One of the anchialine ponds conserved at Kiolaka'a with purchase and transfer of lands to stewardship. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association |
OWNERSHIP OF KIOLAKA'A, 1,828 ACRES RUNNING MAUKA TO THE KAʻŪ COAST, has been transferred for stewardship to Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Trust for Public Land, which helped to raise the funding and negotiate the purchase of Kiolaka'a with public and private funds, made the announcement this week. The statement said the transfer "maintains miles of open space and public access to coastal lands surrounding Ka'alua'alu Bay and Kapeao fresh water spring, a complex of anchialine ponds, as well as important cultural sites including a section of the Ala Kahakai Trail."
Reyna Ramolete Hayashi, the Aloha ʻĀina project manager for Trust for Public Land, said, "We're celebrating this milestone thanks to the commitment of the Kaʻū community. Their aloha for this special place has ensured it will be protected in perpetuity, and we are humbled to have helped ensure their vision is now reality."
Ka'alu'alu Bay and Kiolaka'a from the air above the Kaʻū Coast. Photo by Shalan Crysdale, The Nature Conservancy |
"Protecting ʻāina is key to preserving culture and history," added Ramolete Hayashi. "Efforts like these give us the unique opportunity to partner with communities and honor the values and traditions they hold dear."
The statement also says, "Under the Ala Kahakai Trail Association's thoughtful stewardship, Kiolakaʻa's historic ranch lands will be protected, ensuring Kaʻū's paniolo history is perpetuated. Cattle ranching will continue to fuel the area's economy, supporting local jobs and food security. Community members are welcome to steward precious cultural resources and continue subsistence fishing, gathering and cultural practices in the area."
Keoni Fox, Director of Ala Kahakai Trail Association, said, "ATA looks forward to working closely with the Ka'ū community and the County to create a community management plan that honors the legacy of our kūpuna to mālama these lands for the next generation.
Campers at Ka'alu'alu Bay. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association |
Funding for the conservation purchase was made possible by the County of Hawai'i Public Access Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Program, the State of Hawai'i Department of Land & Natural Resources Legacy Land Conservation Program, and the Freeman Foundation.
Mayor Mitch Roth said that "Listening to and learning from the community is how we advance positive change. We're grateful for the Kaʻū community's vision and are honored to have worked alongside them to ensure Kiolakaʻa remains a pristine, natural resource for the community for generations to come."
Suzanne Case, Chair of the State of Hawaiʻi's Department of Land and Natural Resources, said, "We're thankful for the commitment of Trust for Public Land and Ala Kahakai Trail Association, who, guided by the community, have ensured another significant acreage of land in our state is preserved."
Cattle at Kiolaka'a. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association |
Including Kiolakaʻa, Trust for Public Land's completed and in-progress projects have protected more than 24,000 acres surrounding the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile trail traversing many storied landscapes throughout Hawaiʻi Island. To learn more about Trust for Public Land visit tpl.org/hawaii.
Mauka to Makai Trail at Kiolaka'a. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association |
Maile David, who represents Kaʻū on the County Council, voted for the bill along with four other members. Ashely Kierkiewicz voted against it and Sue Lee Loy and Rebecca Villegas were absent from the nine-member County Council.
Daycare centers, playgrounds, and parks, except where permission is granted by the administrator of the facility;
Churches or religious assemblies, except where permission is granted by the administrator of the church, facility, or congregation;
Voter service centers or places of deposit, and any appurtenances thereto, as defined by section 11-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes;
Government buildings and the accompanying parking lots attached to such buildings, except when the licensed firearm is kept in the vehicle unloaded with an affixed trigger lock or in a locked case;
Private property open to the public where it is conspicuously posted that public carry of firearms is not allowed;
Public transit facilities and any mode of transportation utilized for public transit; and
Bars, restaurants, and establishments that serve alcohol for consumption on its premises.
Crop insurance deadline for macadamia is Nov. 30. |
Extension agent Andrea Kawabata, who specializes in coffee and orchard crops, also recommended that crop insurance be in place before conducting such activities as early pruning and stumping and adding news practices to the farm. She advised contacting the crop insurance agent before proceeding.
Jean Pierre Thoma |
Holiday Spirits, What A wonderful World!
A statement from Volcano Art Center says, "The concert is a holiday celebration of the gifts of life which we enjoy and sometimes forget to appreciate. The blessings of music which express the themes of the holidays are widely spread through the media, and the concert is a reminder of the depth of spirit available to us when we slow down from the busy-ness of the season and give thanks."
The band consists of Jean Pierre Thoma on woodwinds; Alex Czerny on keyboards; and Brian McCree swinging his doghouse bass. "Russell Lundgren moves us along rhythmically, and Leelu Mitchell will provide heavenly vocals for our illumination, inspiration, and pleasure. This concert will be a blend of the old standard holiday melodies, and an up-to-date jazzier expression of our love and unity," says the announcement.
Tickets are $25 for VAC members ($30 non-members). Ticket holders will be able to purchase beer, wine, as well as pupus. Tickets are available for sale online at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC’s Administration Office in Volcano Village. The last day to purchase tickets online is Friday, Dec. 2. After that, tickets will be sold at the door, if they are not sold out. Tickets will be held at Will Call on the day of the show. Pick them up any day before the show at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.