The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island: Feb 23, 2022

Hon'uapo public lands north of the estuary reopen Thursday after being shut down since October due to risk of folks falling into ongoing underground fires, with one volunteer firefighter severely injured last year. See more below. Photo by Bob Martin

RUSSIA'S INVASION OF UKRAINE TODAY drew words from U.S. Congressman Ed Case: “Russia’s attack on Ukraine, a sovereign independent country that wants nothing more than to chart its own course in peace, violates everything that our country and our partners around the world stand for.

“We must stand united against Russia, not only to defend our international rules-based order that has largely kept the peace and enabled international advancement for three generations, but to assure that Ukraine is not just one of a long list of victims of Russia and other countries and authoritarian regimes around the world.”

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HONU'APO PUBLIC LANDS REOPEN NORTH OF THE ESTUARY on Thursday, Feb. 24. The county Department of Parks & Recreation made the announcement today. The area has been closed since October 7, 2021, to protect the public’s safety and welfare related to the bagasse fires that are ongoing throughout the area.

Hou'apo fires led to shutting off the public land
for fencing and cooling off. Photo by Bob Martin

“We understand the importance of this place for our Kaʻū community and have worked diligently to make the area safe to reopen to the public,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “As we welcome back the community to a favorite fishing and lounging spot, we would like to extend a huge thanks to our Public Work’s Highways crew and our firefighters for their work over the past few months. Reopening wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Hawai‘i Fire Department reports that the area has significantly cooled, and the Department of Public Works has completed a fencing project that will maintain a safe perimeter around the affected areas.

Last year volunteer firefighter Lizzie Stabo fell into one of the imu- the underground holes with a fires burning in them. See her story below.

During windy times of year underground embers from earlier fires reignite and cause range fires.

For more information, call Assistant Fire Chief Darwin Okinaka at 932-2906.

VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER LIZZY STABO recently wrote about experiencing severe burns while working on a wildfire at Honu'apo last Sept. 3. She fell into an imu (a hole in the ground, not a cooking imu) with embers in it. She fell in up to her chest, burning both legs, her arm and hand. Fire Capt. Ka'aina Keawe pulled her out. She wrote:

"Was a day I will never forget. I had plans to celebrate my birthday with friends after work. About an hour before my work day was complete, my radio tones us out to a brush fire at Honu'apo."

"Unfortunately I never made it to my celebration. I sustained some terrible burn injuries. I was airlifted to Honolulu where I was transported to the Straub Burn Unit. I didn't know I would be spending the next seven and a half weeks going through the most painful time of my life."

Her treatment included multiple surgeries for skin grafts, many burn procedures, isolation to resist infections and a long and continuing time for healing. Stabo was able to come back to Kaʻū on Tuesday for the first time on a day trip. See story below.

She said, "In all of the terrible sadness and especially pain, I saw an amazing community come together. Kaʻū has been home to me for 20 years I am forever grateful for the time I was able to spend here, the support and love I received every single day has left me speechless. I have been in rehab in Kona since Oct. 25, and the support has continued.

Lizzy Stabo and firefighter Capt. Ka'aina Keawe,
who pulled her from the underground fire at
Honu'apo, receive recognition at a Daniel R.
Sayre Memorial Foundation event.

"From the moment I was wheeled onto the plane in Hilo, the Fire Companies from around our island and outer islands as well, have been with me through my injury and recovery every step of the way, along with my family. Community organizations, individual friends, and so many folks I don't even know, all have supported me with cards, activities, and fundraisers to help us get through this time.

"While I am not in Kaʻū right now, I want everyone to know that Kaʻū remains in my heart and the support and strength which I continue to gather will help us get through this."

A LIZZY STABO AWARD CEREMONY FOR FIREFIGHTERS and first responders was held in late January by the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation. The Sayre Foundation honored her for her "Meritorious Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty." It also honored other firefighters and first responders with funding for rescue work equipment on this island.

JORDAN J. ANGER HAS STEPPED BACK FROM RUNNING FOR COUNTY COUNCIL. He announced he would run in early February and called it off in mid February. He said that he stepped aside in response to Michelle Galimba's announcement that she will run for County Council District 6.
Anger wrote, "I always said originally that if some Auntie or Uncle who was better qualified and more experienced were to step up, I would bow out to them. That has occurred. Michelle Galimba is exactly what our district needs."

Anger expressed gratitude for the aloha and support he received when running. In his statement, Anger wrote, "My wife and I care deeply for our community and the ʻĀina so we will still be hosting our Keeping the ʻĀina Clean event regularly."

During his short time in the race, Anger said he is concerned about "abandoned vehicles that have come to line our roadways, the ever-rising crime rates, and the fact that there are so few local jobs in District 6."

Jordon J. Anger, of Ocean View, pulled

back from running for County Council.

Anger recently gave testimony before a state Senate Committee supporting Sen. Dru Kanuha's bill SB3211 urging appropriation of funds to the County of Hawaiʻi for the plans, design, and construction of a police substation in HOVE. "Our community in HOVE deserves the best response time our good officers can provide," said Anger.

Anger graduated from Konawaena High School in the class of '99 and has lived in Ocean View for eight years with his wife Ayla, son Gavin, and mother-in-law. See his story at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/kau-news-briefs-tuesday-feb-8-2022.html.

Anger's decision to step down reconfigures the race for County Council District 6. Long-time Kaʻū resident and rancher Galimba, put her hat in the race on February 11, See

http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022_02_11_archive.html. Galimba joins Chrissey Joy of Ocean View in the County Council race to represent all of Kaʻū. See http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/search?q=Chrissey+Joy

EXPERTS ON CULTURAL RESOURCES, PRACTICES, BELIEFS CONNECTED WITH MAUNAKEA are sought by University of Hawai'i. UH announced on Tuesday that it needs experts to assist with its "UH managed areas on Maunakea. Through this effort, the university will advance its understanding of the role of Maunakea in Hawaiian culture and the possible effects on cultural practices by future land authorizations.

"This outreach effort will contribute to the preparation of a Cultural Impact Assessment for an Environmental Impact Statement that will address proposed future UH land authorization for Maunakea. UH’s current land authorization for the mauna, a 65-year lease, ends in 2033."

The CIA aims to identify and evaluate the possible cultural impacts of the alternatives being considered in the EIS including: a new land authorization comprising the existing UH managed lands on Maunakea; a new land authorization for a substantially smaller area comprised of the area where existing astronomy facilities are located, Halepōhaku, and the roadway connecting the two areas; and a no action alternative.
The statement from UH says, "Many past studies, including several by UH, have documented the significance of Maunakea in Hawaiian culture. Since those studies were published, community interest has increased and a new generation of cultural practitioners have become active. Both new and longstanding practitioners are encouraged to participate in the process."
Go to http://www.pcsihawaii.com/mkcia to learn more about the CIA, participate in the cultural practices questionnaire, and view the EIS Preparation Notice. CIA questionnaires will be accepted through March 31. "Responses to the questionnaire will help UH identify individuals to be interviewed to further inform the CIA," says the statement. The draft EIS, with a draft CIA attached, is expected to be released for public comment around midyear 2022.
Kaimipono Consulting Services, LLC and Pacific Consulting Services, Inc. are preparing the CIA.

THE PROSECUTION OF JEREMY JOHN JENSEN, OF OCEAN VIEW, has been adopted by the U.S Attorney's Office, District of Hawai'i.
Hawai'i County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen made the announcement Tuesday. He said Jensen, 35, was previously charged by Hawai‘i County Prosecutors following his Oct. 12,
2021 arrest for the attempted distribution of over 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin possession, and being a felon in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun.

Jeremy John Jensen , of Ocean View, to face
federal drug and weapon charges.
Photo from County Prosecutor

As the Federal Indictment alleges, Jensen, who has a prior felony conviction in Hawai‘i State court, was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin (possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a detectable amount of heroin), Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (carrying a Ruger EC9S, 9mm semi-automatic handgun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (possession of a Ruger EC9S, 9mm semi-automatic handgun and multiple rounds of 9mm ammunition).
On Jan. 18, 2022, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Rom Trader ordered that Jensen be detained without bail pending his jury trial, which is now scheduled for July 25, 2022.
The initial investigation was handled by Officer Stephen Kishimoto, with the assistance of Canine Rory, and members of the Area II Vice Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The federal investigation is being handled by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Hudspeth.
The statement from the County Prosecutor says, "The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information concerning illegal narcotics distribution should call the Hawai‘i Police Department Vice Section in East Hawai‘i at (808) 961-2258 or in West Hawai‘i at (808) 326-4646 Ext. 226, or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300."

THIRTY SEVEN MOTORISTS WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI during the week of Feb. 14 through 20.

Of those arrested for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, six were involved in a traffic accident. Four were were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 166 DUI arrests compared with 178 during the same period last year, a decrease of 6.7 percent.
There have been 100 major accidents so far this year compared with 100 during the same period last year. To date, there were five fatal crashes, resulting in seven fatalities (one crash led to multiple deaths), compared with five fatal crashes, resulting in five fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 40 percent for fatalities.
The police department promised that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

SACRED HEART: LOAVES AND FISHES FOOD DISTRIBUTION, Thursday, Feb. 24, 9 - 11 a.m. Located at 95-5558 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

KUPUNA FOOD BASKET, Thursday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Located at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC MEETING on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's Disaster Recovery Project. Thursday, Feb. 24, 12 - 1 p.m. and 6 - 7 p.m. To join the 12 p.m. meeting: https://swca.zoom.us/j/91430664015. Those without internet access can join by phone: (888) 475-4499 US Toll-free; Meeting ID: 914 3066 4015. To join the 6 p.m. meeting: https://swca.zoom.us/j/97252271515. Those without internet access can join by phone: (888) 475-4499 US Toll-free; Meeting ID: 972 5227 1515.

COVID-19 PFIZER VACCINE/BOOSTER CLINIC at Ocean View Community Center. Saturday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Open to ages 5 and up. Home test kits will be available while supplies last. Walk-ins and uninsured are welcome. Bring ID. Contact (808) 932-4205 for any questions.

MILOLIʻI ʻOHANA FUNDRAISER at Park Halau in Miloliʻi. Saturday, Feb. 26 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Food, crafts, music, silent auction, and more. For more information, contact (808) 937-1310 or visit www.Kalanihale.com.

SEE MORE CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS

http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html

See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com

The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022