The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island: May 15, 2024

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 15, 2024

Hikers along eroded dirt road to Green Sands Beach that is deepened by ATV and four-wheel
drive travel, much of it involving commercial operations. Photo from Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

THE STORY ABOUT TRINITY ADVENTURES' promotion of ATV tours to Green Sands Beach and other travels through Kaʻū drew a large number of Kaʻū Calendar facebook posts on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Most of the comments stated surprise and many expressed anger. Some of those who commented suggested that The Kaʻū Calendar should have refrained from running the story and the accompanying illustrations (not paid ads) that were posted to show how the place is being promoted. Some comments suggested "Kill the Messenger," as if the community not knowing about the tours would have been acceptable. Some expressed that The Kaʻū Calendar is "a sell out," and asked whether the story is "a paid advertisement."

More than 300 comments came in for the story, showing strong community interest.

Most commenters said they oppose commercial tours to Green Sands and South Point area and some asked if they are legal. Some examples of comments are: "I can't believe this is real, just heartbreaking;" "I just don't get why people can't just leave Kaʻū alone, what's left of real Hawai'i;" and "Hiking that trail is much more enjoyable." Another commenter pointed to some local residents "when they go down there with their ATVs and dirt bikes and 4X4s" and do damage.

Another said, "As locals who’ve a family blood history to the Hawaiian Home lands - creating a way to help people get out and back with an organized track that keeps to one way in and one way out - thus allowing the other tracks to heal over and even get rehabbed - That could be sustainable. However a random outfit letting people bomb all over the place on ATVs is total destruction for profit."

Some commenters asked about the company name, Trinity Adventuress. In addition to the name being used for the Kaʻū tours, Trinity Adventures is an apparently unrelated San Francisco based group that offers wilderness tours for high school students and adults. Its website says, "Our mission is to help people of all ages disconnect and experience an immersion in nature through backpacking. We run trips for teens and adults through wilderness areas of California and the West Coast and teach the skills necessary for successful expeditions. We provide training in outdoor living skills, leadership, risk management, and how to confront challenges head-on." It apparently has no programs in Hawai'i. See https://www.trinityadventureprogram.com/about.

See facebook.com/kaucalendar for all the comments on the story.

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s 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 the mail and on stands.

THE LATE SEN. GIL KAHELE, WITH FAMILY ROOTS IN MILOLI'I, an advocate for land preservation, for Kaʻū Coffee and a public servant as Kaʻū's state Senator, was honored with ceremony on Wednesday for installation of signage that illustrates his life.

Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks & Recreation, under direction of Mayor Mitch Roth, joined the Kahele ʻOhana in on Wednesday, which would have been Kahele's 82nd birthday. Ceremonies were held at the Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area. The recreation area is located on the slopes of Mauna Kea along the Daniel K. Inouye Highway and was transferred to the County from the State of Hawaiʻi in 2014 through efforts spearheaded by then-Senator Kahele and others.

The late Senator's brother, Leighton Kahele, purchased the new signage before his passing. County workers, in a show of support, assisted the Kahele ʻOhana in selecting an appropriate location and

Sen. Gil Kahele was a strong supporter
of Kaʻū Coffee, a coffee bag on his
office wall and coffee for his guests.
Photo by Julia Neal

installing the sign. "This sign is a testament to Gilbert Kahele's life and contributions to the Hawaiʻi Island community," says a statement from Hawai'i County.
"We are privileged to share a glimpse of Gil's story with our community and honor the Kahele family by installing this sign at a park that Senator Kahele played a pivotal role in establishing years ago," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Our parks bear the names of individuals who have left indelible marks on our community, and Senator Kahele's legacy is one of profound influence and unwavering commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi Island."
"On behalf of our Kahele ʻohana, we would like to mahalo the County of Hawaiʻi, Mayor Roth, and the team at the Department of Parks and Recreation for the installation of this park signage to honor our Dad and Hawaiʻi Islands former State Senator," said Kai Kahele. "Our Dad loved this place and would be humbled and honored by this recognition. He always believed in preserving and protecting special places throughout Hawaiʻi for future generations, and this park embodies his vision and dedication to the 'āina and people of Hawaiʻi Island."
"The new signage is a lasting tribute to Senator Kahele's enduring legacy and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents and visitors alike," says the county statement. "The Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area, a living testament to his vision and efforts, remains a place where the community can congregate, bask in the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi Island, and find solace during their journeys between destinations."

RECOMMENDATIONS TO FILL SEATS ON COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS are announced. "These civic bodies play a crucial role in shaping the future of Hawaiʻi Island." Mayor Mitch Roth "invites individuals with the necessary skills, expertise, and commitment to public service to apply," says the county statement. The following Boards and Commissions are seeking dedicated members:

Cultural Resources Commission

Fire Board of Appeals

Transportation Commission

Public Access, Open Space, & Natural Resources Preservation

Kailua Village Design Commission

Community Development Plan Action Committees

The county statement says, "These bodies play a vital role in ensuring our communities' responsible and sustainable development, protecting cultural resources, and upholding the highest standards in planning and appeals processes."

"Our Boards and Commissions are the backbone of effective governance, and we seek individuals with a passion for public service and a commitment to the betterment of our County," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Your input and expertise will help contribute to the growth and prosperity of our communities for generations to come."

Qualified individuals interested in serving on these Boards and Commissions are invited to apply. Applicants should possess a solid commitment to the community, relevant expertise, and a willingness to dedicate their time to public service.

For further information or inquiries, contact Pomai Bartolome at pomaikai.bartolome@hawaiicounty.gov.