Kaʻū News Briefs December 13, 2023

Hukihuki, Hawaiian tug of war at the Makahiki Grounds celebration on Tuesday. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

 MAKAHIKI 2023 AT KAHUA 'OLOHŪ KAUNĀMANO AHUPUA'A welcomed many students on Tuesday to participate in Hawaiian games at the Makahiki grounds. Ki'eki'e Kaʻū sent out a statement saying that this year's Makahiki event featured 355 Keiki competitors including haumāna who assisted as Kia'i at differing stations for the games.

Hōlua, Hawaiian sliding was introduced to 
 the 2023 Makahiki. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

   Haumāna of Kua o Ka Lā from as far as Miloli'i, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary, Pāhoa High School and several haumāna of Nāʻālehu School attended.
    They competed in Kōnane, Kūkini, Hukihuki, Pala'ie, 'Ō'ō'ihe, Ulu Maika, Moa Pahe'e, Pōhaku Ho'oikaika, Pā 'Uma, Haka Moa and Hū.
    In addition, a new featured game station, the Hōlua, was introduced by 'Anakala Keone Kalawe of Puna. Tūtū Pele and Poli'ahu were known in mo'olelo for their expertise in the traditions of Hōlua, sled riding.
    Another new station featured Ku'i Kalo, implemented by Kamomi Bivings and his 'Ohana of Honaunau Momona. They also taught keiki how to weave lau niu.
    Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, Demetrius Oliveira and Hālau Hula O Leonalani entertained, along with emcee Kumu Kiliona Moku.
    The statement from Ki'eki'e Kaʻū said, "Mahalo to many 'Ohana from Kaʻū, South Kona and Puna Moku and to our Kaʻū community along with all who contributed with helping hands to make this successful event happen for all of our keiki.
    "Special Mahalo to our collaborators: Kua O Ka Lā, Kahua 'Olohū Stewardship group, Ka 'Ohana o Honu'apo, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Waikapuna hui, The Nature Conservancy, Ho'omalu Kaʻū, to all of our Kumu Kula who brought their haumāna and mostly, to our Kupuna who continues to guide us in the work that we do! Lonoikamakahiki."

Haumana from numerous schools gather for the Makahiki on Tuesday.  Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

Kōnane, the Hawaiian board game. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

Pā 'Uma, Hawaiian arm wrestling. Photo from Ki'eki'e Ka'ū

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VOLUNTEER POSITIONS FOR 2024 ARE OPEN ON MIDWAY ATOLL. Friends of Midway Atoll announced on Wednesday that the organization is providing $1,000 stipends for each volunteer accepted to a six-month Biological Field Crew position. Applications are being taken by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Volunteers will be serving in the biological program at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge from early April 2024 to early September 2024.

    See https://friendsofmidway.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Volunteer-Announcement-Spring-2024.pdf

2023 volunteers banding Laysan Albatross. Applications are open

 for 2024 volunteer positions. Photo from Friends of Midway Atoll

    The biological program focuses on controlling and removing non-native species and maintaining, conserving, and restoring quality habitat to support indigenous plants, seabirds, waterbirds, monk seals, and sea turtles. In addition to being a National Wildlife Refuge, Midway Atoll is also designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial and is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Midway Atoll is a remote field site located over 1,300 miles from the main Hawaiian Islands and is inhabited by a small community of ~50 residents comprising FWS staff, volunteers, and contractors. 

     Another opportunity to volunteer opens the application period on Jan. 1. It is for the December 2024 - January 2025 Albatross Census Volunteer positions. 

    It requires volunteers to pay for airfare to and from Honolulu, 40 percent of the round trip from Honolulu to Midway and $15 a day for food. Lodging is free to volunteers. Volunteers must be able to hike six to ten miles per day, sometimes in strong wind; lift 25 lbs. and carry a day pack. Each volunteer will serve approximately 20 days for the Census.

    See https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll/get-involved.

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POLICE ARRESTED 23 MOTORISTS FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 4 through Dec. 10. Hawai‘i Island police arrested them for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One was under the age of 21.
So far this year, there have been 888 DUI arrests compared with 923 during the same period last year, a decrease of 3.8 percent.
Hawai'i Police Department's Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 797 major collissions so far this year compared with 790 during the same period last year, an increase of 0.9 percent. To date, there have been 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities, one crash with multiple deaths; compared to 30 fatal crashes, resulting in 32 fatalities, one crash with multiple deaths and another reclassified to a medical condition for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 50 percent for fatal crashes, and 50 percent for fatalities.
The non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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