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Thursday, February 17, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday Feb. 17, 2022

Kaʻū paniolo will head to the Pana'ewa Stampede this Saturday and Sunday. See more below. This photo shows earlier
 Stampede bull riding winner Tristyn Kalawaia, with the rodeo clown on alert. Photo by Brad H. Ballesteros

ENSURING DIGITAL EQUITY FOR KAʻŪ AND ALL ISLAND RESIDENTS is a goal of the Hawai'i County Community Development Plan Team, which encourages participation in a survey from 'Auamo Collaborative. The survey is part of Rural Broadband Mapping Initiative.
    'Auamo Collaborative, in partnership with Kamehameha Schools, Papa Ola Kahi, and others, has initiated a broadband mapping survey to better inform the extent of broadband coverage at a household level. This project will gather data on broadband access in rural communities across Hawai'i by deploying community members to monitor quality of coverage, ability to access broadband services, and gauge broadband utility.
https://www.auamocollaborative.org/rural-broadband
    The aim is to provide a clear map of actual vs. claimed coverage to better address needs of communities by informing policy efforts that aim to create community-led solutions. The data will inform efforts towards creative solutions in creating community networks, advocacy for underserved communities, as well as providing a snapshot of what community members need access for.
    'Auamo Collaborative's stated mission is to "advocate for rural and indigenous communities and narrow the equity gap for the underserved." The non-profit "is committed to assisting underserved indigenous and indigent communities and families through direct service projects to meet immediate areas of need, free educational programs, connection to community resources, and compassionate educational and community advocacy."
    A statement from the organization says," 'Auamo can be defined as a burden or a service. It is also a pole used to distribute and share a load across the shoulders or between more than one individual. 'Auamo Collaborative was founded to focus on community service based on indigenous values and serving those who get left behind by western systems."
    To access the survey or use the QR code. See the 'Auamo website at https://www.auamocollaborative.org/rural-broadband

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A FLOOD ADVISORY was issued for District of Kaʻū through Thursday evening. Flares were placed at Kawa along Hwy 11 and motorists reported flooding on the highway toward Punalu'u. Hawai'i Civil Defense sent out an alert saying, "All Residents in flood prone areas are asked to remain alert for flooding conditions. Heavy rainfall and ponding can cause hazardous driving conditions. Be aware that road closures may occur without warning. Do not attempt to cross flowing water in your vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown.You will be informed of changes in conditions that may affect your safety."


Jennifer Helle is missing
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JENNIFER HELLE OF OCEAN VIEW IS MISSING, according to Hawai‘i Island police. The police department requests public assistance locating the 40-year-old, described as Caucasian, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 130 pounds, with hazel eyes and blond hair.
    Police initiated an investigation looking for Helle after her family reported her missing on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022. Family members stated they last heard from Helle on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, after she was released from Kona District Court in Kailua-Kona.
   Anyone with information on Helle’s whereabouts is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Sergeant Duffy Duldulao at (808) 939-2520, or email Duffy.Duldulao@hawaiicounty.gov.

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CONTINUING SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A MINOR is one of three crimes charged against an Ocean View man on Thursday. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 43 year-old John Lee Franks was charged sexual assault of a minor between November 2021 and February of 2022. This marks the second time this week that an individual was charged by Prosecutors with offenses related to the sexual assault of a minor.
    As the Complaint alleges, Franks is charged with two counts of Sexual Assault in the First Degree and a
John Lee Franks, of Ocean View.
Photo from Hawai'i Police Department
single count of Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years. Sexual Assault in the First Degree and Continuous Sexual Assault of a Minor Under the Age of Fourteen Years are both class A felony offenses and carry a maximum penalty of twenty (20) years in prison. 
    On Thursday, Kona District Court granted Franks’ request for a bail reduction, over Prosecutors’ objection, reducing Franks’ total bail from $150,000 to $50,000. The Court also ordered Franks to appear for his preliminary hearing on Friday at 1:30 p.m..
    The lead investigator was Detective Kevin Brodie, Area II Juvenile Aid Section, Hawai’i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Kate Perazich. The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
    The statement from Hawai'i Police Department says, "If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please go to a safe place, and call a trusted friend or relative for support. You can call 911 to report the sexual assault to the police. The YWCA Hawai’i Island 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline has advocates available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide support and advocacy. They can be reached at (808) 935-0677. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. #hawaiiprosecutors."

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KAʻŪ PANIOLO HEAD TO THE PANA'EWA STAMPEDE this weekend for many events and presentations. Professional Rodeo Announcer Justin McKee will call the events and Professional Rodeo Clown JJ Harrison will distract the animals from the competitors and entertain the crowd.
    Traditional rodeo competition will include Po'o Wai U, Dummy Roping, Wahine Barrel Racing, Youth Barrel Racing, Youth Team Roping, Sheep Riding, Century Team Roping, The Down Roping High Roller Team Roping, Bare Back Bronc Riding, Wahine Calf Mugging and Bull Riding. Competitors come from around the islands and the mainland.
Lori-Lee Lorenzo and Kehaulani Ke mugging for Kaʻū at a Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo. 
Photo from Makaa Photography
 The organizer and major sponsor of the rodeo is Nancy Cabral, who also supports rodeo in Kaʻū, along with her late husband Al Cabral. He was a frequent rodeo announcer at Nāʻālehu rodeos. The two operated Day Lum Rentals & Management, which, with Nancy Cabral, remains an annual major sponsor of Pana'ewa Stampede.

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LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE is Monday, Feb. 28. All keiki ages 5 to 15 from Ocean View, Nāʻālehu and Pāhala are welcome to join. Registration can be done online at https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/kaulittleleaguehi or visit Nāʻālehu Public Library, Pāhala Public Library, or Little League practice to pick up a registration packet. Practice is on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:30 - 6 p.m. at Waiʻōhinu Park. Call Elizabeth Crook at (808) 345-0511 for more information.

Kaʻū Little League is taking registration.
Photo from Elizabeth Crook
ROOT & RISE PRESENTS: NATURE AND ART AS THERAPY, Friday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is a free group that uses interaction with nature, creativity, and community to address mental health wellness, awareness, and destigmatization. To reserve a spot or for more info, call 617-543-8065.

MASK MAKING AT VOLCANO ART CENTER, Saturday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn the basics of paper mask-making with artist Lee Michael Walczuk at Volcano Art Center, Niaulani Campus. Workshop fee is $35/$30 VAC member plus a $8 supply fee. Register online at volcanoartcenter.org/events/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.


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