Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, July 3, 2023

Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū  walks the Independence Day Parade in Nāʻālehu. Photo by Lee McIntosh

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS move from Nāʻālehu to Volcano on Tuesday, with the parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. along Old Volcano Highway from the post office, turning left onto Wright Road to Cooper Center. Walkers and riders range from Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam to an animal sanctuary, the Hare Krsina group, Hawaiian civic organizations, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences and much more. The event following the parade at Cooper Center runs until 1 p.m. with food, music, crafts and farmers market sales, children's games and a large silent auction from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The licensed public fireworks displays on this island will be launched from barges at Hilo Bay and Kailua Bay at 8 p.m.

Hawai'i County band at Nāʻālehu last Saturday plans to be in the Volcano Parade July 4.
Photo by June Domondon

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WITH FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES ONGOING, Hawai‘i Police Department, and the U.S.

Ka'u Auto Repair & Towing promotes safe and sober
driving with its entry into every Independence Day Parade
in Nāʻālehu. Photo by June Domondon

Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration teamed up to remind drivers about the deadly consequences of drug-impaired driving. Their statement says, "If your 4th of July holiday plans include celebrating with friends and family and then driving, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. “When it comes to drug use behind the wheel, just don’t do it,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, “Drugs and driving do not mix. We want our community to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July. There are so many safe, reliable ways to get where you’re going. If you are taking any type of drug, plan ahead for a sober ride.” “When it comes to drug use behind the wheel, just don’t do it,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Program Manager, “Drugs and driving do not mix. We want our community to enjoy a safe and happy Fourth of July. There are so many safe, reliable ways to get where you’re going. If you are taking any type of drug, plan ahead for a sober ride.”HPD notes that most people know that using illicit drugs will impair judgement while driving, however, even over-the-counter and prescription medications can have impairing effects.

    Take caution before driving after using any medication. If you find yourself drug-impaired, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Remind your friends to never get in the vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while drug impaired, take the keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later. If you’re a designated driver, stick to the plan: don’t use drugs (legally or illegally obtained)."

Thy Word Ministries took first place in the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Lee McIntosh

    Last year there were 34 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island, with impairment a factor in 14 of those deaths. "The numbers are even more staggering for 2021, when impairment played a role in 21 of the 26 traffic fatalities that year. As a community we must all do our part to keep our Hawai‘i Island roads safe. 

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O Kaʻū Kakou made a big splash adding onto its inflatables for keiki at Independence Day celebration. Photo by Lee McIntosh

Water slides for a sunny Nāʻālehu Independence Day
Photo by Lee McIntosh

O KAʻŪ KAKOU SPONSORS THE ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE in Nāʻālehu and an after party for the keiki on the grounds of the community center. This year OKK expanded the number of giant inflatables, including two long slides. OKK gave out free hot dogs and held bingo for seniors in the community center. OKK President Wayne Kawachi said that 'Ohana Foods, which operates grocers in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, and Honua Coffee Shop in Nāʻālehu donated certificates for seniors. Punalu'u Bake Shop gave out bread. Eva Liu donated tee shirts for seniors and keiki. 

Free hot dogs for the keiki on Independence Day in Nāʻālehu. Photo by Lee McIntosh

Bingo for seniors at Nāʻālehu Community Center drew prizes from Punalu'u Bakeshop and 
certificates from 'Ohana Foods as well as t-shirts from Ewa Liu. Photo by June Domondon

HELICOPTERS OVER TRANSMISSION LINES: Hawaiian Electric announced that it will conduct quarterly aerial inspections of its major overhead transmission lines from Monday, July 10 to Friday, July 14 in order to improve system reliability.

   The islandwide inspections are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter. In some areas, the aircraft may be required to fly low and slow which may cause temporary noise disturbances.

     Hawaiian Electric stated that it thanks the community for their patience and understanding. With questions or concerns, call (808) 969-6666.

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.

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.