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| Medic Adam Busek stands next to Na`alehu Fire Department's brand new ambulance. Photos by Ron Johnson |
INITIAL CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT dropped 4.5 percent last week over the same week last year on the Big Island, according to the State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Statewide, 2,447 initial jobless claims were turned in - down 14.7 percent from claims during the same week last year. Maui had the biggest decrease in claims, down 33.7 percent from last year, Kaua`i was next, down 32 percent and O`ahu followed, down 10.6 percent.
GASOLINE PRICES IN KA`U remain high. Here are the prices per gallon this morning for regular. Kahuku Country market is $4.44, Kahala Gas is $4.50; Ocean View Market will no longer give out gas prices over the phone; the 76 Station in Na`alehu is $4.61; and Ka`u Gas in Pahala is $4.61.
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| Hawai`i County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira talks with the public at Na`alehu Community Center. |
HAWAI`I COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT met with the public at Council member Brittany Smart’s District 6 Matters meeting at Na`alehu Community Center last night. Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira announced that a new ambulance is now in service in Na`alehu. Fire Department personnel showed the 2011 Dodge to Ka`u residents. Medic Shane Paulos said it is much more efficient than the previous ambulance, with more organized storage space and an engine that is better for the environment. He invited everyone to stop by the station anytime to see the new ambulance, ask questions and have your blood pressure checked.
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| Medic Shane Paulos shows Na`alehu's new ambulance to Ka`u residents. |
Oliveira announced that a new 2,000-gallon tanker truck is being procured for use in Ka`u to fight fires. He also said that funding has been approved for a fire hydrant at the Ocean View well site.
Oliveira discussed other projects that the department is working on. He hopes that private land can be used for the permanent lifeguard tower at Punalu`u. Julie Enriques suggested that leased land near the lei stand may be used. Until the permanent tower is in place, they are looking into using a portable one.
A resident brought up the subject of safety at the Ocean View Swap Meet held each Saturday at Pohue Plaza. She said that people double and triple park and that traffic control is needed. Chief Oliveira said that fire lanes must be kept clear, and that “there is always a way to find a solution and support business.”
THE MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT has won the support of hundreds of community members who each donated $5 to become Friends of Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. They raised more than $4,000 to support the event, the activities of the candidates and winners and for scholarships.
Oliveira discussed other projects that the department is working on. He hopes that private land can be used for the permanent lifeguard tower at Punalu`u. Julie Enriques suggested that leased land near the lei stand may be used. Until the permanent tower is in place, they are looking into using a portable one.
A resident brought up the subject of safety at the Ocean View Swap Meet held each Saturday at Pohue Plaza. She said that people double and triple park and that traffic control is needed. Chief Oliveira said that fire lanes must be kept clear, and that “there is always a way to find a solution and support business.”
THE MISS KA`U COFFEE PAGEANT has won the support of hundreds of community members who each donated $5 to become Friends of Miss Ka`u Coffee Pageant. They raised more than $4,000 to support the event, the activities of the candidates and winners and for scholarships.
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| Moa`ula, the Cloud Rest farms where some of the top Ka`u Coffee is grown. Photo by Julia Neal |
The pageant is sold out and will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ka`u High School Gym. The Ka`u Coffee Festival will be May 14 and 15 at Pahala Community Center.
VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts a benefit concert tonight at 6 p.m. at its Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. Medicine for the People will play to raise funds for singer Nahkohe Parayno’s eye surgery. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 967-8222 or at the door.
THE LARGEST EASTER EGG HUNT in Ka‘ū will be held tomorrow at Na`alehu Park. Sponsored by Ka‘ū community churches, the event is open to all ages, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own basket. The event features music, games and prizes. For more information, contact naalehuag@hotmail.com or call 929-7278.
VOLCANO ART CENTER hosts a benefit concert tonight at 6 p.m. at its Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. Medicine for the People will play to raise funds for singer Nahkohe Parayno’s eye surgery. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling 967-8222 or at the door.
THE LARGEST EASTER EGG HUNT in Ka‘ū will be held tomorrow at Na`alehu Park. Sponsored by Ka‘ū community churches, the event is open to all ages, and everyone is encouraged to bring their own basket. The event features music, games and prizes. For more information, contact naalehuag@hotmail.com or call 929-7278.