Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 14, 2024

New restriction on moving palms is the result of invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles. 
Image from state Department of Agriculture

GETTING RID OF INVASIVE COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLES is the aim of a new state Department of Agriculture restriction. It prohibits moving the following from infested areas to non-infested areas: Palm plants, decomposing plant material, such as compost, wood or tree chips; mulch; potting soil; other landscaping products that may harbor the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle; Palm trees that are higher than 4 feet - smaller plants can be inspected.

     CRB is a major pest of palms in India, the Philippines, Palau, Fiji, Wallis and Futuna, Nukunono, American and Western Samoa and Guam. It is still not known exactly how the beetles arrived in Hawai‘i.

     All of O'ahu is designated as infested. The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was also found in Waikoloa on this island, on Kaua'i and in Kihei, Maui.

    The interim rule was signed last Friday by HDOA Chairperson Sharon Hurd and is effective immediately. It is valid for one year, while HDOA finalizes a permanent rule which is slated to be considered by the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture later this month.

    Any individual, company, or organization that violates the rule will be charged with a misdemeanor and fined not less than $100 and up to $10,000. Penalties for a second offense committed within five years will require the violator to pay for the cost of clean-up and decontamination fees to remove contaminated materials, as well as the cost to fully eradicate any CRB infestations caused by the violation. Repeat violators will be fined not less than $500 and up to $25,000.
    HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch inspectors at all island ports are concentrating efforts on inspections of potential CRB host material transported between islands.
    Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. An adult beetle is about two inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head. CRB grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste. Adult CRB prefer to feed on coconut and other larger palms and are a major threat to the health of these plants.

Damage from Rhinoceros Coconut Beetle will kill palm trees and moving plams and other plant materials from infected areas is restricted by state Department of Agriculture. Photo from DOA

    Residents may go to the CRB Response website at: https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).

   Surveillance for CRB has been ongoing on all neighbor islands, including pheromone traps at airports, harbors and other strategic locations. The traps are used for early detection of CRB infestations and are being monitored by HDOA, island Invasive Species Committees and the University of Hawai‘i.
    The CRB is a large scarab beetle that was first detected on O‘ahu in 2013. The beetle has since been detected in many neighborhoods on O‘ahu, In May 2023, CRB was detected on Kaua‘i and collaborative eradication efforts continue on the island. On Hawai‘i Island, CRB was detected in a palm tree stump Waikoloa in October 2023 and a single CRB was found dead in a trap last month in that same area. CRB grubs were found in Kīhei, Maui, in November 2023, but have not been detected on the island since.

    CRB is a serious pest of palm trees, primarily coconut palms, as the adult beetles bore into the crowns of the palms to feed on the trees’ sap. New unopened fronds are damaged in this way and when fully opened, may break and fall unexpectedly. .   If CRB kill or damage the growing point of the palm, the tree may die. Secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens may also attack the wounds caused by CRB, thereby killing the tree as well. Tree mortality after CRB attack has been reported to be anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent. Dead trees then become a safety hazard as they may fall unexpectedly after the trunk rots, potentially resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

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KAʻŪ HIGH BEAT PAHOA IN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL on Monday in four sets. Pahoa took the first set 25-21. Kaʻū Trojans took the second 25-13, the third 25-15 and the fourth 25-15,

     Coach is Josh Ortega, Assistant Coach and JV Coach is Sarah Ortega, Trainer is Moses Whitcomb and Athletic Director is Jaime Guerpo.      

    The varsity team is comprised of Mckenzie Decoito, Leahi Kaupu, Jezerie Rose Nurial-Dacalio, Kiara Ortega-Oliveira, Jazmyn Navarro, Aubrey Delos Santos-Graig, Alajshae Barrios, CaLiya Silva-Kamei and Zia Rae Wroblewski.

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 A MARTIAN INVASION is the theme of the radio play this weekend, Oct. 18 – 20 produced by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network as a special pre-Halloween treat. KDEN presents the radio play The War of the Worlds at KMC's Koa Room. 

     The War of the Worlds chronicles the events of a Martian invasion narrated by the "breaking news" style of storytelling. Based on the story by H.G. Wells and the radio script by Harold Koch, this updated, localized version of the 1938 classic was adapted by Hal Glatzer,
Under the direction of Suzi Bond, the cast of 14 will bring the excitement and the terror of this classic radio presentation to life. 

    Just like in the 30's the actors will be performing at microphones with scripts and will be creating the sound effects.
    Joel Kelley and Elizabeth Young lead the cast as Professor Pierson and Newscaster Connie DeSilva. They are joined by Arlene Araki, Stephen Bond, Deb Campbell, Lori DeMello, Dick Hershberger, James, Erin and Kendall Haddock, Roch Jones, Ariana Kelley, Alana Kirby-Corbett and Ray Ryan playing numerous roles.
    Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2:30. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door, cash or check only. For more information call 808 982-7344 or email kdenhawaii@gmail.com.

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5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 13, 2024

Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS as seen from Maunakea. See more below. Image from EarthSkyScience

THIS MONTH: SKY GAZERS FROM KAʻŪ and the rest of citizens of planet Earth are treated to the arrival of a special celestial visitor, Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, with photographers capturing the image from Kilauea Military Camp on Sunday evening.

Atlas Comet as seen Sunday evening from Kīlauea
Military Camp. Photo by Thea Calumpit

     Here is the explanation from Volcano resident and astronomer for Hawai'i Public Radio and Kaʻū Night Skies, Christopher Phillips: 

    The comet was discovered in February 2023, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) sky survey. ATLAS has telescopes in both Hawaii and South Africa, enabling it to cover both the northern and southern hemispheres. 

     Comet A3 is currently visible in northern latitudes during sunset onwards. Its position in the sky, relative to the setting Sun, makes it a little tricky to spot, as sky conditions near the western horizon need to be quite clear. Once the Sun has set however, it should be visible to the naked eye as the sky darkens. Through a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, it should present quite the sight. To find the comet, look to the west and to the setting stars of Orion, if you are familiar with the faint constellations in that region, you will find the comet in the small constellation of Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown). See the finder image in this post for a helping hand. 

 
       The comet itself is quite fascinating. It's large, with a nucleus that's around 2 miles wide, almost as large as the object that wiped out the Dinosaurs, 65 million years ago. During its closest approach to the Earth it is around 44 million miles away from us, so nothing to worry about in terms of it impacting the Earth.            

    This is the first time in 80,000 years that Comet A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been visible to the inhabitants of planet Earth, and once it leaves our skies it won't be seen for another 80,000 years, so see it while you can! This type of comet is known as a 'long period' comet, because of its long orbital period around the Sun, in this case 80,000 years.

Image from The Sky Live https://theskylive.com

    Comets such as A3, along with the many asteroids in our skies, are left over construction material from the formation of the Solar system.
    However, there is one major difference between the two types of objects. Asteroids are mostly composed of rock and metals, comets on the other hand are dirty snowballs, mainly made of ice with some dirt thrown in for good measure. Comets in particular are thought to have been a major source of water in the early history of the Earth, bringing it to the surface during impacts.
    Seeing these beautiful celestial visitors in our skies is a reminder of the profound beauty of the cosmos, and also that the Solar system is still under construction, it is by no means finished. It's an enormous construction site with Mother Nature as the site foreman, and she's got plenty more work to do.

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THE LOCATION OF THE PLANNED NĀ’ĀLEHU SEWAGE PLANT DREW SOME QUESTIONING from Ala Kahakai's Waikapuna manager Keoni Fox during the county's public meeting last Thursday on the Draft Environmental Information Document. Public comments can be made by Oct. 21 by emailing publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com.
    Fox said that the county Department of Environmental Management has called for the condemnation of 28 acres of the Waikapuna land purchased for conservation with taxpayer money. The 28 acres, adjacent to the town of Nā'ālehu, is within the 2,317 acre Waikapuna preserve stewarded by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.   

     Fox suggested that other lands be considered for the sewer plant, now that the county has chosen what he called an industrial style package plant rather than a system with lagoons friendly to native plants and wildlife. He pointed to adjacent properties that he said are owned by Eva Liu, Christina Taylor and partners and Michelle Galimba.
    Environmental Management Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses, who led the meeting, said that the 28 acres is a small portion of the 2,317 acres that has been preserved and that using that small portion to solve the sewer problem in Nā'ālehu would benefit the community. It is required by federal law that the old polluting gang cesspool system be abandoned. She stressed that time is of the essence, with the county on a deadline to get the old sugar camp houses off the gang cesspools.
    She pointed out that $4 million towards buying the Waikapuna preserve came from the County of Hawai'i's Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Program. She stressed that the county has decided through soil sampling and other studies that the 28 acres is the best location. She said it has been considered as the site for the project for years and that no other properties are being considered for the initial sewer plant. She also said no private money is involved.
    Fox also pointed to the use of tax money to purchase the 2,317 acres but stressed that it was specifically for conservation. The acquisition was to preserve the Waikapuna coast, the 2.3 miles of Ala Kahakai Trail along the coast, and adjacent lands. In addition to the county helping to purchase the preserve, the state Legacy Land Conservation Program contributed $2 million. He said that discussions of the 28 acres for the treatment plant during the time of purchase, were in the context of it being the lagoon system that would also serve wildlife.
    Another speaker asked whether the proposed site would interfere with public access to Waikapuna. Iokepa-Moses said it wouldn't and that access was from a different location.
    One speaker asked whether existing but unused underground piping among the houses could be used and whether it would be able to handle the new sewer system. Iokepa-Moses said the pipes will be inspected and if unusable would be capped and left in place with new sewer pipes installed beside them. She said that the county is fully responsible for the maintenance of the current and new system from the houses to the sewer plant.
    Nā'ālehu Draft Environmental Information Document (Draft EID) is available at the Nā'ālehu Public Library, and also on the website for Department of Environmental Management projects: www.dem.hawaiicounty.gov/projects.

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Zonta's Pay it Forward Committee Wilma Matsumura, Jessic Gauthier and Laurie Higashi with 2024 Pay it Forward microgrant recipients Dawn Patterson on screen, Rachel Erdman, Napua Arakaki-Heen, Megan Brady and Syd Wang. Photo from Zonta

TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN PAY IT FORWARD MICROGRANTS has been distributed for 2024 by The Zonta Club on Hawai'i Island. The award program supports women entrepreneurs who are starting a new business or working to expand an existing business.

    "For the third year in a row, we saw a record number of applicants for the grant. It's inspiring to see so many women entrepreneurs in our community," said Zonta president Julie Tulang. She said Zonta "is proud to provide a financial boost to these five well-deserving women-owned businesses."

    Pay It Forward microgrants are funded annually through the charitable Zonta Club of Hilo Foundation, donations to which are tax-deductible. 

    The 2024 microgrant recipients are Dawn Patterson of Dawn's Barber Shop, Rachel Edrman of LoveBug Farm LLC, Napua Arakaki-Heen of Nalani Farm Store, Megan Brady of Uproot Origin LLC, and Syd Wang of Wala'au Therapy LLC.

   Patterson has been a barber for 29 years and is sole proprietor of Dawn's Barber Shop in Hilo. She will use the grant to pay off her EIDL COVID loan and purchase tools for the shop.
    Erdman's LoveBug Farm raises hydroponic lettuce, microgreens, and produce as well as provides dog daycare, boarding, and training services. She will use the money to build a sink and a cleaning and processing area for the produce grown on her farm.
   Arakaki-Heen's Nalani Farm Store, located in downtown Hilo, is a boutique gift shop specializing in goods grown, made, and designed in Hawai'i. She estimates that around 70% of the products she stocks are produced by women-owned businesses. She will use the funds to purchase inventory for the store.
    Brady created her signature Uproot Origin elixir from organic ginger, organic turmeric, and organic honey sourced from small farms on the Big Island. She plans to use the grant to hire administrative support to help her business grow.
    Based in Hilo, Wang's Wala'au Therapy evaluates and treats speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing/feeding disorders. She plans to use the award to build an ADA-compliant entrance ramp at her practice.
    For more on Zonta and to donate, visit zontahilo.org.

5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 12, 2024

Kapāpala Ranch lands are being transferred from state Department of Land & Natural Resources to state Department of Agriculture to ensure long-term productive use of appropriate state lands for agriculture. Photo from Kapāpala Ranch

MORE THAN 7,000 ACRES OF STATE LAND was approved for transfer by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to the state Department of Agriculture on Friday during the Board of Land & Natural Resources meeting.

   The nine leases and 25 revocable permits represent a continuation of the transfers under Act 90. Passed by the legislature in 2003, the act is to “ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA," says a statement from DLNR. "This process under Act 90, ensures that both BLNR and Board of Agriculture agree on which parcels of land are appropriate to be transferred from DLNR to DOA."
    BLNR Chair Dawn Chang said, “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting.” 

A new round of transfer of lands from DLNR to Department of Ag was
 approved on Friday. Photo from DLNR

    A statement from DLNR says it "previously processed executive orders setting aside approximately 24,528 acres to Department of Agriculture. Last year, the BLNR and the state Board of Agriculture approved an additional 24,767 acres in Kaʻū under lease and revocable permit to Kapāpala Ranch for transfer to DOA, but surveys and subdivision are needed before an executive order can be completed for the transfer. In addition, late last year, the Board of Agriculture approved acceptance of 21,672 acres. Under the terms of Act 90, more than 70,000 acres of ag land has been transferred, or approved for transfer, so far."
    In the latest transfer, most of the land is in pasture, with two parcels described as being utilized for “intensive agriculture.” Five acres will be under a revocable permit to Volcano Island Honey Co. in Kamuela for an apiary. The largest transfer, this time around, is to Parker Ranch, with approximately 4,529 acres of pastureland.
    The DLNR Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) indicates it needs to establish public or management access over nine additional leases and permits before those lands are transferred to DOA. Those leases and permits will require further coordination with DOFAW on the location of access points before staff can make a recommendation to the BLNR.
    Comments on the land transfers were solicited from state, county, and federal agencies and no objections or responses were received. In the event the lands are no longer needed for agricultural purposes, the set-asides will be cancelled or amended as appropriate, and those lands will be returned to the DLNR inventory.

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Two National. Park Service firefighters and helicopters assigned to the Makaopuhi Fire, which continues to smolder. It was
 started by a lava flow within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Area trails were closed but reopened on Friday. NPS photo

The Makaopuhi Fire continues to threaten Hawaiian

 ecosystems and rare plants in the area. NPS photo

MAUNAULU AREA TRAILS REOPENED, along with its parking lot on Friday. Firefighters, aided by two helicopters, continue suppression efforts on the Makaopuhi Fire, a 78-acre wildfire smoldering in the remote East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano, south of Nāpau Crater. The fire is located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and is 70% contained. It poses no threats to homes or structures.
     Park staff will be stationed at the Maunaulu parking lot to provide fire information and keep visitors clear of helicopter operations.
    A statement from the Park says, "The fire was ignited by the Sept. 15 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Fire activity recently increased due to lack of recent rainfall, low humidity and wind. Firefighters are challenged by difficult terrain, dense vegetation, multiple burning snags, and reburn potential. The Makaopuhi Fire continues to threaten Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area."

National Park Service firefighters in hardhats and yellow and green Nomex walk across fresh hardened lava in Nāpau Crater within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Area trails reopened Friday. Firefighters came from as far away as American Samoa. NPS photo

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KAʻŪ KEIKI ARE INVITED TO BOO AT THE ZOO in Pana'ewa. County Department of Parks & Recreation and Friends of the Panaʻewa Zoo  will present the second annual Boo at the Zoo event on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3-6 p.m.

    During the event, the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens will become a place where trick-or-treaters can safely enjoy their favorite Halloween traditions, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of the rainforest. Attendees can look forward to treats, animal tours, story time, food vendors, face painting, and a keiki costume contest.
    "Last year was our first-ever Boo at the Zoo event, and it was so well-received that we decided to add a second day to this year's event," said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & Recreation. "Our maintenance team, zookeepers, and FOZ have been working hard to ensure the zoo is ready to receive our guests, and we look forward to another fun event."
     Know Before You Go: FOZ will sell trick-or-treat bags for $1, which will be required to receive treats. Proceeds will enhance the zoo and exhibits. Boo at the Zoo is a cash-only event. The zoo will close its gates to regular visitors at 2 p.m. on the event days. Petting Zoo hours will be 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 26.
Event parking will be at the zoo parking lot and the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center parking lot.
    "We're thrilled to once again offer a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience for our keiki at Pana'ewa Zoo," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "By extending the event to two days, we hope to welcome even more families, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the fun and excitement of 'Boo in the Zoo.'"
"We are so excited to be bringing this event to our community!" said Mindy Runnells, Zoo Administrator. "It's more than just a trick-or-treat evening; it's an opportunity for families to come together safely, experience the zoo in a unique light, and create a new fall tradition."
For table rentals, further information, contact Mindy Runnells at 808-959-7224.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.