Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 1, 2025

Aerial fireworks light up the smokey skies each New Years Eve in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

Aerial and many other fireworks are popular throughout
 Hawai'i, including in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

SEVERE PENALTIES STATEWIDE FOR ILLEGAL AERIAL FIREWORKS is what Gov. Josh Green said he wants following New Years Eve carnage caused by an ignited cache of fireworks at a home on O'ahu. 

    In the wake of at least four deaths and many more critical injuries, Green said he will work with the 2025 Hawai‘i Legislature to toughen laws and penalties for illegal fireworks. 

    He referred to carnage at an Aliamanu home on O‘ahu when aerial and other fireworks apparently exploded, killing several and sending more than two dozen to hospitals, many in critical condition. Separate incidents led to one death and severe injuries from fireworks. 

    Green said he wants “very, very severe” penalties to deter the use of illegal aerial fireworks. The Governor called for elevation of possession of over 50 pounds of illegal fireworks to a Class C felony with five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda

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KAʻŪ 'S MEMBER IN CONGRESS JILL TOKUDA issued a New Year's Day statement about her plans for representing rural Hawai'i in Washington, D.C. this session. She wrote:"As we welcome this New Year, I am inspired by the resilience, courage, and strength of our community. There will undoubtedly be challenges with our government and the incoming administration this year, but we have faced tough times before, and together, we will rise to meet whatever comes next.
    "This New Year, my resolutions are focused on actions that will: Bring Down the Cost of Living for Local Families; Help Families Secure Affordable and Stable Housing; Keep Our Communities and Keiki Safe; and Protect Consumers from Corporate Greed and Ensure the Ultra-Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share."
   Tokuda concluded her New Year's message by saying, "With determination and aloha, together, we can achieve this and more! I'm grateful for you, our community, and the opportunity to fight for you in Congress."

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Hokulele 12U at Hilo Civic. Photo from Hokulele Basketball Club

HOKULELE BASKETBALL CLUB kicked off its season as The Grind Session, an International Elite Prep Basketball Circuit, took over Hilo at the end of December to showcase some of the top high school players in the nation.
    On Dec. 26, more than 20 youth from Hokulele Basketball Club attended Utah Prep’s Keiki Camp in Pana‘ewa - an event sponsored by the Jr. NBA - Hokulele Starts Season with Training & Tournament Win where they skill trained with Utah Prep’s High School Team, Hawai‘i’s JJ Mandaquit, Layden Kauka and 5 Star Recruit AJ Dybansta. Dybansta, the only male high school athlete currently signed with Nike, gifted each child with gear at this event.

Hokulele 14U takes First Place at DNA Winter
 Classic in Waimea. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    On Dec. 28 and 29, Hokulele entered multiple teams from 6U - 8th Grade for DNA Basketball Club’s Winter Classic. Hokulele’s 14U dominated the division and captured the championship. Hokulele's 12U lost in the championship game 27-28. Hokulele’s 10U came in 3rd.          On Monday, Dec. 30, Hokulele's 6th and 8th grade teams played in the Hilo Civic Auditorium, the same court where The Grind Session Invitational was hosted. Hokulele Head Coach and President Ravel Kaupu, Jr. said, “This experience is a true blessing for the children of our club. Hokulele Basketball would like tothank Jay Mandaquit, JJ Manadquit & Family for giving them an opportunity to meet with athletes at a level they aspire to be & more!”

More than 20 Hokulele players participated Keiki Camp
 sponsored by Jr. NBA. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    Hokulele will host a Super Saturday at Robert Herkes District Gymnasium in Pāhala to welcome 14 teams on Jan. 11. Proceeds of this event will go towards their 6th grade travel team as they head to Kaua‘i to play in Westside Basketball's President’s Day Tournament.
Hokulele, based in Kaʻū, is run by President and Head Coach Ravel Kaupu, Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa Dacalio, Jaron Garcia and Richard Estabilio. To find out how to donate to Hokulele Basketball Club, email Kaeza at Hokulele@gmail.com.

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