Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 24, 2024

MORE DETAIL ON THE FIRST TARO FEST IN Kaʻū is released for the Saturday, Dec. 14 event.
The first Kaʻū Taro Festival will be held at Herkes Kaʻū District Gym Complex in Pāhala. See www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival. The event is free and open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. Its major organizing sponsor is 'O Ka'ū Kākou. It will be followed by the Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. All money raised from this festival by 'O Ka'ū Kākou will fund its 2025 Scholarships for Kaʻū residents.
    Pāhala Kupuna will conduct the opening protocol. An Ali'i Court of Ka'u youth will be coronated to oversee the event. Pāhala Youth Taiko Drummers will present their premiere performance, followed by

One of the many art pieces depicting taro, this one with an
internal poi pounder by Alan Moores will be on display
and for sale at O Ka'ū Kākou's Kaʻū Taro Festival.

Pāhala Adult Taiko Drummers.
    Keoki Sereno will sing and play 'ukulele. Na'a'alil'i will dance hula. Pāhala Seniors will play 'ukulele. South Hawai'i Symphony will play.
    Prospective vendors and presenters can apply through Nov. 26. Sign up for a booth online at www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival.
    Alan Moores will present his kalo paintings and prints. Ka Lae Quilters will offer their fabric crafts. Kamakanaokalani's will present kalo crocks, jewelry and apparel. Paradise Preserved will offer kalo hummus, freeze dried pa'i'ai. Wong Yuen Hui will have kalo mochi and kulolo. Fused Fragments will sell kalo sun catchers and nightlights.
    Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation will offer salad greens with taro chips. Sugar Sweet will present its freeze dried poi. Flyin Hawaiian Coffee will create peanut butter banana taro smoothies. Taylor's Bears will be featuring kalo themed stuffed teddy bears.
    Hana Hou Restaurant will offer poi ahi poke bowls. Kaʻū Civic Club will sell chicken laulau stew. Lacy's Food Trailer will sell laulaus. Lynda Nolte Watercolors will show her kalo watercolor images. Tools for Quantum Living will sell taro popsicles and laulau seasoning. Ku'u Ihi Flowers will offer kalo boba drinks and poi balls. Pohaku Coffee will make taro smoothies.
    Pua'ala LLC will sell its kalo bags, towels, clothes and coasters. Sel's Lunch Wagon will prepare laing (kalo w/coconut milk, meat and seafood). Ka'ū Creations Boutique will offer kalo key fobs, pouches and bags. Ohia Creations will sell its kalo tiki lights and magnets (carved in wood).
Looking Glass Art will display will feature kalo stained glassworks. Woods of Hawai'i will present kalo wood carvings and boxes. The Artist Vei will sell kalo cards, portraits and images. O Ka'ū Kākou will be selling festival t-shirts and live taro plants. 'Aina University will have an informational booth.
    In addition to the taro-related products listed above, vendors will offer a wide variety of other non-taro items. Note that many vendors aren't equipped to accept electronic payment.

    Lucky number drawing prizes will occur throughout the festival and include a round of golf at Volcano Golf Course, gift cards from HPM Building Supply, Don's Grill Hilo, KTA Superstores, Ono Café Volcano, Ocean View Pizza, Locovore Store Hilo, Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee, Polished Pina Nail Salon, Wyatt's Place Hawai'i and A Unique Boutique. Other prizes include gift bags from Elizabeth Crook doTerra, gift baskets from Aikane Coffee and a keiki taro patch tool kit from Tractor Supply Hilo.
    Games will include Corn Hole Toss by 'O Ka'ū Kākou, a Taro Patch challenge game by Hawaiian Telecom and a Taro Spin the Wheel game by CU Hawai'i. Hawai'i Police Dept. Community Police Officers will offer Free Keiki IDs at their festival booth. Opala management will be handled by Kaʻū's Malama 'Aina Compostables and PA system is courtesy of Netcom Enterprises.
    Sponsors include: Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Olson Trust, 'Ohana Foods Hilo and Nāʻālehu, Mizuno Superette. CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Luana Hospitality Group with Huggo's, On the Rocks, Lava Lava Beach Club and Kai Eats, Drinks, Kaʻū Auto Repair, Punalu'u Bakery, Malama Kaʻū Foundation, Gone Fishing, Inc., Backyard Monkey LLC Tree & Yard Service and The Club at Discovery Harbour.

    For more, see http://www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival or call Tim DeLozier at 808-582-2342.

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HAWAI'I GAP WILL LAUNCH ITS ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM in 2025. Hawaiʻi Gap, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship, is a subsidiary of Science Camps of America, which hosts students for two ten-day sessions every summer in Pahala.

Developing environmental leaders is a mission of Hawai'i Gap.
Photo from Hawai'i Gap

     The additional ten-week gap year program will begin next September, "offering a powerful opportunity for recent high school graduates or those taking a gap year to immerse themselves in the breathtaking Hawaiian environment while developing critical leadership skills to champion environmental causes," says the statement from Hawai'i Gap. Like Science Camps, it will be held in Ka'ū.
    "We are passionate about inspiring the next generation to protect our planet," says Michael Richards, founder of Science Camps and Co-founder and Executive Director at Hawaiʻi Gap. "This program offers a unique opportunity for young adults to gain a deep understanding of environmental challenges while developing critical leadership skills so they can effectively create positive change."
    Designed for recent high school graduates or those taking a gap year before or during college, the program immerses participants in the diverse landscapes of Hawai'i Island. Through interactive learning, hands-on experiences, and expert guidance, participants will:
   Gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental science: Explore topics like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable practices.
    Take action through hands-on conservation efforts: Participate in beach cleanups, invasive species removal, and coral and native plant restoration projects.

Hawai'i Gap will begin in 2025 in Ka'ū for students taking time between
high school and college or during higher education to do some 
environmental field work. Photo from Hawai'i Gap

    Develop critical leadership skills: Learn effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving techniques to advocate for environmental solutions.
    Build a supportive community: Live alongside fellow passionate individuals and experienced instructors, fostering lifelong connections and shared experiences.
    Dr. Floyd McCoy, University of Hawaiʻi Professor Emeritus in Geoscience and Oceanography, is also a co-founder of Hawaiʻi Gap. "The highlight of every semester I taught was when we went out to do field work. In the field the students gained perspective and an understanding of nature, of history, and of the human impact. With this gap program those five day field courses are expanded to ten weeks - the students spend the entire semester immersed in the environment. The experience will be transformative."
    Richards adds, "We have created this Environmental Leadership gap year program to be an unforgettable journey that goes beyond academics. Our goal is to provide participants with the tools and confidence to become active environmental stewards and leaders towards a more sustainable future."
    Applications for the upcoming semester are open. To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process, visit https://HawaiiGap.org or contact Hawai'i Gap at info@hawaiigap.org or (808) 235-3612. Follow Hawaiʻi Gap on Facebook and Instagram. See more on Science Camps of America, including its program next summer, at https://ScienceCampsAmerica.com.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 23, 2024

After a long wait over the years, a kupuna signs the document to receive a parcel of Hawaiian Home Lands on Saturday with
many more lots around the island promised. DHHL photo

NATIVE HAWAIIANS WERE ABLE TO ACQUIRE 68 FARM LOTS on Saturday at Honomu north of Hilo and Maku'u in Puna. The event was laced with promises of offering additional lots in the near future. Kaʻū is one of the places with Hawaiian Home Lands but no awards are planned in near future due to lack of infrastructure.
    Saturday marked the largest agricultural lot offering by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands since the late-1980s. Homestead lots range in size from one to five acres. In Honomū, 16 one-acre subsistence agricultural lots were offered. In Makuʻu, 20 five-acre agricultural lots and 32 two-acre subsistence agricultural lots were offered.
    A DHHL statement says that nearly 200 beneficiaries and their 'ohana celebrated the occasion at Keaukaha Elementary School.
    "ʻOhana are built on the ʻāina and it is the department's commitment to keeping our families in Hawaiʻi

Generations gathered on Saturday to witness the transfer
of farm and subsistence-ag lots to Hawaiian families.
DHHL photo

and on the land," said DHHL Director Kali Watson. "It is DHHL's goal to offer diverse homesteading options and these agricultural lots serve as solutions to addressing the waitlist."
    Subsistence-ag lots are less than three acres in size and near existing infrastructure. This homestead model allows beneficiaries to live and grow food on their lots for home consumption or small-scale economic agricultural activity, says the DHHL statement.
    Beneficiaries who opt to grow produce and other crops commercially must create a farm plan, like a business plan, as part of their lease, and lessees must cultivate at least two-thirds of the land.
    With both lot types, beneficiaries have the option of constructing a single-family home or supplemental dwelling unit.
    "This momentous occasion marks an exciting milestone for DHHL beneficiaries, providing not only the opportunity to build homes but also to cultivate a future grounded in food sovereignty and self-sustainability," said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke.
    In the near term, an additional 40 subsistence agricultural lots are slated for development in Honomū within the next two years. More than 1,600 lots are planned for various homesteads across Hawaiʻi Island including Laʻi ʻŌpua, Kaumana, Honokaʻa, Palamanui and Panaʻewa.

    Jeffrey Kekoa, President of Kaʻū Hawaiian Home Land Association, explained that when beneficiaries sign up for a DHHL agriculture award, they can specify which island. They can specify one district on that island, or islandwide. He said he signed up just to be awarded a lot in Kaʻū. However, there won't be any awards of ag in Kaʻū, Kekoa predicted. He said the ag lots do not have any infrastructure. The ag lots at Ka Lae and mauka Wai‘ōhinu do not have roads or water service. 

    He noted that the DHHL chair said last year during a commissioners' meeting in Hilo that he would rather spend elsewhere.

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Kaʻū Trojans Girls Basketball team started the season with a pre-season winning record on O'ahu this week.
Photo by Assistant Coach Precious Jara

KAʻŪ TROJAN GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM returned home victorious on Saturday, beating big schools, including Division I's McKinley High and also Kaimuki, but losing to the host team at Sacred Hearts Preseason Invitational Tournament on O'ahu.
    Under the guidance of Head Coach Troy Gacayan and Assistant Coaches Tyra Wong Yuen and Precious Jara, Trojan Girls

Victorious Kaʻū Trojans Girls Basketball team beat McKinley
 and Kaimuki on O'ahu at the Sacred Hearts Invitational
 Tournament. Photo from Coach Gacayan

team won its first game Thursday against Kaimuki 45-27. Trojans lost to the host team Sacred Hearts 24-43 on Friday night. Trojans beat McKinley 49-16 on Saturday afternoon.
    Gacayan noted that this is his first year coaching Trojan Girls Basketball after coaching Trojan Boys JV and Varsity for two seasons several years ago. "It is my simple way of giving back to the community," he said. "Thank you to all the parents, school administration, donors and residents for all your support in helping make this trip happen for these girls from the small country community of the District of Kaʻū." He said the team came home with a 2-1 record and "with a lot of opportunities to gain a lot of experience and lessons learned. Great job girls!"
    The Trojan Girls' first regular season game is Tuesday at Kea'au. It is followed by three home games, Monday, Dec. 2 hosting Honoka'a, Saturday, Dec. 7 hosting Konawaena and Monday, Dec. 9 hosting Kamehameha.
    Trojans go on the road Thursday, Dec. 12 to Waiakea and host Kealakehe at home Tuesday, Dec. 17. The team hits the road again on Saturday, Dec. 21 traveling to Kohala, and to Christian Liberty Academy on Tuesday, Dec. 23. The play resumes in January.

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Scientists with USGS and GNS Science install coupons at DESD seismic station on Dec. 9, 2022.

Photo by Carol Stewart of Massey University

QUANTIFYING CORROSION DOWNWIND OF KILAUEA 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. This week's article is by scientists from Aotearoa, New Zealand. The authors are Carol Stewart of Massey University, Zhengwei Li and Anna de Raadt of BRANZ Ltd., and Graham Leonard of GNS Science:
    In December 2022, a team of scientists from Aotearoa New Zealand teamed up with scientists from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory to carry out a small pilot study of atmospheric corrosion rates on the Island of Hawai'i. The purpose was to expand our knowledge base of how metal corrodes in different environments—specifically metal that is often used as building and roofing material.
    In New Zealand we have carried out studies in extreme coastal environments (exposed to high rates of marine aerosol deposition) and in geothermal environments (exposed to hydrogen sulfide and minor amounts of sulfur dioxide), but we do not have access to sites exposed to moderate to high concentrations of sulfur dioxide. This is of particular interest for future volcanic eruptions in New Zealand, such as an eruption in the Auckland Volcanic Field, which is overlain by the city of Auckland. Study findings will also have applicability to other parts of the world, including in Hawaii, downwind of volcanic eruptions.
    With permission from the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and landowners, we mounted specially prepared rectangular metal samples (150 by 100 mm; just under 6 by 4 inches), called coupons, of mild steel, copper, zinc, and hot-dip galvanized (HDG) zinc coating, at three locations downwind and one upwind of Kaluapele, Kīlauea's summit crater. Mild steel is the base material for many steel structures and its corrosion rate is fundamental to estimating the service life of such structures. Copper is widely used in power distribution systems and HDG is used to protect steel structures, claddings, and fastenings.
    A year later, the coupons were retrieved and returned to the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ)'s corrosion laboratory for analysis. Corrosion products were removed and then the cleaned coupons weighed to determine their mass losses over the year they were exposed. These results were used to calculate first-year corrosion rates. These can be used to assess the resistance of these materials to atmospheric corrosion under the influence of volcanic emissions. We also classified the corrosivity of each site according to the accepted international classification scheme (ISO 9223).

Progression of corrosion after approximately six months' deployment time. Coupons of copper (on left), mild steel (center) and zinc (right) on 21 June 2023. Photo by Carol Stewart of Massey University

.   Our results indicate that all sites are classified as 'Medium' over the study period. This is similar to inland coastal regions of New Zealand with moderate exposure to wind-driven marine aerosol and geothermal regions not immediately adjacent to geothermal features such as hot springs and fumaroles. We note that our study period coincided with a period of mostly low SO2 emissions from Kīlauea and thus we likely underestimate corrosivity at other times with higher emissions.
    We were particularly interested in the relatively high corrosion rates of copper and zinc at Site 1, which was the closest to Kīlauea's summit vent but upwind relative to the prevailing trade wind field. Our previous work in the Rotorua geothermal field has suggested that copper, in particular, is highly susceptible to relatively low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide. Potential explanations include the presence of hydrogen sulfide at Site 1, and the influence of other environmental factors such as the higher rainfall at this site.
    We thank HVO and the landowners who hosted the corrosion test rigs as well as everyone who has been supportive of and interested in this study. We will continue to share new findings and insights, and we welcome expressions of interest from any parties interested in progressing this work. This could include areas such as understanding the variability of atmospheric corrosivity across the island of Hawai'i, assessing corrosivity rates during heightened activity from Kīlauea, and assessing the durability of materials that are commonly used for buildings and construction on the island.

Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Over the week ending on Thursday, earthquake rates beneath Kīlauea summit and upper-to-middle East Rift Zone were about double that of the previous week. About 10 earthquakes were located beneath the summit, and about 70 were located in the upper-to-middle East Rift Zone. Ground deformation rates continue to show slow inflation at the summit and near the September 15-20 middle East Rift Zone eruption site. Future intrusive episodes and eruptions could occur with continued magma supply.
Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL. Three earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the week ending Thursday: a M1.7 earthquake 13 km (8 mi) ENE of Honaunau-Napoopoo at 9 km (6 mi) depth on Nov. 15 at 9:26 p.m. HST, a M4.1 earthquake 19 km (11 mi) SE of Pāhala at 33 km (20 mi) depth on Nov. 14 at 12:42 p.m. HST, and a M3.2 earthquake 0 km (0 mi) N of Volcano at 28 km (17 mi) depth on Nov. 14 at 6:09 a.m. HST.
The HVO report says the team continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 22, 2024

Mayor-elect Dr. Kimo Alameda honors the late Mayor Billy Kenoi on his birthday. Alameda swears in on Monday, Dec. 2.
Photo form Alameda facebook

KEY CABINET MEMBERS FOR MAYOR-ELECT KIMO ALAMEDA are announced, ahead of the new Mayor and his staff members taking their posts at noon on Monday, Dec. 2. “I could not be more proud of

Jeffrey Darrow

 our team and those who have stepped forward to serve,” Alameda said. “I am confident that each of these individuals will bring a tremendous work ethic to their departments and roles, will lead with aloha, and will work in partnership with our communities to help uplift Hawai‘i Island.” 

     Selected directors and deputy directors require County Council confirmation. Here are their descriptions from Alameda:   
    Planning Director Jeffrey Darrow is an accomplished administrator and planner who has held multiple leadership positions within the County’s Planning Department, where he currently serves as Deputy Director. During his 26-year career with the department, he has also served as Planning Program Manager, Planner, and Zoning Inspector.

Michelle Ahn

    Planning Deputy Director Michelle Ahn is an attorney who has served the Planning Department as a Deputy Corporation Counsel since 2023. In this role, she has represented the department in hearings before the state Land Use Commission, prosecuted code enforcement actions, and provided legal training for department staff. She lives in Kona and has previously practiced law in the states of California and Hawai‘i.

Clayton Honma

    Parks & Recreation Director Clayton Honma returns to the post 

 he held from 2012-2016. He was Deputy Director from 2009-2012. Honma is currently a Program Planner for the County’s Office of Aging where he oversees all contracts for services. Honma is a youth recreation advocate and leader in the community, and has served as Co-Founder and Coach for Flygirlz Basketball Organization, Assistant Coach for the Waiakea High School Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Team, and Coordinator for the Jimmy Yagi Basketball Camp.

   

Melissa Samura

Parks & Recreation Deputy Director Melissa Samura is an active community leader and youth coach with more than 20 years of experience in educational counseling, recreation management, customer service, and program coordination. She lives in Waimea and previously worked for the department as a Recreation Director where she managed facility use and recreational programs, coordinated events, and designed community programs across the County.

    Finance Director Diane Nakagawa has served as Finance Director since January

Dianne Nakagawa

2024 after serving as the Deputy Finance Director since 2022 and Purchasing Agent since 2019. Prior to joining the County, she spent 16 years at the City of Phoenix, primarily specializing in economic development and budget administration. Born and raised in Kona, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs. Nakagawa served as Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of Phoenix prior to returning home.

Malia Kekai

    Finance Deputy Director Malia Kekai is an attorney who has served as the County’s Public Works Deputy Director since 2022. At Public Works, she assists with the administration of department divisions and staff, enforcement of the construction code, and supervision of County buildings. Kekai previously served as a Deputy Corporation Counsel for the County where she provided legal advice to departments, defended the County in litigation, and reviewed legal documents, including financial instruments.     

    Alameda’s executive assistants do not require Council confirmation. Here are his descriptions of their backgrounds and areas of responsibility: 

Tom Callis

     Communications Director Tom Callis brings about 17 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the Mayor’s Office. From 2012-2019, he covered County government, the Hawai'i Legislature, and major local events as a reporter for Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald. He later worked as a Communications Specialist for the County and an Exhibit and Digital Media Education Specialist for the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Callis has served on the board of the Big Island Press Club and Taishoji Soto Mission.     

Tracey Niimi

    Social Media and Electronic Communications Executive Assistant Tracey Niimi is an award-winning photographer and videographer. He is Co-Founder of Abstract Collab, and operates TN Photography/Tracey Niimi & Co. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and has served on the boards of Friends of the Big Island Drug Court and East Hawai‘i Kiwanis.

Erin Samura

    Health, Equity & Human Services Executive Assistant Erin Samura is a Clinical Pharmacist for Hawai‘i Island Community Health Center and volunteer for the Hawai‘i Island Fentanyl Task Force. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Colorado.

Clifford Victorine

    Public Safety, Complaints, and Events Executive Assistant Clifford Victorine III has served as a Claims Investigator/Adjustor for the County’s Office of the Corporation Counsel since 2013. He is a former County police officer, security officer, and Army Reservist.

    

Micah Alameda

Boards & Commissions, Volunteers & Inter-Faith Relations Executive Assistant Micah Alameda is a local consultant who focuses on public and government relations and social sector programs. He previously served as a nonprofit executive and legislative aide at the State and County levels. He recently served as a Board Member with the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, which he was appointed to by Gov. David Ige in 2018 and confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Senate.

Malia Louis

    Sister City Coordinator, and West Hawai'i and Legislative Affairs Executive Assistant Malia Louis of Kailua-Kona brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, operations, and community engagement, and is committed to advancing the well-being of the Hawaiian community and the people of Hawai‘i. From 2014-2024, she was the Hawaiʻi Stations Operations Manager for Mokulele Airlines, where she spearheaded the launch of five new stations.

Amy Toafili

    West Hawaiʻi Administrative Support Executive Assistant Amy Toafili of Kona is an experienced office and administrative manager. She is currently the Office Manager for JC Tax Solutions and previously worked for Hawaiʻi CDL & Safety Programs, and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Toafili is a graduate of Konawaena High School.

Pualililehua
 Carriaga

   Executive Secretary to the Mayor Pualililehua Carriaga is currently the Mohala Family Center Director for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council. She previously was an administrative assistant for the Hawaiʻi Island Fentanyl Task Force and Executive Assistant for Bay Clinic.

Emarie
Carvalho

    Executive Secretary to the Managing Director Emarie Carvalho is a Paralegal at The Law Offices of Robert Marx focusing on civil litigation. She started at the County’s Office of the Corporation Counsel in 2007 as a Legal Clerk and worked her way up to her current position as Division Head of the Clerical Staff: Supervising Legal Technician. She has 17 years of dedicated County Service.

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INAUGURATION OF THE MAYOR, PROSECUTING ATTORNEY AND THE NINE COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS will be conducted on Monday, Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at Kaleiopapa Convention Center on the grounds of Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Keauhou.

Michelle Galimba

    Incoming Mayor is Dr. Kimo Alameda. Prosecuting Attorney is Kelden Waltjen. Kaʻū's County Council member is Michelle Galimba. 

    The public is invited and encouraged to attend the occasion, which honors those who have been elected and the people of Hawa'i Island who are the foundation of its County government. 

    For those unable to attend, the inaugural ceremony will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/Uq7WuBFP8yo.

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