Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 18, 2024

Rodney Kekaualua, Jr. (right) receives Ka‘ū Officer of the Year award, with praise from Ka‘ū District Commander 
Pernell Hanoa. Photo from HPD

KAʻŪ OFFICER OF THE YEAR AND KAʻŪ TOP ENFORCER are the titles recently given to Rodney Kekaualua, Jr. and Jenna Kosinski-Santos by the Hawai'i Police Department. The awards are the first in the department’s 80-year history to be specifically bestowed on Ka‘ū police officers and are similar to Officer of the Month and Officer of the Quarter awards issued by various organizations in other parts of the island.
    “On behalf of the entire department, I am proud of the work Officers Kekaualua Jr. and Kosinski-Santos are doing,” said HPD Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz. “Their joint commitment to serving and protecting the Nā‘ālehu community in the spirit of aloha is a model for officers island-wide.“

Jenna Kosinski-Santos receives Top Enforcer award.
Photo from HPD

    The Ka‘ū Officer of the Year award is determined by a vote of all officers in the district. “This provides the officers the opportunity to decide who amongst them, in their opinion, deserves the nomination,” said Acting Captain Pernell Hanoa, commander of the Ka‘ū District. “It really speaks volumes to not only an officer’s work ethic, but also to his/her character.”
   Kekaualua Jr., a four-year-veteran of the department was nominated by his peers as the district’s inaugural Officer of the Year. He has worked in the Ka‘ū district since graduating the police academy in 2020. “Officer Kekaualua is a humble person with a positive attitude and outstanding dedication,” said Hanoa.
    The Ka‘ū Top Enforcer award is presented to the officer who has shown the greatest initiative in enforcing traffic and criminal laws throughout the year based on statistical data. Kosinski-Santos was recognized as the district’s first Top Enforcer. A five-year veteran of the department, she has served the Ka‘ū community since 2021.
    “She’s a pro-active officer who has a gift of motivating those around her,” said the Acting Captain, noting that this is not Kosinski-Santos’ first time being recognized. She received the Kona Crime Prevention Committee Officer of the Month award in December 2020 for responding to a fatal traffic collision while off duty, and the Hawai‘i County Council Haweo award in May 2022 for rescuing an elderly man trapped in a vehicle.
    “In addition to recognizing our officers, I’d like to convey our appreciation to the Ka‘ū community,” said Hanoa. “The support we’ve received and continue to be blessed with from our residents and local businesses is incredible.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Manago Hotel Restaurant will remain open and its rooms will become long-term affordable housing.
Photo from Manago Hotel

MANAGO, HAWAI'I'S OLDEST RESTAURANT, WILL NOT SHUT DOWN, reports Tim Wright, a Ka‘ū High School graduate who sent the word to Ka‘ū residents who love to dine there within the historic Manago Hotel in Captain Cook.
    The restaurant will remain open, and the building will be transitioned into 72 workforce housing units under the direction of Mental Health Kokua, the nonprofit awarded $5.5 million in County of Hawaiʻi Affordable Housing Production Program funds to acquire Manago Hotel. The project will transition the

residential section of the building into 67 studios, 2 one-bedroom, and 3 two-bedroom units. These units will be available to households earning no more than 140% of the Area Medium Income. In Hawai'i, AMI is $85,000 for one person.. The affordability period for these units will be in perpetuity.
    Mental Health Kokua CEO Greg Payton that the Affordable Housing Production Program requires MHK to rent rooms to members of the workforce. MHK plans to transition the hotel to workforce housing while the units are occupied.
    He said that in addition to Manago Hotel restaurant not closing. the Manago family has "graciously tentatively agreed to share their signature recipes, including their famous pork chops. Our plan is to provide much-needed workforce housing and to continue the legacy of the Manago restaurant." said Payton.
    According to a co-statement issued by MHK and County of Hawai'i, minor renovations to transition the hotel to workforce housing will commence after the close of sale. Updates on the project will be provided by MHK as they become available. County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development is finalizing grant agreements and environmental reviews for each of its projects, including acquisition of Manago Hotel. Once grant agreements are executed in the next few months, funds will be released allowing the purchase to move forward, said the statement.

Image from Tim Wright

    Per the Administrative Rules developed for the program, activities funded to increase affordable housing units (e.g. design, acquisition, infrastructure, new construction) shall be obligated within one year and result in occupancy of affordable housing units within five years from the date the grant agreement is executed. An extension can be requested. Approval is at the discretion of the housing administrator.
   The Affordable Housing Production Program was made possible through Ordinance 22-77, passed by the County Council in June 2022, and signed into law by Mayor Mitch Roth. The law appropriates a minimum of $5 million per year to the Office of Housing and Community Development to facilitate programs that support, increase, and sustain the supply of affordable rental and owner-occupied housing on Hawai'i Island.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE SENIOR LADY TROJANS BASKETBALL GAME will be held this Saturday at the Herkes Ka‘ū District Gym in Pāhala at 2 p.m. It will honor seniors Lily Haina, Tyra Wong Yuen and Alexus Bivings. The team will host Hilo High School.

    The game will be followed by a boys junior varsity basketball game, followed by a boys varsity basketball game against Kealakehe High School.

Photo and art by Deisha-lyn Nurial-Dacalio

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail.

2,500 on the streets.

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 17, 2024

At Shoots Summit last weekend are Josh Ortega, Vladimir Fedoruk, Kamamalu Kauwe, Nyori Soriano 
and Chayenne Brooks representing Kaʻū High with a film that took second in the Broadcast Feature category.
Photo from Ka'u High Journalism Class

KAʻŪ HIGH STUDENTS TOOK SECOND FOR THEIR BROADCAST FEATURE STORY during the Shoots Summit event at Moanalua High School last weekend on O'ahu. Nyori Soriano wrote, produced and edited the Good Vibes film. Kamamalu Kauwe filmed it and Vladimir Fedoruk reported. Mentoring the filmmakers was Kaʻū High journalism and English teacher Chayanee Brooks.
   The 1:13 min. film focuses on positive attitudes to overcome challenges. It can be seen at https://youtu.be/H9z0wH7nFEA.
    Shoots Summit is a digital media storytelling event that is filled with workshops and competitions that focus on photography, graphic design, film, and broadcast media. Moanalua High School took first in the Broadcast Feature category. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF VOLCANO IS OFFERING A $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP for high school seniors going on to a four year college. A $2,000 scholarship will go to a senior going on to a two year college or vocational school. Applications for the $5,000 scholarship are due Feb.1 and the students must show academic achievement, community participation and financial need. Applicants must also attend an interview with Rotarians. The $2,000 scholarship applications are due April, with similar requirements. Those interested can email office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org or contact Alita Gandy at alida608@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

VIBRANT HAWAI'I HOUSING COALITION is holding an online public meeting Thursday from 1 p.m.

to 2:30 p.m., led by Co-Chairs Darryl Oliveira and Merrick Nishimoto. They will share the Vibrant Hawai'i Housing Coalition Action Plan for 2024 and engage participants in identifying areas to contribute toward goals. 
    The aim of Vibrant Hawai'i Housing Coalition is to build public-private partnerships to reduce the shelter burden of Hawai'i Island residents.
    Register at https://www.vibranthawaii.org/event-details/hawaii-island-housing-coalition-9?cid=33dbbf7c-f025-49ad-9e10-5d0a217ff05b&utm_campaign=d22dc3b8-f195-4968-9564-341d5c0e14b7&utm_medium=mail&utm_source=so.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.                                                                         

THE FIRST PEDIATRIC DEATH FROM INFLUENZA THIS SEASON was announced Tuesday by the state Department of Health. The Hawaiʻi resident was under the age of 18. "Out of respect for the family's privacy, no further information about the child is being released," said the DOH statement.
    "We are always especially saddened to announce the death of a child in our community. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family at this difficult time," said Dr. Kenneth Fink, Director of Health. "If you or your loved ones have not received the flu vaccine this season, I hope you will consider doing so."
    Hawaiʻi has seen a rise in flu cases in recent weeks in combination with rising RSV cases and continued COVID-19 activity. Unlike flu activity in other states, flu transmission in Hawaiʻi is observed year-round.

    According to DOH, "Recent studies have shown that flu vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, emergency department visits, hospitalization, and death. Everyone six months and over can receive an influenza vaccine at pharmacies, clinics, or healthcare facilities. A list of COVID-19 and flu vaccination locations can be found at https://www.vaccines.gov/. DOH encourages anyone who is not up to date, or is unsure whether they are up to date, to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider about getting vaccinated."
    Hawaiʻi's last pediatric death from influenza occurred in June 2023. During the 2022-23 flu season, Hawaiʻi recorded four pediatric deaths due to influenza. Nationwide, the CDC has reported 40 influenza-associated pediatric deaths for the current 2023-24 flu season. "As we emerge from the pandemic, we are seeing a return of pre-pandemic flu impacts in the community," said Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist. "Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from the flu. It is recommended that everyone six months and older get vaccinated each year."
    DOH also reports that "While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic prevention measures can also reduce the spread of flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Daily actions such as hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering when coughing and sneezing can help stop the spread of germs and increase your protection. While not required, masking is also still an effective prevention measure for respiratory illnesses. Consider wearing a well-fitted mask in crowded indoor settings or when traveling.?
    More information about influenza and other respiratory diseases is available at https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE MANY EARTHQUAKES BELOW PĀHALA is the subject of a talk by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory earthquake specialist Ninfa Bennington this Thursday, Jan. 18. These quakes are 12 to 25 miles below the town and are under study, using detecting devices. The talk is at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani Street at 6 p.m. It is one in a series of presentations during the January Volcano Awareness Month.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail.

2,500 on the streets.

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 16, 2024

After a sunny day, Mauna Loa was without snow at its summit on Tuesday, as shown in the webcam image on Tuesday afternoon. Over last weekend, there was heavy snow during severe winter weather. Two hikers were rescued on Monday
 morning. See more below. USGS webcam image

Earthquake-detecting devices to study the deep
earthquakes beneath Pāhala. A meeting will be
 held this Thursday at Pāhala Community
Center, 6 p.m. USGS photo

THIS THURSDAY IN PĀHALA: WHY ARE EARTHQUAKES HAPPENING DEEP BENEATH PĀHALA? That is the title of a community gathering this Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala    Community Center. The session is sponsored by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory as part of Volcano Awareness Month.
    Since 2019, earthquakes have been occurring frequently in the region 12–25 miles below the town of Pāhala. Many of these earthquakes are felt by residents in the area, and the larger events are felt throughout the Island of Hawaiʻi. In 2022, scientists at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory worked with members of the community to deploy nearly 100 earthquake-detecting devices in the Pāhala area in an effort learn more about what is causing these events.
    This Thursday, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory earthquake specialist Ninfa Bennington will describe this ongoing earthquake activity and explain the experiment underway to determine if these events deep beneath Pāhala are related to volcanic activity at Kīlauea.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

FREE SCHOLARSHIP MENTORING FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS RESIDING IN KAʻŪ: Millions of dollars of scholarship money go unclaimed each year - mostly due to a lack of applications from qualified college students. Scholarships are free money, tax free, and don't have to be repaid. 

    Many scholarships cover educational expenses beyond tuition such as books, housing and meals.
    A committee has been created this year to assist students in successfully locating, researching and applying for college scholarships. A team of adult volunteer mentors in the Kaʻū District are available to work with students who need help, encouragement and support in receiving scholarship money.
    Mentors will assist students with online research of available scholarships, help students keep organized, review applications for completeness and grammar, not miss deadlines and proof read applications, essays and other submissions. 

     This service is free to any high school senior living in the Kaʻū District. For more information and to sign up with a scholarship mentor, contact the committee at okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com or contact Kaʻū High School Counselor, Regina Blanchard-Walker.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

TWO HIKERS WERE RESCUED, AIRLIFTED OFF MAUNA LOA on Monday, after running out of food and water and getting lost during severe winter weather that closed the mountain above 10,000 feet.
    The hikers, a male and female, were not injured. They first called 911 Sunday morning, Jan. 14, to report that they were out of food and water in the windy, freezing weather and that their phones were running out of power.
    A search-and-rescue ranger from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and a helicopter pilot deployed and quickly located the uninjured couple around 11,000 feet on the remote slopes of Mauna Loa. The pilot landed and the ranger checked on the hikers. He gave them food, water and a satellite communication device, along with instructions to return to the nearest shelter and continue to hike out on their own. Their elevation and dangerous gusting winds made it too risky to transport the pair by air.

Snow on Mauna Loa. USGS file photo

   Shortly after sunset on Sunday, the hikers texted the park ranger that they had lost the trail near 10,300 feet in the foul weather. The pilot, unable to operate safely in darkness and hazardous conditions, flew the ranger up again Monday morning. The couple was safely extracted one at a time.
    "The search-and-rescue mission could have been prevented if the hikers had followed explicit directions to check in and pick up their permit from the park's backcountry office," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger Jack Corrao. "The park closed the summit of Mauna Loa and canceled all high-elevation backcountry permits on January 9 due to severe winter weather, and we immediately posted a closure alert on our website and social media outlets. Their actions put themselves, the pilot and our ranger at great and unnecessary risk."
    The couple were with two other hikers from Oʻahu but the pairs separated on the arduous hike to the closed summit area. The other couple hiked out on their own without incident. All four hikers were cited for engaging in activities without a permit.
    All areas on Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remain closed above Red Hill Cabin.
Information on how to acquire a backcountry permit and prepare for a safe backcountry trip in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is available at https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/hike_bc.htm.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Hawai‘i Police Department 98th Recruit Class picture left to right: Iryna V. Izotova, Rory R. Ringang, Isaac K. Paglinawan, Clark J. Bucknell, Daniel K. Akina, Taylor K. Au, Quintin K. Carvalho. Photo from HPD

THE LATEST RECRUITS AT HAWAI'I POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATED with a class of one woman and six men. The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s 98th Police Recruit Class Recognition Ceremony was held on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The ceremony focused on police personnel, guest speakers, and family members of the recruits.
     The 98th Police Recruit Class began training on July 17, 2023. The HPD statement says, "They started

off as strangers who had come together from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. In the end, after six months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of seven police recruits."
    Class Officers include Officer Taylor K. Au, Class President, and Officer Rory R. Ringang, Vice President. Other members of the class are Officer Daniel K. Akina, Officer Clark J. Bucknell, Officer Quintin K. Carvalho, Officer Iryna V. Izotova, and Officer Isaac K. Paglinawan.
    Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Officer Au who attained the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. He also received the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training.
    As the recipient of the academic and firearms awards, Au will have his name engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department’s training room.
    Ringang was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning.
   The graduates begin to work as police officers, with four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work a solo assignment.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

MAJOR REED K. MAHUNA TOOK THE POST OF DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF on Tuesday. He was sworn in during a ceremony at HPD;s Training Rroom on Friday, after serving as Acting Deputy Chief since July 1 last year. He is a 25-year veteran of HPD.
    “As the Acting Deputy Chief for the past six months, Reed has done an amazing job at helping lead the department,” said Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz. “I am honored we can make his appointment

Mayor Mitch Roth and new Deputy Police
Chief Reed Mahuna. HPD Photo

permanent and look forward to working together for years to come.”
     Now that the Police Chief has permanently appointed Mahuna as Deputy Chief, “We await his official confirmation by the Police Commission at their next meeting on Friday, Jan. 19,” said Moszkowicz.
    Prior to being named Acting Deputy Chief Mahuna 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. He has also 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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail.

2,500 on the streets.