Kaʻū News Briefs April 28, 2024

Keep Kaʻū Country
Nationally published illustrator John Inserra, who lives in Kaʻū and works internationally, released this depiction of folks who
vow to Keep Ka'u Country. Proponents and opponents of proposed new development at Punalu'u claim they want to Keep
Kaʻū Country. A public hearing on the issue is set for next Monday, May 6 at County Council Chambers in Hilo, 9 a.m.
Art by John Inserra

A county helicopter drops water on a fire in Ocean
View on Sunday. Photo by Amy James

A FIRE IN HAWAI'I OCEAN VIEW ESTATES DREW FIREFIGHTERS AND HELICOPTERS TO DOUSE IT on Sunday afternoon. A report on Ka'u Bulletin Board by Serafina Deegan said the fire broke out between Aloha and Coconut, the fire department staging just off Catamaran. 

    Deegan that before the fire, a person claimed to have seen federal unmarked cars coming down King Kam with a few officers in each car. Another reported forerunners on Hawai'i Blvd. near KaiLokis full of "extra suited up law enforcement" this morning. Deegan theorized: "So I'm thinking a warrant search, and/or bust, or a swat on a drug, and or theft ring house. People are surmising that there was a swat on a house. And the criminals set the house on fire. They thought they had the fire put out, but looks like it reignited. Someone is helping the firefighters said there’s no fire anymore just smoke on the ground and hotspots. Someone else said they’re gonna have firefighters overnight here to make sure it doesn't flare up again."

    Other Ocean View residents near the fire reported being evacuated from their homes and 'ohia trees burning.

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DUE TO A SHARP INCREASE IN EARTHQUAKES below the Upper East Rift Zone and Kīlauea summit, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park has temporarily closed Hilina Pali Road from Chain of Craters Road. Permits for overnight use of the coastal backcountry, Nāpau campground and Pepeiao Cabin are temporarily suspended. Some 400 quakes a day have been recorded.

Many earthquakes are shown on this USGS image with the red
dots the most recent in the upper East Rift Zone and caldera.

    Kīlauea volcano is not erupting and most of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open.

   USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, "the significant increase in seismicity beneath the upper East Rift Zone and caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu that began April 27 is continuing with little change.
    Earthquakes are occurring at rates of 10-15 per hour, compared to 2-5 per hour before April 27." During a recent 24 hour period, there were over 250 earthquakes beneath the upper East Rift Zone and about 50 earthquakes beneath the southern end of Kīlauea caldera. The largest earthquakes were between magnitudes 2 and 3, but most earthquakes were smaller than magnitude-2.

   According to USGS, "It is not possible to say with certainty if this increase in activity will lead to an eruption in the near future – or simply remain confined below ground. However, an eruption in Kīlauea’s summit region or beneath the upper East Rift Zone, within the park, is one potential outcome."
    Updates are being provided daily while the heightened state of unrest continues. Park management will reassess the temporary safety closures Monday and inform the public of any changes.
Check the USGS HVO website for updates: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea

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SUPPLIERS OF FRESH PRODUCE CAN SUBMIT BIDS BY MAY 4 TO VIBRANT HAWAI'I. The food is for this summer's Kaukau 4 Keiki. Beginning Monday, June 17 and running through Friday, July 26, Vibrant Hawaiʻi will serve as Sponsor Agency for the USDA Summer Food Service Program, Kaukau 4 Keiki, for the County of Hawaiʻi. In partnership with 33 sites islandwide, including three in Kaʻū, this program aims to distribute breakfast and lunch food supplies to an estimated 5,070 keiki through the six-week program. Vendors can submit bids for the fresh produce and shelf stable food supplies. Download bid packet at

https://fb5ef8fb-5712-4a77-8357-a8b0b72da606.usrfiles.com/ugd/fb5ef8_120cd3a278cf42718b84fbff3a33914d.pdf,

Kaʻū News Briefs April 27, 2024

Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives Jeanne Kapela held a Keep Kaʻū Country sign on Saturday with other protesters of the proposed Punalu'u development plan that goes to public hearing on May 6. Photo by Ophir Dannenberg

MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE WAVED SUCH SIGNS AS "BUILD INLAND, BEACHES TOO CROWDED ALREADY," on Saturday at the intersection of Hwy 11 and the road leading to Punalu'u condos, the old golf course and Black Sand Beach. Joining the protesters was Kaʻū's state House of Representative member Jeanne Kapela who said she opposes the development.
    Mike Tom, long time resident of Punalu'u mauka, also stood in opposition. He said developers lack the understanding and connection to the 'aina there, while locals are raised with respect and appreciation for Punalu'u. He said it is a difference in perspective that prevents the alignment of interests between the residents of Ka'ū and the developers. He emphasized the importance of protecting Punalu'u for generations to come.
   The protest was organized by Malama Punalu'u and its leader Guy Enriques who grew up there, with his late mother Jeanette Kaualani Howard starting the lei stands at Punalu'u and he and his brothers and sons serving as volunteer lifeguards and protectors of endangered turtles there for many years.

'Aina Akamu carries a sign saying Protect Our Sacred Lands.
Photo by Ophir Dannenberg

    Malama Punalu'u urges people to join another sign waving on Saturday, May 4 ahead of traveling in a caravan on Monday, May 6 to testify during hearing for a Special Management Area permit for the development.
    The hearing is at 9 a.m. at the County Council Chambers in Hilo. It is an extension of a March 7 hearing where time ran out after 88 people testified, with 50 remaining in line. About 80 testified against the proposal and eight for the proposal during the first hearing.The proposal is by Black Sand Beach, LLC. which is asking to place 125 accommodations set back a quarter mile from the shore, along with a wellness center and other commercial enterprise. It also proposes eateries, a market, tour bus drop off and other commercial endeavors near the beach. See more on the proposal from Black Sand Beach, LLC at Punalublacksandbeach.com
   See the testimony from the last public hearing on the matter on the County of Hawai'i Planning Department YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofHawaiiPlanningDepartment.

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ALIGNMENT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AT PUNALU'U with the Kaʻū Community Development Plan was a major discussion at the Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee meeting held in Pahala this week.
    Committee members and the public quoted from Kaʻū CDP such recommendations as establishing a shoreline setback a quarter of a mile. The proposed development makes that setback for accommodations but not for some of its eateries and other commercial activities near Black Sand Beach.
    CDP directives quoted by Action Committee member Babette Morrow included protecting the coast and

Does commercial enterprise near the coast align with the CDP?
That was one question discussed at the Action Committee meeting.
Photo from Punalu'u Community facebook

minimizing development in the coastal conservation and open areas. She said the CDP recommends: "No development shall be approved in the SMA unless the development would not have any substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect."
    Daryn Arai, former Deputy Director of the county Planning Department, who works with the developer, said the project is consistent with the CDP and recommended that the Action Committee give its opinion on the proposal in a statement to the Planning Commission.
    Committee members Pernell Hanoa, Kaweni Ibarra, Leina'ala Enos, Jesse Ke, Babette Morrow, Jason Masters and Kaohinani Mokuali'i made up the quorum for the meeting. They concluded that they needed more information on the alignment of the CDP and proposal before deciding whether to make any group statement.
    A representative from the County Planning Department noted that Committee members could each submit personal testimony and that the Committee can also decide whether to submit.
    During the meeting, Committee Chair Pernell Hanoa stepped down for "personal reasons" and said he would be submitting his own personal testimony on the Punalu'u issue.
    Jason Masters was voted to take his place with Hanoa becoming vice chair. Masters emphasized that if the Committee should decide to make a recommendation it should be limited to the development plan's alliance with the CDP.
    In public testimony, 'Aina Akamu listed numerous sections in the Kaʻū CDP, stating they show the proposal's non-alignment with the CDP. He pointed to a section stating that economic development should be directed to existing towns in Ka'u and not along the coast. The CDP does recommend building the visitor industry for jobs and entrepreneurship.
 

Ninole would be a preserve and she would be involved in its stewardship, said Sophia Hanoa who supported Black Sand, LLC
development plan for Punalu'u during the Community Development Plan Action Committee this week.
Photo from Punalu'u Community facebook

    In public testimony, Sophia Hanoa said the folks from Black Sand Beach, LLC are "the first developers who were willing to meet with us." She said she believes they want to protect the coast and solve the sewage treatment problem there. She said they will put Ninole into conservation and that she is involved with its stewardship plan. She said she supports the open market plan near Black Sand Beach.

   Candice Ka'awa, who works as land manager for Black Sand Beach, LLC. said she believes in the sincerity of the developers and noted the work done to keep the sewage plant without any spills and the potable water quality high.
   Action Committee member Leinaala Enos urged the committee and commission to take more time to "malama" the issue. She said that there are more testimonies coming and more adjustments to be made to the plan. She said that she is a community person and it's "kind of hard to live in Kaʻū and have our people against each other.... We should be more maka'ala and be more attentive." She said if the applicant is willing to again meet with the community, "that is always a positive."
     Enos said that the majority of people still need more information. Referring to the small number of people at the meeting and the small groups of people with whom the developers have been recently meeting, Enos said, "It's hard when you have little pockets of people to talk to." She the CDP took eight years to create in the community and contended that any plan for Punalu'u with acceptance by the community could take two, three, five years. "People are saying things and mad with each other. This is not good for our people, not pono."
    See the entire Action Committee meeting on the Planning Department's You Tube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofHawaiiPlanningDepartment.

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Community members fill up bags for $10 each at the new thrift store at Naalahu Hongwanji.
Photo by Ophir Dannenberg

Marcia Masters recently opened
a thrift shop at the hongwanji.
Photo by Ophir Dannenberg

A $10 FILL-A BAG SALE drew many to Nāʻālehu Hongwanji lawn on Saturday. It was an event of Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub and its new Under the Bodhi Tree Thrift Shop that opened last month, under the guidance of Marcia Masters. It is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   Donations of clothes and other items came from Salvation Army in Honoka'a and Doug Arnott in Hilo. The Nāʻālehu Resilience Hub is one of 32 hubs around the island. Its focus is a kitchen that provides free meals. It has been running for four years, with the aim of addressing the issue of food scarcity. The thrift shop opened last month, all profits go toward purchasing food.
   The hub also distributes Kaukau for Keiki, organized by Vibrant Hawai'i with food purchased by USDA. It will return once a week from June 16 to July 26 during the summer break when children are out of school and miss out on free school breakfasts and lunches. Information to sign up for Kaukau for Keiki will be made available in late May.

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KA'U HIGH BEAT HONOKA'A IN FIVE SETS on Saturday in Trojan boys volleyball, under coach Josh Ortega at Herkes Kaʻū District Gym. Athletic Director Jaime Guerpo reports that set scores were 21-25, 25-16, 17-25, 15-21 and 15-10.

Trojans beat Honoka'a in five sets of boys volleyball on Saturday. Photo by Ophir Dannenberg

Kaʻū News Briefs April 26, 2024

Geologist and GIS analyst Mike Zoeller of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. 
Photo from University of Hawai‘i

A NEW ERUPTION MAP IS THE PRODUCT OF HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY. This week's Volcano Watch from U.S. Geological Survey's HVO is written by geologist and GIS analyst Mike Zoeller. He writes:
    The production of maps to track the progress of ongoing eruptions has long been part of the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory's mission to inform the public about volcanic hazards in Hawai'i. The methods used to collect, interpret, and disseminate map data have been evolving ever since HVO’s founding in 1912, and a digital tool newly available to the public continues that legacy of innovation.
View the new HVO eruption response web map
    The new digital tool is an interactive, browser-based display of map data that can be updated in near-real-time with eruption features, such as lava flows. During the Island of Hawai‘i’s most dramatic eruptions in recent years—in 2018, at Kīlauea, and in 2022, at Mauna Loa—static eruption maps have been released semi-daily as image files posted to HVO’s website. However, there was always a desire to provide a more dynamic, near-real-time digital representation of the data, hence the creation of the web map.
    During the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption, HVO was preparing to release a web map very similar to the present one, but the eruption ended before it could be rolled out. Still, map data were provided to the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency (HCCDA) for inclusion in their web map, so it was available to the public during the eruption.

      A screenshot of HVO’s new ArcGIS Online web map for eruption map data, displaying FlowPolys features that depict lava flow boundaries from the 2022 Mauna Loa eruption. USGS image

    After 2022, USGS geographic information systems (GIS) specialists worked to optimize HVO’s web map and prepare it for use during future eruptions. A system was developed for data to flow from its collection at the eruption site to the web map via the cloud, with filters applied to vet the map for accuracy and release.

    It should also be noted that the USGS normally does not allow unpublished data, we only release web maps that have been formally published, which is not possible during a fast-paced eruption response. However, the USGS Fundamental Science Practices allow groups—like HVO—to rapidly distribute critical data when responding to hazardous situations. Permission for a public web map was granted based on eruptions like those in 2018 and 2022, providing clear evidence for the need for such a product in advance of the next event.
    The advantage of a public ArcGIS Online web map is that it can be opened by anyone in a web browser. The included dataset—known as an ArcGIS web layer—can also be loaded into users’ custom web maps, or into specialized GIS software like ArcGIS Pro. Map features in the dataset are only viewable to the public, not editable.

    Within the web map and web layer, there are five sub-layers of map features: FlowPolys (polygon shapes depicting

lava flow boundaries), EruptiveFissureLines (lines depicting the traces of eruptive fissures), EruptiveVentPoints (points depicting more localized eruptive vents), FlowFrontPoints (points marking lava flow fronts, in the absence of more complete polygon mapping), and FlowChannelLines (lines depicting the traces of lava flow channels). Users can toggle each of these sub-layers on and off to aid in different displays of the map features.
    The web map went online back in March to be ready for the next eruption, but most of the sub-layers are currently empty, with the intention that map features will be populated when a new eruption starts at any of Hawai‘i’s volcanoes. One exception is the FlowPolys sub-layer, which includes polygon features for lava flows from the 2020–2023 Kīlauea summit and 2022 Mauna Loa eruptions. These are provided as placeholders and to help users contextualize future lava flows on the map.
    In addition to providing a more interactive display of map features than the static maps posted to HVO’s website—which will still be produced regularly during eruptions—the new web map is intended to accelerate the distribution of critical data to key stakeholders. That, of course, includes the public, as well as partner agencies during eruption responses: HCCDA, the state-level Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

    To access the new ArcGIS Online web map, please visit the HVO website at www.usgs.gov/hvo, where it is linked as the "Eruption Response Web Map" under "Quick Links." Stay tuned for further developments, because there are plans to add the data to the interactive map on the HVO website homepage in the near future.

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VOLCANO ACTIVITY UPDATES FROM USGS: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Rates of seismic activity decreased beneath the summit this past week compared to the previous week. However, activity remains elevated, with nearly 300 events detected beneath the summit over the past week. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna Bluff continued to record inflationary trends. Ongoing ground deformation patterns in the Southwest Rift Zone indicate that magma continues to migrate down rift in this region. No unusual activity has been noted along the East Rift Zone.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    No earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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A 44-YEAR OLD VOLCANO PEDESTRIAN DIED ON HWY 11 on Thursday, when struck by a pickup at Ali‘i Koa intersection. Hwy 11 was closed for several hours near the transfer station and mile marker 24, diverting traffic to Old Volcano Road. 
    Officers responding to the 12:25 p.m. call, learned that a 2012 Chevy pickup truck was traveling north on Highway 11 and being operated by a 52-year-old male, when it struck the pedestrian at the Alii Koa intersection. Multiple witnesses confirmed the pedestrian was standing by the stop sign prior to running into the road in front of the pickup truck.
The pedestrian was unresponsive at the scene and was transported ot Hilo Medical Center and pronounced

dead at 4:17 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determne exact cause of death. Identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of the family. Operator of the 2012 Chevy pickup truck was not injured as a result of the collision. East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that speed and inattention are not factors in this collision.

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HAWAI‘I ISLAND POLICE report that 42-year-old Jordan Blevins of Ocean View, who had been previously wanted for an outstanding bench warrant and also for questioning in a separate criminal investigation, was arrested in the District of  Kaʻū on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 8:00 A.M. The case involving Blevins is an ongoing investigation and the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney once it is completed. The Hawai‘i Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance in locating Blevins.

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THE HUB AT NĀ‘ĀLEHU CONTINUES ITS RUMMAGE SALE Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sales at the thrift shop supports the free meals program at the Hub on ... days and times of free meals.

COOKING WITH CANOE PLANTS 2 WORKSHOP is Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the uses of the first edible plants brought to Hawaiʻi by Polynesians and how to prepare them. Class fee is $60/$55 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee. Register online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

SIGN WAVING PROTESTS AT PUNALU‘U GOLF COURSE INTERSECTION with Mālama Punalu‘u is Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mālama Punalu‘u has announced protest events and is encouraging those opposing the development at Punalu‘u to make their voices heard before the extended public hearing on Monday May 6 at 9 a.m. in Hilo.

EPA RECYCLING EDUCATION & OUTREACH GRANT AWARD CEREMONY is Saturday, April 27, from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Pāhala Plantation House. Community members will have an opportunity to discuss the program with grant partners, elected leaders, and participants. With County Council Member Michelle Galimba, state Representative Jeanne Kapela, and county Department of Environmental Services Deputy Director Brenda Iokepa-Moses. For more information contact candice.robben@k12.hi.us or program@recyclehawaii.org.

COFFEE HOUR WITH JR. TUPAʻI is Saturday April 27 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at The Lili House Farm, 19-4535 Amaumau Rd, Volcano. This event is hosted by Tupaʻi's campaign for Hawaiʻi County Mayor. Come together as a community to discuss matters of importance, share ideas, and work toward collective solutions.

DEADLINE FOR PUBLIC INPUT ON PROPOSED SEWAGE TREATMENT PLAN FOR NĀ‘ĀLEHU is April 28. The proposed Project involves the construction of facilities that would allow the County to close the three LCCs in Nāʻālehu and thereby meet the compliance requirements of the Amended AOC and the applicable portions of the Clean Water Act. The Proposed Action would be achieved by any of the 4 alternatives set forth. The proposed Project Area includes approximately 204 discrete tax parcels (in whole or in part) and portions of multiple County of Hawai‘i roadways in Nāʻālehu. See full plan details at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/65cc2e5b21c82563eefd1dc2/t/6608d8f429ca3638a4b4bd34/1711855862795/Naalehu+EID-+EA+Consultation+Package.pdf.     Submit comments via email to publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com, or written comments via mail to: Keola Cheng, Director-Planning, Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96826.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY EASY ACCESS PRENATAL CLINIC on Sunday, April 28, from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at 94-2166 South Point. All insurance plans accepted. No one turned away for lack of funds. Schedule an appointment at: 808.450.0498, https://shinesisterhoodinitiative.com/collective. Contact shinesisterhoodinitiative@gmail.com for more information.

SIGN UP FOR SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA‘Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is by Monday April 29. The showcase is on Wednesday May 1st. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.

SPRING STUDENT SHOWCASE FOR KA‘Ū HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY is Wednesday, May 1st, from 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The event takes attendees from door to door to classrooms where students present special projects. The schedule for the Student Showcase is: 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Check in at the District Gym MPR (open until 12pm for any later arrivals), 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Visit 7-12, Showcase Classrooms, 11:25 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.: Visit K-6, Showcase Classrooms. RSVP at Google Form.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

Kaʻū News Briefs April 25, 2024

The drying of māmaki leaves for Shaka Tea, which had its start with māmaki from Wood Valley. See www.shakatea.com. 
 Photo from Shaka Tea Hawai‘i

See www.shakatea.com,

SHAKA TEA HAWAI‘I, WITH ITS ROOTS IN WOOD VALLEY'S MĀMAKI Native Hawaiian tea farms, has made it into another chain store with national distribution and also into this weekend's Mana Up event in New York. 

    Shaka Tea Hawai‘i sent out an announcement on Thursday, saying its tea is "brewed with sustainably grown māmaki leaves from Hawai‘i, bringing you island vibes with zero sugar, calories or carbs!" It is newly available at Target stores across the country, following its launch years ago in 7-11 convenience stores.

    Shaka Tea Hawai‘i will be on tap at Mana Up Hawai‘i's first shopping event in New York City on Friday through Sunday at Shopify Spaces in SoHo for The Aloha Market celebration of lei day. 

   Aloha Market will have many additional Hawai‘i products, interactive events and workshops led by Hawaiian entrepreneurs. There will be lei making, Hawaiian food tastings, live cooking demos, keiki activities and other special events. It will start at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

    Shaka Tea, with its factory base in Hilo, is described on its website as "brewed with one of the rarest herbal teas in the world, only found in the Hawaiian Islands: māmaki. Shaka Tea practices direct trade, sourcing māmaki leaves from local farmers that are sustainably grown in volcanic, mineral-rich soil. Our teas are infused with premium botanicals in refreshing, tropical flavors to share with the world and provide herbal hydration to support your wellness journey."

    It notes that "Planting māmaki is an act of conservation providing critical habitat for the native, pollinator butterfly of Hawai‘i — pulelehua," the endangered Kamehameha butterfly.

Māmaki, the native Hawaiian tea and favorite food of the endangered Kamehameha butterfly is now 
in Target stores and this weekend at Mana Up in New York through Shaka Tea Hawai‘i.
 See www.shakatea.com. Photo from Shaka Tea Hawai‘i

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A NEW SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP TIES HAWAI‘I ISLAND TO HATSUKAICHI, JAPAN. Mayor Mitch Roth made the announcement on Thursday. A statement from his office says the "partnership marks a significant step in strengthening cultural and economic ties between our communities, building on the deep historical connections many of our local Japanese families have with this region of Japan."
    The relationship was affirmed by a signing ceremony with Roth, Hatsukaichi Mayor Tarō Matsumoto, members of Hawaiʻi County Council, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi, Honorary Consul of Japan in Hilo, Art Taniguchi, and members of government from Hatsukaichi. 

Mayor Mitch Roth with new Sister City reps from 
Hatsukaichi, Japan.

    Roth said,  "Many of our residents have family roots that trace back to Hiroshima, making this partnership not just a formal relationship but a rekindling of familial bonds and history,. Through this sister city connection, we hope to honor and deepen the rich cultural heritage that many of our Japanese-American families bring to Hawaiʻi."

    Hatsukaichi, known for its picturesque Itsukushima Shrine and vibrant history, shares many cultural and environmental similarities with Hawaiʻi County. This relationship will foster exchanges in tourism, culture, education, and business, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, says the statement from the Mayor's office.
    Hawaiʻi County and Hatsukaichi representatives said they plan to collaborate on student exchanges, business delegations, and cultural festivals, to promote global friendship and understanding.

    Hiroshima and Hawai‘i state libraries signed a sisters relationship in October of 2022. The Hiroshima Sister State relationship with Hawai‘i is more than a quarter century old.

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THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FUND WILL disperse $62 million for solar

systems, the funding provided by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for homes in this state.
    The federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, is providing the money from a $27 billion federal investment top cut the cost of electric bills and carbon emissions nationwide.

    The funding will finance residential rooftop solar, storage systems, and community-owned solar systems for low-income households.
    "For years, the benefits of household solar — such as the significant savings on energy bills — have been out of reach for too many in Hawaiʻi,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “With this new EPA investment of over $62 million, residents across Hawaiʻi, including those in our disadvantaged communities, will now be able to adopt solar and reap the advantages of this climate change-fighting technology.”

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A DECOMPOSED BODY IN OCEAN VIEW has led to a Hawai‘i Police Department investigation.
On Tuesday, April 23, shortly before 12:40 p.m., detectives assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigations Section responded to a property located on the 92-8700 block of Lotus Blossom Lane for a report of a decomposed body on the property. Upon their arrival, they discovered the body of a male which had injuries that were suspicious in nature. Due to the body being in advanced stages of decomposition, the identity of the male and the exact cause of death could not be determined.
    An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

    Anyone with information relative to this investigation is encouraged to call the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. They may also contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.

A 60-YEAR OLD TRUCK DRIVER FROM NĀ‘ĀLEHU WAS ARRESTED AFTER HIS DUMP TRUCK OVERTURNED with a load of asphalt near Kawaihae. According to the police report, Jefferey Anderson was arrested for DUI and released pending further investigation. A statement from HPD says that Hawai‘i Island police are investigating this traffic crash that led to the closure of Akoni Pule Highway for three hours near Kawaihae Harbor on Wednesday, April 24.
    Responding to a 2:30 p.m. call, police determined that a 2001 Peterbilt dump truck was traveling west on Akoni Pule Highway near the 3-mile marker, when the driver lost control of the truck, veered off of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned, spilling its load of asphalt.
    The driver of the dump truck was able to extricate himself from the truck. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released at the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital.
    The incident closed Akoni Pule Highway until crews arrived to remove the vehicle and debris from the roadway.
   Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Officer Richard Nery at 808-887-3080 or via email at richard.nery@hawaiicounty.gov.

  

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