 |
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, in 2017, was the only beach in Hawai'i on Yahoo Travel's 10 Beaches that Should Be on Your Bucket List. In 2021, some of the lands near the beach are up for consideration for an Open Market and cleaning up an abandoned restaurant and museum area. Mauka would be a Welcome Center with camping. Photo by Julia Neal |
PUNALU'U LAND OWNER BLACK SAND BEACH, LLC and its principal Eva Liu say in a Special Management Area permit request that a commitment has been made. They say their commitment is "with many in the community to revitalize Punaluʻu in a measured way, demonstrating what community-based
priorities can be accomplished before initiating broader discussions about what can become
of the entire 434-acre project site."
The applicants, with project manager Norman Quon and consulting planner Daryn Arai, are asking for approval of an SMA minor permit to create an Open Market and Welcome Center, with camping, as well as clean up the area at the old Black Sand Beach restaurant and museum. Approval of an SMA minor permit is under the discretion of Planning Director Zendo Kern. Approval of an SMA major permit would go to the Planning Commission with a public hearing. The cost of a project receiving a minor SMA permit is limited to under $500,000.
The introduction to the permit request says, "This Special Management Area Use Permit Assessment application is the
initial filing by the Applicant with the County representing just one of many steps to be
taken towards the collective revitalization of these lands. What may be viewed by some as
a segmented or fractured approach towards the review of proposed land use activities
within the Special Management Area, is viewed by the Applicant and many in the
community as a measured, methodical and practical approach towards revitalizing these
important and sacred lands."
"The approximately 434-acre project site extends from the Mamalahoa Highway down to the
shoreline, and across the ahupuaʻa of Ninole, Wailau and Punaluʻu. While the extent of
existing development as reflected in the 1988 Final Environmental Impact Statement is basically what still exists on the
ground." The proposal states that the condition of much of these facilities has "rendered
them unsafe and unusable and requires much investment in manpower, money and
community resources in order to rehabilitate the project site into what is typically expected
of an ocean-front community.
Check in on the Climate Conference at: https://unfccc.int/conference/glasgow-climate-change-conference-october-november-2021
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
STATE OF HAWAI'I WILL BECOME ALIGNED WITH FEDERAL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COVID RULES on Nov. 8. Gov. David Ige announced today that non-U.S. citizens traveling directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination must present vaccination records and a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within three days of boarding a flight to the United States.
U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination have two options: Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding flight to U.S.; or travelers not fully vaccinated must provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding flight to the U.S.
The Black Sand Beach application to the Planning Director, with an estimated cost of under $500,000, says, "The method behind this approach is about: first understanding the importance of these lands and the surrounding communities,
and the people who live within; fixing what has been neglected or improperly managed over many years; and building a future for these lands in a collaborative manner so that it benefits the
entire community with an emphasis on preserving what makes Punaluʻu so special."
 |
| The old restaurant and museum area are dilapidated, fenced off and subject of a Special Management Area minor permit request by its owner to clean it up, along with a proposal to establish a nearby Open Market. Photo by Julia Neal |
The application explains the SMA permit requirement: "While the approximately 434-acre project site straddles both sides of the Mamalahoa
Highway, that portion located makai of the highway is situated
within the County’s Special Management Area. Furthermore, given that the project site has direct frontage with the shoreline, the Applicant is filing this application to identify the many responsibilities and activities that it must undertake in order to property manage these lands in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the County’s SMA."
within the County’s Special Management Area. Furthermore, given that the project site has direct frontage with the shoreline, the Applicant is filing this application to identify the many responsibilities and activities that it must undertake in order to property manage these lands in accordance with the regulations and requirements of the County’s SMA."
The application reviews some history of development at Punalu'u, noting "the project site was once known and operated as Sea Mountain at
Punaluʻu and is host to an 18-hole golf course, its clubhouse facilities, a tennis center, the
former Punaluʻu Restaurant and its related support facilities and infrastructural systems.
Within the project site but not a part of this application is the existing 76-unit Colony I
condominium complex and a number of kuleana that are situated makai of Ninole Loop
Road adjacent to the Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach and the Beach Park complex, which is
located within the project site but maintained and operated by the County.
 |
Read all of The Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcanothrough Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Ocean View to Miloli'i. Pick it up from newsstands. |
"New components, like the proposed Open Market and Welcome Center are to stimulate
community-based activities and opportunities that will support the cultural, historical,
recreational and daily needs of existing residents with kuleana land in Punaluʻu, the
residents of Colony I condominium, and the many residents and visitors who seek out
Punaluʻu to experience the specialness of these lands.
The proposed activities and improvements presented within this application represents a
continuing investment in the repair and maintenance of existing infrastructure, support
facilities and grounds with a relatively small investment in new amenities like the Open
Market and Welcome Center that will support and enhance the area for both residents and
visitors.
"While the overall project site abuts the shoreline, the Applicant is requesting that the need
for a certified shoreline survey to support this application be waived since no new
improvements or uses are contemplated anywhere near the shoreline. The proposed Open
Market will be located on the mauka side of Ninole Loop Road about 200 feet from the
shoreline and the proposed Welcome Center will be situated about 1,500 feet from the
shoreline."
Read more in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs. See the complete SMA application to the county at http://kaucalendar.com/news/SMAABlack_Sands_10_2021.pdf.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE COP26 CLIMATE CONFERENCE is the destination of Gov. David Ige who leaves for Glasgow,
Scotland on Wednesday. The conference began Oct. 31 and Hawai'i's governor will participate beginning Nov. 6. A statement from the governor's offices says, "Gov. Ige will join heads of state, climate experts and others for perhaps the most consequential climate conference since the adoption of the Paris Agreement. COP26 will focus on accelerating progress toward achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement.
"Gov. Ige is scheduled to participate in about 10 events over six days. They include panel discussions and speaking engagements at a variety of COP26 events such as Mobilizing Global State and Regional Leadership on Net Zero Ambition. Gov. Ige will also be sharing Hawaiʻi's success with the Hawaiʻi Clean Energy Initiative – achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2045."
The governor attends COP26 with two members of his cabinet, Department of Land & Natural Resources Chair Suzanne Case and state Energy Office Chief Energy Officer Scott Glenn. Also accompanying the governor is one staff member and security personnel.
Attorney General Claire Connors will serve as acting governor while Ige is traveling. Lt. Gov. Josh Green will assume the role of acting governor upon his return to Hawaiʻi on Nov. 11. The governor returns from Scotland on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Attorney General Claire Connors will serve as acting governor while Ige is traveling. Lt. Gov. Josh Green will assume the role of acting governor upon his return to Hawaiʻi on Nov. 11. The governor returns from Scotland on Saturday, Nov. 13.
 |
| UN Climate Change Conference will welcome Gov. David Ige to Glasgow, Scotland this week to participate in panels and give talks on Hawai'i's Clean Energy Initiatives and mobilizing leadership. Image from NDTV |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
STATE OF HAWAI'I WILL BECOME ALIGNED WITH FEDERAL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COVID RULES on Nov. 8. Gov. David Ige announced today that non-U.S. citizens traveling directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination must present vaccination records and a negative COVID-19 test result (NAAT or antigen) within three days of boarding a flight to the United States.
U.S. citizens flying directly to Hawaiʻi from an international destination have two options: Fully vaccinated travelers must provide proof of vaccination and present a test taken within three days of boarding flight to U.S.; or travelers not fully vaccinated must provide proof of negative COVID-19 test result within one day of boarding flight to the U.S.
The governor announced that there will be no additional State of Hawaiʻi requirements for passengers flying directly into Hawaiʻi from an international destination. The airlines will screen passengers prior to their departure to the U.S. If foreign passengers fail to meet both requirements and if U.S. citizens fail to meet one of the two requirements, they will not be allowed to board the flight. Once in Hawaiʻi, the CDC will conduct compliance checks.
He noted that tests do not have to be done with Trusted Travel Partners under the new international federal requirements, but they must be done with a Trusted Travel Partner for unvaccinated domestic travel.
Also starting Nov. 8, international passengers entering Hawai'i from another state or territory The Safe Travels Hawaiʻi program remains in place for domestic travelers. Current Safe Travels Hawaiʻi requirements for domestic travelers include: Creating a Safe Travels Hawaiʻi account on a digital device; entering trip details; filling out a health form, and attesting that all information is correct.
Currently, travelers may bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine in one of two ways: Upload a vaccination document; or upload a negative NAAT test result. The test must be taken by a Trusted Travel Partner (TTP) within 72 hours of departure for the State of Hawaiʻi.
Also, beginning on Nov. 8, the State of Hawaiʻi, in alignment with the federal government, will accept vaccines approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization. A list of currently accepted vaccines is posted on the CDC's website.
The governor said, "Thanks to the people of Hawaiʻi for their patience and for taking precautions to keep our communities safe. Our state continues to see one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 and death rates related to the virus. As more and more people are vaccinated, we are moving to ease pandemic mitigation measures – including travel restrictions – in a way that ensures the health and safety of our communities."
Also starting Nov. 8, international passengers entering Hawai'i from another state or territory The Safe Travels Hawaiʻi program remains in place for domestic travelers. Current Safe Travels Hawaiʻi requirements for domestic travelers include: Creating a Safe Travels Hawaiʻi account on a digital device; entering trip details; filling out a health form, and attesting that all information is correct.
Currently, travelers may bypass the state's mandatory 10-day quarantine in one of two ways: Upload a vaccination document; or upload a negative NAAT test result. The test must be taken by a Trusted Travel Partner (TTP) within 72 hours of departure for the State of Hawaiʻi.
Also, beginning on Nov. 8, the State of Hawaiʻi, in alignment with the federal government, will accept vaccines approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization. A list of currently accepted vaccines is posted on the CDC's website.
The governor said, "Thanks to the people of Hawaiʻi for their patience and for taking precautions to keep our communities safe. Our state continues to see one of the lowest incidences of COVID-19 and death rates related to the virus. As more and more people are vaccinated, we are moving to ease pandemic mitigation measures – including travel restrictions – in a way that ensures the health and safety of our communities."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in x.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? Call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
LEARN SELF-CARE THROUGH Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group at facebook.com/bhhsurg
WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
YOGA WITH EMILY Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.
CHOOSE ALOHA FOR HOME is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org or info@bgcbi.org.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Public Libraries are open for WiFi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. WiFi available to anyone with a library card, from each library parking lot. See librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED NATURE TRAIL & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz.
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramiocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Council. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing required, social distancing enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
