Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022

Fine handmade glass from 2400 Fahrenheit will be shown and for sale during Volcano Village Artist Hui's
36th Annual Studio Tour & Sale this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. See studio map below. Photo from 2400 Fahrenheit

TEAM MEMBERS FOR THE NEXT HAWAI'I GOVERNOR'S executive office staff have been selected ahead of former Kaʻū physician Josh Green's swearing in on Monday, Dec. 5 in Honolulu. Green said,  “I am assembling a team that will help me drive an ambitious agenda for Hawaiʻi during the next four years.” He said the group is comprised of "dedicated, qualified professionals with years of experience in their respective fields. Each brings with them the passion to make a difference and meet the challenges facing Hawaiʻi.”
    The Governor-elect's transition team released the following names with backgrounds of the so-far, all-women team:
    Brooke Wilson will serve as Green’s Chief of Staff, a position she held during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor. Over the last four years, Wilson worked with Green on the state’s first master-planned Kauhale

 Joining Gov-elect Josh Green's staff are: Krystle Cook, Keala Patterson, Makana
 McClellan, Lori Abe, Brooke Wilson, Nani Medeiros, Felea'i Tau and
 Shari Carter. Photo from Green's transition team

(tiny home village), and the development of the Housing is Healthcare model to address chronic homelessness. Wilson has 20 years of career experience in multiple industries including government, construction, non-profit, technology, and communications.
    Nani Medeiros will join as Green’s Chief Housing Officer. Medeiros will be driving the Governor’s initiatives on workforce and affordable housing, homelessness and social service policies. Medeiros is Executive Director of HomeAid Hawai'i and developed Kama’okū, a Kauhale of 37 tiny homes to address homelessness. She spent six years in healthcare at the Hawaii Primary Care Association, 13 years at the state legislature, and five years in the executive branch of the state.
    Lori Abe, Deputy Chief of Staff, most recently served as a Vice President for the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi.
    Makana McClellan, Director of Communications, most recently served as the Director of Business Development & Community Relations and the Director of Marketing & Communications at Shriners Children’s Hospital and was previously the Public Information Officer for The Queen’s Health Systems.
    Feleaʻi Tau, Director of Constituent Services and Protocol, worked for Green for the last 18 years as his

Lt. Gov. Josh Green will be sworn in as Governor,
on Monday, Dec. 5 at noon in Honolulu.
Photo from Green

Office Manager and most recently as the Special Assistant to the Lieutenant Governor.
   Keala Patterson, Protocol Officer, most recently served as the Director of Public Affairs at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
    Krystle Cook, Administrative Services Officer, most recently served as an Advancement Operations Officer at Punahou School.
   Shari Carter, Executive Assistant to the First Lady as the Administrative Services Officer for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the last nine years.
   In addition, the incoming administration announced "an additional 15 staff for critical roles in the Governor’s office. Together, this team will support the Governor-elect in his day-to-day operations and priorities for the state." 
    As cabinet-level interviews continue this week, Green said he continues to encourage interested Hawaiʻi residents to apply to serve at every level of government through the administration portal, GreenTransition2022.org, or the hiring portal of the State of Hawaiʻi: jobs.hawaii.gov with applications considered as they are received.
    “I have been so excited to see the incredible quality of applicants who have already applied to work in the administration. This really gives me hope that a great future lies ahead for our state.”
    Green's inauguration will be held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Arena, Dec. 5 at noon. Doors open at 9 a.m. with ceremony at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

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PUTTING FILIPINO HISTORY CLASSES IN SCHOOL is gaining traction with Sen. Mazie Hirono meeting this week with high school student leaders of the Filipino Curriculum Project. The effort aims to create an elective course within the Hawai'i Department of Education to tell the history and contributions of Filipinos in Hawai'i.
    "Hawai'i's rich diversity is central to our state's history and culture, and it's important that our keiki learn about all of the communities that comprise our unique state," said Hirono. "The Filipino community has made significant contributions in areas such as health care, education, the arts, business, military

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono meets with Filipino students
who advocate Filipino history in the schools.
Photo from Hirono's office

service, and more in Hawaii and across the country. Developing a curriculum that celebrates these contributions, as well as the rich history and culture of the Filipino community is long overdue. The students leading the Filipino Curriculum Project are a testament to the drive and dedication of the next generation, and I'm very encouraged by what they're doing. I've asked for their feedback on my bill to expand AAPI history in our schools, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue."
    The Filipino Curriculum Project is a collaboration between Hawaii students from public and private schools. The group is developing a curriculum with four components: Ethnic Identity, Cultural Connection, Historical Context and Filipinos in Hawai'i. The group has participated in curriculum workshops, met with leadership from Department of Education, and engaged with State legislators to pass

House Resolution 50 to implement a Filipino history, culture, and identity social studies course for high school students.

    Hirono has long advocated on behalf of Asian Pacific Islander American communities in Hawai'i, the U.S., and Pacific Island nations and territories. In May, she introduced a bill to promote the teaching of Asian Pacific American history for high school students and teachers who enroll in the U.S. Department of Education's American History and Civics Academies programs. Hirono also brought legislation to the Senate floor, signed into law by President Biden, establishing a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture. Additionally, for the last several years, she has led the Senate resolution recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

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FOR THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND, Hawai‘i Police Department is teaming up with U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. Before heading out to any holiday event, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
    “People are familiar with the phrase ‘don’t drink and drive,’ however, they are less familiar with the impacts of driving impaired by prescription or illegal drugs,” said Torey Keltner, Program Manager for Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section. He noted that drivers need to understand that using

some cold medications or over-the-counter sleep aids can impair driving, which may lead to being arrested for a DUI. Medications have directions on how to properly use them and people should be follow them closely. “We want our Big Island community members to stay safe on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday,” added Keltner. “Driving impaired due to drugs is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.”
    "Unfortunately, this year there have been 33 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads, with impairment a factor in 14, or 42 percent, of those deaths," said Keltner.  Six of the fatalities were due to drugs only, an additional six deaths were due to a combination of drugs and alcohol, and two deaths were caused by alcohol only. However, toxicology reports are still pending on the other 19 fatalities and the percentage of fatalities due to impairment is expected to increase.
    In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads. Impairment was a factor in 21 of the 26 fatalities, with drugs playing a role in 20 of the 21 impaired deaths.
    Driving under the influence of a drug played a similar role in 2020 traffic fatalities. Of the 15 traffic deaths in 2020, impairment was a factor in 12 people dying, with drugs playing a role in nine of the 12 impaired traffic fatalities.
     “With so many safe driving options available, there’s no excuse to drive impaired this holiday season,” says Keltner. “We are asking our community members to please make good decisions during the upcoming holidays and commit to sober driving.”
    He said that Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout the holiday season. "For those heading out to the bar or parties during the Thanksgiving

holiday, make sure to plan for a safe ride home." He provided a few tips to help you prepare for a safe night out.
    If planning to go to a party or event, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who is affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
    If using an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If the driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
     If seeing a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs, take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll give thanks later.
    If seeing an impaired driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022

A traditional Hawaiian game on the Makahiki Grounds where 250 students participated on Tuesday. See more below.
Photo from Kahua Olohu Stewardship Committee

NA'ALEHU SOLAR WAS ANNOUNCED BY HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC on Tuesday. The owner of the solar farm project is Nexamp, located in Boston and founded in 2007. According to county tax records, the 166.48 acres where Nāʻālehu Solar is planned is owned by Daniel Taggerty-Onaga and Matthew William 

An image used on Nexmp's website to introduce

 Nāʻālehu Solar. Photo from Nexamp

Solomon, with an address listed as Kailua-Kona.
    Nexamp announced it plans to hold a virtual community outreach in January of 2023 as it starts the permitting process and plans for construction.
    Nāʻālehu Solar is expected to be online in 2025. It is one of several Nexamp projects planned around the state. Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai said, “Our proven track record as a long-term owner/operator has made us a trusted partner in hundreds of communities today and our seven new Nexamp projects in Hawai‘i will help the state move toward its decarbonization goals. Dedicated to low- and moderate-income residents, each of these shared solar projects will ensure equal access to participate and lower their electric costs while reducing the islands’ fossil fuel dependence. We look forward to making our popular community solar program and other consumer decarbonization services available to all residents of Hawai‘i in the years ahead.”

Image from the Nexamp website.

    In March, Hawaiian Electric opened a request for proposals for developers, companies, organizations or groups to become a “subscriber organization” of shared solar projects for Low and Moderate Income customers. According to the Hawaiian Electric statement, LMI shared solar projects "help lower the electric bills of customers who meet low- and moderate-income levels and are unable to install privately-owned rooftop solar." Once the projects are available on Hawaiian Electric’s CBRE Portal, LMI customers – including those who are renters and apartment residents – may become "subscribers" to Nāʻālehu Solar. Once the project is built and online, subscribers receive credits on their monthly electricity bill based on their level of participation."

    Nāʻālehu Solar is planned to be a 3.5 MG plus battery facility. See nexamp.com/naalehu-solar.
    The company's website says, "Hawai'i is moving away from fossil fuels and into a renewable future. Nāʻālehu Solar is designed to support the island’s goal of being 100% renewable by 2045. The project, located south of Mamalahoa Highway, will generate clean power, build grid reliance, and lower electricity costs. It is also a part of the CBRE low to moderate

Location of the planned Nāʻālehu Solar Farm.
Image from Nexamp

income (LMI) shared solar program, meaning that community members who meet certain LMI income requirements are eligible to enroll.
    "Nexamp will finance, construct, own and operate the project. We plan to use local labor at prevailing wages for construction and ongoing maintenance and have already established relationships with local contractors."
    Nexamp calls its program the "Utility of the Future" and says, "We’re working with communities, businesses, and municipalities to democratize clean energy and support U.S. energy independence.

    "Nexamp subscribers receive annual electricity savings, and partners share in the profits of our unique, vertically integrated model. Best practices are honored, operations are efficient, and each year our solution expands farther."
    The project website shows photos of Green Sand Beach, hawksbill turtles and a stalk of bananas and says, "We’re in the business of helping Earth, not hurting it. To ensure our projects are environmentally conscious, we follow the permitting process and obtain all required approvals before starting construction."
    For more information on Hawaiian Electric’s shared solar program, go to hawaiianelectric.com/sharedsolar and communityenergyhawaii.com.

Map published by Nexamp showing location of Nāʻālehu Solar.

Kua O Ka Lā, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, and Nāʻālehu School fourth and fifth graders joined in traditional

Hawaiian games Tuesday at the Makahiki Grounds. Photo from Kahua Olohu Stewardship Committee

 The carved image of Lono for celebrating Makahiki Season.
Photo by Pua Palignawan

THE MAKAHKI GROUNDS near Nāʻālehu experienced Hawaiian games traditional to the season on Tuesday, with participation by 250 students from Kua O Ka Lā, Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, and Nāʻālehu School fourth and fifth graders.
Makahiki games played were pāla'ie, 'ulumaika, pāhe'e, hū, kūkini, pōhaku ho'okaika, 'ō'ō 'ihe, haka moa, lupe and huki-huki tug of war.
    Ocean Nihipali Sesson won the 11th grade 'ō'ō 'ihe, spear throwing championship, with Eddie Wirtz becoming 10th grade champion. Lokahi Kaupu was sixth grade champion and Travis DeCoito was fourth grade champion.
    The Kahua Olohu Stewardship Committee sent out mahalos to Kua O Ka Lā, Ho'omalu Kaʻū, Ka 'Ohana O Honuapo, County of Hawai'i, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, 'Ala Kahakai Trails Association, The Nature Conservancy, Kumu Kiliona Moku of Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, teachers from Nāʻālehu Elementary School, its Principal Wilma Roddy and all of the keiki participants. More mahalos went to Kamomi Biven and Honu Lafitaga for 100 lbs. of kalo to papa kui'ai, Leina'ala Enos and Clarissa and Dwayne Pua for additional keiki snacks.
    Organizers said they hope to host 1,000 keiki in the next Makahiki Season. Nohea Kaawa said, "It was fun. Students were very competitive, super talented and came out to give their wai in the form of their sweat to honor our Lono Season!" 

Makahiki games drew 250 students. Photo by Wilma Roddy

Arm wrestling was one of the makahiki events at Makahiki Grounds on Tuesday. Photo by Wilma Roddy

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022

A wasteland around a communications tower on Monday, after Sunday's 66 acre fire in Pāhala.

Photo by Julia Neal

THE MAILE STREET FIRE IN PĀHALA on Sunday spilled into Monday with fire crews putting out flareups, soaking down ashes and cutting back teetering trees that had burned. Maile Street remained blocked off along the pine tree road at Hwy 11 and all along the fire front along Maile Street. Flareups persisted along the Old Mill road to the macadamia factory. A helicopter continued its work dropping water on the hotspots. Wind whipped up ashes from the old mill yard of the sugar cane company that shut down in 1996 with the Kaʻū District under a Red Flag Alert for wind. Firefighters said they would watch over the area at least through Monday night.

A drone photo of the burned area by Rodney Freitas

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MENTORS FOR DEVELOPING HYDROGEN ENERGY FOR HAWAI'I COUNTY will be from Namie, Japan and Lancaster, CA. The announcement was made at the recent international climate meetings in Egypt by by U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm in collaboration with the governments of Japan and the United Kingdom. A statement from Hawai'i County says, "Through this trans-Pacific Mentor-Mentee partnership of municipal leaders, Lancaster and Namie, Japan, have pledged to share best practices and strategies to accelerate hydrogen and fuel cell use in Hawaiʻi County. Namie and Lancaster are the world's first hydrogen cities and have attracted corporate, government, and academic sponsors to help build out their infrastructure."

  The partnership is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's inaugural H2 Twin Cities Initiative with its H2 – TRANS – PACIFIC Team proposal to develop clean hydrogen solutions for energy sustainability and strengthening ties across the Pacific.
    E. Rex Parris, Mayor of the City of Lancaster, said, "Climate extinction is not a problem that Lancaster, Namie, or Hawaiʻi can solve alone. But together, we may lead the way for the rest of the world to join us before it's too late." He thanked the Department of Energy for the H2 Twin Cities designation, which will bring resources and opportunities to green hydrogen solutions. "Together, we can drive change at the local level and improve environmental conditions for our communities."
    Over the past decade, the City of Lancaster has transformed into a renewable energy leader, attracting more than $2 billion of investment in cutting-edge renewable and clean energy projects.
    Hawai'i County, Namie and Lancaster have announced the aim to make significant progress toward carbon neutrality by 2035. "Although they represent diverse geographies, demographics, economic drivers, and levels of hydrogen deployment, they share a common bond of being early adopters of hydrogen demonstration projects through visionary leadership. Unfortunately, their communities have also all faced an increasing number of natural disasters—many caused by rapid climate change," says the Hawai'i County statement.

    Eiko Yoshida, Mayor of Namie City in Fukushima prefecture, said that after suffering great casualties from Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear tragedy 11 years ago, Namie City aims to maximize renewable energy usage and production of hydrogen at their world-class FH2R facility. "Through the mentor-mentee program and the alliance between three cities, we can share our progress and challenges and continue working toward the construction of a hydrogen society," he said.
    The mentee municipality of Hawaiʻi County, which is perhaps the most vulnerable of the three to natural disasters due to rising sea levels and volcanic activity, also has the greatest diversity and wealth of renewable energy resources that can be converted into hydrogen production.
    Hawai'i County Mayor Mitch Roth said, "Our administration remains resolute in our efforts to convert to hydrogen, the highest and most available form of energy in the universe. We are starting by working to turn municipal waste into hydrogen energy to fuel our County fleet and reduce the waste in our landfills. Next, we plan to generate large amounts of hydrogen from geothermal energy to replace fossil fuel-based electricity generation and decarbonize air travel emissions. We live in one of the most beautiful and pristine places on the planet, and as leaders, it's our job to care for this place by being thoughtful stewards, and hydrogen conversion is just one example of that."
    The ambitious goals and creative solutions are due in no small part to the visionary and energetic leaders of these municipalities, according to Lex Heslin, CEO of Enso Infrastructure, a green hydrogen

project developer, who brought the three cities together and acts as the H2 – TRANS – PACIFIC program manager and advisor. He has worked with Lancaster for more than a decade to advance its position as a leading sustainable city. "The Mayors of Lancaster, Namie, and Hawaiʻi County are known for making bold, positive changes. By working together, they will greatly advance clean hydrogen innovation and deployment to improve people's lives, regional infrastructure, and the environment," Heslin said. "Equally compelling is the fact that this unique trilateral relationship also creates critical trade routes for hydrogen that bridge the U.S. and Japan, providing much-needed energy security in the Pacific and Asia."
    Lancaster, for its part, has entered into partnerships with some of the world's leading clean energy companies, which include BYD, which manufactures electric buses; Heliogen, which generates hydrogen from concentrated solar energy; SGH2, which gasifies wastepaper into hydrogen; and Hitachi Zosen Inova (HZI), which converts organic waste into renewable natural gas and hydrogen. The city also started its own utility company, Lancaster Choice Energy, allowing residents to choose local renewable energy at lower prices.

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THANKSGIVING CLOSURES OF ALL COUNTY TRANSFER STATIONS, RECYCLING CENTERS AND LANDFILL have been announced by the Solid Waste Division. In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, this annual closure also includes the East Hawai'i Organics Facility, the West Hawai'i Organics Facility, the Hilo Reload Station, the HI-5 redemption centers at County facilities, and the Reuse Centers.
     "We respectfully ask for your kōkua. Please do not litter or illegally dump any materials at the closed Transfer Stations and Recycling Centers. Facilities are scheduled to resume normal operations on Friday," says the County statement. 

    To register for Solid Waste Notifications via email or text, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org. With any questions, contact the Solid Waste Administrative Office at (808) 961-8270.

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TWO MILLION VISIT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES ANNUALLY and the National Park has released a vdeo on enjoying the park when it is busy. An accompanying statement says, "There is one thing you can count on during the holidays at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park if you don't plan ahead: crowds." Thanksgiving

through January are the busiest times, and visitors should expect extremely high visitor concentrations, traffic delays and no parking at popular places during peak hours. "Don't let festive congestion dampen your spirits." A new video shares ranger tips on how to plan ahead for the best park experience, recommending:
    1. Know Before You Go. Visit the park website www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes for eruption updates, alerts, what to do, and more before you arrive. Download the free National Park Service app – it's a terrific source to help you explore the park.
    2. Be Flexible. The park is open 24 hours, and the busiest time is between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. every day. Popular overlooks and parking lots are often full. Kīlauea summit is the main destination for most visitors, but there are many places to go in the park. Have alternate destinations in mind, and strongly consider arriving before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

A new film addresses crowding at Hawai'i Volcanoes
 National Park with tips for going there. Photo from NPS

    3. Be Respectful. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are sacred and cherished landscapes. Be considerate of others and use your indoor voice at overlooks. Leave your mobile sound system at home. Point flashlights and headlamps at the ground to avoid blinding others.
The statement recommends sharing the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park video with anyone who plans to visit the park. "With planning and flexibility, everyone can have a safe and memorable visit this holiday season." See it at: https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjExMjEuNjcwMzY1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5ucHMuZ292L21lZGlhL3ZpZGVvL3ZpZXcuaHRtP2lkPUMyNzgzMzUzLUJFN0UtNDY5Mi1BNDg5LTdDNjU2QTIxNEY0QiZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.7AYf7jjIRRYTxP_OS-EHEtwxEKYxgt9SpIX5dc_fK50/s/2157880499/br/148679775153-l.

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