Monday, March 20, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, March 20, 2023

Red Hill Cabin has reopened along with the trail going there in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS Photo
 RED HILL CABIN AND PART OF MAUNA LOA TRAIL ARE OPEN. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park made the announcement Monday about the reopening from the trailhead near Mauna Loa Lookout to Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill).
    Mauna Loa Trail and the backcountry wilderness above Red Hill Cabin remain closed due to hazards from the eruption which started Nov. 27 and ended Dec. 10, 2022.
    Although USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory downgraded the status of Mauna Loa, the world's most massive volcano, to Green/Normal last week, serious hazards remain in closed areas particularly near recent flows and vents, including the following:
    Above Puʻuʻulaʻula, significant sections of trail and trail markers are covered in new lava, increasing the risk of getting lost.
    Thin layers of solidified lava can collapse if walked on causing lacerations or injury by falling into a cavity.
    Closed areas are in a remote, high-elevation location that often has poor weather and visibility, increasing the risk of getting lost and delayed response time by first responders
    Localized pockets of volcanic gas and particles may remain and present a danger to everyone. Face masks do not protect against gas or particles
    The Park reports: "The steep, 7.5-mile (12.1 km) hike from Mauna Lookout to Red Hill Cabin at the 10,035-ft (3,059 m) elevation "is not for everyone. Know your limits. Overnight use of Red Hill Cabin requires a backcountry permit. For more information, visit the park website."
Mauna Loa Trail to Red Hill Cabin has reopened. Photo from NPS


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A GO FUND ME CAMPAIGN FOR THE FAMILY OF THE LATE NELLIE SALMO DAVIS, of Nā'ālehu, who taught school in Kaʻū, danced hula, served her church and family with four children and her husband, is launched. See https://www.gofundme.com/f/nellie-salmo-davis Go und Me organizer Willma Roddy said that Nellie Salmo Davis, "gained her angel wings." She was in her early 40's, with three daughters, a son and her husband who runs his own plumbing business in Kaʻū. "In October, she found out that she had three brain tumors. In December, Nellie underwent brain surgery in Seattle with the full support of her family and friends but unfortunately, she suffered a stroke 

A Go Fund Me campaign is launched for the late Nellie Salmo Davis (center) for her four
children and husband. See https://www.gofundme.com/f/nellie-salmo-davis.
the next day. This amazing woman defied the odds and she continued to fight hard everyday, despite other complications that followed. Her fighting spirit and faith never wavered as she battled with every ounce of willpower and love till the end!
    "Nellie raised four beautiful children, ranging in ages 8-19 with her husband Kahula, along with countless other nephews and nieces who would also consider her a second mom. Her family poured our their love and generosity to so many people. She was the backbone for many of us and loved her family more than anything in this world!
    "For those of us who are blessed to have known Nellie, we truly are the lucky ones! She was an amazing teacher who inspired many students and staff with over 15 years of service to her community. "She gave her all to her students with unforgettable experiences like schools trips to Dolphin quest, Pacific Aviation Flight School, Fairbanks, Alaska, and more. She was active in church, taught religious education and also danced hula with Halau o Leionalani. Her goodness and compassion made her a beautiful person inside and out. Nellie welcomed everyone and had the most loving heart! Nellie and Kahula were always willing to help anyone in need without asking for anything in return.
    "We are sharing only a part of Nellie’s wonderful life story because she has touched so many lives. At this time, they now need our help. We humbly ask for and would appreciate any support that will go towards her medical bills and funeral costs. Nellie will be flown back home, reunited with her loved ones and be laid to rest in Nā'ālehu, Hawai’i.
    "We thank you for your support and prayers to comfort Nellie's family and friends during this difficult time. God bless!"Contribute at https://www.gofundme.com/f/nellie-salmo-davis

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HAWAI'I IS THE WORST STATE FOR DOCTORS TO PRACTICE MEDICINE according the WalletHub, which released its report on Monday. The study showed that the median physician's salary is
around $208,000 nationwide. Hawai'i ranked second lowest wage for physicians in the country when adjusted for housing. Washington, D.C. was worst.
    The top five places for Doctors to work are Montana, South Dakota, Idaho, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The worst is Hawai'i, followed by Rhode Island, Alaska, New Jersey and District of Columbia. In a category called Opportunity & Competition, Hawai'i ranked dead last.
The data set ranges from the average annual wage of physicians to hospitals per capita to the quality of the public hospital system.
    See the complete list of rankings and more at https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-for-doctors/11376.

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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.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships
-for-local-students
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 Kona Dr. Drive and Hwy 11, near Thai Grindz. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no rez needed. Parking in the upper lot. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.