Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021

Lights back on for Christmas season cheer. Decorating palm trees along Pikake Street in Pāhala is
an annual event for the Tugade family. Photo by Julia Neal

SOME OF THE LAST REMAINING POWER OUTAGES in Kaʻū and Volcano were among the targets of Hawaiian Electric on Thursday, as more lights went on in Ocean View, Wood Valley and Volcano. The utility reported that as of 5 p.m., there were about 350 outages remaining islandwide, following this week's storm that brought damaging winds and flooding. Crews were still working in Volcano, Nāʻālehu and Ocean View, according to Hawaiian Electric.

    More damage assessments were completed for Nāʻālehu and Ocean View on Thursday. "Additional outages identified during assessments today will be addressed by Friday, if not sooner, with full restoration expected by noon on Saturday. This does not include customers who have damage on their property that would need to be repaired before crews can restore electricity. Customers without power are advised to ensure that the service line to their home is properly attached. If the point of attachment is damaged, the

Normally dry gulches ran high during the storm,
with electricity in some spots still out in Kaʻū.
Photo by Izaskun Levy

customer must call an electrician to repair it before crews can safely connect service," reported Hawaiian Electric. For information on checking service connections, visit www.hawaiianelectric.com/CheckServiceConnection or call (808) 969-6666. 

     The utility also noted that "Gusty winds and heavy rains may have partially uprooted trees or cracked branches that can easily fall and cause new outages. For your safety, please stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines. Downed power lines are energized and dangerous." To report an outage or downed power line, call (808) 969-6666.

    National Weather Service summarized that most of the rain during the storm fell on southeast Hawai'i Island. “Flooding impacts on the Big Island were minimal on Dec. 5, but increased on Dec. 6 as rainfall increased in intensity and coverage. Several normally dry gulches in the Kaʻū District flooded, and Highway 11 closed at Kawa Flats for a few hours.” Shelters in Kaʻū and Pāhala opened for a few hours.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A SECOND MEETING ON THE FUTURE OF PUNALU'U will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at the planned  roastery building owned by Eva Liu behind Punalu'u Bake Shop in Nāʻālehu. Liu and her Black Sand Beach, LLC team said the schedule will be a presentation on the project at 6 p.m., similar to the one on Wednesday, followed at 7 p.m. by a Q&A and an open-house talk-story at tables with maps and plans for the public to review.

Architect and Project Manager Norman Quon presents the Black Sand Beach, LLC plan for Punalu'u, with
a second public meeting on Friday and a third on Saturday. Photo by Julia Neal

     During the Wednesday meeting, the owner and planners presented ideas for the future of the area around the Black Sand Beach and pond, an open market and restaurant, the possibility of restoring the old restaurant and museum site and turning nine holes of the golf course into a park.                                                   See http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2021/12/kau-news-briefs-wednesday-dec-8-2021.html.

    They also put forth a plan for the future of the old golf course clubhouse near Niniole, the tennis court area near the SeaMountain condominiums and a plan to build more condominiums. Plans for the old Aspen Center were also presented. 

    They talked about repairing what has fallen into disrepair, "dealing with a canvas we already have... and hopefully make it much better."

Eva Liu, owner of lands at Punalu'u with many projects planned,
will speak at the Friday and Saturday public meetings.
  Photo by Julia Neal

    A Sports & Wellness Center is an idea for the old tennis center, with Tai Chi, massage and spa, and possibly a setting for outdoor films and concerts. A coffee roastery and cafe would be on site, along with 60 condos. Across the street, mauka of the current condos at SeaMountain, would be 76 new condos in one, two and three story buildings for views of the golf course and coast.

      The old Aspen Center would be restored for conferences and events like weddings. Around it would be tent structures and elevated cabins, on post and pier. 

    Closer to the coast, the old golf clubhouse would be restored for nine-hole play, adjusting the hole placement as the other nine holes are turned into a park. There would be a putting green and driving range.

     Architect and Project Manager Norman Quon stressed that the the planning and use of the place would involve local people. "Without the community, this would just be another resort." He said it would not become another Hualalai or Kohana'iki Private Club, two of the high end resort communities near Kona Airport.

     One member of the public said she is concerned about the nēnē - the threatened Hawai'i state bird, which has decided to make Punalu'u its home, using the golf course ponds and grassy areas. She said that the presentation about Punalu'u's future neglected to address the nēnē, sea turtle population and protection of other natural resources. Quon apologized and said there will be a land management plan, working with  Fish & Wildlife and the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

Nēnē, the threatened Hawaiian state bird, frequents Punalu's. Some citizens attending a public meeting held by the owner
 and planners on Wednesday asked about plans to take care of wildlife. Photo by Bob Martin

    Another citizen asked if the plans are "in line" with the Kaʻū Community Development Plan. Planning consultant Daryn Arai said that the entire coastline is in conservation zoning. "There is nothing we can do" there, in respect to development.

    Another citizen noted that the Black Sand Beach is "very tiny" and already crowded. She said the project would likely bring more people to it. She said she grew up on O'ahu and that she is "really worried about Kaʻū," calling it the last place in the islands. "If you grew up O'ahu, you know how fast things went."

    Quon said that creating recreational and retail opportunities away from the beach should help draw people off the coast.

    A beekeeper asked about the kinds of poisons that would be used at the resort and whether it will become an example of sustainable, green development. She encouraged the landowner and planners to begin "with something green, something new"....to reach out to people in agroforestry and other disciplines.

    Arai said, "that's the type of guidance we need."

    See more public comments, and response of the owner in upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

    The entire Wednesday meeting can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/punaluuohanacommunity/videos/1063754174198196.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

HO'OKUPU HULA NO KAʻŪ is this Saturday, Dec. 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The annual hula and cultural festival is sponsored by Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder of Halau Hula O Leionalani and Uhane Pohaku Na Moku O Hawai'i, Inc. The Pāhala Halau performs first at 2 p.m. The event is virtual this year. The free link is www.facebook.com/groups/hookupuhulanokau

 

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. "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 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.