The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island: Mar 28, 2022

Monday, March 28, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, March 28, 2022

Jodie Rosam, a new member of PONC, examining a wiliwili tree. Photo by Nohea Ka'awa

JODIE ROSAM IS A NEW COMMISSIONER FOR PONC. As a member of of Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Commission, the Kaʻū resident represents the County Council district that includes Volcano through Kaʻū into Kona. The eight-member PONC is tasked with studying, reviewing and recommending special properties to be conserved through purchase, using county property tax money. Funding also goes to stewarding the properties.
Rosam said, “I am truly humbled to serve on the PONC Commission. I see this as an opportunity to make real-time contributions to protecting the land, water, ecosystem, and

Jodie Rosam

cultural resources that we cherish, while also granting the stewards who have invested their love and commitment the peace of mind that these places will be protected in perpetuity. I look forward to representing Kaʻū and seeing what else our community can accomplish together.”
Rosam earned a Master’s of Science in Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science from University of Hawai'i-Hilo and has a background in ecosystem restoration and natural and cultural resource conservation. In addition to PONC, she serves as board member of The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, Three Mountain Alliance Foundation, and The Book Shack. She is the Plant Program Coordinator for Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund and the owner of Pūlama Mau Environmental Consulting. She is the author of the monthly Kaʻū Calendar newspaper column Lā‘au Letters: Native Plants of Kaʻū.
She said she thrives on sparking a love for nature in her children, making new friends in the plant kingdom, and sharing her passion with others. Her work in stewardship of the land spans more than 20 years on Hawai'i Island.

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THE DATE HAS CHANGED FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS. Originally scheduled for July 3, the event day is rescheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17, starting and ending at Ka'u Coffee Mill.
Registration is open for the annual event to be held on Saturday, Sept. 17. Organized by Hawai'i Island Racers, the 50K begins at 6 a.m., Half Marathon at 7 a.m. and 5K at 7:15 a.m., all starting from Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 96-2696 Wood Valley Road in Pahala. The 50K cutoff time is nine hours. RFID Chip Timing will come up with the results after the races take off with a gun start.

Ka'u Coffee Trail Runs have been moved to Saturday, Sept. 17.
Photo by Julia Neal

Proceeds go to support O Kaʻū Kakou, the Kaʻū nonprofit to fund local scholarships, land for a proposed senior housing project, purchase of life-saving equipment for Kaʻū Hospital, restoration and maintenance of three historical cemeteries, sponsorship of a free Veterans Day celebration, and Fourth of July Parades and fun day.
Registration deadline for the lowest fees is May 1, with 50K at $100, Half Marathon $80, and 5K $40. From May 1 to Sept. 9, registration fees are 50K $110, Half Marathon $90, and 5K $50. Registration fees Sept. 1 to Sept. 14 are 50K $120, Half Marathon $100, and 5K $60. Registration closes on June Sept. 14. There will be no race day registrations.
After the race, hydration and light snacks will be provided to participants. Local vendors from the Kaʻū community will sell chili and rice bowls, Portuguese beach soup, nachos and other foods as well as beverages. Kaʻū Coffee Mill's shop will open at 8 a.m.
The website says, "From Keiki to Kupuna, the Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run is a challenging course that meanders over Pahala’s unpaved trails. It is the perfect race venue, through coffee fields and macadamia nut groves. The Kaʻū Coffee Mill’s 1,900 acres features courses from 50K, Half Marathon and 5k distances. Please join us for the southern most race in the U.S. The run is done entirely on private property." See last year's results from the late September event, photos and much more at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/

Mauna Kea research. Photo from Center for Maunakea Stewardship

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I'S CENTER FOR MAUNAKEA STEWARDSHIP sent out an opinion piece on Monday regarding the future of astronomy on Mauna Kea, as the Hawai'i Legislature finalizes plans to change the structure of the management of the mauna. Here is the statement from Maunakea Stewardship:
This is a turning point for the future of astronomy in Hawai'i, and the administration and faculty at the University of Hawai'i plainly recognize that. So do many other people in the islands who rightly fear that passage of House Bill 2024, even as amended by the Senate, would do permanent damage to the astronomy mission through a comprehensive restructuring of how the summit of the mountain is managed.
The message it would send, if enacted: Hawai'i is not firmly committed to the pursuit of astronomy from the UH flagship telescope complex on Hawai;i island. That’s because it would shift control to a new entity with only token representation of astronomy as a scientific pursuit and an academic discipline.
And that’s why the best outcome would be a simple rejection of HB 2024 by the Senate.

Center for Maunakea Stewardship operates programs for native plant preservation.
Photo from Center for Maunakea Stewardship

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Higher Education voted to pass the measure. It now heads to Ways and Means, the panel that will decide how much money to allot to the bill’s purpose, the establishment of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.
This new group would assume oversight responsibility from UH, and would be the “sole authority for the management of state-managed lands on Mauna Kea under its jurisdiction.”
The authority was conceived by a working group the Legislature authorized last year, in an effort to reconcile an emotional divide. The conflict has been building over decades, but it crystallized more recently, over the controversial proposal to build the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project as the latest state-of-the art facility. A passionate and widespread opposition arose largely from the Native Hawaiian community, which itself is divided on the issue.
The construction timetable for TMT is uncertain, but in any case, this legislation is about more than any single project. Without a vote of confidence for the study of astronomy more broadly at Mauna Kea, the blow to the enterprise would be felt nationally and internationally.
Of course, even in its original form the bill’s preamble acknowledges the summit both for its spiritual, cultural and environmental significance to Native Hawaiians and for astronomy’s “many significant discoveries that contribute to humanity’s study and understanding of the universe.”
Further down in the legal language, though, the allegiance to continuing scientific advances grows dim. Under the "astronomy development" section, there’s a concerning statement about establishing "a plan to return the mauna above 9,200 feet elevation to its natural state."

Kupaoa, a rare native plant in the U.H. Maunakea
Stewardship area, abloom in March. Photo from U.H.

The Senate version tries to soften this by adding the phrase, “at such time that ground-based observatories lose their academic or research value.” Better, perhaps, but it still assumes, without any basis, that space telescopes will drive ground-based telescopes into obsolescence.
This view is far from settled. The counterargument is that land-based telescopes will have crucial advantages for the foreseeable future. Experts making this case point to their size, reliability and upgradability.
What’s damaging is the stated plan to rid the mauna of telescopes, period. This would up-end the state’s longstanding policy of support for astronomy, and at a particularly sensitive time.
Opponents to the bill who testified on Wednesday included Greg Chun, executive director of the Center for Maunakea Stewardship at UH-Hilo. In prepared testimony that also is signed by UH President David Lassner, he pointed to the termination of the current general lease on the land in 2033 as worrying, given the three-year timeline for getting the new entity up and running, and “the lack of a viable business plan” for the change.
Worrying, to be sure.
It’s significant that the Senate draft of the bill would add the UH Board of Regents chair or designee, and a representative from Mauna Kea Observatories to the authority board’s voting members, 11 in all. It also would require an audit after the seventh year, and if that study finds the authority falling short, the management would revert to the UH president and Board of Regents.

Seven years is more than enough time to do serious damage to the mission. Besides: Why did the Senate feel the need to add an escape hatch? That can’t fill anyone with confidence in the stability of the new authority.
Critics of UH management cite the admittedly poor stewardship by UH in the past but, as has been said repeatedly, that is the increasingly distant past. Since then, Chun said, successive audits have tracked progress toward decommissioning inactive telescopes and other management goals.
Should the influence of Native Hawaiian values, and the voices of Native Hawaiian cultural advocates, be strengthened? Absolutely.
But rather than create a new entity, this strengthening should happen within the UH framework, which combines a growing cultural awareness with the scientific expertise necessary to maintain one of the finest astronomy sites in the planet, for the benefit of Hawaii and the world.
This is a turning point for the future of astronomy in Hawai'i, and the administration and faculty at the University of Hawai'i plainly recognize that.

SEE TESTIMONY SUPPORTING CHANGE IN MAUNA KEA MANAGEMENT AND THE BILL BEFORE THE HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE IN TUESDAY'S NEWS BRIEFS.

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO

at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

See March edition of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper at

www.kaucalendar.com

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, March 27, 2022

Ocean View and communities across the globe will increasingly rely on rainwater harvesting to adapt to climate
change and environmental pollution issues, says the founder of Uncle Tilo's who offers a Clean Water class
at Ocean View Community Center April 9. Photo from Todd Lolla

UNCLE TILO'S TRAINS FOR SAFE RAINWATER HARVESTING IN KAʻŪ. “The quality of your water is a direct link to the quality of your health.” This is the mantra of Todd Lolla, who founded Uncle Tilo's Clean Water, LLC. He is bringing a free Clean Water class to Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, April 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Lolla focuses on rainwater harvesting, "a technology that communities across the globe will increasingly rely upon to adapt to climate change and environmental pollution issues."

In addition to hosting informational sessions, Lolla recruits Field Technicians to train and provide knowledge, services, and products "to further contribute to the wellbeing of our local rainwater harvesters." He offers Water Partnerships, along with training and support to those who would like to become certified technicians through the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association.
"We support rainwater harvesters with peace of mind," said Lolla. "Uncle Tilo’s mission provides economically viable and environmentally friendly solutions for rainwater harvesters." He said, "Rainwater harvesting as a necessary component into the future."

Lolla, who is known as Uncle Tilo, grew up in the Midwest and remembers harvesting rainwater on his family’s dairy farm through the mid 1970’s. He is a graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines, with a BS in Geological Engineering, A career in Arizona combined consulting and contractor skills.
While working for a civil engineering firm in Phoenix, his projects involved groundwater studies and subsequent cleanup of fuel spills at gasoline stations. This led him to earn a license to be a well-driller in Arizona for ten years. He said his focus on groundwater issues moved him to specialize in storm water management. He worked with state environmental agencies during the 1990’s to set standards for the protection of groundwater across the desert Southwest.
In 2009, he left the engineering world and moved to Hawai’i Island with a calling to "return to community.” He saw the large demand for rain catchment systems as a potable water source.
In 2017, Lolla founded Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC to "fill the need for both education and service involving one of the most basic of human needs, clean water."
Lolla pointed to World Population Review, showing the number of Hawai’i county residents recently increased to more than 200,000, with a large percentage dependent on rainwater catchment as a primary domestic water source.
Lolla noted, "The Island of Hawai’i, the largest and most southerly island in the Hawaiian archipelago, is characterized by dynamic communities including rural and remote areas not served by municipal water. These communities rely on private or shared wells, water trucked from public spigots and rainwater catchment. Hawai’i Island's population has increased steadily in recent years, as the global demand for access to clean water grows."

Todd Lolla founded Uncle Tilo's to teach best
practices for rainwater harvesting.

Uncle Tilo's has hosted more than 50 free Clean Water classes, provided sponsorships, and social media marketing to focus attention on the issues surrounding rainwater harvesting. TilosCleanWater.com "is designed for empowerment through education," said Lolla.
He said, "It is very important that those using water from a rainwater catchment system understand all the potential dangers and benefits. In Hawai’i, there are no government agencies overseeing the safety of private rainwater catchment systems. It is up to the owner or user of the system to know how to maintain this type of water source and use it in an appropriate manner. With proper design, maintenance, water treatment, and disinfection, a rainwater catchment system can provide water that is free of contamination; soft, clear, odorless, and suitable for drinking and other daily needs. However, improperly designed or maintained rainwater catchment systems may pose a health risk; for example, via the introduction of waterborne illness and exposure to heavy metals."
Lolla said that waterborne and vector-borne illness may be transmitted to users from rainwater catchment systems that lack appropriate system elements, maintenance, or from insufficient treatment of stored water. For example, catchment tanks lacking covers or with damaged or poorly sealed covers can provide breeding opportunities for mosquitos known to be disease vectors. Lolla pointed out that the 2015-2016 dengue virus outbreak on Hawai’i Island sickened hundreds. The state Department of Health identified “uncovered catchment systems…” as a potential source of dengue virus infected mosquitos and suggested essential actions be taken to control mosquito breeding in rainwater harvest systems. Other vector-borne diseases transmitted by mosquitos, such as the globally emerging Zika virus, are of concern in areas where mosquitos may breed. The invasive semi-slug, with a propensity to climb up and into water tanks, is a known host of the parasitic nematode responsible for infecting humans with rat lungworm disease, Lolla noted.

Uncovered water catchment systems were a potential source of
mosquitoes carrying dengue fever in the 2015-2016 outbreak
on this island. Photo from CDC

He cautioned that when it comes to exposure to heavy metals, "the fact that all rainwater is corrosive is at the top of the list. Most rainwater is acidic, regardless of where you are on the planet. Here in Hawai’i, we also have volcanic emissions at this time that adds to this problem as was confirmed by testing one tank while hosting a class in Ocean View last month. "The owners expressed they had never added any minerals in the tank, and it tested out with a pH of 4.5. Typical rainfall has a pH around 6, that means the rainwater we catch in the Kaʻū District is very corrosive."

Lolla warned,"If your pipes, sinks, tubs, or toilet have stains, it’s because metals have leached into your water supply. If you are brushing your teeth, showering, drinking, or cooking with this untreated water you are being exposed to heavy metals. Corrosive water may leach metals from your plumbing system, such as lead, cadmium, zinc, iron or copper into your water supply. It also shortens the life expectancy of all plumbing fixtures and appliances."
Uncle Tilo’s recommendation is to add minerals to neutralize rainwater to help mitigate ongoing events of the volcanic eruption that are carried along by vog, with its impact on air and rain. Lolla reported a recent increase in calls due to voggy conditions.
He said Uncle' Tilo's principle is simple: "From the raindrop to your faucet the whole system affects the quality of the water you use, and ultimately affects the quality of your health."
Learn more at TilosCleanWater.com.

HAWAI'I IS ONE OF THE SIX LEAST STRESSED STATES in the country, according to a study released Sunday by WalletHub. The research arm of the finance company reports that April will be Stress Awareness Month and that one in three Americans say that "stress from the pandemic sometimes prevents them from making basic decisions."

According to the study, Hawai'i has the highest job security and ranks as least stressed state related to health and safety. It ranks third in having the lowest percentage of adults in fair or poor health and the lowest number of people living in poverty. It is also third in having the lowest divorce rate. Hawai'i ranks tenth as the least stress related to family matters.

Its worst metric is being the state with the least affordable housing. It it also the state where people have the fewest average hours of sleep in the country. The states with the most sleep per night are all cold in winter - Minnesota, South Dakota, Vermont, Colorado and Montana.

Hawai'i is the sixth least stressed state, according
to a WalletHub study, ranking highest in job security,
health and safety and the state with third least
percentage of the population living in poverty.

To determine the states with the highest stress levels, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 41 key metrics. The data set ranges from average hours worked per week to the personal bankruptcy rate to the share of adults getting adequate sleep. The states ranked with least stressed are Utah, followed by Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Hawai'i. The most stressed state is Louisiana, followed by Nevada, New Mexico, West Virginia, Mississippi and Arkansas.

For the least stressed states, Utah has the least hours worked per week. It also has the lowest separation and divorce rate, which is 1.7 times lower than in Nevada, the state with the highest number of divorces and separations at 26.07 percent. Minnesota has the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health - at 10 percent which is two times lower than West Virginia, the highest at 19.90 percent.

The study pointed out that Louisiana, with the most stress, also has ten psychologists per 100,000 persons - the lowest in the county.

WalletHub also gave out some advice on managing stress from its pool of professors specializing in the subject of stress, including Dr. Lisa Sanetti, who wrote:

"Identify the situations, people, places, encounters that cause you to feel stress. Because these are the events that set the wheels of stress in motion, being aware of them will help you manage them. Make a list of the most common stressors in your life then review each one; can you change it or avoid it?

"Have trouble with office politics? Stay out of it. Worried about the state of global affairs and spending time doom scrolling? Delete apps and limit time with technology.

"Changing or avoiding stressors is a feasible approach for some situations, but it will only get you so far. What if you cannot change the situation? What if you cannot avoid the stressor? Although some stressors are beyond your control, your thoughts and beliefs about them are within your control. An effective, and free, approach to stress management is learning to recognize and change the sorts of thinking patterns that intensify your emotions and lead to poor coping."

See more at https://wallethub.com/edu/most-stressful-states/32218

SEE UPCOMING EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO

at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/03/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html.

See March edition of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper at