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Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021

A narrow green sand beach at Kahuku Coastal hugs the base of a large cinder cone. The more-than 3,000 acres are the
target of a Draft Management Plan by the County with public input sought. Photo by Annie Bosted
MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR KAHUKU COASTAL LANDS WILL GO TO A PUBLIC MEETING ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8, to be held virtually from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. View the Kahuku Coastal Draft Resources Management Plan on County of Hawai'i website under the Management Plans folder at: https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1.
    There are four ways to join the Dec. 8 meeting: Scan the QR code; enter the shortened link (https://bit.ly/3mXo9Jg) on a web browser; go to www.zoom.com and enter the following info: Meeting ID: 885 5146 2631, Passcode: kau; or dial in to (669) 900-6833 from a phone and enter the following info: Meeting ID: 885 5146 263, Passcode: 579610
    County of Hawaiʻi purchased this 3,127.95-acre Kahuku Coastal parcel, TMK (3) 9-2-001:075, in 2016 with money from the County's Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Fund and by leveraging funds from state Department of Land and Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Recovery Lands Acquisition program. 
Littoral tension cracks at Kahuku Coastal with the rugged
 shoreline property is up for public input for its
Management Plan. Photo by Annie Bosted
    A statement from Hawai'i County says, "Pursuant to the terms of the federal award, Kahuku Coastal shall be managed in perpetuity for the protection of threatened and endangered species' habitat including the hawksbill turtle, Hawaiian monk seal, green turtle, and 22 other rare, endemic, and indigenous animal species as per the grant proposals submitted by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the state award, the warranty deed that conveyed fee title for Kahuku Coastal from Sands of South Kona, LLC to the County of Hawaiʻi includes a restriction that the property shall be managed consistently with the purposes for which the LLCP grant was awarded and Chapter 173A, Hawaiʻi Revised Statues." The LLCP grant was awarded to protect the Property resource values relating to the coastal area, habitat protection, cultural and historic sites, passive recreational areas, natural areas, and open space and scenic resources."
     Introduction to the Draft Management Plan notes Kahuku Coastal's importance not only to Kaʻū residents but to other folks as well. It says: "Kahuku Coastal is a special place with many important qualities for the people of residents from other regions of the island. This place, also locally referred to as Road to the Sea, is located in on the island of Hawai'i. At Kahuku Coastal, one will find a relatively pristine, unaltered landscape with open space coastline. The sense of peace and tranquility this area provides, accompanied by the rugged and remote location, adds to the natural beauty this place offers. It is one of the few locations where families can still enjoy an undeveloped coastline without the crowds. This area also provides access to resources along the shoreline that local families rely upon for subsistence. The sensitive cultural and natural resources, including habitat for the federally listed endangered hawksbill turtle, the threatened green turtle, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, are naturally protected because of the challenging road access." 
    The desired outcome for Kahuku Coastal Draft Resources Management Plan "is to protect the resources so that current and future generations may continue their way of life, and to perpetuate cultural practices that have been passed down for generations," says the county statement. "Kahuku Coastal, along with many other parcels along this coastline, has been subject to major development proposals. Since the 1980s, this area has been
A narrow coral beach at Kahuku Coastal where hawksbill turtles build nests and lay eggs, and completion of. the county's
Management Plan is underway with public comments called for. Photo by Annie Bosted
proposed for resort development twice. As a result of the County's acquisition of these lands, Kahuku Coastal will remain as open space in perpetuity. While Kahuku Coastal is now protected from the threat of development, it is important to develop and implement management strategies to ensure that resources are properly cared for before human impacts irreversibly compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy this place. Many kupuna, lineal descendants, cultural practitioners, and environmentalists have fought hard for decades to preserve open space along the coast, which sustains the unique lifestyle that makes Kaʻū  Kaʻū." 
    In 2020, Department of Finance, Property Management Division contracted with Townscape, Inc. to prepare a Resources Management Plan for the long-term stewardship of Kahuku Coastal. 
     According to the County statement, "This management plan fulfills the conditions of the federal Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Agreement No. F12AP01107 with USFWS. Pursuant to the terms of the federal award, Kahuku Coastal shall be managed in perpetuity for the protection of threatened and including the hawksbill turtle, Hawaiian monk seal, green turtle, and 22 other rare, endemic, and indigenous animal species as per the grant proposals submitted by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the state award, the warranty deed that conveyed fee title for Kahuku Coastal from Sands of South Kona, LLC to the County of Hawai'i shall be managed consistently with the purposes for which the LLCP grant was awarded and Chapter 173A, Hawaii Revised Statues. The LLCP grant was awarded to protect the Property resource values relating to the coastal area, habitat protection, cultural and historic sites, passive recreational areas, natural areas, and open space and scenic resources."
Kahuku Coastal lands preserved by the County of Hawai'i are subject of a Management Plan
to be reviewed by the public.
       See the full 43 page plan and appendixes at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=13770&dbid=1. Hard copies of the plan will be available at Nāʻālehu and Pāhala public libraries. Upon request, black and white hard copies may be purchased from the Department of Finance, Property Management Division. The cost of copies is $1.00 for the first page and $.10 for each additional page. Copies may be picked up from the Department of Finance at 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 1101, Hilo, HI 96720 or they may be mailed to interested persons after payment of fees for copies and postage are received. Call (808) 961-8069 to request copies.

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MORE FREEDOM FOR COUNTIES TO MANAGE COVID through their own regulations were announced by Gov. David Ige and county mayors today.
    The next phase of state and county measures related to COVID-19 will retain the indoor mask mandate; vaccination or testing for state executive and county employees; and vaccination or testing for contractors and visitors to state facilities. It will also retain Hawaiʻi Safe Travels Program.
    However, on Dec. 1, counties will no longer be required to obtain the approval of the governor or the director of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency prior to issuing county emergency orders, rules or proclamations. Counties will continue to have direct responsibility for emergency management with their respective counties.
    Gov. David Ige said, "Hawaiʻi residents have worn their masks and avoided large gatherings, even important family events. Most of our residents are vaccinated. We worked together to keep our communities as safe as possible during this pandemic. The State of Hawaiʻi is now ready to move from overall state coordination back to the counties."
     The governor also said that Executive Order 21-08, issued on Nov. 2, 2021 regarding
Gov. David Ige retains the requirement to wear masks
 indoors in public places. Photo from Ige
Statewide Limits for Social Gatherings, Restaurants, Bars, Social Establishments, and Gyms will end on Dec. 1, 2021. The counties will implement appropriate measures for social gatherings, restaurant operations, social establishments and other venues within their own counties.
    Extensions for driver's license renewals, instruction permits, and replacements are ending as of Nov. 29, 2021.
    Consistent with the federal and state implementation of vaccination and testing policies, the state will no longer offer a Critical Infrastructure workers' exemption to the 10-day travel quarantine. Exemptions for persons who previously tested positive for COVID-19 and other exemptions will continue to be considered.
    "The nature of this emergency was like no other, and it required a level of federal, state and county coordination that we've never before seen. I'm grateful for the leadership of our mayors and for the collaboration and close working relationship that we have. Together, with the people of Hawaiʻi, we arrived at this point. But the pandemic is not over. We urge residents to remain vigilant as we continue to protect the health and safety of our kamaʻāina, re-energize our economy and strengthen our communities," said the governor.

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

TRANSFER STATION, RECYCLING CENTERS AND LANDFILLS operated by County of Hawaiʻi will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
This annual closure also includes the East Hawai'i Organics Facility, the West Hawai'i Organics Facility, the Hilo Reload Station, the HI-5 redemption centers at County facilities, and the Reuse Centers.

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. "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.