Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, July 3, 2022

 

Parading Comes Back After Covid Down Time
Leading the parade through Nāʻālehu on Saturday, the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou banner celebrates Independence. See the photos below, including winner of Most Patriotic, and know that the Volcano 4th of July Parade begins on Monday at 9 a.m. on Old Volcano Hwy and Wright Road, followed by festivities at Cooper Center.  Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

HAWAIʻI HAS THE LOWEST GUN MORTALITY RATE IN THE COUNTRY but Hawaiʻi County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen and other prosecutors, corporation counsels and police chiefs around the state are worried about pressure to allow the public to openly carry handguns in public places.

The bald eagle marches ahead of baseball players.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    The concern comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last week that points to gun laws in Hawaiʻi, California, New Jersey and Maryland, suggesting they are too restrictive and should be reviewed. Last week the Supreme Court overturned a New York law requiring a person wanting to carry a handgun to prove a special need, "a proper cause."

     Hawaiʻi's law is similar to New York's and police chiefs here have issued only four permits to carry a gun in public in 22 years. The Supreme Court decision takes away the discretion of the police chiefs.

     On Sunday, The Honolulu Star-Advertiser published a statement from the state Attorney General's office that says, "The Department of the Attorney General had a productive initial meeting with the counties … and looks forward to further discussing with them how to best ensure the safety of the community, while responding to the recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion. Determining the

Thy Word Ministries takes first in the parade entries as Most Patriotic.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

best way to respond to the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling while ensuring the protection of public safety is a complex undertaking. The department is committed to working with all stakeholders in the coming months to address these issues.”

      The meeting last Thursday involved police chiefs, prosecutors and other public officials statewide. According to the Advertiser story, the Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney, said, that he "plans to meet with Corporation Counsel Elizabeth Strance and Hawaiʻi Police Department Chief Paul Ferreira to discuss how the county 'will be addressing any appropriate changes to application processes and enforcement,' in consultation with the AG’s office."

    The Advertiser also reported that "from 2010 to 2019, Hawaiʻi County had the highest gun death rate, followed by Kauaʻi County. Honolulu had the lowest gun death rate during that period, followed by Maui County."

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 at 

https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

Kaʻū Auto Repair carries a crashed car to warn of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

THE LEGALITY OF AERIAL AND OTHER FIREWORKS has drawn a statement from the Hawaiʻi Police Department. Hawaiʻi Island police issued a statement saying the department "is concerned about illegal aerial fireworks" and is "reminding the public about the rules governing the use of fireworks so they may enjoy a safe Fourth of July."

Ocean View Auto Parts rolls with a bold logo design.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment if convicted.
    "Please remember that anyone igniting aerial pyrotechnic displays risk not only their life but also the lives of loved ones nearby and potentially neighbors as well," says the HPD statement.
    Legal fireworks are permitted from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Residents who want to set off fireworks must have paid a permit fee of $25, available from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, which allows an adult to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers."

Kaʻū Baseball is back, and marching in the parade in Nāʻālehu. Photo by Lina Kolosov

    Common fireworks allowed without a permit include: Cylindrical fountains; Cone fountains; Wheels;
Illuminating torches and colored fire; Dipped sticks; Sparklers; and Salutes.

Miranda Farms celebrates independence, its owners successful refugees from El Salvador, creating Kaʻū Coffee farms.
Photo by Lina Kolosov

     Fireworks are prohibited at any time outside the specified time period on the Fourth of July;
in any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials, within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, church where services are held, and zoo, animal hospital or shelter.

Hawai'ʻi County Band is a regular at the Independence Day Parade. Photo by Lina Kolosov

   Prohibited fireworks include: Jumping jacks; Flying pigs; Rockets; Helicopters; Satellites; Roman candles; Mines; Shells; and Aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.

Friends of Kaʻū Libraries has been integral in keeping libraries
 open to the public in Kaʻū. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

 Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that it’s also illegal to: Extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks; and to throw ignited fireworks at, into, or from a moving vehicle.
   It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 purchase, possess or ignite any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.
    HPD also issued Fireworks Safety Tips for Pets from the County of Hawai‘i Animal Control Services: Keep pet secured inside. Pets tied up outside can panic due to the loud noise and may break their tie-out or jump over a fence to escape the noise. Make sure  pet is microchipped and the current owner information is updated, to help increase the chances of reunification.

First responders roll through Nāʻālehu, supporting the Independence Day Parade. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    Go to Foundanimals.org to register pet’s microchip. Thunder shirts, favorite treats, and crating, are all ways to help keep pets calm. Check with veterinarian about anxiety medications for dogs. Check  yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets to explore the area.
   HPD also asks the public “to please kokua by following the rules regarding fireworks to reduce the risk of injuries to people and pets alike.” Police say officers “will be enforcing the fireworks law and looking for violators. Violators are subject to a fine of up to $500.”

Firefighter and medic Jack Moses of the Pāhala Engine Co. II.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

SPONSOR A BUCKLE, VOTE FOR RODEO QUEEN ahead of the Saturday, July 9 Rodeo organized by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Event to be held on the rodeo grounds behind Nāʻālehu Park. Call 808-854-7917.

ENJOY THE 3RD ANNUAL EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Last year, over 2,500 visitors attended and over 40 events were featured during the EVH festival. See experiencevolcano.com. With questions, contact experiencevolcano@gmail.com. 

All vendor locations are taken.

"Your Life Will Never Be the Same,"  are the words from 
Nāʻālehu Assembly of God. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

SIGN UP FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS with a change of date from July 3 to Sept. 17. Registration deadline for the annual event is Sept. 14. Organized by Hawaiʻi 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 Pāhala. Proceeds go to support ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. For more details on the event and registration fees, visit

https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.

SEE EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR
at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/05/sponsors-of-kau-calendar.htm

OKK sponsored a fun site for keiki and bingo for seniors at Nāʻālehu Ballpark and Community Center
after the Independence Day Parade. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

After the Parade
Thy Word Ministries takes first in the competition during the Independence Day Parade,
sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou in Nāʻālehu on July 2. Photo by Lee McIntosh

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, July 2, 2022

The Independence Day Parade is Back in Nāʻālehu
U.S. and Hawaiian flags flew at the Independence Day Parade on Saturday in Nāʻālehu, sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou and the McIntosh family. On horseback, Dedrick Souza carried the Hawaiian flag and Makana Gravela carried the U.S. flag. The parade brought back pa'u riders and their horses, both decorated in the colors and flowers of each Hawaiian Island.  One political candidate rode on horseback and other supporters of those running in the upcoming election paraded on foot. See photos here and much more, including the winning entry in the parade in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs. 
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

Hawai'i Island is represented by London Dacalio, the color red and the
 lehua flower. Photo by Lina Kolosov

Ni'ihau is represented by Lorilee Lorenzo, the color white,
 and the pupu Ni'ihau shell lei. Photo by Lina Kolosov

 AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS BOLSTERED BY NEW BILLS     signed into law by Gov. David Ige on Friday.

 A statement from his office say the three bills "support the state's ongoing effort to build more affordable homes and provide families and individuals experiencing homelessness with the services they need.
    The bills are: HB2512 Relating to ʻOhana Zones. SB3048 Relating to State Funds, and HB2233 Relating to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
    HB2512 (Act 235) will extend the ʻOhana Zone pilot program through June 30, 2026 and provide $15 million to fund services for this fiscal year. It will also provide for some exemptions of regulations that will allow the continuation of innovative projects that began under the COVID-19 emergency proclamations. Finally, Act 235 will allow people who receive accommodations or services at the ʻOhana Zone site, to request a 90-day extension of those services.
    "Since its inception in 2018, the ʻOhana Zone pilot program has served more than 5,500 individuals across the state, and we've added 400 more beds to shelter and housing inventory. This new law will enable us to continue our forward progress through partnerships with the counties and homeless service providers," said the governor.
    SB3048 (Act 236) will allow the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp. (HHFDC) to transfer GO Bond proceeds from the Rental Housing Revolving Fund into the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund. This will enable the HHFDC to develop infrastructure improvement projects as it works to expand the state's housing inventory.
    Act 236 also deposits $300 million into the Rental Housing Revolving Fund, half of which is set aside for the development of rental housing for working families and individuals who earn a moderate income. This could potentially finance up to 1700 units.
    "My administration met our initial goal of producing 10,000 affordable units by 2020, and exceeded that by 3,500 additional units. Many more are needed, and this funding will keep the momentum going," said Ige.

O'ahu is represented by Lily Dacalio, the color yellow and
the ilima flower. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    HB2233 (Act 237) gives the Department of Human Services the authority to provide a housing assistance subsidy of up to $500 per month to participants in the first-to-work program. "This bill will help prevent currently housed people from falling into homelessness. Together, these bills represent a significant investment in our communities and ensure that we are able to meet the needs of families and individuals across the state," said the governor.

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 at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

Lana'i is represented by Nova Lorenzo, the color orange and
 the kauna'oa plant. She is assisted by dad Frankie Lorenzo.
Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

KAʻŪ RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO MEET THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR ELECTION. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party, it takes place on Monday, July 4 at Old Kona Airport Pavilion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..

    Governor candidates scheduled to meet with the public are Vicky Cayetano, Josh Green, Richard Kim  and Kai Kahele.
   U.S. Representative candidates for representing Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi attending the event are Jill Tokuda and Patrick Branco.
  Lt. Governor candidates are Ikaika Anderson, Keith Amemiya, Sylvia Luke and Sherry Menor-McNamara plan to be there.

   The candidate running for District 3 in the state Senate to represent Kaʻū into Kona, scheduled for the event, is Dru Kanuha. 

    Planning to attend are County Council candidates for Kaʻū into Kona Colehour Bondera and Shane Palacat-Nelsen.
    Live Music will be by Krazy Daze. Also entertaining is the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po'ohala.
    Dozens of Door Prizes include a 58" flat screen tv.
    There will be no potluck due to Covid. No Potluck. Bento Boxes will be available on site.

Moloka'i is represented by Mckella Akana, the color green
and the kukui nut flower. Photo by Lina Kolosov

    The Democratic Grand Rally at Hilo Bandstand will be on Friday, July 22 at 5:30 p.m..

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 at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

VOLCANO VILLAGE FOURTH OF JULY PARADE welcomes walking and riding groups and individuals. It is sponsored by Volcano Community Association in Volcano Village from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The Monday, July 4 parade starts at the Post Office at 9 a.m. and ends at Cooper Center on Wright Rd., followed by Cooper Center's Independence Day celebration packed with live entertainment, craft and food vendors, keiki games and a large silent auction from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parking maps can be found at www.thecoopercenter.org. (No parking at Cooper Center except handicap permitted vehicles with prior reservation.)

SPONSOR A BUCKLE, VOTE FOR RODEO QUEEN ahead of the Saturday, July 9 Rodeo organized by Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. Event to be held on the rodeo grounds behind Nāʻālehu Park. Call 808-854-7917.

Maui is represented by Tehani Souza, the color pink
 and the lokelani rose. Photo by Lina Kolosov

ENJOY THE 3RD ANNUAL EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Last year, over 2,500 visitors attended and over 40 events were featured during the EVH festival. See experiencevolcano.com. With questions, contact experiencevolcano@gmail.com. 

 All vendor locations are taken.

SIGN UP FOR KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUNS with a change of date from July 3 to Sept. 17. Registration deadline for the annual event is Sept. 14. Organized by Hawaiʻi 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 Pāhala. Proceeds go to support ʻO Kaʻū Kākou. For more details on the event and registration fees, visit https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/.

SEE EVENTS IN KAʻŪ & VOLCANO at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORS OF THE KAʻŪ CALENDAR
at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/05/sponsors-of-kau-calendar.htm

Kaua'i is represented by Laina Akiu, the color purple and mokihana. Photo by Lina Kolosov

Kaho'olawe is represented by Pua Carruthers, the color gray and the hinahina plant.
 Photo by Lina Kolosov

Michelle Galimba riding with supporters of her candidacy
 for County Council. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

Supporters of Kai Kahele, candidate for governor and member of U.S. Congress, walked to campaign
for the Native Hawaiian National Guard colonel with roots in Miloli'i. Photo by Lina Kolosov 

Libertarian candidate for state House of Representatives Michael Last.
Photo by Lina Kolosov