Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 20, 2024

It is nēnē breeding season and visitors to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park are urged to look out
for the native goose, along roads, on roads and in parking lots. NPS photo 

Construction continues at the entrance to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
The Park recommends going there before 10 a,m. and after 4 p.m.
to also avoid the crowds. NPS photo

THE LATEST ALERT FROM THE VOLCANO AREA IS TO COUNT ON CROWDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS. A statement from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park says, "Visitors planning to see Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during the holidays should expect crowds and construction unless they plan ahead."
    "We don't discourage visitors from coming to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during the busy holidays, but we do urge everyone to plan ahead, be safe, and keep park resources safe," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
The Park statement says, "Plan ahead!" and lists "what every park visitor should know this holiday season." The list recommends:
    Avoid crowds at the park entrance and popular sites like the visitor center, Kīlauea Iki Trail and Nāhuku lava tube. 

    Come before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The park is open 24 hours, including Christmas and New Year's Day. (The visitor center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

One of the popular places at Hawai'i Volcanoes expected to be very crowded during the holidays is Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff) and the Park recommends going there before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. NPS photo by Janice Wei

    A two-year construction project is underway in the park. Expect weekday traffic delays, area closures, detours and fewer parking spots. Drivers must use extreme caution and comply with traffic control workers, road signs and speed limits.

    Plan Ahead. Make the park website your first step before you visit. Find alerts, construction closures, things to do, hikes, drives and more.
    Plan B. If the area you want to explore is too crowded, go to a less-visited part of the park and try again later. Watch this 5-minute video for ranger tips on where to go.
    Hikers should always stay on trail and stay away from cliff edges and other hazardous terrain. Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated!
    Protect Nēnē is another alert from the Park which advises, "Drive attentively and watch out for the native goose especially on roadsides and in parking areas. It is nēnē breeding season and you could encounter families or individual nēnē throughout the park. Never feed them and keep your distance."

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Youth rangers with leader Kupono McDaniel on the left and Ranger Dan on the right.
NPS Photo by Janice Wei

THE YOUTH RANGER PROGRAM AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is reviewing applications for its summer internship program for 2025. The program is for high school juniors and seniors in Kaʻū and Puna.
   Youth in the program experience what it’s like to be a park ranger and types of careers possible with the National Park Service. Youth ranger training takes place at Kaʻū and Keaʻau High Schools.
    Interested youth can email Park Ranger Kupono McDanied with name, address, phone number, high school and grade. Include a statement on "Why you want to be a Youth Ranger intern," and "Why the Park should choose you." Email letters of interest kupono_mcdaniel@nps.gov or call him: 808-985-6015 with questions.
    The Youth Ranger Program has been operating for 15 years and is supported by the National Park Service, Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association.

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A LEADER FOR A FLAG FOOTBALL PROGRAM AT KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA ELEMENTARY IS SOUGHT. Deadline to apply is Jan. 17. Athletic Director Jaime Guerpo said the school is "seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to lead our Flag Football program. This position offers an exciting opportunity to mentor student-athletes, foster teamwork, and promote a positive athletic experience for participants at both the high school and elementary levels."

    To qualify applicants must have: Experience playing or coaching flag football or a related sport; strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills; ability to work effectively with students, parents, and school staff; commitment to fostering the personal and athletic growth of student-athletes; and CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
    Each applicant must pass a background check in compliance with DOE requirements.
Qualifications include: Previous coaching experience at the high school or youth level; knowledge of flag football rules and strategies; and familiarity with Ka'ū High School & Pāhala Elementary's athletic program goals and community values.
   Stipend-based compensation will be provided. Interested candidates are required to submit a Coaching Application; brief cover letter expressing coaching philosophy and vision for the program; and contact information for at least two professional references, Deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 17. Send to Jaime Guerpo, Athletic Director. Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School; PO Box 100, Pahala, HI 96777. With questions, contact AD Guerpo at 808-289-3472.

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Volcano Art Center Gallery inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.