Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023

Nā'alehu Elementary School 3rd and 4th graders take a field trip to Subaru Telescope and 'Imiloa. See more below.

Photo from Subaru Telescope

NĀ'ĀLEHU SOLAR GOES BEFORE THE PUBLIC on Thursday, Jan. 26 at a meeting to be held at Nā'alehu Community Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The solar will take up a small portion, 20 acres of the 176-acre parcel makai of Hwy 11 near Nā'alehu and Waiohinu. The plan by project owners Nexamp is for the solar to start feeding the Hawaiian Electric grid by June of 2025.

     The proposal is for agricultural land, where solar is an allowed activity. According to Nexamp, the solar farm would serve about 500 households who would sign up for the program and save an average of about 15 percent on Hawaiian Electric Bills. 

    A minimum of 60 percent of those receiving electricity through the Nexamp program must be low to moderate income households as rated by U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The rest of the subscribers would be non-profits, including government agencies.    Nexamp representatives said the site was chosen to minimize cultural and environmental impacts and visibility. Nāʻālehu Solar is planned to be a 3.5 MG plus battery facility. 

Location of the planned Nāʻālehu Solar farm, which
would take up a 20-acre portion of a 176 acre site.
Image from Nexamp

     Nexamp's website notes that "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..... 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." See more at nexamp.com/naalehu-solar.

      Nexamp's Nāʻālehu Solar is one of seven projects recently chosen by Hawaiian Electric for a shared solar program, to offer savings through solar energy for those unable to install solar panels. 

    Nexamp also operates in Illinois, New York, Minnesota, Maine and other locations. 

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SUBARU TELESCOPE WELCOMED SOME 100 NĀ'ALEHU ELEMENTARY third and fourth graders recently to its Hilo base facility. The Subaru Stars program brings astronomy and STEM education to 

Nā'alehu Elementary School 3rd and 4th graders visit telescope
simulator at Subaru Telescope's base facility. Photo form Subaru

students across Hawai'i Island. The field trip, in partnership with 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, allowed students to enjoy a fun-filled day exploring both facilities, where they learned about exoplanets, astronomy, super computers, telescope operations, and more.

    "Most of us were inspired by experiences in our childhood that led to our future occupations," said Subaru Telescope director Satoshi Miyazaki. "I hope the visiting students were excited about what they learned about Subaru Telescope."
    "Whether it was soaring through the solar system looking at stars through 3D glasses, learning about a 100-eye monster PANOPTES citizen science project, checking out the Subaru Telescope simulator, or lassoing the moon, every second of the excursion was maximized with intriguing scientific discovery," said the statement from Subaru.
    Nine-year-old Makamae Tayamen said a favorite part of the field trip was learning about PANOPTES (Panoptic Astronomical Networked 

Observatories for a Public Transiting Exoplanets Survey), a citizen science project based at the Subaru Telescope office that aims to build low-cost robotic telescopes that can be used to detect transiting exoplanets. "We learned that the PANOPTES robot wakes up at night and looks at the stars and finds planets, then it sleeps in the day. When it finds planets and stars, [the astronomers] put all that information into a computer and learn about the planets."
    At 'Imiloa Astronomy Center, senior planetarium technician and educator Emily Peavy discussed what is going on in the solar system and which planets could be seen with the naked eye in the skies above the Big Island that very evening. She also talked about past lava flows on the moon. Students learned about what makes the sun a star, the different types of planets in our solar system (rocky and gaseous) and the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet.
    "My favorite part of 'Imiloa was when I went to the planetarium because we sat down and pretended to lasso the moon," said nine-year old Evelyn Cardwell. "It really looked like the moon was coming closer!"
    'Imiloa Astronomy Center school group education program facilitator Chrissy Ghiasi said, "Having the opportunity to interact with scientists who live and work in Hilo and who can share about the science happening right here on our island can inspire students in a very unique way by making the information that much more relevant.

Nā'alehu Elementary School 3rd and 4th graders cruise through space
with Subaru Telescope's Dr. Kumiko Usuda-Sato as their guide.
Photo from Subaru Telescope

   Providing students with opportunities to interact with exhibits or having the experience of learning in the planetarium can ignite their curiosity and create connections about what they are learning that will become deeply ingrained as they continue on their journey as students."
    Subaru Telescope and 'Imiloa Astronomy Center plan additional student trips in 2023 as part of the Subaru Stars program to bring this type of educational experience to students in underserved communities. Subaru Stars program was established in 2022 as a way to bring astronomy and STEM education to students and communities across Hawai'i Island, whether it be traveling to school campus settings or bringing students directly to our Hilo base facility. The traveling program focuses on hands-on, engaging activities to ignite an interest (and perhaps a future career) in astronomy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related fields. 

    The base facility program encourages students to get excited about learning about astronomy. They see a super computer in action, learn about daily telescope operations, use virtual reality to explore the cosmos, and experience all the amazing work being done by Subaru Telescope in the field of astronomy right here on Hawai'i Island.
    The Subaru Telescope is an 8.2 meter optical-infrared telescope at the summit of Maunakea. It is operated by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, National Institutes of Natural Sciences . One of Subaru Telescope's main missions, in addition to telescope operations and astronomical discoveries, is to foster education in the next generation of researchers.The observatory of Subaru Telescope was officially established in April 1997.

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THE FIFTH ANNUAL KEIKI WATER CONSERVATION POSTER CONTEST IS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS through Friday, March 10. The county Department of Water Supply invites Hawai‘i Island students attending kindergarten through the sixth grade to enter the contest themed Our Water, Our Future, Conserve It.

A previous winner in the Keiki Water Conservation poster contest,
open for submissions through March 10. See www.hawaiidws.org.

A previous winner in the Keiki Water Conservation poster contest,
open for submissions through March 10. See www.hawaiidws.org.
    To encourage more keiki to learn about conserving water, Dept. of Water Supply is including sixth-grade students for the first time. Prizes will be awarded first and second place entrants from each grade level K-6, as chosen by a panel of judges, for a maximum total of 14 winners island-wide. The Department will announce winning entries at a future meeting of the Water Board of the County of Hawai‘i.
    Friday, March 10 is the deadline to submit an original artwork illustrating Our Water, Our Future, Conserve It on a flat, 11- by 17-inch paper. Any medium may be used, except for three-dimensional renderings, chalk, charcoal and oil-based crayon. No computer graphics or photographs will be accepted. Make sure each poster lists the artist’s name in legible print.
Each poster submission should be accompanied by a completed entry form available below, at www.hawaiidws.org, via email by contacting dws@hawaiidws.org or by calling DWS on regular working

Submissions are open to keiki from K through Sixth

grade with deadline March 10. See www.hawaiidws.org

days at (808) 961-8050. There is no charge to enter. Contest entries should be mailed to DWS in Hilo or dropped off in designated bins at DWS’ offices in Hilo, Kona or Waimea by Friday, March 10. Address locations and additional contest rules are listed on the attached entry form and at www.hawaiidws.org.
The free contest aims to highlight the importance of reducing water waste and protecting drinking water supplies. "It challenges keiki to utilize artistic ways of conserving our most precious resource – safe drinking water," says the statement from Dept. Of Water Supply. Conservation ideas, including the video Save Water to Help the Earth, are posted under the “Conservation” link at www.hawaiidws.org.
Founded in 1949, Department of Water Supply is a semi-autonomous agency of County of Hawai‘i. The Department’s mission is to provide customers with an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water through the operation of its 23 separate water systems that combined deliver about 25 million gallons of water each day to Hawai‘i Island communities.

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FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Gov. Josh Green put forth his Green Affordability Plan with state income tax breaks for  Hawai'i families, along with tax breaks
for caregivers and teachers who use their own money for such expenses as student school supplies. Photo from Gov. Green

THE SECOND HALF OF THE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS on Monday by Gov. Josh Green follows, including his plans for tackling Cost of Living, Climate Crisis, Economic Development, Major Projects, Accountable Government, A Culture of Public Service, and "Our Dream and Our Destiny." He explains his Green Affordability Plan. In the governor's words:

COST OF LIVING: Two weeks ago, I testified in person before the House Finance Committee on the meaning of ALICE — Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed. These are families struggling to afford basic household necessities such as childcare, healthcare, and transportation. Families who must choose between buying food or medicine for their families — one paycheck or one health crisis away from slipping into poverty or facing eviction. Our cost of living is the highest in the country at nearly twice the national average.

See the 2022 ALICE report at
https://www.boh.com/siteassets/files/community
/alice-report-2022.pdf

   In Hawai‘i, we should not teeter on the brink of poverty in order to provide for our ‘ohana.
One job should enough to support a family.
Our plan takes the necessary steps to strengthen the health of ALICE families and communities.
The Green Affordability Plan cuts taxes and provides tax relief annually for the people that need it most.
If adopted in full by the legislature, it will provide over $300 million in tax relief to the people who need it most.
    This will help us get money into the pockets of working families so that they can purchase essential goods and services like food, medicine, and housing, which will in turn stimulate our economy.
    Following the recommendations of the 2020 Tax Commission, we will reform our tax code to provide for a cost-of-living adjustment in response to recent inflationary pressures. This plan provides universal tax relief by: Shifting Tax brackets to ensure that working families aren’t burdened by inflation; More than doubling the Standard Deduction from $2,200 to $5,000; and Doubling the personal exemption from $1,144 to $2,288.
    Under this plan, every income bracket in Hawai‘i will be paying less state income tax. This directly lowers Hawai‘i’s cost of living for every resident, by keeping more money in the pockets of every taxpayer. Under this proposal, a family of four in every income bracket can anticipate nearly $2,000 in savings due to reduced taxes, and lower income families will see even more savings.
    For many, this is the equivalent of a full extra monthly paycheck every year.
    In addition, the Green Affordability Plan intentionally rewards our families, caretakers, and educators by: Creating a new Educator Tax Credit of $500 per teacher; Providing our hardest-hit residents a Renters Credit of $350; Making the Food Excise Tax Credit available to a full 1/3 of taxpayers; and Expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit from 20% to 30% of the federal amount.

     We’ll also take bold action to expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Under our proposal, working families paying for daycare, babysitters, summer camps, after school care, and adult daycare will be eligible for up to $10,000 of support from the state.This will provide a huge relief for working families and help reduce the choice that many face — whether to start a family or to invest in a career. This plan will grow our economy, ensure healthier kupuna and keiki, and reduce the burden placed on family caretakers across our state.
    Hawai‘i families should not have to choose between a job and childcare, between rent and healthcare, between school supplies and dinner. The Green Affordability Plan is essential relief from the economic burdens forcing too many families to leave our islands.We thought long and hard about how resources are allocated and invested in state priorities. When we invest in families, we invest in our future — and our return on investment is unlimited.
    The people of Hawai‘i deserve generational tax reform. This reform will help us build a more equitable future, where our people can be more productive and more secure. A future where residents are not one paycheck away from crisis. A future where our priorities reflect our values, and we can all rise together as one ‘ohana.

OUR CLIMATE CRISIS: Tax relief provides immediate support to families across our state, but we also need to take action to protect our environment and our planet, which will have direct and long- term effects on our economy now and into the future. This is why addressing climate change today is so important. The impact of climate change is wide-ranging. As an island state, climate change threatens our economy, culture, environment, and the sustainability of our way of life. That’s why I announced our commitment to providing 100 million dollars for a climate impact fund steered by the Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption Commission. We are committed to pursuing climate change strategies that are equitable, culturally responsive and resilient. This includes looking at the resiliency of the power grid, renewable energy, sustainable transportation, land use planning, sea level rise, health, natural and cultural resource impacts, and much more.
We have taken action and dedicated resources for these vital efforts — but we can’t do it alone.
    This fund will be open to contributions from anyone, whether locally or around the globe.
The revenues generated from visitor impact fees will fortify our efforts to protect Hawai‘i’s people and our way of life, and we will continue to take the impacts of climate change seriously.

Gov. Josh Green supports expansion of Japanese wedding
tourism to Hawai'i. Photo from Aloha Island Weddings

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Our administration will work to ensure that our economy: Fosters prosperity for our people; Creates opportunities for our keiki; Protects the unique character of Hawaiʻi, and Strengthens and supports our shared values.
    We will not sit passively on the sidelines any longer when it comes to our economic development.We will reach out beyond our shores and seek opportunities for our people.
In doing so, we will fulfill the promise that Governor Burns saw for our state, and in his words, Hawai‘i “…will finally assume our rightful place in the Pacific sun.”
    We are the center of the Pacific — linking together Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and the broader United States.
    In the coming years, we will reposition our economy to pursue global opportunities — retooling tourism, developing green technologies, and expanding our reach into international markets for our small businesses and our world-class professional sector. We will begin to move our economy beyond tourism, become energy independent, and fulfill our potential as a economic and renewable energy leader in the Pacific.
    We have been working with partners to convene Japanese and local businesses in key sectors for
Hawai‘i's economy, like the international wedding industry, which brings in over 20% of all visitors from Japan. Welcoming more visitors like our Japanese neighbors means we can generate more revenue for local businesses while taking in fewer tourists overall. We are also working on new plans to increase the export of locally-made and locally- grown products with our regional partners.
    Despite being the 41-largest state by population, we rank last of all US states in overall economic exports — a statistic that needs to change. Our economy is rife with untapped potential. We will encourage our small business and professional services sectors to seek new markets beyond our islands.
    We will strengthen Native Hawaiian-owned businesses, support Hawaiian agricultural food production like taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, and promote indigenous farming practices to keep our people more physically, mentally, and spiritually nourished.
    Diversifying our crops and food systems will help us connect with the land and each other as we strive to grow what we eat and eat what we grow, deepening our connection to our ‘āina.
    By advocating for our local interests and through dialogue with our partners, we can create more opportunities for Hawai‘i’s people.

Gov. Josh Green said he wants to bring in one billion dollars to invest in hydrogen for renewable energy.
Photo from Millennium Reign Energy

    I am pleased to share that we are working on an initiative with federal, community, and international partners to pursue investments in cutting-edge hydrogen technologies for Hawai‘i. Through cooperation with partners in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States Congress, this technology can help stabilize the Pacific’s energy resilience, promote our defense infrastructure, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
    To that end, we are preparing a historic application to potentially bring in over a billion dollars in federal and private sector investments to our state through a regional Hydrogen Hub.
    The integration of hydrogen technology into our grid, along with the continued expansion of traditional renewable energy infrastructure, will give utilities, businesses, and local talent an international advantage, with the potential to turn our state into a regional energy exporter.
    Through proactive efforts like these, Hawai‘i is leading our Pacific neighbors into the future.
    Not just through defense initiatives, but through greater economic, energy, and cultural integration. And by leveraging our climate investments, our renewable enregy and environmental expertise, and our unique geographic location, we can achieve even greater economic diversification.

MAJOR PROJECTS: We also need to address two major projects — the stadium and a new correctional facility. We all want a stadium, a place where we can be proud of our sports teams. We want a stadium for our university, our families, and our broader community. When the Aloha Stadium first opened in September 1975, the arena was a great triumph. But times have changed, and so have the needs of Hawai‘i’s people. For a project of this size, we must be thoughtful, thorough, and analytical. We’ve

Gov. Josh Green says he wants to replace O'ahu Community
Correctional Center with a modern prison. He also plans
to replace Aloha Stadium with a new sports venue.
Photo from Department of Corrections

already addressed the benefits of a public-private partnership in the future development of the Aloha Stadium, but such a partnership will only work if the state gets a fair deal.

    We are carefully reviewing our options and we will go forward on the best deal available. But we can’t afford to wait — the longer the delay, the higher the cost.
    The same goes for replacing the obsolete O‘ahu Community Correctional Center. To replace the OCCC, we need to build a modern, new correctional facility that is safe, secure, and humane, that has the capacity to provide rehabilitation, counseling, education, and job training opportunities to inmates, at the same time it protects the public.
    Almost all of those convicted of non-violent crimes and held in our correctional facilities will one day return to our communities, and will be living alongside us as our neighbors. We must move toward a restorative approach to justice rather than strictly punitive one.
   As my administration reviewed the details of these projects, we saw that the previous legislature provided general fund monies to begin the construction of a new stadium and plan construction of the new jail.For projects of this size, we need to work together and reach consensus — these two projects will continue to be debated in the coming legislative session. Again, our goal will be to secure the best deal for the state and get these projects moving forward as quickly as possible.

ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNMENT: Our state deserves transparent and accountable government. Without good governance, without trust, without ethical standards, how can we truly serve the people and make progress for our state? Corruption must be taken seriously and rooted out — the abuse of power is an affront to the people of Hawai‘i. Corruption is the basis of the widespread pessimism which people express openly across our state. To be a public servant is to be responsible — it is a privilege to carry this responsibility.I have directed our new Attorney General to take seriously corruption and ethics reform in state and county government.

    I agree with the recommendations of the House Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct — it’s time to “rebuild integrity and trust in government.” I look forward to working with the Legislature on taking this course of action, and I will sign any common-sense legislation that achieves meaningful ethics reform in state government.
    We’ll hold everyone in Hawai‘i to the highest standards of ethics and accountability — and the federal government and its institutions are no exception.
    We must hold the U.S. Navy accountable for the environmental disaster at Red Hill and shut it down. Hawai‘i must never again risk leaks or spills of any toxic substance into our water supply.
    This means that any entity or organization that wants to operate in our state must fully understand, respect, and comply with the same absolute commitment — Hawai‘i will not tolerate pollution of our water. The current oversight of Red Hill is not strong enough. Like so many citizens, I am not satisfied with last week’s presentation from the Navy and the EPA.

https://www.oha.org/wp-content/uploads/MMNHWG-Report_Web.pdf

    The Navy needs to be one-hundred percent transparent and open with the public and their elected leaders. Our administration intends to approach Red Hill like we dealt with the pandemic — with continual monitoring, analysis, and transparent updates to the public.
    Enhanced oversight, frequent updates, and constant communication about the draining of the tanks, the quality of our water and progress to permanently close Red Hill will be led by our Deputy Director of Health in partnership with the Board of Water Supply’s leadership.
    Finally, I have tasked our Attorney General with addressing a chilling reality described in the Missing and Murdered Native Hawaiian Women and Girls Task Force’s report, which finds that Native Hawaiian women and girls experience gender-based violence at rates disproportionate to the population. The very recognition of this matter is a critical first step towards reckoning with the depth of this horrifying issue, and we are committed to providing the resources to end these crimes against Native Hawaiian women.
When it comes to governance, sunlight, open windows, and plenty of fresh air are the best disinfectants.
This is why I agree with the call from the Civil Beat Law Center and their partners — our government documents should be easily accessible and virtually cost-free to obtain.
    We need to build trust — and to do that we must be open, transparent, and accountable to the people.

A CULTURE OF PUBLIC SERVICE: Over the last few weeks, the Legislature has conducted important Informational Briefings with our new cabinet and nominees. As we lean into our first Legislative session together, this administration comes to you in a spirit of full collaboration.
    Our nominees are stepping forward in a time of great adversity, willing to dedicate themselves heart and soul, to the work for the people of Hawai‘i. Several critical members of our cabinet — and our government — will require confirmation by the Senate in the coming weeks.
    Government in Hawai‘i cannot function without a qualified and dedicated corps of public servants to administer and implement our mandates and priorities.

Gop. Josh Green asked the state Senate to confirm his cabinet nominees, including
 these six. Front: Dawn Chang, Sharon Hurd, Ikaika Anderson. Back: Laura Ka’akua,
 Morris Atta, Katie Lambert Ducatt. Photo from Josh Green

   I extend my gratitude to our cabinet nominees who have stepped up to serve — leaders in their fields who are often willing to sacrifice time with their families and other professional opportunities for a life of public service. I would especially like to congratulate and welcome our many new women and Native Hawaiian leaders.
    They will smash the remaining glass ceilings in public service — and I am honored to sweep-up the debris they leave behind. I have set a high standard for these nominees, and they are already meeting and exceeding my expectations.
    The Senate must now vet and confirm them on their ability to do the job. There are moments when nominees can become collateral damage in political disputes that often have nothing to do with their ability and commitment to get things done for the people of Hawai‘i.
    Chronic conflict and dysfunction among branches of government is not good for any of us — especially when it doesn’t serve the interest of the people. I nominated these leaders because they can get the job done, and I ask you to let them do just that.With due diligence, I ask that you confirm these nominees. They will make Hawai‘i proud. Like you, they are public servants, and I ask you to respect them as they step forward into these roles.This is my team. This is Hawaiʻi's team.

OUR DREAM AND OUR DESTINY: Today we find ourselves at a crossroads — at a turning point in our history. We face enormous challenges as a state, and the strain of these challenges is slowly eroding the hopes and the dreams of our people. Thousands of families are voting with their feet, choosing to leave our islands in search of affordable housing and economic opportunity.Thousands more live in our streets, suffering without help, without hope, despairing for a better tomorrow.
    Climate change and industrial pollution threaten to permanently degrade our land and our water. These are tragedies we must not stand by and witness idly without doing everything in our power to change.

Gov. Josh Green gives his first State of the State, urging unity and one 'ohana. Photo from House Democrats

    Ultimately, we will not be judged by our words or our rhetoric — we will be judged by our actions and accomplishments.
    How will we secure the health of our state? How will we nurture the integrity of our people and culture? How will we create the quality of life that we desire? We’ll do it together — as one ‘ohana united by our shared values. We must provide economic relief and restore hope to our people. We must restore the health of our land and water. We must redeem the promise of Hawai‘i.
    In pursuit of these goals, here and now we commit ourselves to four years of decisive action — making progress every day, and never giving up. Hawaiʻi's people deserve ambitious goals, big dreams, and bold action.

    “The less foresighted may label us dreamers for expressing what may be regarded as overly grandiose thoughts,” Governor Burns said. “But dream we must, as we must pursue these dreams with vigor and energy, if we are to attain the greatness that is so patently the destiny of Hawaiʻi and its people.” Governor Burns was right. Hawaiʻi’s destiny IS greatness — a greatness born of our shared values.
    A greatness of family, community, and love — of rich diversity, tolerance, and unity. Of commitment, responsibility, and hope.
    Of reverence for our natural and cultural heritage and our shared history. We are the inheritors of this dream and this destiny. Together, we will fulfill our destiny. Together, we will realize our dreams.
     Together, we will live up to the promise of Hawaiʻi. Mahalo.

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AN OCEAN VIEW INCIDENT HAS LED TO ASSAULT, ROBBERY, DANGEROUS DRUG AND CRIMINAL PROPERTY CHARGES. Hawai‘i Island police charged 34-year-old Drosstain Pua, of Kona, with assault and property damage offenses after an incident involving four people in Ocean View on Wednesday, Jan. 18. He was also charged with multiple offenses related to an incident last July in Ka‘ū and is a suspect in several other ongoing criminal investigations.
According to the police report, at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to an unknown

Drosstain Pua

type of disturbance in the area of Walaka Drive and Bamboo Lane in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision. Upon arriving on scene, officers determined that minutes earlier a 35-year-old Ocean View woman had observed a suspicious gold colored sedan in the area of Walaka Drive and Bamboo Lane. When the woman attempted to contact the vehicle driver, later identified as Pua, a verbal confrontation ensued between the two, during which Pua threw an object striking a nearby vehicle, causing minor damages.
    When a 54-year-old Ocean View woman passing through the area stopped to intervene, Pua threw an object at her car as well, causing minor damage. Pua then physically assaulted the 54-year-old woman and also unlawfully removed personal items belonging to her.A 56-year-old male acquaintance of the 54-year-old woman tried to intervene and was also physically assaulted by Pua, who struck the man with a metal object.
    After arriving on scene and learning the nature of the incident, officers attempted to take Pua into custody, however he resisted arrest. A bystander, a 51-year-old Ocean View man, attempted to assist the arresting officers, and subsequently sustained minor injuries allegedly inflicted by Pua. Police were able to take Pua into custody and he was booked at the Ka‘ū police station while detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued their investigation.
    On Thursday, Jan. 19, after police conferred with the County Prosecutors Office, Pua was charged with:two counts fourth-degree criminal property damage; two counts second-degree assault; one count second-degree robbery; one count third-degree assault; one count third-degree promotion of a dangerous

drug and one count resisting arrest.
    Pua was also charged with offenses stemming from an incident that occurred on July 31, 2022 at a residence in HOVE in which a firearm was discharged. In that incident, a 38-year-old Ocean View man reported that Pua and another man unlawfully entered his residence in the 92-8800 block of Bamboo Lane and threatened the victim and his 70-year-old mother. While in the residence, a firearm was discharged, however, no injuries were reported.
    After conferring with the County Prosecutors Office again on Jan. 19, 2023, about the July 2022 incident, police charged Pua, who is a convicted felon and thus prohibited from owning or using firearms, with: first-degree burglary; first-degree terroristic threatening; first-degree reckless endangering; and ownership or possession prohibited carrying or use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony
    Pua’s bail was set at $170,000 and made his first court appearance on Friday, Jan.  20, 2023, in Kona District Court. Pua is also a suspect in several other criminal investigations. Police reported that these investigations will be forwarded to, and reviewed by, the County Prosecutors Office for charging determination at a later date.
    Anyone who may have further information on any other incidents involving Pua is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646 ext. 267; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. Also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

AN OCEAN VIEW MAN IS CHARGED WITH THEFT OF A JEEP, RESISTING POLICE, AND METH POSSESSION. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced Tuesday that 46 year-old Benjamin Kawika Jerin-Kealoha is charged in relation to the theft of a Jeep rental car, resisting an order to stop, and methamphetamine possession offenses alleged to have taken place on Jan. 21 in Kona. At the time of his arrest for these charges, Jerin-Kealoha was also arrested for two unrelated outstanding warrants.

     Jerin-Kealoha made his initial appearance in Kona District Court on Tuesday. He is charged with Theft in the First Degree (theft of a motor vehicle), Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Vehicle in the First Degree, Promoting a Dangerous Drug in the Third Degree (possess any amount of methamphetamine), Resisting Order to Stop a Motor Vehicle, Driving Without A License and a DAG violation.

Benjamin Kawika Jerin-Kealoha

    The most serious offense, Theft in the First Degree, is a class B felony and punishable by a ten-year prison term or four years probation and up to 18 months in jail. His bail was set at $49,000.

    A statement from County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltgen says, "The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty." The case was initiated by Officers Mara Gaertner, Justin Uresti, and Vincent Sanekane, Kona Patrol, and the felony investigation was led by Detective Jason Foxworthy, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. 

    "The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment," says the statement. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. #hawaiiprosecutors #hawaiipolicedepartment

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

 
FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Jan. 23, 2023

Gov. Josh Green released this photo with his wife Jaime and his first State of the State speech on Monday,
which he presented to the Hawai'i Legislature, seeking approval for his plans and budget. Photo from Josh Green

ACTION ROOTED IN VALUES IS THE TITLE OF GOV. JOSH GREEN'S FIRST STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS. He delivered it Monday morning before the Hawai'i Legislature, where he seeks approval. It was carried live on his facebook. During the 50-minute speech, the governor, who started out his medical career working in Ka'u, promised expansion of Intensive Care Unit and medical surgical units at Ka'u Hospital's sister facility Hilo Medical Center through a $50 million Capital Improvement Program.

Green also declared homelessness an official emergency, signing the proclamation at the podium during his speech and said a Kauhale, a village for homeless people, will be built at the Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in Kailua-Kona and that each unit would only cost $8,000.

    He also proposed spending more than $1 billion on housing statewide. The governor also offered state income tax breaks for almost every family.

     Here is the written version of the State of the State provided by the governor's office:

    It’s a great honor to stand before you and address you as your governor. This is more than just an update on our progress as a state.This is our beginning, our huliau — a moment to share our vision and our values. Over the past few years, we have come through enormous challenges together. We endured a once in a century pandemic that impacted our way of life, threatened our economy, and robbed us of too many precious lives.
    We wrestled with a housing crisis that forced too many of our people out of our state in search of economic opportunity and more affordable homes. We witnessed the risks and consequences of an economy too heavily dependent on tourism alone. And we suffered environmental threats both from pollution and from the effects of global climate change. But even in our darkest and most painful moments, Hawai‘i’s values shone through, the character and soul of our people prevailed, and we found a new dawn of hope.

An example of tiny houses in Kauhale, villages for homeless people, as addressed in Gov. Josh Green's State of the State
speech on Monday. These are in East Hawai'i and Green announced a new Kauhale for Kona.
Photo from homelessnesshawaii.gov

    Through these difficult times, we showed that when we stand together, when we put our values into action, we can meet any challenge and overcome any problem, no matter how large or difficult it seems.
    Our new administration will take on: housing, environment, tourism, homelessness, poverty, and economic opportunity in our islands.
    The people of Hawai‘i have elected us to lead, and given us a clear mandate to act on their behalf, following our common values. It’s time for us to move Hawai‘i forward — and we will do it by taking bold action rooted in these shared values.
    UNITY:  Gov John A. Burns said it best: “In diversity, there can be unity. In division, there is schism.”

Gov. Josh Green quoted the late Gov. John
A Burns during his State of the State Speech
on Monday. Image from Burns' biography

Hawai‘i is one ‘ohana — one family — and this is one of our most important values and greatest strengths. In its essence, ‘ohana is a commitment to each other with aloha, respect and appreciation for our diversity, and tolerance of our differences, all in service for the greater good. It allows all of us to benefit from the different cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences of every community in our state, and to forge a single unity of purpose out of the most diverse population imaginable.
    We will unite and bring all of our strengths to bear on the urgent issues we face. This will be one of my most important responsibilities as governor — to bring people together, unite us as one ‘ohana, and always remind us that we are stronger together and we can accomplish anything when we share a common purpose.
    A MANDATE FOR BOLD ACTION: The preamble to Hawai‘i’s constitution holds that “we reserve the right to control our destiny, to nurture the integrity of our people and culture, and to preserve the quality of life that we desire.” It is not only our right, but our kuleana — our responsibility — to take action to control our destiny and preserve our quality of life. Our constitution gives us that right, and the people of Hawai‘i have given us this mandate and imperative as their elected leaders.
    Today we need new ideas, new solutions — and bold action rooted in our shared values. Business as usual won’t work anymore — there is simply too much on the line to accept the status quo. Each day without action means another family forced to move to the mainland, another child sleeping on the street, another local business closing, and another precious natural resource put at risk.
    Each day without action means we miss another opportunity to heal Hawai’i, do what is right and just, and preserve our islands for future generations. My administration has already begun to act with urgency since day one. Our state motto says so powerfully — “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness” — and this is the moment for righteous, bold action rooted in our common values.
    So I ask everyone here to say YES to the wisdom guiding us in our constitution, in our motto, and in the mandate the people have given us. Say YES to new ideas and solutions, and to putting our values into action. YES, we can achieve our goals. YES, we can overcome our challenges. YES, we can make a difference in our communities and in the lives of the most vulnerable.
    We say: YES to more housing.YES to more jobs and opportunities for our residents. YES to leading the world on renewable energy. YES to lowering the cost of living. And, YES to governing ethically.
    We owe the people of Hawai‘i an effective government that takes action. If we accept our kuleana, follow the mandate we have been given, and take action rooted in our common values, we will show the people of our state that we are working for them, and that they can believe in their government again.

Gov. Josh Green released $50 million to more than 180 non-profit organizations in December and
mentioned it during his his State of the State speech on Monday. Photo from Green

    WHAT WE’VE DONE SO FAR: Today is Day 49 of our Administration. We’ve had a little more than 1,000 hours on the job, and we’ve already accomplished a great deal in this short time: We nominated a cabinet of qualified public servants, led by my Chief of Staff, Brooke Wilson. 

    We showed respect to our public workers with administrative leave during the holiday season, a move which also supporting local spending and our small businesses. We’ve announced a new Educator Tax Credit, so that our teachers can receive a $500 credit to support our students. We released $50 million in Grants-in-Aid to directly support our non-profit and service providers for the critical work they do in our communities. We’ve proposed a Climate Impact Fund of $100 million to fight climate change.
    We’ve announced the return of over 363 acres to the Hawaiian Homes Commission on Molokai for beneficiaries.We’ve signed an agreement with Haneda Airport to streamline travel and promote made in Hawaiʻi products and even improve our Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
     We took immediate action to prevent disruption in health care service to our rural communities following the Hawai‘i Life Flight tragedy — saving lives along the way.
    This is an administration that attacks problems. Now is the time to invest in our people and our communities. With this in mind, I will identify several of the priorities our legislature and administration must act-on to move our Hawai‘i forward.
    BUDGET AND LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES: I take to heart the priorities the legislature advanced on opening day. Our budget will reflect those priorities. We are adding and emphasizing several high priority items related to housing, homelessness, the cost of living, climate, environment, and mental health.

    Some important specific items in the financial plan include:
    Additional ‘Ohana zones funds, which put homeless individuals into permanent housing to give them a chance to thrive. More resources for the Hawai‘i State Loan Repayment Program to help pay off educational loans for primary care and behavioral health providers, so that Hawai‘i remains the health state for generations to come — this investment will address our statewide healthcare provider shortage once-and-for-all. Over 60 new positions to expand nursing and medical programs across our UH campuses, with a special emphasis on behavioral health. The expansion of ICU and medical surgical units at Hilo Medical Center with $50 million in CIP funds.
    The firm establishment of the Office of Wellness & Resilience within the Governor’s Office, to focus on trauma informed care. A concerted push to protect our natural environment. Adding critical mental health resources for our schools and our communities. Supporting our state’s priority to make pre-K universally available to Hawai‘i’s families, led by my Lieutenant Governor, whom I think some of you know.
     Since my inauguration last month, I've been meeting with departments and agencies to insist we break barriers and open doors in the halls of government.
    AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The biggest factor affecting the cost of living in our state is affordable housing. Safe, affordable, and stable housing is a human right, and it is more than just a place to live — it impacts our health, our identity, and sense of belonging. Our housing crisis is not new. All the way back on May 15, 1935, the Eighteenth Territorial Legislature created the Hawai‘i Housing Authority, the first body in our islands’ history dedicated to addressing the housing needs of our people. Nearly nine decades later, we are still working to provide housing for all of our state. When Governor Burns signed Act 105 into law on June 19, 1970, state government initiated housing and community development on a scale unprecedented in Hawai‘i history. We must now return to an era of bold action on housing. We need a comprehensive approach to housing that addresses all segments of the population, from renters to low-to-moderate income individuals and families, to those experiencing homelessness. That is why my administration is making housing our top priority, and committing to a comprehensive housing agenda.

    Developing infrastructure for the state is a crucial component to adequate housing. We need to start from the ground up to make sure infrastructure is built so that affordable housing can be expedited. We must also address and improve policies and processes that can impede the development of housing.
    But we can’t do this alone — we need a coordinated approach with the counties and stakeholdersWe also need to make big investments. That is why I am now proposing over 1 billion dollars of new investment in housing. These funds will be used to support major investments in the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority to renovate and upgrade public housing units, to provide state rental subsidies to low-income families, and to boost financing for more affordable housing units through the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
    We will also deliver on the legislature’s commitment to fund the Department of Hawaiian Homelands — this is a priority for our administration.
    We will propose a state match for a city affordable housing program, which will incentivize the development of more affordable housing units in urban Honolulu. Mayor Blangiardi and I are already partnering on our approach to housing because the crisis is felt most intensely on O‘ahu.
    I will partner with all of our mayors, and regularly convene stakeholders so we can troubleshoot and streamline processes to speed up housing projects across the state.
    We’ve got to cut the red tape now so we can provide the housing we need as soon as possible. This will likely require emergency action.

    HOMELESS COMMUNITIES: We can’t forget about our unhoused communities. In the past, efforts to address homelessness have often emphasized enforcement and triage, pushing people out of one neighborhood and into another, moving people from street to shelter or temporary housing, with many finding themselves back where they started. We have made progress at getting people into homes in recent years, but the number of people on the street (those experiencing “unsheltered” homelessness) continues to rise. We need to shift our efforts from temporary fixes to permanent solutions. We need houses immediately. Homelessness should not be accepted as normal in our society. It shouldn’t be normal to avert our eyes from the suffering of another human being.

Gov. Josh Green highlighted his efforts to reduce homelessness during
 his term as Lieutenant Governor and his campaign for Governor. He declared it
 a state of emergency during his State of the State speech on Monday.
Photo from Josh Green

    We shouldn’t ever need to avoid our public places because homeless citizens have overwhelmed a park or street sidewalk. We have come to accept the silent suffering of the thousands on our streets, in our parks, along our beaches, even here on the grounds of the State Capitol. Our homeless crisis is a strain on our aloha and a threat to our spirit. That is why we are committed to the development of twelve new Kauhale across our state, which are villages made-up of tiny homes. Soon, Hawai‘i Island will break ground on a new neighbor island Kauhale at the Kukuiola Emergency Shelter and Assessment Center in Kailua-Kona. With sixty-four units, this new Kauhale will meet the housing, social, and healthcare needs of its future residents for years to come—all at a cost of approximately $8,000 per unit, about $500,000 in total.

    It costs $322,000 a year to support a person suffering with mental illness in the Hawai‘i State Hospital.
For less than the cost of keeping two people in such a hospital for one year, we can build an entire community of low-cost, permanent housing. Building Kauhale communities takes time, energy, planning, people, and passion. It also takes conviction — a commitment to breaking from the status quo.
    Twinkle Borge and Blanche McMillan — just two names among many — are showing that it takes the embrace of a village to help people find their way to a permanent home. Our Kauhale Initiative will follow their example, creating low-footprint, low-cost housing, with a village environment designed for common support, healing, and progress. As long as we are in a housing crisis, we will treat it like an emergency.
    So I am taking action NOW to address the homeless crisis in all its forms. In my hand is an emergency proclamation on homelessness. It goes into effect today. This emergency proclamation streamlines the construction process for housing, removing unnecessary red tape and enabling our community partners to tackle homelessness and the housing shortage head-on. 

   "A copy of this proclamation will be delivered to your offices now," he told the state legislators.

    See the rest of the governor's speech in Tuesday's Ka'u News Briefs.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

NA'ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT COMMUNITY COUNCIL meetings are open to the public on the third Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m., in room 33, on the campus of Na'alehu Elementary School. The public can also attend on online through a link on the school website for those unable to attend in person. Learn about the school's Academic Plan, Financial Plan, Student Voice, upcoming events, and more. For questions or concerns, time is provided at the end of each meeting, With questions, also call 808-313-4000.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

 
FREE FOOD
St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View. Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

OUTDOOR MARKETS
Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauaha'ao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Wai'ōhinu.