Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park trails that are closed are in red. NPS map.

INFLATION IS CLOSE TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL IN FIVE YEARS at the summit of Kīlauea, reports USGS Hawaiian Observatory on Saturday.

    Inflation has nearly returned to the level seen just before the last eruption on Sept. 10. Seismicity beneath Kīlauea summit region, which began Oct. 4, decreased around 2 a.m. and remains low Saturday morning. Over 24 hours approximately 170 earthquakes were recorded in Kīlauea summit region compared to about 320 earthquakes occuring over the previous day. Most of the earthquakes from the seismic swarm south of the caldera are at depths of around 2.5–3.5 km (1.5–2 mi) below the surface. The trend of the seismic activity parallels, but is slightly south of the December 1974 eruption vents. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates remain low and were measured at a rate of about 100 tonnes per day on Oct. 6.

IN HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, TRAILS, VIEWING AREAS AND PARKING ARE CLOSED from Kīlauea summit down to Kaʻū Desert Trail, due to elevated seismic activity and inflation. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park staff said the closures are temporary until further notice. Affected areas include:
    Hilina Pali Road from Chain of Craters Road to Hilina Pali Overlook;
Kulanaokuaiki Campground;
    Puʻupuaʻi parking lot, Puʻupuaʻi Overlook, and the trail that connects Puʻupuaʻi Overlook to Devastation Trail;
    Devastation parking lot and Devastation Trail;
    Keanakākoʻi Overlook and the paved trail from Chain of Craters Road;
    Crater Rim Trail from Chain of Craters Road to Keanakākoʻi Crater.
   Maunaiki Trail; and
    Kaʻū Desert Trail.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is closely monitoring Kīlauea in collaboration with our colleagues at the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

 

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POLICE OFFICERS RAISED MONEY FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS by eating, sleeping, and raising awareness for the organization as they stayed on top of a 10-foot scaffolding at Hilo Wal-Mart over the last three days. It happens again in November in Kona. The event, formerly Cops on Top and now called Badges and Buckets, is the largest annual grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Hawai‘i. Now in its 20th year, this three-day event will move to Kona Wal-Mart on Nov. 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations collected from Badges and Buckets directly benefit Special Olympics Hawai‘i

and their efforts to provide year-round sports programs for athletes, including opportunities to participate in regional and national competitions.
    Over the years, the efforts of Hawai‘i Police Department’s officers have raised $250,000 to help provide year-round sports training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This event is the largest Special Olympics fundraiser of the year and a large part of the annual budget is raised through this one event alone.
    During this year’s events, there are numerous, great incentives through donations made by many local sponsors. Special Olympics Hawai‘i will also be giving away visors, caps and t-shirts to those who donate.
    For more information on the Badges and Buckets event in East Hawai‘i, contact Officer Shea Nactor, at (808) 961-3066 or shea.nactor@hawaiicounty.gov. For more information on the West Hawai‘i event, contact Officer Joel Furuto, at (808) 326-4646, ext. 259 or joel.furuto@hawaiicounty.gov. 

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HONEY BEE GRANTS: The Whole Kids Foundation 2024 Bee Grant is open for US K–12 schools or nonprofit organizations. The grant provides a choice of funding or equipment intended to support schools in bringing live bees to their campuses or growing their already existing educational hive programs.                 Visit 2024-WKFTBC-Traditional-Bee-Grant-Application_FINAL40.pdf for more information and to apply. Application deadline is Oct. 15.

USDA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers
The United States Department of Agriculture is accepting nominations with nomination packages submitted by Oct. 10. For more information, visit the USDA's ACBAR website. Send any inquiries to acbfr@usda.gov.

USDA CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS are available. The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced $50 million toward Conservation Innovation Grants to stimulate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. For 2023, applications will be accepted from eligible entities for projects addressing at least one of the following priorities: irrigation management technologies, feed management and enteric methane reduction, grazing lands, nutrient management, and soil health demonstration (SHD) trials three to five years in duration. Application deadline is Oct. 30 by 11:59 p.m. EDT. Visit the government grants website for more information and to apply.

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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.

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