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Saturday, October 07, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Kekuhi with Oli at After Dark in the Park
Long before Hawaiian people had a written language, they passed along traditional knowledge and culture through moʻolelo (story), hula (dance), mele (song & poetry), and oli (chanting.) On Tuesday, Oct. 17 in Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium at 7 p.m., during After Dark in the Park, Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaoleohaililani of Hālau O Kekuhi guides participants to connect to the landscapes of Hawai‘i on a deeper level. Passed down from her grandmother, Edith Kekuhi Kanakaʻole, her hula, chant, and stage performances have touched thousands of lives. This event is expected to be well attended. Doors will open for seating beginning at 6:30 p.m. Program is co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. A $2 donation helps to support park programs. Admission is free but Park entrance fees apply. Photo from Hālau o Kekuhi

OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE, EQUITY & RESILIENCE is looking for an Interim Administrator. A statement from Hawai‘i County says the Sustainability Administrator will lead the newly created Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER). "This critical leadership role is tasked with spearheading sustainability, climate action, and social justice efforts in the County and will play a pivotal role in advancing the county's commitment to community sustainability, environmental and cultural stewardship, and social equity."
    The Interim Sustainability Administrator will have responsibility for the administration and operation of OSCER. The individual selected for this role will need to possess a diverse set of abilities and skills,
Hawai'i County has hosted two sustainability
summits and has launched a new agency
to tackle the challenges.
including experience leading sustainability initiatives, technical knowledge of climate change mitigation and adaptation, an understanding of Native Hawaiian culture, leadership skills, project management expertise, and experience with policy development and securing funding.
    Minimum qualification requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in sustainability, climate science, environment, resilience, or related fields, plus five years of related experience or a master's degree with three years of related experience. "The ideal candidate will also have experience working with frontline communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and will be well-versed in project management, interagency collaboration, and governmental policy development.
    The Interim Sustainability Administrator will be tasked with a broad range of responsibilities, including:
  • Developing policies and programs to advance sustainability, climate action, and equity by County codes.
  • Collaborating with County departments and community partners to implement sustainability and resilience strategies.
  • Ensuring that sustainability efforts benefit all community members, including lower and middle-income earners, Native Hawaiians, and historically marginalized communities.
  • Monitoring key performance indicators and benchmarks to track progress toward sustainability goals.
  • Engaging with stakeholders to ensure equitable implementation of policies and actions.
  • Managing the office's budget and equipment, contracts, or licenses.
  • Investigating and pursuing State and Federal grant opportunities to support sustainability initiatives.
  • Proposing legislation to the Council to implement sustainability and resilience measures.
    The deadline for application submissions is Oct. 10, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at http://jobs.hawaiicounty.gov by the closing deadline.
    The County of Hawaiʻi stated that it is "dedicated to providing exceptional public service and embracing the values of diversity, equity, and sustainability. We are committed to promoting a resilient and vibrant community that respects its cultural heritage and natural environment while advancing opportunities for all residents."

FOR KAʻŪ MARSHALLESE, LABOR DAY IS THE IMPORTANT RIJERBAL DAY. That is the headline for Kaʻū High Journalism student Ceceta Carland. She writes:
    Labor Day, also known as Rijarbal Day - Workers Day, is held in esteem within Kaʻū's Marshallese community, which celebrates it every year. This year Rijarbal Day was held at Kahuku County Park in Ocean View, with live Marshallese dance and music and traditional food.
     Kaʻū Marshallese remember."Traditionally, there have been three social classes in the Marshall Islands. There has been the chief (Iroij), the elder or owner of the land (Alap), and the workers (Rijerbal). These


Marshallese children from Nā‘ālehu and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary Schools join Ocean View tutor Lori Gibson for Labor Day weekend festivities at Kahuku County Park. From left to right are Moses Jally, Esby Lorenji, Nathan Ittu, Rolden Barry, Mina Lakjohn, Tarciana Bolkiem and Lori Gibson. Photo by Ceceta Carlend

three classes had different roles in the society and therefore there were different land use rights among the three classes" explains the publication Holiday Calendar.
    "In 2007, the Marshall Islands joined the International Labor Organization and that has changed land use and work allotment on the islands. Labor Day was created to honor the workers who contribute to the continued economic health of the islands."
    During the Kaʻū Marshallese Labor Day event, basketball, volleyball and baseball filled the Kahuku Park grounds for the three days over the Labor Day weekend.
    During the celebration, Ajiri - keiki, Ruto - kapuna, Lijiron - women and Mamon - men performed Marshallese Biit - traditional dances. Instruments accompanying the dances included piano and ‘ukulele. 
     Jikko Bolkeim performed one of the most famous songs that every Marshallese sings at a special event. Indeeo Majel Aelon Eo Ao - The Marshallese anthem represents and respects the culture.
Lori Gibson, an after-school tutor at Ocean View with Marshallese students for Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School, assisted with the event with her booth offering free shave ice.


John Rosqueta
POLICE REQUEST PUBLIC ASSISTANCE in locating a 26-year-old Michael John Rosqueta of Nā‘ālehu, who is wanted for questioning in a criminal investigation.
    Rosqueta is described by Hawai‘i Police Department as 5’07” tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
    Anyone with information on Rosqueta’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Joshua Pa at (808) 785-7197; or via email at joshua.pa@hawaiicounty.gov. Also, call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
    Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.


HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC SEEKS TO IMPROVE SYSTEM RELIABILITY and plans quarterly aerial inspections of its major overhead transmission lines from Monday, Oct. 16 to Friday, Oct. 20.
    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 says it wants to thank the community for patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns, call (808) 969-6666.