The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island: Jul 14, 2023

Storybook Theatre of Hawai'i founder Mark Jeffers with GIVE volunteers in Pāhala at the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym.
Photo by Julia Neal

STORYBOOK THEATRE OF HAWAI'I returned to Kaʻū this month with a giant inflatable tiger shark

Storybook Theatre storytelling at Pāhala Preschool.
Photo by Julia Neal

serving as a venue for marine education inside its belly where children and adults sit and listen to the stories.

Storybook Theatre founder Mark Jeffers came to Kaʻū annually before the pandemic and vowed to return more often. His many inflatable marine animals include a mother whale and calf. He also tells stories within a giant inflatable nēnē, the state bird Hawaiian goose, and other creatures.

Jeffers shared stories this July with Summer Fun in Pāhala at the Herkes Ka'u Gym, Pāhala Preschool and with GIVE volunteer group staying in the village.

The presentations were sponsored by The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, Pāhala Plantation Cottages, Summer Fun and Pāhala Preschool.

Storybook is based in Hanapepe, Kaua'i and has taken its entertaining and educational children all over the world, from Viet Nam to Australia, the Cook Islands and all around Hawai'i. Storybook also produces educational media for children.

Summer Fun students meet the giant tiger shark and learn about its life in the ocean before
going inside the inflatable for more storytelling. Photo by Julia Neal

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MESSAGES OF CAUTION CONCERNING CALVIN, THE HURRICANE who rapidly increased to a Category Three on Friday but is likely to diminish to a tropical storm before reaching here, have been issued by NOAA and County of Hawai'i

NOAA stated on Friday evening that Calvin is weakening but may pass over warmer waters on its way to Hawai'i which could bring it more strength: "Calvin is forecast to move across the central Pacific Ocean and approach the Hawaiian Islands early next week. It is too early to determine the exact location and magnitude of potential impacts given uncertainties in the track, intensity, and structure of Calvin as it approaches the islands. Interests in Hawai'i should closely monitor the latest forecast updates."

The water vapor view on Friday night of Hurricane Calvin heading toward Hawai'i, his color green. NOAA image

Hawai'i County's response: "Hawaiʻi County is closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Calvin as it approaches the Central Pacific region. While current forecasts suggest that Hurricane Calvin may weaken below hurricane levels before reaching Hawaiʻi, County officials maintain that it is essential for

While Calvin is projected to come this way, the probability of tropical
storm force winds remained small on Friday. Image from NOAA

residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards. The County emphasizes the importance of recognizing the potential impacts, which include flooding rains, high surf, and high winds that can affect the islands.
"As part of the County's commitment to public safety, we urge all residents to be proactive and take appropriate preventive measures to safeguard themselves and their property before conditions become hazardous. Residents can stay informed about the latest updates by following guidance from public messaging channels. For the most reliable information, we encourage everyone to regularly check the Civil Defense webpage.
"To ensure timely and critical alerts, the County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. By doing so, residents will receive important notifications directly to their preferred communication channels, allowing them to stay informed and make informed decisions.
"As we continue to monitor Hurricane Calvin's progress, the County will provide regular updates to keep residents informed and prepared for any potential impacts. We urge everyone to stay tuned to public messaging for the latest information and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety."

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HPD ARRESTED TEN FOR DUI from July 3- 9. Hawai'i Island police arrested the ten motorists for

driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two were involved in a traffic collision. One was under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 509 DUI arrests compared with 540 during the same period last year. This is a decrease of 5.7 percent.
Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 445 major collisions so far this year compared with 406 during the same period last year, an increase of 9.6 percent.
To date, there have been 9 fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 19 fatal crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 52.6 percent for fatal crashes, and 52.4 percent for fatalities.
HPD promised that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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