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| Ka`u residents can join a guided hike at Kahuku tomorrow to walk of holiday calories. Photo from NPS |
LAND SURROUNDING HONOMALINO BAY is closing due to the dengue fever outbreak on Hawai`i Island. Hawai`i News Now reported that the area, near Miloli`i Beach Park that previously closed, is prohibited to everyone except residents and essential personnel who will work to eradicate mosquitoes and clear standing water.
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| Miloli`i and surrounding areas are now dengue hotspots. Map from DOH |
As of yesterday, the state Department of Health confirmed 181 cases of dengue fever in Hawai`i County, with 145 being adults and 36, children.
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MILOLI`I WANTS MOSQUITO NETS for Christmas. A Fight Da Bite fundraiser drive to help combat dengue fever in Miloli`i has gone up on gofundme.com. See gofundme.com/ztg9544s.
Pa`a Pono Miloli`i would like to raise $3,000 to purchase 100 mosquito nets, mosquito coils and 100 percent natural (non-DEET) spray and lotion for the residents of Miloli`i Village. “The Miloli`i Beach park was closed by the county on Dec. 23 as there is a influx of the dengue-carrying mosquitos in the Miloli`i Village area. We are humbly asking for 100 donors to donate $30 each to help us reach this goal by Monday,” says the posting. “We would like to deliver the nets, coils and spray to the village by Dec. 31. Please kokua our infants our keiki, our kupuna and our community!”
Hilo Surplus Store is partnering in the effort.
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Hilo Surplus Store is partnering in the effort.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
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| Covering catchment tanks securely keeps them from becoming mosquito breeding grounds. Photo from Clark Realty |
CONTROLLING MOSQUITO BREEDING in rainwater catchment systems, which are prevalent in parts of Ka`u and South Kona as sources of potable water, is the topic of a new entry on Hawai`i Department of Education’s website.
The Department of Health suggests physical barriers as the best and safest means to prevent tanks from becoming breeding sources, while at the same time keeping water safe for human consumption. There are several kinds of physical barriers.
Solid material covers (concrete, steel, aluminum or wood) are considered the best form of protection as long as there is no gap between the cover and the tank sides. Any gaps should be screened with a fine mesh screen. Suspended solid covers are also available.
Solid material covers (concrete, steel, aluminum or wood) are considered the best form of protection as long as there is no gap between the cover and the tank sides. Any gaps should be screened with a fine mesh screen. Suspended solid covers are also available.
Flexible, non-porous cover (tarp, canvas, rubberized) should be stretched over the tank with an elevating support in the center to provide a slope to prevent ponding. Flexible porous covers (screen, shade cloth, etc.) should be supported above the water level. A tight seal needs to be maintained with all covers to prevent mosquitoes from getting under them.
Mosquito fish will eat egg larvae (wigglers) and possibly pupae stages of mosquito growth. The fish cannot be introduced into tanks that are chlorinated; the chlorine will kill them quickly. Fish are live organisms and therefore will discharge waste, reproduce and die, at rates dependent on food and oxygen supply. Any dead fish must be removed and disposed of, as the remains and waste discharges will adversely affect the taste and potability of the water. The fish must not be released into the environment. They will endanger Hawaiian native species and habitats.
According to DOH, cooking oil on the surface of catchment water should interrupt wigglers’ ability to breathe at the surface. Cooking oil is suggested because humans can safely consume it. Enough oil needs to be applied to the surface of the water to completely cover the surface. Drawbacks: provides a food source for microbes; greatly increasing bacteriological presence in water; eventually turns rancid, affecting taste and odor of water; can clog or otherwise disrupt function of water filters and/or treatment devices; and needs to be removed once the dengue outbreak has subsided by skimming it off the surface and scrubbing the sides of the tank. Disposal of skimmed oil must be done properly.
See more at health.hawaii.gov.
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IT’S HOLIDAY TIME, which means the 2016 Legislative Session is almost here. Opening Day is Wednesday, January 20, 2016, and the calendar of deadlines has now been published. Public Access Room’s 2016 Session Calendar in an easy-to-read format, with explanations of the deadlines appearing on the second page, and other helpful handouts will be posted at LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Go to the Information Sheets page.
Mosquito fish will eat egg larvae (wigglers) and possibly pupae stages of mosquito growth. The fish cannot be introduced into tanks that are chlorinated; the chlorine will kill them quickly. Fish are live organisms and therefore will discharge waste, reproduce and die, at rates dependent on food and oxygen supply. Any dead fish must be removed and disposed of, as the remains and waste discharges will adversely affect the taste and potability of the water. The fish must not be released into the environment. They will endanger Hawaiian native species and habitats.
According to DOH, cooking oil on the surface of catchment water should interrupt wigglers’ ability to breathe at the surface. Cooking oil is suggested because humans can safely consume it. Enough oil needs to be applied to the surface of the water to completely cover the surface. Drawbacks: provides a food source for microbes; greatly increasing bacteriological presence in water; eventually turns rancid, affecting taste and odor of water; can clog or otherwise disrupt function of water filters and/or treatment devices; and needs to be removed once the dengue outbreak has subsided by skimming it off the surface and scrubbing the sides of the tank. Disposal of skimmed oil must be done properly.
See more at health.hawaii.gov.
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| Sen. Mazie Hirono said continued health care enrollment is "truly a Christmas gift." |
KA`U’S MARSHALLESE COMMUNITY is encouraged by Gov. David Ige and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono to enroll for extended health care coverage. Eligible Hawai`i residents of the Compact of Free Association nations can once again sign up now that the enrollment period has been extended to Feb. 15, 2016.
The governor said, “When people have access to affordable health care coverage, their health outcomes are more positive, and our four decades of experience with Hawai`i’s Prepaid Health Care Act of 1974 have shown us that. We appreciate the federal government’s understanding of the special circumstances our residents from Compact nations face when seeking health care services in Hawai`i.”
Earlier this month, Hirono led a Hawai`i delegation letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell to request a special enrollment period for COFA citizens in Hawai`i due to the challenges experienced with the enrollment process on healthcare.gov. Hirono spoke with Acting Administrator for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Andy Slavitt about how the call center hours and site maintenance downtime disadvantaged Hawai`i’s COFA citizens because of the time difference and the need to approve certified language translators. CMS yesterday announced the special enrollment period with retroactive coverage.
“It is critical that residents from COFA nations have the ability to sign up for health care insurance to take care of themselves and their families. This extension is just the latest effort in our state's long-standing tradition of providing health care coverage for all,” Hirono said. “This is truly a Christmas gift to those families who missed the enrollment deadline. On behalf of our Micronesian community here in Hawai`i, mahalo nui,” said Josie Howard, program director for We Are Oceania.
Click on the following link for the CMS guidance on the Special Enrollment Period for Compact of Free Association Migrants in Hawai`i: https://www.regtap.info/uploads/library/ENR_GuidanceSEP_HI_COFA_Migrants_122415_5CR_122415.pdf.
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Earlier this month, Hirono led a Hawai`i delegation letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Mathews Burwell to request a special enrollment period for COFA citizens in Hawai`i due to the challenges experienced with the enrollment process on healthcare.gov. Hirono spoke with Acting Administrator for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Andy Slavitt about how the call center hours and site maintenance downtime disadvantaged Hawai`i’s COFA citizens because of the time difference and the need to approve certified language translators. CMS yesterday announced the special enrollment period with retroactive coverage.
“It is critical that residents from COFA nations have the ability to sign up for health care insurance to take care of themselves and their families. This extension is just the latest effort in our state's long-standing tradition of providing health care coverage for all,” Hirono said. “This is truly a Christmas gift to those families who missed the enrollment deadline. On behalf of our Micronesian community here in Hawai`i, mahalo nui,” said Josie Howard, program director for We Are Oceania.
Click on the following link for the CMS guidance on the Special Enrollment Period for Compact of Free Association Migrants in Hawai`i: https://www.regtap.info/uploads/library/ENR_GuidanceSEP_HI_COFA_Migrants_122415_5CR_122415.pdf.
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| Sen. Brian Schatz and Nahe. Photo from Sen. Schatz's Facebook Page |
SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ POSTED a photo of himself and Nahe as a holiday greeting to his constituents in Ka`u and throughout the state.
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THOMAS “TOMMY” FRIEL, a conservation law enforcement officer for nearly three decades, has been named the new Chief of Department of Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation Resources, effective Monday, Dec. 28.
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We have the great privilege of hiring Tommy, who has deep personal and professional roots in Hawai`i. Enforcement of laws aimed at protecting our precious natural and cultural resources is one of the most important roles DLNR plays. To attract someone of Tommy’s stature and experience ensures a strong enforcement philosophy with fairness and balance.”
Friel has more than 28 years in state and federal law enforcement leadership roles. For over 21 years, he served with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement, Pacific Island Division. His experience includes supervision of special agents, fisheries enforcement officers and office staff in Hawai`i and around the Pacific. “With Tommy’s experience working with ocean fisheries, marine mammals and endangered species, he is a natural fit for the State’s top conservation law enforcement role,” Case said.
Friel is a lifelong resident of windward O`ahu but has worked in enforcement operations throughout the world. “My passion in protecting Hawai`i’s natural resources stems from my commitment to creating a brighter tomorrow for our keiki and mo`opuna,” Friel said.
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Friel has more than 28 years in state and federal law enforcement leadership roles. For over 21 years, he served with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement, Pacific Island Division. His experience includes supervision of special agents, fisheries enforcement officers and office staff in Hawai`i and around the Pacific. “With Tommy’s experience working with ocean fisheries, marine mammals and endangered species, he is a natural fit for the State’s top conservation law enforcement role,” Case said.
Friel is a lifelong resident of windward O`ahu but has worked in enforcement operations throughout the world. “My passion in protecting Hawai`i’s natural resources stems from my commitment to creating a brighter tomorrow for our keiki and mo`opuna,” Friel said.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
IT’S HOLIDAY TIME, which means the 2016 Legislative Session is almost here. Opening Day is Wednesday, January 20, 2016, and the calendar of deadlines has now been published. Public Access Room’s 2016 Session Calendar in an easy-to-read format, with explanations of the deadlines appearing on the second page, and other helpful handouts will be posted at LRBhawaii.org/PAR. Go to the Information Sheets page.
Read comments, add your own, and like The Ka`u Calendar News Briefs on Facebook.
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| `Ohi` lehua is the topic of a guided walk tomorrow. Photo from NPS |
KA`U RESIDENTS CAN FOLLOW THEIR CHRISTMAS celebrations with events in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park tomorrow. During Stewardship at the Summit, they can help the park and `aina by cutting invasive Himalayan ginger along trails. Participants meet at Kilauea Visitor Center.
Hikers learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua and the many forms of its tree and flower during an easy, one-mile walk at the Kahuku Unit at 9:30 a.m.
See nps.gov/havo for more information.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
Hikers learn about the vital role of `ohi`a lehua and the many forms of its tree and flower during an easy, one-mile walk at the Kahuku Unit at 9:30 a.m.
See nps.gov/havo for more information.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
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| See kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.swf and kaucalendar.com/Directory2015.pdf. |
