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Thursday, December 12, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.12, 2024

May be an image of 11 people and crowd
Kūpuna Jessie Ke gives the blessing for the expansion of Kaʻū Hospital & East Hawai'i Health Clinic this past Monday. Below
the staff celebrates the future in the expansion area under the building. Photos from Hilo Benioff Medical Center
KAʻŪ HOSPITAL & ITS EAST HAWAI'I HEALTH CLINIC CELEBRATED ITS UPCOMING $9 MILLION EXPANSION with a blessing on Monday. On hand were state Sen. Dru Kanuha and Rep. Jeanne Kapela, who helped with the state funding, as well as hospital and clinic administrators and staff, representatives of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association and Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation.
    Hilo Benioff Medical Center, which oversees the facility, announced it will add five exam rooms to the existing four at Kaʻū Clinic. They are slated for primary care and behavioral care. Much of the expansion will be constructed under the hospital building.
    Also on the agenda are updating the clinic interior, new flooring, paint and ceiling tiles; relocating administration and business offices to the lower level; relocating and updating the laboratory; and upgrading wastewater infrastructure. The project is expected to last 18-24 months, with an estimated completion in mid-2026.
   Sen. Dru Kanuha issued a statement saying, “During my visits to Kaʻū Hospital it became clear just how vital this CIP project is to ensure quality access to medical services for the Kaʻū community. I’m excited that these funds will enable Hawai'i Health System Corp. to expand and modernize the hospital, and l look forward to working with HHSC to create opportunities for improved care for our local residents.”
    Jessie Marques, founder of Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, said,“As an advocate of the community, I think any services that can be expanded is an asset to our people. It was nice to see all of the elected officials and the staff and representatives of Hawai'i Health Systems Corporation come together to celebrate. It was a good day to fulfill our mission to continue networking and advocating for the people of Kaʻū.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

Lexi Manilla-Louis
THE FIRST KAʻŪ TARO FESTIVAL ALI'I YOUTH COURT HAS BEEN
Arabella Ortega
NAMED. The court is comprised of Arabella Ortega, 13, from Pāhala, Ioane Naboa, 12, from Nāʻālehu, Alazae Forcum, 15, from Ocean View and Lexi Manilla-Louis, 18, from Pāhala. Manilla-Louis is a college student and recipient of an O Kaʻū
 Kākou scholarship.
    The Festival raises money for the OKK scholarship fund.
    The Youth Court will reign over the Kaʻū Taro Festival this Saturday at the Herkes
Ioane Naboa
Kaʻū District Gym Complex from noon to 5 p.m. The court will also join the Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. on Saturday, riding on a float. The Taro Festival is organized by O Kaʻū Kākou's Tim DeLozier, of Pāhala, and numerous volunteers.
Zae Forcum

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.
Teresa Fitzgerals with her Kaʻū Keiki Singers and Teresa's Music Studio students with their Christmas Concert.
Photo form Teersa's Music Studio

A FULL HOUSE FOR KAʻŪ KEIKI SINGERS AND TERESA'S MUSIC STUDIO filled Ocean View Community Center last Saturday. Seventeen 17 performers from Kaʻū Keiki Singers and eight students from Teresa's Music Studio took to the stage to create the concert. It featured a variety of holiday songs ranging from the 16th century to contemporary tunes, highlighting the dedication and passion of the young performers.
    The choir is part of an innovative community outreach program aimed at providing local children with access to the transformative benefits of music education. "I believe every child, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to experience the joy of music," said Teresa Fitzgerald the choir's director. "Each of our performances is a celebration of that mission."
    Seven young pianists and one vocal soloist also took center stage to perform beautiful solo pieces,
A soloist at the full house concert in Ocean View.
Photo from Teresa's Music Studio
impressing the audience with their skill and composure. Even with the obvious nerves the students' hard work was evident.
The audience responded with warm applause, showing their support not only for the performances but also for the broader goal of the program— to enrich the lives of young people through the arts.
The choir program has rapidly grown in popularity, with 36 students taking part over its three year existence. For many children, the program provides not just an introduction to music, but also a sense of belonging and achievement that extends far beyond the stage.
    "It's amazing to see how music brings us together," said one parent in the audience. "This program has made such a difference in my child's life, and it's clear that the children love being part of it."
    As the night ended, "the smiles on the young performers' faces spoke volumes. Thanks to the support of the community and the dedicated leadership of the choir program, these children are gaining more than just musical skills— they're building confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts," said Fitzgerald.
    The choir will begin rehearsals on Thursday, Jan. 16 for the spring concert. For more information about the choir or Teresa's Music Studio, and to find out how to get involved, visit https://musicwithteresa.mymusicstaff.com.

Teresa's Music Studio begins practice for the Spring Concert on Jan. 16. Photo from Teresa's Music Studio

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






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Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 11, 2024

A portion of the Nāʻālehu Hill Phase 1 Subdivision showing various lot sizes on the map for 1,600 acres zoned agriculture above Nāʻālehu. See the complete map and subdivision details at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/edoc/141569/2024-12-11%20Ka%C5%AB%20CDP%20Meeting%20Packet.pdf.

NĀ’ĀLEHU HILL PHASE 1 SUBDIVISION for 39 lots off Kala'aiki Road above Nāʻālehu, was a hot topic on Wednesday during the first public meeting on the plan. Testifiers talked about the Kaʻū Community Development Plan and its focus on preventing sprawl and concentrating housing in the existing walkable communities, while preserving view planes, agricultural land for farming, water resources and the forests. Some also claimed title to parcels within the subdivision, dating back to Hawaiian Kingdom days. The video of the meeting will be posted on the county Planning Department's YouTube site at https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofHawaiiPlanningDepartment/videos.
    While the subdivision, proposed by Kaʻū Royal Hawaiian Coffee & Tea, LP, falls under administrative decisions by the County Planning Department and is neither subject to County Council nor Planning Commission public hearings and decisionmaking, it was taken up by the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee, which voted to send a letter to the Planning Director in whose hands the approvals lie.
    The Action Committee voted to ask newly appointed Acting Planning Director Jeff Harrow, who is awaiting confirmation by the County Council, to give the plan additional consideration. Members said they intend to send a letter asking him to consider requiring the smallest lot sizes to be five acres. They pointed to the county Farm Subdivision Code and the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. They said the code requires a minimum of five acres for leasing to farmers, in order to maintain lot sizes that are economically viable for agricultural production.
    They also said they would recommend that the county require the developers to take guidance from Soil & Water Conservation regarding preserving, repairing and protecting existing waterways and water resources. They recommended consideration of the condition of Kala'aiki and other roads used to access the proposed subdivision, including Hwy 11.
A map of ahupua'a in and around the planned Nāʻālehu Hill Phase 1 Subdivision
on 1600 acres. See more at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/WebLink/1/edoc/
141569/2024-12-11%20Ka%C5%AB%20CDP%20Meeting%20
Packet.pdf. Image from Planning Department files
    Of the lots proposed for Nāʻālehu Hill Phase 1 Subdivision, which is zoned for 20-acre agricultural lots, the smallest are .92 acre, .93 acre, 1.12 acre, 2.02 acres and 2.55 acres. Seventeen are under five acres. Twelve are between five and ten acres. Seven are between ten and under 20 acres and one is larger than 20 acres. 
    The 1,600-acres of the proposed Nāʻālehu Hill Phase 1 Subdivision include many kuleana - Hawaiian family lots dating back to Hawaiian Kingdom days. When the old sugar company acquired them it was able to include lots and land surrounding them into one large parcel. Now that the land would be more valuable in smaller lots to sell off, the current owner is employing the process of consolidation and resubdivision.
    Consolidation and resubdivision is a common practice among developers of ag land in Hawai'i. On paper, developers move around existing small lots within the large parcel to put them along the shoreline or another place with a great view, along planned roads, existing highways and near utilities. Developers plan for the number of lots to total no more than the maximum allowed by the zoning for 20 acre-agricultural parcels. With this process, many lots in the subdivision are often smaller than 20 acres and concentrated near each other, leaving one or more big lots and open space. Often the big lots are on steep hills or in gulches and other waterways and unbuildable.
    In the case of Nāʻālehu Hill Phase 1 Subdivision, under county and state laws and regulations and with approval of the Planning Director, the 1,600 acres could be subdivided into about 80 lots. Instead, through consolidation and resubdivision, smaller and fewer lots are planned and the number of lots would be 39 for Phase 1.
     The Action Committee voted to send the Planning Director all of the testimony and minutes of the meeting via document and the YouTube recording. They voted to ask him to listen to people who testified, many of them saying that their family names are included in the many titles of smaller parcels within the big parcel planned for subdivision. Some said the titles are "clouded," a situation that some Committee members noted as a consideration that would be handled in court, not by the Planning Department or Action Committee. Some testifiers said they would take the subdivision to the courts, including the International Court in the Hague. They described the land in terms of the Hawaiian Kingdom, saying it was stolen from them and the titles never cleared.
    See more in upcoming news briefs.

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

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A RED FLAG WARNING for Kaʻū and the Districts of North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona, and Hawai'i Island Interior through 6 p.m. on Thursday.
    Hawai'i County Civil Defense notes that A Red Flag Warning means critical conditions of strong, gusty trade winds, dry fuel, low relative-humidity, and warm temperatures could produce extreme fire behavior.
Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency

    "Any fires that develop will likely rapidly spread and be difficult to control," states Civil Defense.
    Due to the Red Flag Warning, the following Emergency Rules are implemented by Civil Defense:
    1. All outdoor burning is banned in the Districts of Kaʻū, North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona and Hawai'i Island Interior.
    2. All outdoor open flames are banned in the Districts of Kaʻū, North Kohala, South Kohala, North Kona and Hawai'i Island Interior.
   3. All Hot works is banned; hot works includes, but is not limited to grinding, welding, flame cutting, or other fire or spark-producing operations.
  4. The Director of Parks & Recreation is authorized to extend Rules 1 and 2 in county park facilities.

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Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 10, 2024

Vibrant Hawai'i's administrative and Hub leaders from around the island are planning for 2025
with Hub registration by end of January. Photo from Vibrant Hawai'i



VIBRANT HAWAIʻI RESILIENCE HUB NETWORK is open up for registration for new and existing HUBs throughout Volcano, Kaʻū, Miloli'i and beyond. Its recent statement says that since 2020, Vibrant Hawaiʻi has been serving as a coordinator for Hawaiʻi Island Resilience Hubs. Hubs have served all of Kaʻū and 100,000 residents islandwide by providing such programs as Kaukau 4 Keiki, health resources, access to the internet, and opportunities for training and certification. "Hubs empower community members to implement place-based, culturally relevant strategies that enhance individual and collective resilience, both at the local level and across the island."
    Vibrant states that a Resilience Hub operates in three primary modes:"everyday" (normal operation), "disruption" (during a disaster event), and "recovery" (post-disaster); meaning they serve the community in regular times, provide support during emergencies, and assist with rebuilding efforts afterwards.
    Hubs must provide the following: A team of no less than 4 adults; minimum of three years of experience serving the community of operation; two references from that community; a physical address accessible to the community and able to store equipment.
    Vibrant asks that its Hubs commit to the following: One or more team members participate in monthly roundtables, first Wednesday of each month noon to 2 p.m.; minimum of three team members to participate in an annual Training Summit; and eam participation in an annual islandwide exercise
   To register as a Vibrant Hawai'i Hub go to  bit.ly/vh-hub-registration. Registration closes Jan. 31.
   Vibrant Hawaiʻi's statement says, it is "a community-driven organization dedicated to strengthening resilience across Hawaiʻi Island. Through partnerships, programs, and grassroots initiatives, Vibrant Hawaiʻi works to enhance preparedness and build more connected, resilient communities." See more at www.vibranthawaii.org.

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

May be an image of crater
Summit of Maunaloa as seen from the
Northeast Rift Zone from Maunakea.
USGS Photo
A HIGH WIND WARNING and a fallen tree has led to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park closing Mauna Loa Road at Kīpukapuaulu. Most of the park is open, "but everyone should take extra caution of falling tree limbs. Gusts of 50 mph are expected," says the Park statement.
Hawai'i Police Department reported that wind overcame a large tree along Hwy 11 toward Kona. At 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, HPD advised motorists to avoid Hwy 11 in the South Kona area. A tree near the 101 mile marker fell onto the roadway, blocking both lanes of travel between Ho'okena Beach Road and Old Government, and required a detour of traffic for several hours. Additionally, as the tree fell it knocked down powerlines resulting in loss of electricity to residences in the immediate area.
    The National Weather Service warns that 20 to 30 mph winds with gusts up to 50 mph are expected into the interior of the island where there is a wind warning. “Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles,” the National Weather Service said. A wind advisory is in place for Kaʻū.
     
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

TROJAN BOYS BASKETBALL TOOK ON ANOTHER BIG SCHOOL on Tuesday. The game against Hilo was at Herkes Kaʻū District Gym. Hilo took the win with 67 points to the Trojans 49.







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