Kaʻū News Briefs July 31, 2024

The future of Punalu'u is a main focus of ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina, the new community group that
will be introduced at a public meeting Wednesday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. at Na'alehu Community Center.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg

AN ORGANIZATION WITH CONTESTED CASE STATUS IN THE PUNALU'U SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA PERMIT PROCESS will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. at Na'alehu Commuity Center. ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina invites the public to learn about its purpose, goals, activities and board members. Its notice says the organization's agenda is: Introducing ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina, Punalu'u Contested Case Updates, Gather input to create Kaʻū Communities vision for Punalu'u, and How you can kokua.
    The website for the new organization is www.iewehanau.org.
Boardmembers for ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina are: Nohealani Ka'awa, who is the Pelekikena (President); Shanell Dedman, who is the Hope Pelekikena, vice-President; 'Aina Akamu, who is the Kakau 'Olele; Secretary; Jodie Rosam, who is the Pu'uku, Treaurer; and and John Replogle, who is the Alaka'i, Director.
    According to the website, "A group of concerned community members and lineal descendants of Punaluʻu and Kaʻū organized ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina in response to Black Sands LLC's Special Management Area Application (SMAA) for development at Punaluʻu. The SMAA was submitted without

Read the Punalu'u EIS from 2006,  at 
https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/EA_EIS_Library/2006-10-08-
HA-DEIS-Sea-Mountain-Punaluu.pdf

an updated Environmental Impact Statement. Also, due to overwhelming community opposition and limited, targeted outreach with mostly project supporters, our organization was created to provide a viable, culturally appropriate, and community-based alternative to development by foreign investors."

     The website says the main concern of  ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina are:

1. Lack of an updated EIS. The current development is based upon a 1988 EIS.
2. The effects of construction activity on people, flora, and fauna in costal adjacent areas, including endanged and endemic Hawaiian species.
3. Overcrowding and increased competition for access by locals who utilize the shoreline for subsistence, cultural, and recreational activities.
4. Accelerated increases in property taxes.
5. Lack of good faith communication and cooperation with land owner and concerned residents.
    Concerning jobs that would be created if the development plan goes forward, the organizatio states:
1. The majority of low-wage, entry level, service-oriented jobs created will not enable Kaʻū residents to afford the rapidly increasing cost of home ownership.

2. Most industries and employers on Hawaiʻi Island have many job openings. The resorts and hospitality industry is experiencing a huge shortage of workers. Hospitality jobs are currently not bringing people back home to work.

    ʻIewe Hānau o ka ʻĀina is incorporated in the State of Hawaiʻi and recognized as a domestic non-profit corporation.  is recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

THE LATE ABEL SIMEONA LUI WAS honored with the Hawaiian Patriot Award on Sunday by the Koani Foundation, which released the following statement:
    "The late Abel Simeona Lui is honored in recognition of a lifetime of exceptional sacrifice and dedication in advocating and living aloha ʻāina. He is honored with the the 2024 posthumous Hawaiian Kingdom Patriot Award."

The late Abel Lui faces off with the late Mayor Billy Kenoi
over approaches to protecting the Ka'u Coast, including
Kawa where Lui lived. Photo from Big Island Video News

 Koani Foundation director Leon Siu said, “Abel Lui was a courageous protector, educator and leader in advocating and living aloha ʻāina. His aloha for both Hawaiʻi‘s ʻāina and it‘s people continues to inspire many others to mālama or take care of our precious homeland today as well as in the years to come.” 
    The statement says, "Hawaiian Sovereignty Restoration Day marks July 31, 1843 when British Admiral Richard Thomas ordered the Union Jack lowered and the Hawaiian Kingdom flag hoisted above Honolulu, ending five months of British occupation and restoring the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom government to legitimate power."
    Lui, known as Uncle Abel, lived for years at Kawa, promoted Hawaiian culture, held surf contests and was a leader in the Hawaiian Kingdom restoration movement. He sought to protect Kawa from development on his own terms. He was also featured in the film, Saving Ka'u's Coast. 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film 
on history of the local coffee industry.

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 30, 2024

The condominium association will ask again for contested case approval regarding development
at on the Punalu'u property owned by Black Sand Beach, LLC. Photo from Trip Advisor

THE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION at SeaMountain at Punalu'u will go before the Windward Planning Commission this Thursday, Aug. 1 in its second attempt to be become a party in a contested case regarding the Special Management Area permit proposal for development by Black Sand Beach, LLC. 
    The Colony One Association of Apartment Owners contends that infrastructure at Punalu'u for fire suppression, sewage and potable water should be repaired before consideration of issuing the SMA permit. The Association states that there are long-standing promises made to the Public Utilities Commission to make repairs.
    Black Sand Beach, LLC says that going forward with its project is necessary in order to fund the repairs and upgrades. Additional condos, cottages, retail entities, eateries and a wellness center are proposed. Fees from the existing 100 units of housing and condos that relay on the infrastructure could not support the repairs and upgrades for the sprawling system that was built to accommodate thousands of units on a resort property, according to the developers.

Black Sand Beach, LLC says it plans to keep development 1,000 feet from the shoreline to protect
the natural resources at Punalu'u. Photo from project website at punaluublacksandbeach.com

    The Windward Planning Commission accepted two other entities as parties in a contested case hearing regarding the same SMA permit request. They joined together for mediation that is ongoing with the developers and County of Hawai'i. They are Center for Biological Diversity and community group, ‘Iewe Hanau o Ka ‘Āina,

    Should the Planning Commission approve the condo association contested case, a settlement conference between the parties would be held. If a settlement isn't reached, a contested case would go forth. Should the contested case proceed, it could be a lengthy process. A hearings officer who operates as a judge, must be chosen, briefing deadlines set, and the quasi-judicial trial held. At the end, the hearings officer makes a final determination, which will be sent to the Windward Planning Commission, which can choose whether to accept the recommendation as it decides whether to approve the SMA permit.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

GRANTS TO PRESERVE SPECIAL PROPERTIES are available from the state Legacy Land Conservation Program. 

   In Kaʻū, Legacy funds and money from the county, other government agencies and private donors have purchased large swaths of Kaʻū Coast lands and some mauka lands. Trust for Public Land and Hawai'i Land Trust are two of the organizations that have been involved in helping to fund land preservation.

     Lands conserved with the state Legacy Land funding in Kaʻū are: Kaunāmano in 2020, Waikapuna in 2018, Kahuku Coastal Property in 2012, Kāwā II in 2008, Kāwā I in 2007 and Kipuka Kanohia for Cave Conservancy in Ocean View in 2007.

     Applications for 2025 Legacy Land funds are due Oct. 11. Grants totaling about $6.7 million are
expected to be available statewide through a competitive process that includes consultation with state agencies and legislators, investigations and recommendations from Department of Land & Natural Resources' Legacy Land Conservation Commission. Approvals are required from the Board of Land & Natural Resources and the Governor.

Attributes for land to be considered for Legacy Land funding.
Image from state Legacy Land Program.

    The aim of the Hawaiʻi Department of Land & Natural Resources program is "to preserve and protect land through acquisition that has natural, environmental, recreational, scenic, cultural, agricultural production, or historic value. This includes park and trail systems that provide access to such land.”
    State agencies, counties and nonprofit land conservation organizations are eligible to apply.
    See the Legacy Land website at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/llcp/.
   The Legacy Land website says that "Despite the regulation of land use and development in Hawai‘i, lands that hold important resource values are often unprotected, inaccessible, and threatened with damage and destruction. The Legacy Land Conservation Program provides grants to community organizations and government agencies that strive to purchase and protect land that shelters exceptional, unique, threatened, and endangered resources.
    "The State of Hawai‘i dedicates a portion of its annual revenue from real estate conveyance taxes to the Land Conservation Fund. Each year the State Legislature provides the Legacy Land Conservation Program with some of the money held in the Fund. The Legacy Land Conservation Program distributes this money through a competitive grants process for purchasing land and conservation easements."   

    The program office can be contacted via email: legacyland@hawaii.gov, or telephone at 808-586-0921.

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Maunaiki in the Kaʻū Desert. NPS Photo

INVASIVE TREE CONTROL AND MAPPING IN THE KAʻŪ DESERT between sea level and 4,000 feet will be conducted with flight operations on Aug. 7 fom 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. On Aug. 7 and 9, the Park will conduct ungulate survey in the Kahuku Unit between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation and for ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 4,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.

Goats in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
NPS photo

    On Aug 20 and 28, the Park will conduct flight operations between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for ungulate survey in the Kahuku Unit between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
    The Park announced that USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct additional flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
    The announcement says, "The Park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather. Management of the park requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

HAWAI'I IS TENTH WORST STATE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, according to a WalletHub study released Tuesday. It came in the bottom five for resources and economic support of early childhood education. WalletHub reports that Arkansas is the state with the best early education system, and one contributing factor is that parents do not have co-payment fees for child care. Arkansas spends over $13,000 per child enrolled in preschool each year and requires schools to be audited to make sure that they properly meet regulations. In addition, Arkansas has the fourth-highest share of 
three-year-olds enrolled in pre-K, pre-K special education or Head Start programs." See full report and rankings of all the states at
https://wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-best-and-worst-early-education-systems/62668.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film 
on history of the local coffee industry.

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 29, 2024

A hiker on Chain of Craters Road. Photo by Yvonne Baur

CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD REOPENED TO VEHICLES in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park late Monday afternoon. No noticeable expansion in cracks caused by last week's seismic swarm were detected by park staff.
    However, the Maunaulu parking lot and access road are temporarily closed to vehicles due to significant cracks and buckling in the pavement. The park engineer and road crew will continue to monitor and evaluate the safety of the roadway. In the meantime, bicyclists and pedestrians may use the Maunaulu access road.
    Motorists on Chain of Craters Road are advised to drive safely and obey all posted speed limit signs. Motorcyclists should use extra caution and expect bumps and rough road conditions. Parking is only allowed in designated parking spaces and pullouts. Visitors are reminded not to park along roadways.
    The roadway cracks formed following an intrusion of magma into the Upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano between July 22 and 25. Signs are in place to warn visitors of the new hazards.
    Kīlauea is not erupting, and according to the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, additional seismic swarms can occur with little or no warning and result in another magma intrusion, or an eruption of lava.
Park visitors are advised to plan ahead and check the park website: www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

HAWAI'I ISLAND'S GENERAL PLAN 2045 is released by County of Hawai'i as a Final Recommended Draft. It is available to read at cohplanning.konveio.com. It's a comprehensive long-term policy document aimed at guiding the physical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural development of Hawaiʻi County over the next 25 years. Online workshops, public meetings and additional public input will be taken into this Fall.

    The General Plan refers to the Kaʻū Community Development Plan in detail. It suggests places for economic growth and housing and shows Ocean View as a low density Urban area.

    The plan names special places to steward: Volcano area including National Park, View of Mauna Loa from Volcano-Kaʻū Highway, Scenic view of shoreline between Pahala and Punalu'u, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Ninole Cove & Springs, Kawa Bay & Springs, Honu'apo, Na Pu'u -  Enuhe, Makanau, Kaiholena and One, Waiohinu Park, South Point (Ka Lae), Mahana Bay, Waiakukini, Ka'alu'alu Bay, Lava Flows of 1868. 1887 and 1907, Manuka Bay and Pohue Bay.

    It has much data and planning for recreation, agriculture, housing, infrastructure and transportation.

    "Sustainability means responsibly safeguarding our environment, resources, and culture so that future generations can thrive," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "The General Plan is our roadmap, guiding us to achieve this vital balance. It ensures that our actions as a community align with our commitment to future generations. We take pride in the work accomplished by our community thus far and eagerly anticipate

further collaboration to create a plan as diverse and vibrant as the communities we serve."

    Background and Purpose: The Draft General Plan 2045 serves as the County's blueprint for sustainable development and community resilience. It integrates policies across various sectors, emphasizing the conservation of natural resources, climate change adaptation, urban design, infrastructure development, and economic growth. This plan is the culmination of extensive community input and strategic planning efforts to ensure the wellbeing and prosperity of Hawaiʻi County residents.
    Key Elements: Biocultural Stewardship: Ensure natural and cultural resources are thriving and sustainably managed, preserved, and restored to maintain our unique and diverse environment.
    Climate Change & Health: Support a just transition to climate resilience by addressing the causes and impacts of climate change through incorporating equitable climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into policies, programs, infrastructure, and decision-making.
    Sustainable Development: Apply progressive land use strategies and place-based practices to direct and manage growth with a focus on providing sustainable public infrastructure, affordable housing, public safety, education, health, and social services.
    Thriving Economy: Promote a diverse, regenerative, and innovative economy, that maintains a high quality of life for residents with a focus on increasing local economic opportunities, maintaining a robust agricultural industry, and ensuring a responsible visitor industry that respects the uniqueness of the island.
    Planning Process: The Draft General Plan 2045 was developed through a detailed and inclusive process involving community engagement and technical analysis. Key milestones include:

    2015: Gathering preliminary data and community input. Analyzing conditions and identifying issues.
    2016-2017: Assessing potential future outcomes and developing scenarios like Baseline, Build-Out, and Trend. Conducted numerous public workshops to refine goals and policies based on community input.
    2018-2020: Development of policy language based on input and analysis. Releasing the first draft of policy language, focusing on economic progress, environmental preservation, and community strengthening.
    2021-2023: Further development of draft material based on 2019/2020 public and agency input. Updating the draft to include a detailed section narratives, vision, goals, objectives, policies, and actions.
    2024: Refining and finalizing revisions based on 2023 public and agency input. Conducting final workshops and initiation of the adoption process.
    Throughout the comprehensive review process, outreach has included: 16  Public Workshops; seven Council Resolutions; sixTopic Specific Public Workshops; 18 Public Notices/Press Releases; 27 Community Group/Roadshow events; 37 Public Agency Meetings; 47 Action Committee Meetings; 30; Large Landowner Meetings, 33 County Council Updates; 650 Public Comments in 2015;  more than 4020 in public participants; 4000 Public Comments in 2019 and 3,500 Public Comments in 2023.

    More information about the overall planning process including past drafts, public comments, reference materials, analysis reports, and more is available on the Planning Department website: https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/comp
    Next Steps: The Final Recommended Draft General Plan 2045 is available for review and comment online, and copies are going out to local libraries. The County of Hawaiʻi encourages all residents to review the GP and provide feedback through Konveio, an interactive online platform. The link to the Konveio site is: cohplanning.konveio.com.
    In-person Public Informational Workshops will include a formal presentation of the Final Recommended Draft and will be held:

    Aug. 28 at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building A from 2 p.m. to 4 p,m

   Aug. 29 at Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waianuenue Ave. from 2 p.m.  to 4 p.m.
    Online workshop opportunities will be available with more information to come soon.
    Following the guidelines set out by the current 2005 General Plan, the public will have 21 days after the last workshop to share their comments with the Planning Director. Once this period ends, the Final Recommended Draft and all public comments will be packaged and sent to the Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions. They will have 150 days to review and provide their recommendations to the County Council. We invite all community members to join in and share their thoughts during this process.
    To stay informed about upcoming events, progress, and the overall process, you may sign up for the Department's eNews at www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/connect.
    For more information about the overall GP Comprehensive Review process, visit our website at https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp/comp.
    Contact the Planning Department at 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 3, Hilo, HI 96720, via phone at (808) 961-8288, or email at GeneralPlan@hawaiicounty.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film 
on th history of the local coffee industry.

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 28, 2024

Mayor Mitch Roth

THERE WILL BE A RUNOFF IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR of Hawai'i County and the most likely matchup will be Mayor Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda, according to one of Hawai'i's most quoted political analysts, Colin Moore. Moore also points to Bree Kobayashi and Seaula Jr. Tupa'i as candidates with supporters.

    The election ends Aug. 10, the last day that citizens can vote - it's only in person since ballots were already sent out and are returning in the mail. Aug. 10 is the day for the completion of counting of all mail-in ballots returned by registered voters. Learn how to register and still vote at 

Dr. Kimo Alameda

www.hawaiielections.gov.

    Moore is a professor at the School of Communication and Information Program at University of Hawai'i and Director for the Matsunaga Institute for Peace. He works with the University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization. He has a Masters and PhD from Harvard University Department of Government.
   In an analysis provided to John Burnett, reporter for Hawai'i Tribune-Herald newspaper, Moore predicted that "Roth isn't going to win on primary night" but won't lose to other candidates in the Primary. Regarding Roth and Alameda, Moore said, "I think we're likely to see them both move forward."
    The contest is non partisan and is over on Aug. 10 if any candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote in the Primary. Otherwise the top two vote getters face a runoff in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Seaula Jr. Tupa'i

    In Moore's analysis, he points out that Roth has the backing of International Longshore & Warehouse Union, Laborers' International, International Union of Operating Engineers, and the Plumbers & Pipefitters. However, Alameda gained the endorsement of United Public Workers and Hawai'i Government Employees Association, the two biggest unions representing workers in government. Also endorsing Alameda is the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers.

    The next candidate spending report, showing donations to campaigns, was due at the state Campaign Spending Commission on July 31. 

Bree Kobayashi

     For the June 30 report, Roth showed $226,513 in campaign contributions and $132,350.26 in expenditures. Alameda reported contributions of $140,252.32 and expenditures of $106,735.84. Kobayashi reported $48,615 coming in, and expenditures of $27,244.05. Tupa'i reported receiving $10,591.09 with $11,278.73 spent. Mayoral candidates Daniel Cunningham, Kavin Kahikina and Yumi Kawano have no Campaign Spending Commission reports filed.

    In the June 30 report, "I think the smart money is on Roth and Alameda because they have the money to spend," Moore told the Tribune Herald. "Raising money is also an indication of what level of support you have in the community, especially if you're getting a lot of mid-level donations. I think that indicates a broad support among people who are politically active, because the people who give are the ones who, often, will tell their friends and neighbors to vote for you — especially the mid-level donations. The big donations tend to be, usually, people with some kind of interest in the outcome of the election because they're business owners or something like that, often trying to buy goodwill." See who gives money to whom at https://ags.hawaii.gov/campaign/reports/election-summaries/.
    Moore advocates for publicly funded elections and wrote a report on it for UHERO at  https://tinyurl.com/yc5nd5rv.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

LEARN KAʻŪ HISTORY AT AUG. 18 REUNION: The public is invited to learn more about the history of Kaʻū and to interact with locals who grew up here during the Kaʻū High Reunion to be held on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
    The PBS film Kaʻū Sugar: A Town Remembers will be shown. The filmmaker is Cliff Watson, whose wife grew up in Pāhala. Oldtimers who worked for the plantation, including Eddie Andrade, will be on hand to interact with the public. Kaʻū Multicultural Society will put on its history display.
    Another film Kaʻū Coffee, the Gold that Replaced Sugar, will also be shown.
    Attendees are invited to bring a pot luck dish. Sponsor of the event is Kaʻū High Alumni & Friends.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996,

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 27, 2024

Participants learned Taiko Drumming during first day of Experience Volcano Festival. It continues
Sunday at venues in Volcano. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Ke 'Olu Makani O Mauna Loa
Photo by Sara Espaniola

EXPERIENCE VOLCANO HAWAI'I KICKED OFF SATURDAY with an exposition of arts, crafts, food, music, dance and more at venues around Volcano Village. The fifth annual event continues all day Sunday. See map and schedule of all events below.
    Attendees can win prizes from the Festival Drawing. Bring printed map or flier to all seven festival locations in Volcano and get it stamped. Grand prizes include five night hotel stays in Las Vegas, luxury lodging from At the Crater's Edge, gift certificates at venues, fine art, wine tastings and goodies from many participating vendors and sponsors.
    Sponsors include Volcano Golf Course, Hawai'i Pacific Parks, Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, Kuahiwi Ranch, HPM Building Supply, Mary Begier Realty and more than 60 vendors, community organizations and performing groups and artists.
    Here are some portraits by Sara Espaniola of some of those presenting their art and culture on the first day of Experience Volcano Festival.

Chaslen Hualani. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Zenaida Sawyer Lei Hulu. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Desiree Moana Cruz.  Photo by Sara Espaniola

Alchemy Farm Hawai'i. Photo by Sara Espaniola

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs July 26, 2024

Aikane Plantation Coffee will represent Kaʻū Coffee at Experience Volcano Festival this
Saturday and Sunday in Volcano Village. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

AT EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, many well known local musicians and more than 60 coffee farmers, food creators, artists, crafters, musicians, dancers, Hawaiian cultural practitioners and vendors will participate at venues around Volcano Village.

Among the musicians are Keoki Kahumoku, Tui Masaniai, Ti Chun, Makana Kamahele and Boni Narito.

Quilts in the Forest is one of the stops
during Experience Volcano Festival.

Other Hawaiian music will come from Huliau, Ola Loa, Mano Ali'i, Brandon Nakano, Kyle Stringz, Tutu Bee, Wes Awana, Adam Kay and Genesis Pililani. More live music will come from Tom Gagne, The Screaming Geckos, Wendell Ing Jazz, and Rocky D'amore.

Among the presenters are Aikane Plantation Coffee Co., Ultraviolet Alchemist, Picking Up the Pieces, Breathing Space Hawaii, Ola's Creations, Nap Glass & Spiral Triangle Studios, Coby’s Creations, Bao & Dim and Paradise Preserved,

Also presenting will be Bella Anela Jewelry, 50 Designz/Grindz & Ka`u Designz, Kolea Creations, Volcano Community Foundation, Lock-Jaw Lemon Peel, Ka`u Kreations Boutique, TLC Oils, Fused Fragments, Dov Abrams, Marty Davis, Love Bali By Archer Kelly, Yurts Of Hawaii, Hilo Baykery, Diane Hanzel, Nani Diaz, and Periwinkle Moon.
On hand will be Garimo’s Real Soap Studio, Eclectic Virgo Creations, Kealoha Gifts, Pukana Lā Farms, Looking Glass Stained Glass Artwork, Misty Vaught, Lakuna Links, Aunties Aloha Lemonade, Alchemy Farm Hawaii, Yolanda's Gifts With aloha, Kumiko Designs, Cocoa Rose Hawaii and Scott Pincus.
Other presenters include Warren Ink, Hawaii Pacific Parks Association, Na Makua Designs, Lynda Nolte Watercolors, Momi’s Confections, Island Love Studio, Tamisha Lee Glassworks, Luti Fine Arts, Big Island Luffa, Shay Hachiya, J.M. Designs, Lucky's Island Street Food & Tacos, Mystic Rebel, Mala Hanai Pua, Ohu Bean, Chunkies, Quilts In The Forest, and Aunty Ponds Thai Food Truck.
See map and schedule and visit www.experiencevolcano.com.

SIGNIFICANT CRACKS AND BUCKLING ON CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD led to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park keeping it closed between Hilina Pali Road intersection and the Maunaulu parking lot. That section, however, reopened to bicycles and pedestrians on Friday.
    The Park statement says, "The cracks likely formed due to the intrusion of magma into the Upper East Rift Zone of Kīlauea volcano this week. The park engineer and rangers inspected the road this afternoon and discovered 10 locations with cracks and buckling, making it unsafe for motorists. Rangers placed signs to warn bicyclists and pedestrians of the uneven pavement."
    Escape Road between Nāhuku lava tube and Maunaulu, and Crater Rim Trail south of Nāhuku, are also open. The previously closed backcountry areas have reopened but trailheads can only be accessed on foot

Magma intrusion under Chain of Craters Road has apparently lifted the surface, almost like
a wave. A section has been closed off to all but walkers and bicyclists. NPS photo

 or bicycle. Kulanaokuaiki Campground has reopened and is accessible on foot or bicycle.
    Kīlauea is not erupting, and according to the 

Rangers and engineers found ten locations with cracks
and buckling of Chain of Craters Road.

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the unrest in the Upper East Rift Zone that began July 22 has ended. More than 1,500 detected earthquakes were recorded between July 22 and July 26, including 30 earthquakes at magnitude-3 or greater.
    The park will monitor Chain of Craters Road over the weekend. Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.

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COMMUNITY MARSHALLESE AND HAWAIIAN COORDINATOR JOBS are offered in Kaʻū along with a Lead Student Coordinator position. See https://www.recyclehawaii.org/join-our-team. The three positions, with work available as early as Aug. 5, come through Recycle Hawai'i and Kaʻū High's Global Learning Lab with its three year Hawai'i Youth Clean Stream Campaign and Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, funded by the EPA. The slogan of Recycle Hawai'i is "Think Global, Act Island" and its mission is "Transforming the Culture of Waste."

    Both the Marshallese and Hawaiian positions require native language reading and writing skills and a commitment and ability to outreach into these communities. They are part-time positions, with three days a week at the school, and include off island travel. The positions earn $35.000 to $42,000 a year. 

    The Lead Student Coordinator position is for someone who has worked with high school students and will coordinate group field trips, assist with classroom instruction and help students with photography, videography and documenting their progress. The coordinator will also help transport students in the program from around Kaʻū and assist with travel. The position provides $45,000 to $50,000 a year in compensation.

     The Hawai'i Youth Clean Stream Campaign and Waste-to-Wealth Initiative is a three year grant program that aims to embed environmental justice initiatives in programs designed to significantly reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills on Hawaiʻi Island. The partnership between Recycle Hawaiʻi and the Kaʻū Global Learning Lab fosters the development of youth-led, community-based education campaigns that promote composting, raise awareness about plastic pollution, and inform the public about ongoing recycling opportunities.

    See details of the program, jobs available and apply at https://www.recyclehawaii.org/join-our-team,

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State Department of Health has launched a public awareness program Beat Diabetes. It runs through October,

A BEAT DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM was recently launched to motivate people with prediabetes to adopt healthier behaviors to prevent Type 2 diabetes. The public is encouraged to take the Prediabetes Risk Assessment and talk with a health care provider about the need for additional testing. For people with blood glucose levels in the prediabetes range, participation in a lifestyle change program, like the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program, can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
    Type 2 diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Hawai'i and the number one cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputations in the U.S. Diabetes complications are caused by high blood glucose, also known as blood sugar that damages small blood vessels and nerves. People with prediabetes do not yet have blood sugar levels in the diabetes range, but are at high risk for developing diabetes.
    "We should be investing more in preventing diabetes than expanding dialysis capacity," said state Director of Health Dr. Kenneth Fink. "We unfortunately have significant health inequities with Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders having higher rates of diabetes and progression to kidney failure. Increasing prevention efforts and improving disease management will help address this."

Image from BeatDiabetes.hawaii.gov

  "The good news about prediabetes is that having it doesn't automatically mean that you will develop diabetes," said Lola Irvin, DOH Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Division administrator. "Making lifestyle changes to lose weight, such as eating healthier and increasing physical activity, can prevent the development of diabetes and may also reverse prediabetes back into the normal blood glucose range."
    For people with prediabetes, losing just 5-7 percent of body weight may reduce the chance of developing diabetes by more than 50 percent for adults at high risk. However, making the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent diabetes may feel overwhelming. Enrolling in a lifestyle change program like the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program can be the easy first step to help build new, healthy habits. Participants will join a group of people with prediabetes and learn from a trained lifestyle coach.
    "My role is to guide our participants through a certified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diabetes prevention program, providing support and encouragement as they go through their journey to a healthier lifestyle to prevent Type 2 diabetes," said Jen Valera, a master life coach with the Hawai'i Primary Care Association.
    The DOH statement said that participants have highlighted how the program and the group support have led to positive life changes:"Having the support of others helps me stay motivated. When I'm not feeling up to eating healthy or exercising, they help me through it." - Cory A."The program started my weight loss journey. It's inspired me to do a lot of things in life, and I've come a long way." – Lei K.
    The Beat Diabetes campaign will run through October. To take the Prediabetes Risk Test or sign up for the Beat Diabetes Prevention Program, visit BeatDiabetes.hawaii.gov.

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The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
 and the closing of the mill in 1996

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
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