The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Friday, July 15, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, July 15, 2022

Da Braddahs, above, along with Primetime Pipi and Kaleo Pilanca, will perform free at Ocean View
Community Center on Saturday, at the health event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. See more below.

PUNALUʻU AND HONUʻAPO BEACH PARKS ARE CLOSED for the weekend, with the arrival of high surf expected to create wave heights of up to 20 feet along the southern coast of the island, according to county Civil Defense. Not only are numerous beach parks on south-facing shores closed all the way into Kailua-Kona, but also camping is prohibited, with all permits cancelled.
Large swells from the South Pacific were expected to hit shores Friday evening and strengthen through Saturday. Waves are expected to be between 15-20’ at their peak and hold through Sunday. The Beach Parks will be reassessed on Sunday, but with the swell continuing through Sunday and the possibility of debris in the parks, there is a chance they will remain closed until Monday, said a Civil Defense statement.
Parks affected by the closure, besides the two in Kaʻū are: Miloliʻi Beach Park and Hoʻokena in South Kona; Manini Point/Nāpoʻopoʻo; Honaunau Boat Ramp; Kahaluʻu; Magic Sands/Laʻaloa; Pāhoehoe;

Honls; Hale Hālāwai; and Old Airport. In Puna, Isaac Hale is closed.
Mayor Mitch Roth said, “We're asking residents, particularly our surfers, boaters, and ocean gatherers, to exercise extreme caution along Southern shores this weekend. The swells accompanied by the remnants of Hurricane Darby may cause unpredictable ocean conditions that could lead to serious harm. We don’t want to lose any of our loved ones and ask that folks don’t go out when in doubt.”
Visit the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Hazard Map live updated information through the weekend: https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/

DARBY IS STILL A TROPICAL STORM with winds of 74 mph at 5 p.m. Friday. She is expected to weaken overnight and become a Depression by the time she tracks west, well below South Point tomorrow at about 8 a.m. Winds are expected to come ahead of Darby but the Central Pacific Hurricane Center predicts a less than 5 percent chance of them clipping South Point.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm.

Da Braddahs will perform at Ocean
View Community Center on Saturday.
The event, which also offers Covid tests
and vaccines is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THE ʻOHANA HEALTH EVENT AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER ON SATURDAY will have some bonuses for those who attend. Free backpacks with earbuds will go to the first 100 students. Each student must be present.

Entertainment will include Da Braddahs comedy team, plus Primetime Pipi and Kaleo Pilanca.

Sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, the state Department of Health and Project Vision, the focus is on the Pacific Islander community but everyone is invited to attend Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 92-8924 Leilani Circle.
Also offered are free $50 gas cards for those who attend and receive a Covid-19 vaccination or booster, while supplies last.
A team of Pacific Islanders from Department of Health flew in from Oʻahu to help with education and translation. They will talk with the community in the languages of Pacific Islanders.

THE POWER LINE WILDFIRE on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is 95% contained and remains at 42.5 acres in size, according to the National Park Service Friday report. "Very isolated smoldering continues in leaf litter, logs, and snags within the interior of the fire. Firefighters continue to work the fire today with hoses, hand tools, and chainsaws to extinguish all residual smoldering

A stand of koa trees with trunks charred and a blackened, scorched
understory. NPS Photo by M.Wasser

they can safely reach. Falling snags from dead trees burned in the 2018 Keauhou fire continue to be a hazard for firefighters, making it difficult to safely access and mop up the interior of the fire. Other hazards to firefighters include loose, uneven lava rock terrain."
The statement noted a chance for significant rainfall Saturday as Tropical Storm Darby approaches south of Hawaiʻi Island, according to the National Weather Service.
Mauna Loa Road remains closed to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot. Only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate until further notice.
The Power Line Fire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday, July 11 and started near a power line road at around 4,800-ft. elevation in the park. The cause of the fire is under investigation.No homes or other structures have been damaged. The burn has impacted habitat for native birds, and a 1,760-foot section of ungulate-proof fence that protects native forest from non-native hooved animals was damaged.
Cooperating agencies that assisted the National Park Service through the initial attack include the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), County of Hawaiʻi Fire Department, and the U.S. Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area.
Most of Hawaiʻi is experiencing dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. "Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are started by people. Help protect the ʻāina and learn how to be fire safe by visiting https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/lookout/," advises the statement from the Park .
The next fire update will be Monday, July 18.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, July 14, 2022

A Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park fire crew uses hand tools to extinguish smoldering areas in the fire near a power line on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

THE WILDFIRE ON THE SOUTHEAST FLANK OF MAUNA LOA that started near a power line within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was 90 percent contained as of Thursday morning and remained at 42.5 acres in size, according to a report from the Park.
Firefighters, aided by periodic rainfall Wednesday and overnight, were able to surround the perimeter of the fire and douse residual smoldering and flames with nearly two miles of fire hose. On Thursday, fire crews worked active portions of the fire with water, chainsaws and hand tools with the objective to reach 100 percent containment.

A Volcano National Park firefighter assists with some two miles of hose
used to fight the wildfire on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa.
NPS photo by Jessica Ferracane

The Park statement said, "A fire investigator is on scene to determine the cause and point of origin of the wildfire."

The wildfire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday, July 11 and started near a power line road at around 4,800-ft. elevation in the park. Mauna Loa Road remains closed to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot. Only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate until further notice.
Cooperating agencies that assisted the National Park Service through the initial attack include the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, County of Hawaiʻi Fire Department, and U.S. Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area.
"Most of Hawaiʻi is experiencing dry conditions, ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are started by people. Help protect the ʻāina and learn how to be fire safe by visiting https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/lookout/," said the Park statement.

Burned area from the fire that is being put to rest on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa.

NPS photo by Jessica Ferracane

HAWAIʻI PACIFIC PARKS ASSOCIATION has named a new Executive Director. The organization, which operates the concessions at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Visitor Centers and at other National Park Service locations in Hawaiʻi and in Samoa, selected Melody (Mel) Boehl, who lives on this island.

The nonprofit Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association is a national parks cooperating partner association. A statement from the organization says that Boehl "brings 30-plus years of leadership experience and a

Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association new Executive
Director Mel Boehl. Photo from HPPA

Bachelor of Science degree, Magna Cum Laude, in business administration. She began her professional career with a Big Four public accounting firm, then moved into leadership roles with large nonprofits. Boehl and her husband Andy moved to Hawai‘i in 2015, where she joined the HPPA ʻohana as the business director. She said, "HPPA has been a national parks partner since 1933; our work supports the national parks through sales at our visitor center park stores and online, which convert to park donations. I will work to increase our visibility so we can increase our support of the parks; we need to continue to uplift our park partners and communities, tell the stories of the national park sites, and promote Pacific Island culture."

According to HPPA, Boehl's "primary goal as executive director is to deeply connect with parks visitors, NPS staff, and her own HPPA teams."

HPPA Board Chair Miki Tomita said, "We are pleased to welcome Mel officially to this position; her leadership and grace have been foundational to HPPA since she joined us in 2015 and will continue to shape this next stage of HPPA’s existence."

HPPA is the nonprofit partner of six national parks in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Proceeds from its visitor center park stores and online shop have contributed over $20 million in support to parks since 1933.

A PUBLIC HEALTH COVID VACCINATION, EDUCATION AND TESTING EVENT comes to Ocean View Community Center this Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 92-8924 Leilani Circle.

Co-sponsored by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association and its founder Jessie Marques, state Department of Health and Project Vision, it features entertainment with Da Braddahs, Primetime Pipi and Kaleo Pilanca.

It offers free $50 gas cards for those who attend and receive a Covid-19 vaccination or booster, while supplies last.

A team of Pacific Islanders from Department of Health is flying from Oʻahu to help with education and translation. Along with its leader Chantelle "Tellie" Matagi, the team conducts in-person educational outreach events in culturally appropriate ways for Marshallese, Native Hawaiians, Chuukese, Samoans, Kosraeans, Pohnpeians, and Tongans in their language. "The team also serves as advocates for processes that are rooted in the diverse Pacific cultures and

Meet Pacific Islander Michelle Matagi and her
Department of Health outreach team at Ocean
View Community Center on Saturday, 10 a.m.
until 2 p.m. Photo from Department of Health

languages to address the effects of COVID-19 on Pacific communities," according to the Department of Health.

Matagi, herself a Pacific Islander raised by her Samoan grandparents, said when it comes to Covid-19, that Pacific Islanders "are more at risk due to socio-economic reasons, not genetics. Pacific Islanders are essential workers, they have more exposure with the public at large, and due to the high cost of living in Hawai’i and cultural practices they live in multi-generational spaces. On top of this, due to language barriers and a lack of cultural competency, they do not receive equitable access to health care services. And we cannot forget that many of our Pacific Island community members are here because the U.S. used their islands as nuclear test sites leaving them unsafe and uninhabitable in some cases.” She is often involved in policy talks about health equity.

MILLIONS OF VETERANS WILL RECEIVE BENEFITS AND HEALTH CARE for exposure to toxic substances, while serving their country, including duty in the Marshall Islands to clean up nuclear waste, said Congressman Kai Kahele.

Congressman Kahele speaking on the late Mark Takai,
whose legacy includes the PACT Act, which goes to
a floor vote in Congress next week.

On Thursday, Kahele announced the House Committee on Veterans Affairs passage of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021. It's also called the Honoring our PACT Act. The bill includes the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act, championed by the late Hawaiʻi Congressman Mark Takai "who served his country admirably as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, and as Hawaiʻi's first congressional district representative," said Kahele, who also serves in the Hawaiʻi National Guard. The PACT Act moves to the House floor for a vote next week.
Kahele said, "I am honored to continue the legacy of my friend, Congressman Mark Takai through this monumental piece of legislation. The PACT Act upholds our obligation to care for our military veterans who were exposed to toxic substances while serving overseas and protecting the freedoms we all enjoy every day." See Kahele's words on Takai and the PACT Act at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBbdja6m0AQ

HIGH SURF FROM THE SOUTH AND WINDS FROM DARBY FROM THE SOUTHEAST are expected this weekend. Darby is expected to track south of South Point as a Tropical Storm on Saturday. The high surf, coming from the southern hemisphere, is expected Friday into Saturday with waves along the southern shore as high as 15 feet.

The Pacific Hurricane Center report at 5 p.m. says, "Darby is becoming less organized on satellite with pulses of increasingly ragged deep convection starting to become sheared from the low level center. The UW-CIMSS deep layer shear analysis suggests the core of Darby is now experiencing shear of 20 to 25 knots. She still remains a Hurricane, but will soon become a Tropical Storm.

Winds from Darby and waves from the south swell could make ocean and shoreline conditions exciting but dangerous this weekend. A high surf advisory and Civil Defense recommendations are expected. County Civil Defense issued a statement today saying: "In preparation for Darby, please take this time to secure outdoor items from possible wind damage and to address flooding concerns.
"Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers please exercise caution as strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous are expected. Beaches may be closed without notice. Stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions."

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 13, 2022

A power line wildfire that started Monday was reported contained on Wednesday, with firefighters from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, County Fire Department, state Department of Land & Natural Resources and the Pōhakuloa Training Area responding. Photo by Jancie Wei/HVNP

A WILDFIRE NEAR A POWER LINE ON THE SOUTHEAST FLANK OF MAUANA LOA within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was 70 percent contained Wednesday morning and is mapped at 42.5 acres in size. Light rain overnight and into early Wednesday morning helped firefighters extinguish residual smoldering. A statement from HVNP said the "weather outlook is favorable for firefighters to continue to make progress strengthening fire lines, mopping up, and extinguishing residual heat. As a result, containment is expected to rise significantly" Wednesday and Thursday.
Mauna Loa Road remains closed to the public from the gate at the Kīpukapuaulu parking lot. Only authorized vehicles are allowed past the gate until further notice.

The fire was first reported at 6:09 p.m. on Monday and started on a power line road at around 4,800 ft. elevation in the park. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Isolated smoldering continues in leaf litter, logs, and snags from the 2018 Keauhou fire. Hazards include snags from previously burned koa and ʻōhiʻa trees and extremely rough uneven lava rock terrain. No homes or other structures are threatened, but the burn did impact habitat for native birds. A 1,760-foot section of ungulate-proof fence that protects native forest from non-native hooved animals was damaged.
The park message said, "Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park extends its deepest appreciation to the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW); County of Hawaiʻi Fire Department, and the U.S. Army's Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) personnel for providing critical local response through the initial attack."

HAWAI'I TOURISM AUTHORITY FUNDING THROUGH THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS VETOED.

Gov. David Ige announced the veto this week. The governor said he would fund HTA with federal covid rescue money. The rationale of the veto was the use of a "gut and replace" procedure that often changes the content of legislation at the last moment. The League of Women's Voters and other non-profits have long opposed gut and replace as they see it unconstitutional.

Keliʻi Akina of Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi said, "Gov. Ige was absolutely right that the bill was vulnerable to a court challenge, and all of Hawaiʻi can be happy now that no tax dollars are going to be wasted defending it.
"I hope this will be the end of legislators using gut-and-replace to get their way. That they tried to use it this time was really beyond the pale, especially since it was only last November that the state Supreme Court ruled against it. The public has a right to comment on pending legislation, and gut-and-replace violates that right," said Akina.

HURRICANE DARBY RESTRENGTHENED TO MAJOR STATUS on Wednesday. The 5 p.m. report from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center said the "intensity has been increased to 100 kt, making Darby a major hurricane once again. Satellite images from the past couple of hours indicated that the upper level outflow has started to become a bit asymmetric, which may indicate that Darby is starting to be affected by the large upper level trough to the northwest." The Hurricane Center predicts Darby will pass as a Depression south of Hawaiʻi Island on Saturday afternoon.

THURSDAY NIGHT AT THE CENTER: Nietzsche’s Amor Fati and Albert Saijo’s Zensational Rhapsody will be the topic at 6 p.m. in Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Tim Freeman, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at UH-Hilo, will give a talk and audio visual presentation. The presentation was recently given in May at a philosophy conference at the University of Tallinn in Estonia. The topics addressed concern the relationship between Nietzsche’s thought and Zen, as well as the relationships between philosophy and poetry, philosophy and music, art and truth, and, as well, some thoughts on living in this perilous time of global conflict and ecological crisis. The presentation will take about 40 minutes with discussion to follow. The series is intended to inspire, enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections. This presentation is free, although a $5 donation is greatly appreciated.

HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARTIST IN RESIDENCE BEN COSGROVE will offer a free performance this Saturday, July 16 from 2:30 p.m. in Kahuku, courtesy of Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and the National Park Arts Foundation.

Cosgrove is a traveling musical artist and keyboardist who explores rhythms of landscape, place and environment. He performed and held fellowships at Acadia National Park, Isle Royale National Park, NASA, Harvard University and more.
Due to high infection rates of Covid-19 on island, attendance is limited to 25 people. Registration is required and is free.

Go to https://bit.ly/KahukuConcert to reserve a seat. Attendees must wear masks.

This band from Ka'u goes to Kona this weekend.