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Saturday, September 13, 2014

Ka`u News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014

Ka`u High School's scoreboard shows the final score of Trojan eight-man football team's victory over Pahoa High Daggers last night. Photo by Pamela Taylor
PARTNERS IN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION will receive over $2 million in U.S. Department of Education grants to operate its various education programs, including Tutu & Me programs in Ka`u. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz announced the grants to education programs and institutions that serve Native Hawaiian communities from preschool through college and career training. Projects will support vital needs such as kindergarten readiness; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education; Native Hawaiian culture and language; and college success.
      “After visiting many of these schools and programs in Hawai`i, I have seen first-hand how important it is to empower Native Hawaiian students and will continue to fight for these valuable funds,” Hirono said. “When students have a sense of place and feel they’re a part of the community, they can thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
      Schatz said, “Many in our Native Hawaiian communities face unique challenges in gaining a higher education. We must make sure the federal government continues to do its part to identify and tackle some of the obstacles standing in their way. These investments will go a long way in providing our children with the opportunities to learn in a unique, culturally sensitive way and help them reach their full potential.”
      Native Hawaiian Education Program grantees are receiving more than $8 million in funding, and over $11 million are being awarded to Native Hawaiian-serving institutions of higher education.
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Trojans get ready to put the ball into play. Photo by Cheyenne DaCalio
THE TEAM THAT STARTED EIGHT-MAN FOOTBALL league for the smaller high schools on this island and beyond pounded Pahoa last night with a score of 62-0 on Trojan turf.
      Within two minutes of the game, Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee got a touchdown. The two-point conversion was blocked by Pahoa’s Kawika Andrian, for a beginning score of 6-0.
      A few minutes later, Kupono Palakiko Leffew ran over 20 yards with several Pahoa defense players on his back.
      Quarterback Cy Tamura ran in a touchdown, and Leffew ran for a two-point conversion to make the score 14-0.
      Kali`i Dolan got the third touchdown of the first quarter, and Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel got the two-point conversion for a score of 22-0.
      When the second quarter began, Pahoa had the ball, but Ka`u’s Makana Gravela intercepted it, making a play to pass the ball to Anthony Emmsley Ah Yee for another touchdown, and Cy Tamura got the two-point conversion. Ka`u got another two points through a safety by Kaweni Ibarra.
      Kaimanu Medeiros-Dancel got another touchdown, and Randall Kahele scored the two-point conversion, making the halftime score 54-0.
      Due to the mercy rule of 35-point lead at halftime, the clock was set to run for the second half of the game.
Pahoa High School's new eight-man football team traveled to Ka`u yesterday.
Photo by Cheyenne DaCalio
      In the third quarter, Kupono Palikiko Leffew got a touchdown, and Kainalu Ke got the two-point conversion for the final score of 62-0.
      “Pahoa is a newer team, but they worked hard and played well,” Ibarra said. “Ka`u knows what it’s like to be in that position, but last night’s game showed a strong, confident and organized team, which gives hope to other teams just starting out.”
      This story was written with reports from Ka`u High School journalism intern Kaweni Ibarra.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

FEDERAL DISASTER AID HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE to the state of Hawai`i to supplement state and local recovery efforts in areas affected by Tropical Storm Iselle last month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency announced. President Obama’s action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the storm in Hawai`i and Maui counties.
Federal disaster aid is available to state and local recovery efforts
following Tropical Storm Iselle. Photo by Rob Blosser
      Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.
      Kenneth K. Suiso has been named as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area. Suiso said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
      Application procedures for state and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.
      “We want to thank Pres. Obama, Gov. Abercrombie and all those who worked on this request for assistance to restore our public infrastructure following Tropical Storm Iselle,” said County of Hawai`i Mayor Billy Kenoi. “This federal assistance will help us to repair public facilities and mitigate future hazards. However, individual assistance for our residents and homeowners is also needed, and our team continues to work with the state on our appeal to convince FEMA to reconsider our request for individual assistance.”
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THE OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS and Department of Land and Natural Resources announce the immediate closure of Wao Kele O Puna Forest Reserve, until further notice, due to hazards associated with the June 27 lava flow moving through Puna. Wao Kele O Puna is owned by OHA and managed by DLNR.
With lava moving through the area, Wao Kele o Puna Forest Reserve and
Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve are closed. Photo from USGS/HVO
      OHA Chief Executive Officer Kamana`opono Crabbe said, “It is prudent at this time to close Wao Kele O Puna due to lava activity and subsequent unsafe conditions.”  
      William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson, said, “We join with Hawai`i Civil Defense and Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park to warn the public of extreme danger from lava flowing through cracks in Wao Kele O Puna and Kahauale`a Natural Area Reserve. Both areas are off-limits to all persons. We will prosecute anyone entering these areas for any purpose, including unauthorized lava sightseeing tours. Hikers have been lost or injured in these areas, and personnel called in to rescue them have also been put in danger.”
      The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will be assisting Hawai`i County to build alternate roads in Puna. Lava is estimated to cross Hwy 130 in approximately two weeks if it stays on its current path.
      DOFAW is providing a D8 bulldozer and equipment operator to Nanawale/Railroad Ave. and expects work will take several weeks. Portions of the old railroad right-of-way run through state forest and unencumbered lands. Railroad Ave. bisects Nanawale state Forest Reserve.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.

AS PUNA PREPARES FOR THE APPROACHING lava flow, residents are reminded that enhanced penalties apply to certain crimes committed during a state of emergency. Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaimed a state of emergency for the Puna district beginning Sept. 4. Under Act 111 of the 2014 Hawai`i State Legislature, the classification of certain crimes is elevated during a state of emergency.
      For example, any burglary of a dwelling is elevated to a Class A felony, punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of up to 20 years and no possibility of probation.
      Petty misdemeanor criminal property damage, usually punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000, is elevated to a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.
      Other offenses, including theft, robbery and any assault against an emergency worker also face elevated penalties.
Entry fees for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run increase tomorrow. 
      “The Hawai`i Police Department will be vigilant in maintaining the safety and security of our community in general, and those persons suffering from this situation in particular,” said Police Chief Harry Kubojiri. “There are enhanced sentencing options for those who commit crimes during a declared state of emergency, and we will make full use of these statutes.”
      Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth said, “It’s time for the community to come together, work together and prepare. We will not tolerate the further victimization of people who are already suffering. We will be expediting the prosecution of these cases, and we will not hesitate to prosecute to fullest extent of the law. We are committed to working together with Hawai`i County Police, Civil Defense, as well as other agencies to keep our residents and visitors safe.”
      For more information, contact Hawai`i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney at 961-0466 or hilopros@hawaiicounty.gov.
      To comment on or like this story, go to facebook.com/kaucalendar.  

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to register for Ka`u Coffee Trail Run before fees increase. Events are a 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.
      See race360.com/21357.

VOLCANO WINERY’S GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL is tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) programs at Volcano School of Arts & Sciences.
     Tickets are $40 and include music by Keoki Kahumoku and Friends, pupus by Volcano House and other area businesses, wine and a souvenir wine glass.
     For more information, call 967-7772.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.