says, "The Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program is another way that OHA is meeting the business needs of Native Hawaiians who are starting a farm or expanding an existing one."
    “For nearly 35 years, OHA has provided Native Hawaiians with low-interest loans to start or expand their businesses,” said Aikū‘ē Kalima, OHA’s Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan manager. “To diversify our loan portfolio and support mahi ‘ai, or farmers, we have earmarked funds specifically for agricultural businesses.”
    The OHA statement says the program has unique features "that keep the needs of mahi ‘ai in mind." In addition to the low-interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest.

    “We recognize that it takes time for crops to grow, or livestock to reach a certain stage, before they can generate revenue for farmers, and we’ve taken that into consideration to help ensure our loan recipients are off to a good start,” Kalima said. “These loans will not only help Native Hawaiians build strong businesses working in harmony with the land to support their families and provide jobs for others in the community, but also support food security to help Hawai‘i become more resilient.”
    OHA offers agricultural business loans up to seven years at 4% APR for amounts between $2,500 and $100,000 for in-ground or above-ground farming, greenhouse, hydroponic, and other types of farming, including raising livestock.
    All owners of the business must be of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Loan applicants must be State of Hawai‘i adult residents and meet stringent criteria, including having a credit score of 600 or higher and their debt-to-income ratio must be no more than 45%. The business must also be registered with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and be in good standing.
    For more information on the Mahi ‘Ai Agricultural Loan Program, visit https://loans.oha.org/mahiai-agricultural-loan/, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org or call the OHA office at (808) 594-1835.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, June 17, 2023

 Kaʻū's future rodeo queens often start building their passion competing in keiki events at the annual Kaʻū Roping & Riding Independence Day Rodeo, coming up July 8 and 9 at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

KAʻŪ ROPING & RIDING ASSOCIATION'S RODEO QUEEN CONTENDERS are out in the community seeking support. ShaniaLee Silva and Shaelia Freitas are the two running to reign over the Independence Day Rodeo July 8 and 9 at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds. Both welcome sponsorships and are supporting the rodeo by selling $8 tickets.

Image from the Silva family

Rodeo Queen contender ShaniaLee
Silva, recently graduated from Kaʻū
High and will head to the Air Force
Photo by Julia Neal

    ShaniaLee Silva is a 2023 Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary graduate. She finished Magna Cum Laude, served as Senior Class Secretary and was named Senior Class Athlete. She completed CTE and was a member of the Health Occupation Student Association.
   She is 17 years of age and plans to enter the U.S. Air Force this Fall when she turns 18.
    Silva, of Hawaiian and Portuguese heritage, is the youngest daughter and second of eight children in the family of Mike and Wendy Silva in Pāhala.
    She grew up riding horses, competing in rodeo and taking care of the family cattle, goats and hunting dogs. She became a member of Future Farmers of America. Throughout school, she excelled in sports, including basketball and softball.        To help sponsor Shanialee for Rodeo Queen and to purchase rodeo tickets, call 808-928-8000 or see her sister Amery Silva's facebook.

Shaelia's sister Michaela Morales took the photos and sister
Sheri Freitas designed the poster.

     The younger Kaʻū Roping & Riding Rodeo Queen contestant, Shaelia Freitas, lives on a coffee and food farm above Pāhala and will be eight years of age by rodeo weekend. Of Hawaiian, Japanese and European heritage, including Portuguese, she is the daughter of Rodney and Marlene Freitas. Shaelia will be in third grade at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences this coming school year.
    She is the youngest of five children, with three older sisters Jessica, Michaela and Sheri and one brother Ikaika.
    Shaelia is a born country girl, raised on her 'ohana's Ka'ili Ma'ile Farms. A statement from her family says that Shaelia loves anything outdoors, especially animals. "Her love of animals started at a very young age and has grown as she's gotten older." She has an ardent interest in horses and rodeo. Her wish is to one day have a horse to call her own.
To help sponsor Shaelia for Rodeo Queen and to purchase rodeo tickets, call her family at 808-987-2578 or message her mom Marlene Sauer Freitas.

Rodeo Queen contender Shaelia Freitas
 to attend Volcano School of the Arts &
Sciences. Photo by Michaela Morales 

    To support the entire rodeo, there are sponsorships for belt buckles and arena advertising, as well as opportunities for direct contributions to the nonprofit Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association. The group is raising money to purchase land to expand the rodeo grounds to include more parking. Call or text Tammy Kaapana at 808-854-7917.
    The annual rodeo starts with Slack Roping at 8 a.m. both days, July 8 and 9, with competition beginning at noon. Paniolo will vie for the titles of All Around Cowgirl and All Around Cowboy. Working and recreational paniolo from keiki to kupuna compete.
    Events include: Open Dally, Kane-Wahine Dally, Century Team Roping, Ranch Mugging, Double Mugging, Rescue Race and Po'o Wai U, Tie Down, Wahine Breakaway and Youth Barrels. Events for keiki include: Goat undecorating and dummy roping.
    Kaʻū Roping & Riding is considered the organization that puts on one of the most traditional family style rodeo experiences in all of Hawai'i.

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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION CHIEF ISABEL GUZMAN FOCUSED ON HAWAI'I this week at the Hawai'i on the Hill Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. She said that there is a small business boom nationwide with 100,000 small businesses in Hawai'i alone and 50,000 applications to the SBA in recent years.

SBA chief Isabel Guzman and Sen. Mazie Hirono
at Hawai'i on the Hill in Washington, D.C.

    Guzman said she favors opportunity zones for stressed areas where businesses are incentivized to invest. She pointed to hub zones and said new federal mapping is coming up with the opportunity for expansion of hub zones into opportunity zones. She said that governors can ask for hub zones to be established.
    Guzman promised more SBA outreach into Hawai'i communities. She noted that an SBA ombudsman program helps businesses to qualify for loans. In order to make it easier to apply, SBA is creating a "single door entry online" to get full use of SBA services. She also talked about VET Cert to help veterans.
    Sen. Mazie Hirono, who sponsored Hawai'i on the Hill, gave a heads up, seeking public support for SBA. She said congress could cut the program funding by 25 percent or more. Guzman called it "devastating to entrepreneurial expansion." She said more resources are needed to process loans and to process applications for other programs. Lending institutions are now more dependent on guaranteed loans, like those guaranteed by SBA. Hirono said it is important for small businesses to be aware of what's going on in Congress, noting that 99 percent of all businesses in Hawai'i are small businesses.
    See the Hawai'i on the Hill Policy Summit at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Upv5nLSVRU

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