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Sunday, January 21, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 21, 2024


USGS aerial photo of a large earth crack in the barren volcanic landscape of Kīlauea volcano's Southwest Rift Zone. After Dark
 in the Park will feature the Great Crack and the history of lava flows and other volcanic activity in Kaʻū on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
 
THE GREAT CRACK IS FRONT AND CENTER AT AFTER DARK IN THE PARK ON TUESDAY. Time and venue are 7 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium.
Kīlauea volcano’s Southwest Rift Zone has shown increased earthquake activity during the fall of 2023. What is known about this region and eruptions that have occurred there over the past 200 years or more? William Ellis, an English missionary, provided the first written documentation of this area, including the Great Crack and the 1823 Keaīwa eruption. Older eruptions, such as those from the Kamakaiʻa Hills around 1815 have evolved chemistries not typical of Kīlauea. Other Southwest Rift Zone eruptions occurred in 1868, 1919-20 (Maunaiki), September 1971, and December 1974.
The Great Crack was purchased by the National Park Service in 2018.
Increased earthquake activity in the area will be explained at Tuesday's
 After Dark in the Park. 7p.m. NPS photo
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist Drew Downs will discusses these topics and more. This After Dark in the Park program supports USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s Volcano Awareness Month. Free, but park entrance fees apply.


A MOTORCYCLIST IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER OVERTAKING VEHICLES IN A NO-PASSING ZONE ON HWY 11 IN OCEAN VIEW on Saturday night. As a vehicle was turning off the highway into Ocean View the motorcycle slammed into it sending the motorcyclist 250 feet through the air and onto the ground where he received serious head injuries. He was not wearing a helmet. Both the motorcyclist and driver of the vehicle that was hit are subject of police investigation. The driver of the a white 2006 Nissan Murano SUV, left the scene, abandoning the Ocean View man with life-threatening injures.
    Hawai'i Police Department reported responding to a call at 10:16 p.m. at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and Aloha Boulevard. "Police determined that a blue 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King driven by a 59-year-old man, was heading south and overtaking several vehicles in a no-passing zone. As the motorcycle was passing the fourth vehicle, a 2006 Nissan SUV, the SUV made a left turn onto Aloha Boulevard resulting in the motorcycle striking the rear of the vehicle. The rider was immediately ejected more than 250 feet from the motorcycle. The SUV fled the scene into the upper portion of the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision."    "The impact of the collision caused the motorcyclist to sustain severe head and internal injuries. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
    "The motorcyclist was transported to the Kona Community Hospital for immediate medical attention and subsequently transferred to the Queens Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment. He is currently listed in critical condition.
    "Based on evidence located at the scene, the vehicle struck by the motorcyclist is identified as a white 2006 Nissan Murano SUV bearing license plate PBG-767."
    HPD noted that failure to render aid when a person is injured or killed in a traffic collision is a Class B felony that may be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Failure to render aid is covered under section 291C-14 of the Hawai'i Revised Statutes.
    "Charges against the motorcyclist may be pending based upon further investigation. Police believe speed may have played a role in this collision," said the HPD report.
    The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a traffic crash investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov.
    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.



The three seniors, Alexus Bivings, Tyra Wong Yuen and Lilyana Haina share a moment before the Seniors Day game.
Photo by Mark Peters

LADY TROJANS BASKETBALL CELEBRATED SENIOR DAY ON SATURDAY and played a nail biter against Hilo Vikings. Tyra Wong Yuen, Alexus Bivings, and recently coronated Homecoming queen Lilyana Haina were front and center for this game.
Tyra Wong Yuen brings the ball up the court with Alexus Bivings
 running the floor with her. Photo by Mark Peters
    With gymnasium decorated with photos and posters of each of them, the three were named co-captions for the game and all were members of the starting five for their final home game. Following the final game of the day, a ceremony to recognize all men’s and women’s basketball seniors was held.
    In her final home game, Tyra Wong Yuen led the way for the Lady Trojans in a 38-36 heartbreaking loss to the D1 Hilo Vikings. She led the scoring with 17 points, and was supported by freshman Caliyah Silva-Kamei’s 15 points and sophomore Shaylie Martinez adding 4 points.
    Coach Mark Peters stated, “I was so proud of our girls Saturday. They played their hearts out on and almost pulled off the comeback. Tyra had another great game. During the 3rd quarter the defense tightened on Tyra and we needed another scorer. Caliyah really stepped up with 11 of her 15 points in the second half. She hit 3 of her 4 3-point shots in second half. We had great play on defense from Shaylie, Alexus, Lily, and Angelica. Lacy gave us very strong minutes of the bench as well. This was an impressive team effort.”
    The Lady Trojans team will wrap up the season on Thursday night at 6 p.m. in Honoka'a.


Shaylie Martinez lines up for the opening tip with Lilyana Haina ready to recover the ball. Photo by Mark Peters
ALEXUS BIVINGS, TYRA WONG YUEN AND LILYANA HIANA played their final home game of their Lady Trojan Basketball careers. After the games, the girls were celebrated with recognition from the school leadership, coaches, family, and friends. Coach Mark Peters added, “It has been such a pleasure to work with these three. They all three have a bright future with their amazing traits. Alexus is so driven to succeed. She always gives maximum effort on that court. She sometimes is one of the smallest players size-wise, but never with effort and heart.
    "Tyra has just been a rock for this team. We ask her to do so much on the court and she always does so without any complaints. She is a very skilled player, but an ever better leader and teammate. She was given the title as team captain for a reason, and lived up to every bit of that title.
    "Lily is a special young lady who worked so hard and improved at basketball this year. During breaks in practice while others got water or sat around, Lily was out on the court shooting and working on her skills. By mid-season, she became a starter for many games and played some exceptional defense. She is that player that would help pick up her teammates when they were down or were having a tough practice. 
    "I can’t say enough good things about these three young ladies and the character. I look forward to supporting the great things they will accomplish in life.” The 2023-24 Lady Trojan Basketball team will play its final game of the season at Honoka'a on Thursday night.

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