Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 31, 2024

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to collect fountain height measurements from the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Fountain heights reached approximately 30–35 m (100–115 ft) on the morning of December 30. The S2cam webcam on the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, is visible in the bottom left corner of the photo. USGS photo by H. Winslow

VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND LAVA FOUNTAINS are heralding the arrival of 2025 with January as Volcano Awareness Month. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory hosts events in Kaʻū and beyond throughout January for the public to learn about volcanic activity in Hawai‘i and to submit art and poetry recognizing Hawai‘i’s volcanic history.
    Programs in Kaʻū include a talk story opportunity with HVO staff at Nāʻālehu Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8; a talk summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year at Cooper Center in Volcano village on Friday, Jan. 10; a coffee talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 .am. regarding the 2019–2020 water lake at Kīlauea summit; an opportunity to learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at Volcano Art Center in Volcano village on Thursday, Jan. 16; and a talk in Pāhala at Kaʻū District Gym Recreation Room on Monday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. about earthquakes happening deep beneath that region 
since 2019.
    As part of Volcano Awareness Month 2025, USGS invites the public to enter a new art and poetry contest, open Jan. 1–20. Submit a haiku poem or art in any medium, no larger than Lava Fountains Welcome Volcano Awareness Month 16x24 inches in size, related to volcanic landscapes or eruptions in Hawai‘i. Winners in several categories will be announced in a Volcano Watch article at the end of January article at the end of January, and a selection of entries will be on display at a scientific conference 
on caldera-forming eruptions, such as Kīlauea's in 2018, set for Hilo in February 2025.
   USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors six active volcanoes in Hawai‘i, noting that past eruptions have shaped all of the Hawaiian Islands. From the unique sands of Papakolea Green Sand Beach to lava flows across the landscape, this island is shaped by volcanic processes and events.
    USGS reports that 2024 was a year of dynamic volcanic activity on the Island of Hawaiʻi, with Kīlauea eruptions occurring outside of the summit caldera of Kaluapele for the first time since 2018. Multiple intrusions into the upper portions of the Southwest Rift Zone and East Rift Zone culminated in a one day eruption southwest of the caldera on June 3, and an eruption in and near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone, Sept. 15-20.

An Aerial view of two eruptive cones in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit on the morning of December 30. The fissure fountains reached heights of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and lava flows continue to cover a portion of the crater floor.
USGS photo by H. Winslow

   Throughout January 2025, HVO scientists will also offer walks with talks on Tuesdays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join HVO staff as they discuss the network of instruments monitoring Hawai'i's volcanoes on Jan. 7; describe Kīlauea's ever-evolving summit caldera on Jan. 14; walk on Jan. 21 into the Whitney Vault, built in 1912 to host volcano monitoring equipment; and explain Kīlauea's explosive past

during a guided walk on Jan. 28.
    Additional guided hikes will take place on Saturdays in January. Learn about the 1868 Mauna Loa eruption while walking the Puʻu o Lokuana trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Jan. 4. On Jan. 18, hike to Maunaiki in the Kaʻū Desert of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park— Maunaiki erupted in 1919–1920. On Jan. 25, trek the slopes of Hualālai in Kona to learn about unique trachyte deposits in Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve.
    Talks summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year will also take place at Pāhoa Public Library on Monday, Jan. 13, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Kailua-Kona Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
   Other programs include a talk on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau about the devastating events in 1868, and a Geology Department open house at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Friday, Jan. 24.
    For details on the Hawaiʻi Volcano Awareness Month programs throughout January, see https://www.usgs.gov/ observatories/hvo/news/island-hawaiivolcano-awareness-month-programsjanuary-2025, with a full calendar and event descriptions, as well information about the art and poetry contest. Questions? Email askHVO@usgs.gov.

Aerial view looking to the southwest of the active and inactive parts of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The dark black lava in the foreground covered most of the crater floor on the first day of the eruption, starting around 2:20 a.m. on December 23. The current activity is concentrated near the lava fountains in the western quarter of the crater floor. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey geologist D. Downs

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 30, 2024

At the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ocean View, the Houvener family continues to light up the
holiday nights with their Christmas display, ongoing for two decades. Photo by Victoria Buneta

A detail of the Houvener family's
Christmas display, ongoing for
two decades during the holidays.
Photo by Victoria Buneta

THE HOUVENER FAMILY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY REMAINS LIT UP THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR. Kaida Houvener and his family have built a vast Christmas Wonderland in Ocean View for two decades. They keep the lights on night after night at the corner of Lehua and Palm. This is the 20th year for the display and the fourth that featured gift giving from Santa.
    Michelle Houvenir creates new cutouts and the family regularly adds new blowups.
    Houvener says he saves all year to buy gifts for the children and materials to make new displays.

   

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HAWAI'I INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS in January to Pāhala, Ocean View, Hilo and Kona. An internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso, Metropolitan Opera singers, vocal coaches, pianists, violist and a Broadway star come to Pāhala in January to teach and perform in collaboration with local musical groups, teachers and students from around the world. The outreach spans into the broader community.
    Hawai'i International Music Festival, a Hawaii state 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in its eighth year, hosts its third annual Vocal Workshop, The García School, Jan. 4 - 13 at Pāhala Plantation House. A free master class will be held for classical and musical theater singers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo. The Festival will present its annual concert on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Pāhala Plantation House at 7 p.m. The evening event is preceded by a concert at Ocean View Community Center on the same Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in collaboration with South Hawai'i Symphony. A working session with Chamber Orchestra of Kona will be Monday, Jan. 13 at Kona United Methodist Church from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and is open to the public.

    Leaders and founders of the Festival are Violin Virtuoso Eric Silberger, who travels the world performing; internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, of New York and Pāhala; and esteemed pianist Carlin Ma, of Washington State. Their statement says, "García School is committed to carrying on the great bel canto singing tradition made famous by legendary voice teacher Manuel García in the 1800's." Additionally, international artists will connect with the culture of Hawai'i by exchanging talents and ideas with local artists.
    Faculty members for the García School are Silberger and Shoremount-Obra, along with renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash. In addition are star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, Carlton Moe, and Professor of Voice, Associate Vocal Department Chair of University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Maya Sypert, who is an acclaimed mezzo-oprano. Joining them are Metropolitan Opera star, soprano Audrey Luna, acclaimed Kaua'i-based pianist Monica Chung, and Hawai'i-based violist/violinist, educator and chef Duane Padilla. Participating in the workshop, master classes and concerts are 13 local and international singers from U.S. Mainland, Mexico, England and China.
    Here are details on the Public Events:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 IN HILO - The free public masterclass is in Hilo on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 595 Kapiolani Street will be for classical and musical theater singers of all ages and feature internationally acclaimed Broadway star Carlton Moe with Maika'i Nash at the piano. The workshop is accepting solo local classical and musical theater singers to participate. Email himusicfestival@gmail.com no later than Jan. 4. Participating singers must sing an aria or song from the classical vocal or American musical theater repertoire from memory. All musical theater performers, classical singers including choral singers, and anyone who has an interest in the process of singing and performing are invited and encouraged to attend. Singers must provide PDF copies of their music to HIMF once accepted.
    SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 IN OCEAN VIEW - The concert in collaboration with South Hawai'i Symphony on Saturday Jan. 11 at 12:30 p.m. will be at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Mauka Cir. It will feature star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera Carlton Moe, internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist Eric Silberger, internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, acclaimed pianist and Kaua'i resident Monica Chung, and renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash. Opera stars of the future from The García School Vocal Workshop will also perform. They are Zoe Gao, a soprano from China; Kirsten Ann Blair, a soprano from Alaska; Alexis Merry, a soprano from Kansas; Karmina Guzmán, a soprano from Mexico; Andrew Fellows, a baritone from California; and Ian McMillan, a tenor from Hawai'i, with Anastassiya Neznanova from New York, who will dance on pointe. Suggested donations at the door: $30
    SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 IN PĀHALA - Hawai'i International Music Festival will present A Celebration of Music! on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the historic Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile Street. The concert features classical and musical theater music performed by internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist Eric Silberger; internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra; acclaimed pianist and Kaua'i resident Monica Chung; renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash; tenor and star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera Carlton Moe, Ocean View's own trumpet virtuoso Farley Sangels, and all full-time participating singers already mentioned from The García School vocal workshop in addition to Amy Taba, a soprano and Tyler Shimabukuro, a baritone- both from Hawai'i. Reservations can be made at www.himusicfestival.org.

Eric Silberger, co-founder of the music school, which will
reach out to communities in Ocean View, Pāhala and beyond.
Photo by Carlin Ma

    MONDAY, JANUARY 13 IN KONA - A collaboration of Garcia School students and teachers with Chamber Orchestra of Kona will be Monday, Jan. 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kona United Methodist Church, 74-4960 Palani Rd. The free session will be open to the public and features seven young professional singers: Yiqi Laura Yin, a soprano from China; Mahtab Ghamsari, a soprano from England; Alexis Merry, a soprano from Kansas; Kirsten Ann Blair, a soprano from Alaska; Karmina Guzman, a soprano from Mexico; Andrew Fellows, a baritone from California; and Sarah Stevenson, a mezzo-soprano from New York. In addition are internationally acclaimed soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra; virtuoso violinist and conductor Eric Silberger; as well as conductor Yuxin Dai and orchestra and guest players from O'ahu and California.

    See more and make reservations at www.himusicfestival.org.

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HAWAI'I ISLAND POLICE REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE RISKS OF ILLEGAL AERIAL FIREWORKS. HPD sent out a message on Dec. 30 concerning rules governing the use of fireworks "so they may enjoy a safe New Year’s holiday."

     Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment if convicted. 

     The HPD statement says, "Please remember that anyone igniting aerial pyrotechnic displays risk not only their life but also the lives of loved ones nearby and potentially neighbors as well."

     WHEN AND WHAT IS ALLOWED: The use of fireworks is permitted from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

    Residents who want to set off fireworks must pay a permit fee of $25, available from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, which allows an adult to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers.

    Common fireworks allowed without a permit include: cylindrical fountains; cone fountains; wheels; illuminating torches and colored fire; dipped sticks; sparklers and salutes.

    WHAT'S NOT ALLOWED: It’s illegal to set off fireworks at any time outside the specified time period on New Year’s Eve; in any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials; within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, church where services are held, zoo, animal hospital or shelter.

    Prohibited fireworks include: jumping jacks; flying pigs; rockets; helicopters; satellites; roman candles; mines; shells and aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.

   Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that it’s also illegal to:

   Extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks.

   Throw ignited fireworks at, into, or from a moving vehicle.

   Have anyone under the age of 18 purchase, possess or ignite any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.

 

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 29, 2024

Kīlauea Crater's Last Sunday of 2024 

This USGS webcam image from Sunday morning was posted by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with the following message: "Steady fountaining continues from the southern portion of Kīlauea volcano’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater. According to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS Volcanoes), if fountaining continues, it is possible that the fountain heights will increase as more gas-rich lava erupts. It is not possible to estimate how high the fountains may get or how long the fountaining will last, but prior episodes of the current eruption have produced fountains over 200 feet high (70 m) that last up to 24 hours. More lava means more volcanic gas. Planning to visit the park? Watch the air quality. If the winds are light or southerly, toxic volcanic gas could blow over and impact the summit of Kīlauea volcano and the popular caldera overlooks. Check the air quality at https://www.nps.gov/havo/air-quality-alert.htm. Volcanic gas poses a threat to everyone, especially those with heart or respiratory issues, infants, children, and pregnant women. It is comprised mostly of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor.

A M4.2 earthquake produced two jolts largely felt in Pāhala just after 11 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was reported by USGS to be about a mile southwest of the village. It was followed by another strong jolt.

CIVICS LEADERS IN HAWAI'I are giving praise to Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President, international peacemaker and advocate for affordable housing, who died on Sunday at the age of 100. He lived longer than any U.S. President and accomplished a post presidency career as a diplomat, volunteer and promoter of Habitat for Humanity and numerous other community programs.
    He and the late First Lady Roselynn Carter established the Carter Center which is known for its outreach in solving disputes between countries and between people. In recent years, the Jimmy Carter Award has been won by University of Hawai'i students for writing about international relations.

After their marriage when he was in the Naval Academy,
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter lived in Hawai'i
 when he served in the Navy as a submarine officer.

    In Hawai'i, the Carters lived on O'ahu while the President-to-be served the U.S. Navy. Carter also visited Hawai'i as President when George Ariyoshi was Governor. He spoke at Hickham Air Force Base in 1979 and met with Ariyoshi and U.S. Reps. Dan Akaka and Cec Heftel.

   Carter called Hawai'i "one of the places on earth closest to our hearts." 

    Hawai'i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said, "Jimmy Carter was the first President I remember being talked about in our household. When he lost to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election we talked about it in my fifth grade current events class. Since then, I have always been impressed with President Carter. He was soft spoken and an ambassador of peace and goodwill. He lived a whole century of being a really good man with a good heart. He was one of my favorite Presidents."

       The Hawai'i governor's office announced that "In honor of the life of Pres. James Earl Carter, Jr, 39th President of the United States, and as directed by President of the United States, Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green, M.D. has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the State of Hawaiʻi, for a period of 30 days starting Dec. 29, 2024.
    “Today Hawai‘i joins the nation and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose life was defined by service, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice and peace,” said Hawai'i's Governor.

Pres. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Hawai'i in 1979. Photo by John Titchen

    “President Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his time in office. His tireless efforts for human rights, global diplomacy and humanitarian causes exemplify the values of aloha that we hold so dear in Hawai‘i. Through his work, he reminded us all of the power of humility, kindness and a deep care for others.

    “On behalf of the people of Hawai‘i, Jaime and I send our aloha and heartfelt condolences to the Carter ‘ohana during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that his life’s work has left an indelible mark on the world and will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Green.
   Flags will remain at half-staff until Jan. 28, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. Pres. Biden further appointed Thursday, Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States.
    A link to the President’s Proclamation can be found here.
    Hawai'i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said, "I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. As president, he worked to protect the environment, expand clean energy, champion human rights, and advance Middle East peace. After leaving office, he spent decades helping the less fortunate, in America and around the world. His legacy of service, kindness, and generosity will live on. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Carter family.
    U. S. Congressman Ed Case said, “Faith, hope, service. These will always define President Jimmy Carter. Faith in God and humanity. Hope for our country and world and for each and all of us. Service as the purpose of life, each in our own best way. His was truly a life of consequence.”

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 28, 2024

Lonesome George, who now has a mate and sits on the nest, was the only endangered Short-tailed Albatross on Midway Atoll for years. Now he has fathered what may be the start of a colony. Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife biologist John Plissner

NO LONGER THE LONESOME GEORGE OF KUAIHELANI is the way Friends of Midway Atoll describe this Makalena, a Short-Tailed Albatross that is brooding an egg on the only known nest of the species outside of islands near Japan. 

    George himself hatched from the colony on Japan’s Torishima island in 2003 and was banded there as a chick. He started frequenting Midway in 2012 and was named Lonesome George for the years he spent by himself until a female Makalena made her way to the atoll and they produced several chicks. The monogamous pairs produce a maximum of one chick a year, with the nesting in December and January.

Endangered Short-tailed Albatrosses
have one nest on Midway, the
rest in Japan. Photo from FOMA

    There are about five of these short-tailed albatrosses on Midway including another lonely boy, perhaps the beginning of a colony, which could be key to the species survival. The primary nesting place is Torishima, an active volcano. Makalena are also threatened by being caught up in longline fishing.
    The Short-tailed Albatross was thought to be extinct in 1949 but has recovered to a population of about 3,400.

   "A beautiful Christmas sight to behold," states the message from Friends of Midway Atoll, "thanks to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Jon Plissner," who sent images of George sitting on the egg.

    Friends of Midway Atoll is completing a fundraiser where a donor will match $10,000 raised. It ends on Dec. 31, with over $8,000 raised so far. Gifts to FOMA empower:
    Direct support for the recovery of albatrosses, once decimated by the millions during the feather trading era, by funding sound attraction devices and field cameras including the one now currently positioned on the nest cared for by George.
   Sharing what is happening on Kuaihelani with the public.
   Support for actions that keep a nest site safe for Wisdom, the 72 year-old albatross that is said to be the world's oldest nesting bird. 

    FOMA also helps to support the world's largest Bonin petrel and albatross colony, safe from attacks by mice or spread of aggressive noxious weeds.
    Midway Atoll, which is 1,512 miles from Ka Lae and 2,538 miles from Torishima Island in Japan, was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1997. Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was founded after volunteers visited the island in 1999.
    To learn more, sign up to volunteer and donate, see www.friendsofmidway.org.

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NOAA OCEAN GUARDIAN  YOUTH AMBASSADORS program sent notice to Kaʻū this week that conservation and stewardship opportunities are available. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5 for the program that begins Jan. 22. The message says:

    "Are you a youth passionate about the ocean and the natural environment? Are you looking for a way to develop the skills you need to engage in conservation and stewardship opportunities? Do you want to connect with like-minded youth and become an environmental leader at your school or in your community? Apply for Cohort 3 of the NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program!"

    Youth Ambassadors to this community experience the following:

    Attend monthly webinars to learn about the National Marine Sanctuary System, threats to the ocean, ocean optimism, NOAA programs and careers, opportunities for engagement, and future leadership programs;
    Gain the confidence and skills to lead a project or event at school or in your local community that supports ocean conservation and stewardship;
    Track progress on school or community project or event;
   Actively engage in discussions with other Ambassadors, post-webinar surveys, and evaluation of program content;
   Check and respond to emails in a timely manner;
   Complete the Climate Resilience in Your Community Activity Book over the course of the program;
   Share knowledge, passion, and skills with school or community as an official NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador.

   See more and apply at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/youth-ambassador.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 27, 2024

Seven new DOCARE officers have been sworn in for this island to work enforcement for the 
state Department of Land & National Resources, which manages huge holdings in Kaʻū.

SEVEN NEW DOCARE OFFICERS were sworn in for this island earlier this month in a ceremony on O'ahu for 25 who will serve statewide with Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
   During the ceremonies, DLNR First Deputy Ryan Kanaka‘ole, whose family is from Wai‘ōhinu and who worked on preservation of Kāwā along the Kaʻū Coast, said, “The job you have is very heavy, it’s challenging, it’s indispensable. Without a working enforcement arm our department is toothless, it is ineffective, we fail at our mission. I think I speak for everyone at DLNR, when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service.”
    The graduation ceremony was held at Hawai‘i Convention Center, as members of Recruit Class 24-01 were surrounded by family, friends, DOCARE leadership and academy instructors. They watched as each
new DOCARE officer was presented with a graduation certificate, followed by badge pinning.

    Officer Zane Dela Cruz will be assigned to his home island of Lana‘i, joining another recruit as the third and fourth DOCARE officers there. He had tears in his eyes when former state game warden Albert Morita, whom he calls Uncle Al, carefully pinned a DOCARE badge on his uniform. “Growing up he was our game warden,” Dela Cruz said. “He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to. He was very fair and consistent in how he performed his job.”
    Dela Cruz admits in his younger days he interacted with Morita, but not always in the best manner. “But the way he conducts himself, you have to respect him. He’s a good man and I’m very proud to follow in his footsteps,” Dela Cruz added.
    Prior to commissioning, guest speakers included former Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona, who is a retired judge and provided courtroom instruction for the academy class, as well as UH Richardson School 
of Law Dean Emerita Denise Antolini.
    Both Aiona and Antolini emphasized the responsibility of communities on each Hawaiian Island to support DOCARE and its mission, as well as to hold the new officers accountable.
    “I think we as a community, we as supporters of them and holding them accountable need to make sure they keep doing what they do without looking at those challenges,” Aiona said. Primary among the challenges he cited is the fact that DOCARE and other law enforcement agencies don’t have all the resources they may need to effectively carry out their missions.
    Antolini, who describes herself as one of DOCARE’s number-one fans, traced the history of the academy program, starting in 2017 and resulting in nearly doubling the number of officers in the field.

    “I don’t think we had any idea in August 2017 how this would far exceed our expectations, and this is the embodiment of that dream,” Antolini told the recruits.
    DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla then reminded the newly commissioned conservation officers, “As a civil servant your job is to serve our fellow citizens and visitors alike. It is important you recognize that while you may have a formal chain of command of people who are your bosses, the taxpayers of the state of Hawai‘i are your bosses, too.”
    Hawai‘i Island, Maui Nui, and O‘ahu will all have seven additional DOCARE officers, while Kaua‘i will have four.

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The old Naval Air Station swimming pool recently
reopened after $7.3 million in renovations and will
be the site of lifeguard training, with the Pāhala
pool remaining closed for its own renovations.
Photo from County of Hawai'i

COUNTY LIFEGUARD CLASSES, WITH THE COUNTY POOL IN PĀHALA still closed for renovations, will be available to Kaʻū residents in Hilo at the NAS aquatics center, starting Jan. 10.

    The name NAS reflects the building of the pool by the military in World War II as the Naval Air Station aquatics training center. It received a $7.3 million renovation and reopened in September. It is located at 135 Operations St. near Hilo Airport.
    Operated by the county Department of Parks & Recreation, the lifeguard program is an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Course, which includes deep water training. It will be held Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. from Jan. 10-Feb. 7.
    The upcoming course at NAS follows a series of successful certification courses held in Hilo, Kona and Pāhoa last fall and is an opportunity to equip even more community members with important lifesaving skills, says a statement from County of Hawai'i.
    The certification course is open to participants who will be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the lifeguarding course. In addition, participants must complete two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations.
    The course costs $122; payment must be made in cash in the exact amount. Payment can be made on the first day of class. Contact NAS Swimming Pool at 808-961-8697 to learn more and to register.
Information about pre-requisites can be found on the Department of Parks & Recreation Aquatics Section webpage: https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/recreation/aquatics.

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POLICE ARRESTED 19 FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 16, through Dec. 22. Hawai‘i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 942 DUI arrests compared with 930 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.3 percent.

    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 963 major crashes so far this year, compared with 830 during the same time last year, an increase of 16 percent.
    To date, there were 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 fatalities, compared with 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities for the same time last year. (The year to date fatal crashes is revised deleting one fatal crash on 11/09/2024 which was inadvertently added as a multiple crash that had multiple deaths in its place.)     This represents an increase of 78.6 percent for fatal crashes and 86.7 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) 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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