Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023

FFA Ka'ū Chapter Competes: Laci Ah-Yee, Kaui Young, Joaquin Ross, Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura, and Collin Hanshew. 
Photo by Kaweni Ibarra

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA KAʻŪ IS BACK IN ACTION. After almost two decades of inactivity, Kaʻū High ag teacher Kaweni Ibarra reignited the FFA program on campus, taking the team to compete for their first time at Kohala High in January.
    Kaʻū Sophomore Joaquin Ross captured third place in creed recitation, which requires memorizing the multi-paragraph FFA creed. Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura and partner Kaui Young, both sophomores, placed fourth in vegetable judging. In this category, competitors assess the market quality of vegetables according to weight, size and appearance.

    Senior Collin Hansew competed in the difficult category of extemporaneous speaking, in which the participant receives just 30 minutes to compose a speech on a random ag-related topic before delivering it to an audience. "Colin did really well for his first time," said Ibarra. Sophomore Laci Ah-Yee was also on hand to support and cheer on her teammates.
    Ibarra and the FFA members are paying homage to the many accomplishments of Kaʻū chapter members by hanging past FFA plaques on the wall, which run back to 1958. "They won all kinds of events every year and chapter awards, too," said Ibarra. The strong showing of the Kaʻū FFA Chapter dwindled when longtime ag teacher Terence Moniz vacated the position.
    Those wanting to support the reemergence of Ka'ū FFA can look forward to the program's Valentine's fundraiser this month and future competitions alongside Ka'ū 4-H members. For more information, email kaweni.ibarra@k12.hi.us.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE FIRST POLICE-REPORTED PAHALA SHOOTING DEATH IN MEMORY was a police officer killing a pit bull over the weekend. The story made statewide news. Hawai'i Police Department announced Tuesday that it is "investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred in Pāhala on Saturday afternoon, January 28, 2023.
    "Shortly before 5 p.m. on Saturday, two officers went to a residence on the 92-1100 block of Kaumahana St. in Pāhala to serve a restraining order on a 52-year-old male. As officers knocked on the door and announced their presence, several dogs could be heard barking from within the residence however, there was no response from anyone within the home and the officers began to leave the premises. As the officers were walking back towards their vehicles, an individual within the home opened the door and four to five large dogs exited the residence and immediately ran towards one of the officers. Within seconds the pack of dogs began jumping up on him and clawing at his legs.
    "As one of the dogs jumped up towards the officer’s upper torso, it snapped its jaw closed as if it was attempting to bite the officer. 

Kai, the pit bull killed by police
officer in Pahala. Photo from owner.

    "The officer, in fear for his life, drew his service weapon and discharged it at the canine. In an attempt to create distance between himself and the dogs, the officer took several steps backwards. The canine retreated to the carport area and succumbed to its injury a short time later.
    "The residents were able to escort the remaining dogs back into the house where they were secured without further incident. The officer did not suffer any injuries and a dangerous dog investigation related to this incident has been initiated.
    "Additionally, detectives from the department’s Office of Professional Standards responded and have

opened a standard internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge."
    Hawai'i County's new Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowizca said, “Incidents in law enforcement can go from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds. In this case, the officer was charged by several large aggressive animals and had less than three seconds to react and make a decision on how best to preserve his own life. That being said, any loss of life is tragic. We mourn the loss of the dog in this case, who ultimately, was a beloved family member,“ added the Chief."

    A story carried on Hawai'i News Now interviewed 16-year old Nikki Vander Elst who lives at the house. She said after the police knocked, she opened the door slightly to see who was there and the dogs escaped. She said the dog named Kai ran up the the police officer and jumped up on him but is super friendly and "They run, they love, they jump. They just want loving." She called the shooting "a crime."

    Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Area II Criminal Investigation Section Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646, ext. 267, or via email Donovan.Kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.
   

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Trojans won most of their games this
season. Photo by Julia Neal

TROJANS BOYS BASKETBALL MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE SEMIFINALS and nearly took down Honoka'a Monday night which would have sent them to the championship game on Tuesday for the Division 2 title. Final score was Honoka'a 70, Trojans 67.Coach Troy Gacayan said, "The game went down to the last second." Jaeston Karasuda attempted a nice 3 point shot for the tie with time running out but fell short off the rim." Trojans experienced a setback at the beginning of game. "Three starters were in foul trouble in the first half and sat out. At the half, the score was 30-29, Honoka'a up by 1."

   For the Trojans, Kaimana Kaupu Manini scored 26 points. Ivan Ramos, a senior, scored 5 three-pointers and a total of 17 points. TJ Faafia scored 13.
It "was the end of a very great season, with Ka'u giving the only loss to defending champion Kohala, which finished with a 10-1 record." The Trojans also pushed Division 1 Waiakea into double overtime, "a nail biter," ultimately won by Waiakea. Trojans beat Division 1 Kealakehe and Keaau and Division 2 HPA, Pahoa, St. Joseph and defending Division Champs Kohala. Ka'u wrapped up the season with a 6-5 record.
"I couldn't be more proud of these boys, coaching staff and managers and all the support from the wonderful hard working parents and all the support from the Ka'u High Athletic Department and administration," said Gacayan. "It was a great run, so close, yet so far. We fought to the final buzzer of the playoffs but just came up 3 points short from getting to the final championship game."
The inspirational message for every practice and every game, said Gacayan, is "Play hard stay humble!" He said the team is "100 percent blessed."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

Science-based comedian Ben Miller will perform at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i
 Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m., as Artist in Residence
and sponsored by The National Park Arts Foundation. Photo from Miller

SCIENCE-BASED COMEDIAN BEN MILLER IS ARTIST IN RESIDENCE for February, sponsored by The National Park Arts Foundation for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Miller is the non-profit's first-ever comedian artist and will perform at Kauhuku Visitor Contact Station on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Miller is a New York City-based scientist-turned-comedian who has entertained at top clubs including the Broadway Comedy Club, Stand Up NY, The Stand, and as a child, had a picture in his bedroom of Mauna Loa erupting. During his month-long park residency, he will liaise with park rangers, scientists and other local residents and will ultimately combine humor and fact to explain volcanic processes in humorous context in a special Kahuku performance.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

FLIGHT OPERATIONS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK are set for February. 
    Feb. 2 between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.: Hawaiian petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa between 4,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
    Feb. 3 between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.: Map Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death in east Kahuku paddocks between 2,300- and 5,300-ft. elevation.
    Feb. 6 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.: Transport native plants and water to support dry forest

'Ua'u, Hawaiian petrel monitoring, and other helicopter flights for park maintenance,
 repairs and studies will take place in February at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Photo by Jim Denny 

restoration efforts in lower Kahuku at the 2500-ft. elevation.
    Feb. 16 between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.: Sling load camp gear between the ʻŌlaʻa Koa unit and the agricultural station at the 3,500- to 4,000-ft. elevation.
    In addition, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.

    "The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather," says the announcement. "Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.