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Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023

Punalu‘u County Beach Park facilities in upper right of the photo will have security guards soon, according
to postings for the positions by a private security contractor. Photo by Bob Martin

PUNALU‘U BEACH COUNTY PARK WILL HAVE SECURITY GUARDS SOON and a security company is advertising for employees in order to contract with County of Hawai‘i. According to the job posting on Indeed for Hawai‘i Detective & Guard, the pay starts at $21.50 per hour and expected hours are 30 to 40 a week. Health, dental and vision insurance are among the benefits.
    The posting for Punalu‘u Beach Park says, "The Security Guard will be responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for visitors, employees, and park property within the park. This includes monitoring park areas and facilities, enforcing park rules and regulations, and responding to emergency situations as needed." It says that one security personnel will be stationed in the area during scheduled hours.
    The job posting says that the Security Guard is to enforce all park rules, to include, "strictly enforcing no drinking as per Hawai‘i County Code Section 14-2.2 (3)(A)."
 The Guard will also check all campers' permits, revoke camping permits when necessary, evict any un-permitted unpaid campers when space is not available (County and successful bidder will negotiate methods for accounting for and transfer of funds), call police in case of trouble, file complaints against persons on behalf of County, act as a witness when required to do so and record all license numbers of vehicles parked within the parking area. The guard will also report all abandoned vehicles.
    Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; a valid HI Guard Card; ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including park visitors, employees, and law enforcement officials; and strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations
    Also required is knowledge of security protocols and procedures, as well as relevant state and federal laws; and physical fitness and ability to walk, stand, or sit for long periods, and to lift heavy objects if necessary. Applicants must be available to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays and pass a background check.
   The beach park facilities and parking area are leased to the county for a small fee by Eva Liu and her company which own the surrounding acreage and golf course.


LITTLE NOTICE OF AN ERUPTION IS POSSIBLE AT SOUTH SUMMIT OF KĪLAUEA. According to the Wednesday report from U.S. Geological Survey:
The 1974 lava crossed Chain of Craters Road
and flowed into Keanakako‘i Crater. USGS map
      Episodic heightened unrest continues in the south summit area of Kīlauea and an eruption in the region from Halemaʻumaʻu south to the December 1974 vents could emerge with little notice (1-2 hours) during peaks in this activity. Inflation at the summit of Kīlauea remains at about its highest level in over five years and has nearly returned to the level seen just before the last eruption on Sept. 10. 
    The Uēkahuna summit tiltmeter located north of the caldera recorded very slight inflation over the past 24 hours. The Sand Hill tiltmeter located just south of the caldera went off scale during the peak activity on Oct. 6, but has been reset and is showing continued inflation but at a lower rate than before the event. GPS units within the south end of the caldera and further south also show continued uplift of this region. 
    Elevated seismicity is being recorded beneath the south end of Kīlauea caldera and extends to the southwest along the trend of December 1974 vents. Seismicity increased on Oct. 4, peaked at over 250 earthquakes per day on Oct. 5 and 6, and continues dispersed over this area. 
    Over the past 24 hours, approximately 134 earthquakes were recorded in Kīlauea summit region. Most of the earthquakes from the seismic swarm south of the caldera are at depths of around 0.5–4 km (0.3–2.5 mi) below the surface. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain low and were measured at a rate of about 100 tonnes per day on Oct. 6.
     The heightened unrest prompted Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park to close some areas and trails.


DRIVE SAFELY WHEN APPROACHING SCHOOL BUS STOPS, "and be considerate of other motorists," cautions Hawai‘i Police Department. In advance of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct, 16-20 and in response to feedback received at community events, HPD issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, "We know that these areas have a high number of young pedestrians that interact with vehicle traffic and want to ensure everyone is safe." HPD suggests the following practices:
    When dropping off a child, and planning to remain with the vehicle, park off the roadway and do not block traffic while parked near bus stops within residential subdivisions.
     When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
     If driving in neighborhoods with school zones, slow down and be alert. Watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school and who may not be thinking of getting there safely.
    Be mindful of children playing and congregating near bus stops.
    Obey flashing signal light system that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:
Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
    Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. Making sure children are safe in and around the school bus is a major priority. 
    The following list reminds parents and students of all ages about safe bus behaviors:
    Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
     Students should wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
     When crossing the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before crossing. Be sure that the bus driver can see the person crossing, and pedestrian can see the bus driver.
    Discuss safety tips with children and model road safety behaviors for them, including always wearing seat belts in the vehicles, and following all the rules of the road when driving, riding, and walking.
     HPD states, "We all have a role to play in keeping our island keiki safe. Let’s work together, drive with aloha, and slow down when approaching school zones."


Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

Kaʻū Coffee growers can submit their info on selling green beans for the Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo
coming up in November. Photo from Hawai‘i Coffee Association

KAʻŪ COFFEE FARMERS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR INFO on selling green beans for the 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo in November. Through a Synergistic Hawai‘i Agriculture Council marketing grant, the Hawai‘i coffee industry will have a booth at the 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo.       

   The Hawai‘i contingent, led by Ralph Gaston, a coffee farmer and marketer from Pāhala, will promote Hawai‘i coffees from several growing regions, award-winning lots, and dynamic and new processing methods. "Our goal is to raise awareness and knowledge of Hawai‘i's coffee industry, and also to promote export sales of Hawaiian coffees to Taiwan," said Gaston, of Hawai‘i Coffee Association and Coordinator of 2023 Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo.
     "If you produce green 100% Hawai‘i coffee that you're looking to sell, please fill out the survey on the Hawai‘i Coffee Association website at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCA_2023Taiwan. We will share your contact info with interested buyers at the Taiwan Coffee & Tea Expo," said Gaston. The survey is due no later than Oct. 20.

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Hokulele of Kaʻū won second in the 6 & Under
division at Hokulele Super Saturday last 
weekend. Photo by Jan Kaeza Penera
LAST WEEKEND'S HOKULELE SUPER SATURDAY RESULTS ARE OUT. Hokulele Basketball Club, based in Kaʻū, drew some 22 teams from around the island to the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Funds raised help to send sixth-grade players to O'ahu for the Hawaiian AAU.
    Last Saturday, for the 10 & Under group, first place went to the Stingrays, of Kona and second to Alaka'i of Kona.
    For the 8 & Under, first went to Paliki of Kohala and second went the Kahaka Kohala Kings of Kohala. For the 6 & Under, first went to Hawai‘i Select from Hilo. Second went to Kokulele of Kaʻū.
   The next tournament will be over Veterans Day Weekend, Nov. 11 and 12 at the same gym for
youth basketball players from around the island who are 12 & Under and 14 & Under and will raise money to help eighth and ninth-grade basketball players travel to O‘ahu and the Mainland in 2024.
    Hokulele is a Kaʻū-based basketball training organization for youth. It is led by Hokulele Club & Organization President & Head Coach Ravel Kaupu Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa 
Hokulele uniforms celebrate youth
basketball. Photo by Julia Neal
Dacalio and Jaron Garcia.
    To join the club, register for a tournament, volunteer, and sponsor, contact Jan Kaeza Penera by email at kaeza.hokulele@gmail.com. 


REACHING OUT TO TALK STORY, COLLECT SURVEYS ON SEWAGE OPTIONS FOR PĀHALA, BRENDA IOKEPA MOSES will be available in the post office area of Pāhala Center on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The survey is for owners of property on the old plantation gang cesspool sewer system. It will be replaced by either new sewer lines and sewage plant or individual waste water systems in each yard. The County issued a statement saying it encourages residents to make a choice "so your voice will be heard." Surveys were mailed to all affected property owners and will also be available from Iokepa-Moses, who is Deputy Director of the county Department of Environmental Services.

Hokulele Basketball Keiki play and raise money to travel.  They took second in last weekend's tournament in Pāhala.
 Photo by Julia Neal





HPD ARRESTED 27 FOR DUI during the week of Oct. 2.through Oct. 8. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for motorists driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 752 DUI arrests compared with 760 during the same period last year, a decrease of 1.1 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 645 major collisions so far this year compared with 636 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.4 percent.
    To date, there have been 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities, (one with multiple deaths); compared with 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 27 fatalities (one with multiple deaths, and one reclassified to a medical condition) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 48 percent for fatal crashes, and 48.1 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.


ENFORCEMENT OF STREET VENDING AND OTHER COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY RULES ON state and county roads will be enforced beginning Dec.1. Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with state Department of Transportation and County of Hawai‘i Planning Department made the announcement
this week to inform the public of an upcoming island-wide enforcement initiative focused on the illegal use of state highways and county roadways for commercial activities, including street vending.
    "This enforcement initiative aims to ensure that our roadways and highways are utilized for their designated purposes. While we recognize the value and appeal of local vendors in enhancing the vibrant culture of our island, it is essential to maintain order and consistency in the use of public spaces," says the HPD statement.
    Beginning Friday, Dec. 1, authorities will monitor, address, and enforce regulations prohibiting unauthorized commercial activities on state highways and county roadways across Hawai‘i Island. Those found in violation could face criminal prosecution and fines up to $1,000.
    "The Hawai‘i Police Department appreciates the community's understanding and cooperation in this matter," says the HPD statement. For questions or further information regarding this initiative, please contact Kona Community Policing Sergeant Brandon Mansur, at (808) 326-4646, extension 256, or via email at brandon.mansur@hawaiicounty.gov.


Monday, October 09, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Oct. 9, 2023

Indigenous People's Day, celebrated on Monday, Oct. 9 would become Indigenous People's Day nationally, a measure
supported by Hawai‘'i's two U.S. Senators. Image from Friends of Hawai‘i National Wildlife Refuge

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY would become a federal public holiday on the second Monday of every October, if The Indigenous People's Day Act, supported by both Hawai‘i Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz. becomes law. The proposal would change Section 6103(a) of title 5, United States Code, by striking the item relating to Columbus Day and inserting ‘‘Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the second Monday in October."
    Schatz, who chairs the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, said, “Indigenous Peoples’ Day gives us all an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the enduring contributions Native people have made to our country. Recognizing this day as a federal holiday would be a meaningful step toward strengthening our
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. that officially celebrates
 the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in the New World in
 1492. Many Italian-Americans observe it as a celebration of heritage, but
 the holiday is growing unfashionable. In Hawai‘i and more than a dozen other
 states, it is called Indigenous Peoples' Day. Image from Northeast Public Radio
commitment to Native communities, addressing past injustices, and deepening the federal trust responsibility to the Indigenous peoples of the United States.”
    Hirono was one of the co-sponsors of the bill. It would replace any mention of Columbus Day in all federal laws or regulations with Indigenous Peoples’ Day. More than a dozen states across the country, including Hawai‘i, have recognized this change. In 2021, Joe Biden became the first U.S. President to formally commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. "Recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a federal holiday is a necessary next step to address generations of trauma and inequity," said a statement from Hirono's office.
    The legislation is supported by The Navajo Nation, All Pueblo Council of Governors, National Congress of American Indians, Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative, Association on American Indian Affairs, Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe, the Pocahontas Project, Cherokee Nation, National Council of Urban Indian Health, and Barona Band of Mission Indians.
 

SEVEN ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS RECEIVED THEIR BADGES from Hawai'i County on Friday, after completing a course in order to join the new Animal Control & Protection Agency.
    The course gives officers a deep dive into the intricacies of county laws and regulation, along with training in writing citations. The program grants officers a two-year certification and will be conducted annually for eligible trainees. Eligibility for this program requires six months to a year of dedicated training and experience. 
    "The successful completion of the badging ceremony signifies a pinnacle achievement in these officers' 
Newly badged Animal Control Officers Charde Silva, Blake Cardines, Halcy Clinton, Charyse
Emmons, Jermy Dussan, Kamalani Andrews, and Aurabingy Tafari. Photo from County of Hawaiʻi
careers and underscores their steadfast dedication to the welfare of the community's animals." said a statement from the office of Mayor Mitch Roth who extended congratulations to Charde Silva, Blake Cardines, Halcy Clinton, Charyse Emmons, Jermy Dussan, Kamalani Andres and Aurabingy Tafari.
    "Assuming the responsibility of animal control for our island has been a tall order made easier by the unwavering dedication and compassion of our Animal Control Officers," said the Mayor. "These 
individuals work tirelessly to care for the numerous animals residing on our island while simultaneously striving for the safety of our residents. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to these officers for their accomplishments and wish them ongoing safety as they contribute to making our island a more pleasant place to live, work, and enjoy."
    The Animal Control & Protection Agency plays a vital role in the community, enforcing animal welfare laws, responding to emergencies, and promoting responsible pet ownership. The certification of these officers will further enhance the agency's ability to fulfill its mission."
    The Mayor also said that work continues to be done to build out the Animal Control and Protection Agency in a broader effort to provide sufficient services to all areas of the community. Residents interested in applying for Animal Control and Protection Agency positions can visit jobs.hawaiicounty.gov for more information.

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WEST HAWAI‘I WOODWIND QUARTET will perform kid-friendly classical music at two Kaʻū libraries on Wednesday. The hour-long concerts will feature pieces that were written primarily for keiki.
    The quintet musicians hope that the music will evoke memories of childhood among the adult audience members. Younger audiences are sure to appreciate the rare opportunity to experience a symphonic fairy tale played live, while learning the sounds of the five principal classical woodwind instruments. Quintet members are Barbara Coffman on flute, Peter Bosted on oboe, Robbie Brown on clarinet, Jessica Dalke on horn, and Lisa Wells on bassoon.
    Peter and the Wolf is a memorable piece, that relates to a story set in olden day Russia, and composed by Sergei Prokofiev, specifically for children. Each instrument plays the theme that represents a character in the story. The bird is played by the flute, the duck by the oboe, the cat by the clarinet, Peter's grandfather by the bassoon and the hunters by the horn. Peter's catchy theme is played by the entire ensemble.

Members of the West Hawai‘i Woodwind Quintet are, from the left, Robbie Brown on clarinet, Jessica Dalke on horn, Barbara Coffman on flute, Lisa Wells on bassoon and Peter Bosted on oboe.  Photo by Annie Bosted

    Also helping the story along will be a professional narrator, Charley O'Kelly, who tells the story of an adventurous young Russian boy, Peter, whose animal friends are threatened by a wolf.
    Rounding out the hour-long concert will be four short, crowd pleasing pieces from the Peer Gynt suite by Edvard Grieg, including Hall of the Mountain King and Morning Mood. Originally composed to portray Ibsen's traditional Norwegian fairy tale as a musical, these popular pieces are often used in movies, videos and even video games. Morning Mood was used as the opening theme music in PopCap Games' 2007 video game Peggle.
    Both concerts will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11. The Nāʻālehu library performance will start at 10:30 a.m. and the Pāhala library performance will begin at 2:15 p.m. The concerts are sponsored by the County of Hawai‘i. There is no charge to attend.