Kaʻū News Briefs July 4, 2024

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach at high King Tide on Fourth of July, when the moon, Earth and sun are
all aligned, creating rise in waters around the world. Photo by Bob Martin 

The possibility of King Tide causing flooding prompted lifeguards
to put up warning signs on Thursday. Photo by Bob Martin

THE KING TIDE raised the water level at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach on Thursday, July 4 to above sea level. The King Tide drew a warning to beach goers. Lifeguards placed a Strong Current sign on the sand. However, no damage or harm to people came to pass.

    NOAA predicts a much higher - 75 percent likelihood of some flooding on July 21 and 85 percent on Aug. 18 during this summer's King Tides.

     King Tides are the highest tides of the year, happening when Earth, moon and sun are aligned and the moon comes the closest to Earth as it orbits around the planet. King Tides happen in summer and winter and can create inundation, waves washing higher onto shore and flooding. At Punalu'u on Saturday, the ocean water came above the usual shoreline to be closer to the palm trees, reaching the highest point around 3 p.m. 

    A NOAA statement says, "Above-normal tides can trigger high tide flooding, disrupting coastal communities. This flooding can occur on sunny days and in the absence of storms. More severe flooding may occur if high tides coincide with heavy rains, strong winds, or large waves. As sea levels continue to rise, our coastal communities will experience more frequent high tide flooding - about 45-85 days/year on average nationally by 2050. Predicting the likelihood of high tide flooding helps coastal communities plan for and mitigate impacts."

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CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE MADE THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADES in Volcano and Nāʻālehu, ranging from those vying for Mayor to County Council, state House of Representatives and Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees.

State House of Representative member Jeanne Kapela with baby walking Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Chantel Makuaole-Perrin supporters in the Nāʻālehu Independence Day Parade in her run for state House of Representatives.
Photo by Julia Neal

Mayor Mitch Roth, who is vying for a second term, marched as Mayor of Hawai'i County at both the Volcano and
Nāʻālehu Independence Day parades. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Dr. Kimo Alameda, candidate for Mayor, marched in Volcano.
Photo by Sara Espaniola

GETTING OUT THE VOTE is one of the main efforts of candidates coming to Ka'u, marching in parades and hosting community gatherings. 

    Ka'u citizens will be voting for state Senator, state House of Representatives member, County Council member, County of Hawai'i Mayor, a U.S. Senator, U.S. House of Representative member, trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and more.

    While voting isn't as much of a ritual as it was when going to the polls on a set day and standing behind small curtains to cast the ballot, it is easy if people remeber to register and vots through the mail or by traveling to the few living polling places around the island.

    The plan is for ballots to arrive in mailboxes in the days after July 23, to be returned and counted by Aug. 10. Those wishing to vote can still sig up for the Primary and the General Elections. See https://elections.hasaii.gov/rigister-to-vote.

Seaola Jr. Tupai, candidate for Hawai'i Mayor, walked in Nāʻālehu Independence Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Yumi Kawano, candidate for Mayor, walked in the Volcano Independence Day Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniolo

County Council candidate Maria Burns carried a sign in the Nāʻālehu Parade saying "Inmates Lives Matter." Photo by Julia Neal

County Council candidate Ikaika Kailiawa-Smith rode in the Nāʻālehu Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Incumbent County Council member Michelle Galimba rode in the Nāʻālehu parade and 
walked in the Volcano Independence Day Parade. Photo by Julia Neal

Independence Day in Volcano grew crowds along Old Volcano Highway and Wright Road. Photo by Sarah Espaniola

THE VOLCANO COMMUNITY PUT ON ITS PARADE AND FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVAL on Independence Day under clear skies, sponsored by Volcano Community Association and Cooper Center.

A native Hawaiian cultural organization of men at Volcano Independence Day Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences walk for their school. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Ka'u paniolo head through the rainforest of Volcano for Independence Day. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Civil Air Patrol at Lyman Field in Hilo helps train young pilots. Photo by Sara Espaniola

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in Volcano Independence Day Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai'i Pacific Parks in Volcano Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park crew dresses like endangered species in Volcano Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network performed songs from their upcoming play. 
Photo by Sara Espaniola

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