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Monday, July 08, 2019

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, July 8, 2019


Calf roping by teams and individuals becomes major action at the Nāʻālehu Fourth of July Rodeo last weekend.
Photos by Manu Yanha of Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. See more photos below.
THE SHOOTING INCIDENT AT MANUKĀ STATE PARK on Friday, July 5 is under investigation by the Hawaiʻi Police Department and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. HPD asks for information from the public.
     In the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes, a National Park Service ranger approached a man who was driving a stolen car. The suspect fled to Manukā State Park, the ranger following him. At about 1 p.m., the suspect reportedly tried to leave Manukā and drove the car toward the ranger who fired his weapon, the bullet grazing the suspect's neck and striking his hand. The suspect fled and received treatment for minor injuries at Kona Community Hospital, according to the HPD report.
     At 6:15 p.m., police arrested the suspect, 39-year-old David Gouveia, of Kona, charging him with "unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle." His bail was set at $2,000. He was released pending further investigations for attempted murder in the 2nd degree, involving his use of the car as a weapon against the park ranger.
Keegan Malicki stays on board and wins the Calf Riding prize as rodeo clowns protect him. Photo by Julia Neal
     Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are working the case. Anyone with any information can call Detective Dominic Uyetake at 326-4646, ext. 228.

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THE HŪ HONUA BIOENERGY PLANT, which plans to burn farmed eucalyptus trees grown in Kaʻū for electricity to be sold to Hawaiʻi Electric Light Co., is the subject of outreach from the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi. The Democrats ask that the public submit comments by July 21 regarding Hū Honua's updated injection well permit.
A race that involves picking up a rider on the back of the horse.
Photo by Julia Neal
     A message from the Democrats says, "We are currently in a 30-day comment period from the Safe Drinking Water Branch and the Commission on Water Resource Management regarding Hū Honua's application for updates to its Underground Injection Control (UIC) permits (Application UH 3051). We are asking that members of the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party submit comments regarding this application, and request that the Department of Health hold a public hearing and that the comment period be extended to 30-day from the date of the public hearing."
     At the 2018 State Democratic Convention, a resolution passed, calling Hū Honua Bioenergy an environmentally destructive project, with its wood burning plant located on the cliffs above the ocean north of Hilo. The latest Democratic Party messages says, "Given the passage of this resolution and that climate and environmental stewardship are key components of the DPH platform, we urge all environmentally conscious Democrats to submit a letter insisting that a public hearing take place covering the details of previously requested modeling and monitoring data, and that the comment period be extended. The 30-day comment period should commence following the date that modeling and monitoring data is presented to the public and only after any discussion addressing the concerns with the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply have been completed."
A young barrel racer catches some air. Photo by Manu Yanha
     The Democratic Party states that in Hū Honua's "original permit, the company asserted that discharged wastewater would be gravity-absorbed into three 400-ft.-deep injection wells. However, once the wells were built, they failed testing. Now, Hū Honua is applying for an updated permit to double the depth of the current wells. The updated permit requires a 30-day public comment period. However, neither Hū Honua nor the Department of Health has given the public anything meaningful to on which to comment. No studies of the possible consequences from deepening the wells have been released to the public, though the County Department of Water Supply requested in a March 12, 2019, letter that Hū Honua provide groundwater modeling as well as a monitoring plan for tracking water level and detecting contaminants. To date, Hū Honua has not provided either of these reports.
     "The public comment period is our opportunity to weigh in on the proposed deepening of the wells. However, we do not currently have the information, as was requested by the DWS, that allows us to provide meaningful comments."
Horse leans in for the junior barrel racer. Photo by Manu Yanha
     The Democratic Party asks that all comments be sent to all of the following:
inaba@hawaiidws.org, kokamoto@hawaiidws.org, joanna.seto@doh.hawaii.gov, sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov, bruce.s.
anderson@doh.hawaii.gov, dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov, albright.david@epa.gov, Clean
WaterBranch@doh.hawaii.gov;
norris.uehara@doh.hawaii.gov;
darryl.lum@doh.hawaii.gov;
shane.sumida@doh.hawaii.gov; kozelka.peter@epa.gov.
     Hū Honua has changed its name to Honua Ola.

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A POWER SURGE CUT ELECTRICITY TO ABOUT 51,000 HELCO CUSTOMERS across the island at about 10:45 a.m. today. The outage included some 1,600 in Ocean View. It also took out many traffic lights on the island, with no problem for Kaʻū, since there is an absence of traffic signal lights here.
A horse that prances around the barrels. Photo by Manu Yanha
    According to a release from Hawaiʻi Electric Light, faults on two transmission lines along the Hamakua Coast disconnected independent power producer Hamakua Energy from the grid, causing "a sudden loss of generation." Service to most customers was restored by 11:15 a.m. All customers had power restored by about 1:30 p.m.
     "The cause of the line faults is under investigation but it's likely they were caused by wind gusts blowing tree debris onto lines" says the release. HELCO spokesperson Kristen Okinaka said the surge was likely caused by the approaching heavy weather of former Hurricane Barbara.
     The utility urges the community to keep safety top of mind. Steady rain and flooding can uproot trees and break branches, which can fall on power lines and snap utility poles. Always assume that downed power lines are energized and dangerous, and stay at least 30 feet away.
     Report downed lines and power outages to the Trouble Desk at (808) 969-6666. Outage information and updates are posted on Hawai‘i Electric Light's Twitter account @HIElectricLight.
     A Hawaiʻi Police Department report said that a power surge left large portions of Hawaiʻi Island without electricity. HPD urged residents in areas with nonworking traffic signals to drive with extra care and stay away from those roads.

Flooding in a gulch off Lau today.
Photo by Michael Worthington
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THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM BARBARA sent heavy rains to Kaʻū today, with rushing waters in streams and gorges. High surf pounded east and south-facing Hawaiʻi Island shores with very strong breaking waves, and strong longshore and rip currents.
     The Flash Flood Watch for Hawaiʻi Island was canceled this evening, as Barbara's remnants are passing south of the island.
     The National Weather Service urges swimmers to "be aware of your swimming abilities; do not enter the water as dangerous currents and breaking waves may be hazardous. When in doubt, don't go out."

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A calf and horse collide at the rodeo.
Photo by Manu Yanha
3D MAMMOGRAMS will be available in Hilo at Hawaiʻi Radiologic Associates, Ltd., starting Aug. 1. This is the only location on Hawaiʻi Island that offers this newer technology.
     HiRad.com states, "3D mammography produces multiple X-ray images of the breasts to create a digital 3-dimensional rendering of breast tissue. This allows radiologists to view the breast in 1-millimeter 'slices' rather than just the image from the top and side. This technology is particularly helpful for screening women with dense breasts. More than half of Hawaiʻi women have dense breasts. Women with dense tissue are four to five times more likely to develop breast cancer." The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved the technology in 2011.
     Said HRA president Dr. David Camacho, "Since the early 1980s, HRA has been the leader of breast imaging on Hawaii Island. While this was a substantial investment for us, we believe the 3D mammography will better serve our patients. We believe that bringing 3D mammography to the BigIsland will enable us to find more cancers earlier, leading to a better outcome for the women of this island."

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THE ANNUAL NĀʻĀLEHU FOURTH OF JULY BUCKLE RODEO last weekend produced many winners and thrilling action for spectators who witnessed a true Hawaiian family gathering of ranchers and spectators. See more photos and the complete results this week in the Kaʻū News Briefs.

Po Wai U, a traditional way to round up cattle in the wild, is a rodeo event in Nāʻālehu. Photos by Leilani Esperanza
FLIGHTS FROM KONA TO KAHULUI, MAUI FOR $49 each way in August and September are offered by Makani Kai Air. The new interisland route is four round-trip flights per day, offered for the introductory price from Aug.1 through 31, for flights from Aug. 1 through Sept. 30. Reservations must be made at makanikaiair.com. Regular priced 45 minute flights in nine-passenger Cessna Grand Caravans will be $75 each way.
     Said Richard Schuman, owner of Makani Kai Air, "The people of Molokai and Maui are the reason that we're growing. Many of our customers have asked us to open up a Kahului - Kona route, and we believe that the move makes sense. Our fixed fare strategy is winning converts People appreciate the fact that they can plan ahead knowing the airfare won't change. It will remain the same on weekends, holidays or any other time."

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
2019 Kaʻū High School Athletics Schedule through August
See khpes.org/athletics-home for details and updates; Bowling TBA.

Football, Division II:
Mon., July 15, first day Conditioning, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Mon., July 22, first day Full Pads, 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 24, 1 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kamehameha

Girls Volleyball, Kaʻū District Gym:
Mon., July 29, 3 to 5 p.m., first day practice
Tue., Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Hilo
Fri., Aug. 23, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts St. Joseph
Wed., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Kaʻū hosts Kohala

Cross Country:
Mon., Aug. 5, 2:30 to 4 p.m., first day practice
Sat., Aug. 31, 10 a.m., @Christian Liberty

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UPCOMING
TUESDAY, JULY 9
Flameworking - An Introductory Class with Nash Adams-Pruitt, Tuesday, July 9, 5-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. $75/VAC member, $80/non-member, plus $40 supply fee. Class size limited. Register early. Advanced registration required. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

After Dark in the Park - New Insights from Kīlauea Volcano's 2018 Lower East Rift Zone Eruption, Tuesday, July 9, 7p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. USGS HVO geologist Matt Patrick describes expected and unexpected aspects of the eruption and how the activity might be used to improve his and other scientists' ability to forecast future hazards on Kīlauea. Free; park entrance fees apply. 985-6011, nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, JULY  10
Kui Kalo Demonstration, Wednesday, July 10, 10a.m.-noon, Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Ranger Keoni Kaholo‘a‘ā shares knowledge of kalo and making poi. Free; park entrance fees apply. nps.gov/havo

THURSDAY, JULY 11
Hawaiian Civic Club of Ka‘ū, Thursday, July 11, 6:30p.m., United Methodist Church, Nā‘ālehu. Pres. Berkley Yoshida, 747-0197

Laysan Albatross (Mōlī) and Other Native Seabirds: Their Significance in Hawaiian Culture, Thursday, July 11, 6:30-8p.m., Volcano Art Center. Short documentary showing, book signing, and presentation by Kumu Sabra Kauka and Hob Osterlund, award-winning writer, photographer, and conservationist. Free; $5 donation to VAC suggested. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

FRIDAY, JULY 12
Hawai‘i Disability Legal Services, Friday, July 12, 9a.m.-noon, Ocean View Community Center. Free disability legal services provided by Hawai‘i Legal Aid. 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Community Dance, Friday, July 12, 7-10p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. 967-7800, thecoopercenter.org

SATURDAY, JULY  13
Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network's Summer Musical: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song, Friday-Saturday-Sunday, July 12-28, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater. Tickets available at Kīlauea General Store, Kea‘au Natural Foods, Basically Books, The Most Irresistible Shop and at door. $20/general admission, $15/student or over 60, $12/age 12 and under. Park entrance fees may apply. 982-7344, kden73@aol.com, kden.org

Pancake Breakfast and Raffle, Saturday, July 13, 8-11a.m., Ocean View Community Center. To volunteer, call 939-7033, ovcahi.org

Nā Mamo o Kāwā ʻOhana Work Day, Saturday, July 13, meet 9:30a.m., Northern Gate, Kāwā. RSVP to James Akau, jakau@nmok.org, 561-9111. Bring a water bottle, lunch, closed toed shoes, long sleeved t-shirt, and pants. Tools, gloves, water, and light refreshments provided. nmok.orgfacebook.com/NMOK.Hawaii

Writing from the Heart with Frances Kai-Hwa Wang, Saturday, July 13, 9:30a.m.-4p.m., Volcano Art Center. $65/VAC member, $75/non-member. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.orgfranceskaihwawang.com

38th Annual Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival at Kahuku Unit, Saturday, July 13, 10a.m.-3p.m. Free. Live music, hula, and hands-on Hawaiian cultural activities and demonstrations. Food available for purchase. Visitors welcome to bring picnic lunch. nps.gov/havo

Soul Town Band performance, Saturday, July 13, 7-10p.m., Kīlauea Military Theater. $5 cover charge. Open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com

SUNDAY, JULY 14
Medicine for the Mind: Teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Sunday, July 14 – 2nd Sunday, monthly – 3-5p.m., Volcano Art Center. Free; calabash donations welcome. Dress warmly. Patty Johnson, 345-1527

MONDAY, JULY 15
Monday Movie Night: Fire & Sand (Local Documentary), Monday, July 15, 7p.m., $5 donation suggested. Popcorn and snacks available for purchase. Bring cushion. 967-8222, volcanoartcenter.org

ONGOING
Enroll in Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Orientation for enrolled families begins Aug. 5 & 6, with programs continuing following week in Nā‘ālehu on Monday & Wednesday, 8:45-10:45am, and Pāhala, Tuesday & Thursday, 8:30-10:30am. Space is limited. pidfoundation.org

Seamless Summer Program, open to all people under age 18, no registration required, offers free breakfast at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School cafeterias. Meals are available weekdays through Friday, July 12. Kaʻū High serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Call (808) 939-2413 for Nāʻālehu Elementary mealtimes.

Experience Volcano Festival is still looking for vendors. Booths for the event are $25 per day for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is coordinated with the new ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash on the 27th. Apply at experiencevolcano.com/vendor-application.
     Experience Volcano is a group of businesses and residents helping to rebuild the economy of Volcano, following last year's volcanic disaster that shut down Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and drastically reduced the visitor county which is now recovering.

ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 5K, and Keiki Dash happens Saturday, July 27 in Volcano Village, It replaces the Volcano Rain Forest Runs. Register at ohialehuahalf.com.

Exhibit -The Joy of the Brush: Paintings by Linda J. Varez, daily through Sunday, Aug. 4, 9a.m.-5p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery. Free; park entrance fees may apply. 967-7565, volcanoartcenter.org

6th Annual Ka‘ū Coffee Trail Run Registration, webscorer.com/register?raceid=166020. 5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon races through mac nut and coffee fields along slopes of Ka‘ū starting at 7a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Ka‘ū Coffee Mill. Sponsored by Ka‘ū Coffee Mill and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. Prices increase after July 9. okaukakou.orgkaucoffeemill.com


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