Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Feb. 17, 2023

Youth volleyball teams from around the island are braving the rain to reach Pāhala for the two-day Miloli'i-Kaʻū Tournament
on Saturday and Sunday. It's in its fifth year. Photos above during a previous tournament from Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Club

THE FIFTH ANNUAL MILOLI'I-KAʻŪ VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT is on for Saturday and Sunday and the public is invited to watch all the action both days from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. at the Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Admission is free but donations are welcomed. 

    Teams began arriving Friday night with some stopping over at the Civil Defense shelter in Nā'ālehu to wait for the rains to calm and a flooded Highway11 to reopen at Kawā Flats.

    Organizer Kaimi Kaupiko, who heads up Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Club, said some 25 teams are coming from as far away as Waimea and Hilo.

   The competition is for volleyball players eight to 16 years of age with boys, girls and co-ed teams.

   There will be a food concession with chili, chicken bowl, teri bowl, kalua nachos, hot dogs, chips and drinks. 

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Hwy 11 and back roads of Kaʻū flooded and were blocked on Friday, this one on the Nā'ālehu side of Ka'alaiki Road.
Photo by Bob Martin

THE STORM CALMED AFTER WAVES OF RAIN dominated most of Friday. Bands of torrential rain

Water churned from forests into streams.
Photo by Bob Martin

traveled across Kaʻū this morning, flooding at Kawā, with Hwy 11 closed from the bridge at Punalu'u toward Nā'ālehu. The highway, which circles the island, remained closed as of 8:30 p.m. with many visitors and residents lined up, waiting to reach their destinations. Also shut down were the upper Ka'alaiki Road between Nā'ālehu and Pāhala, and Wood Valley Road at stream crossings.

    Civil Defense Red Cross shelters opened at Robert Herkes District Gym, adjacent to the Pāhala school campus, and at Nā'ālehu Community Center. National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Warnings.
    Both public schools in Pāhala and Nā'ālehu were closed on Friday, along with the Kaʻū Rural Health clinic, which shut down early. Hele On Bus Service could not make it between Nā'ālehu and Pāhala, cutting off service from Pāhala to Kona and from Kona to Pāhala. 
    Coffee picking and other agricultural endeavors across Kaʻū were put on hold as fields and orchards became saturated, and access difficult. Waterfalls poured from the mountains.

Wai'ohinu drainage canal. Photo by Bob Martin

    County of Hawai'i issued a statement asking that anyone sustaining any flood related damage to a residence or business, contact Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.

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SWEPT AWAY BUT RECOVERED: A man from Wood Valley above Pāhala was swept away in his car Friday morning but was able to escape after he attempted to drive across a stream with rushing water. A county fire rescue crew and helicopter were called, but he was able to make his way out of the stream.
     National Weather Service described the circumstance across the district as a "dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order."

The upper Kalaiki Road between Nā'ālehu and Pāhala was blocked by flooding on Friday, here
at the entrance to Aikane Plantation. Photo by Phil Becker

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HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK announced some closures and cancellations for the weekend. The following areas in the park were closed due to severe weather impacts:

Rain and shine, these wet birds of a feather flock to
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Photo by Janice Wei

- Kahuku was closed Friday. Saturday's Coffee Talk is canceled.
- Mauna Loa Road was closed to the Lookout from the Kīpukapuaulu parking circle.
- Kīpukapuaulu Trail is closed.
- The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store in Kīlauea Visitor Center was closed due to unstable internet. However, visitors can still shop online at www.hawaiipacificparks.org.
- Hilina Pali Road was closed past the gate the Kulanaokuaiki Campground. The campground is open.

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SCHOLARSHIPS FROM 'O KAʻŪ KAKOU are available to applicants through April 1 at https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students. OKK, the nonprofit service organization, is

https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students

offering scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year to high school and home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. 

    Individual scholarship awards are $1,000 ($500.00 per semester) for students enrolled full-time at any accredited trade school or two-year or four-year college to assist with tuition costs. Applicant must be residents of Ka'ū district, or if attending an out-of-state college, applicant must be claimed as a dependent whose parent or legal guardian's principal residence remains in the district of Ka'ū. 

    Instructions, guidelines, and information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, and the application process are detailed in the Application for Scholarship instructions and guidelines at https://www.okaukakou.org/scholarships-for-local-students.

    OKK advises that applicants thoroughly complete the application and carefully follow all instructions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

    Only hard copies of applications and supporting documents will be accepted (no electronic submissions) and must be postmarked on or before April 1. Late submissions will not be considered.          

    Recipients of previous scholarships who have not submitted their mahalo letter to OKK will not be considered for further scholarship funding. Any questions regarding this application can be directed to the OKK Scholarship Committee via email: okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com and expect that it may take up to 24-36 hours for the Committee to respond.

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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.

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

Fun in the mud at a previous Panaewa Stampede Rodeo which is billed this year as a rain or shine event. It is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, with paniolo from Kaʻū on their way. See more below. Photo from Panaewa Stampede

MORE THAN A FOOT OF RAIN is expected in Kaʻū this weekend. Mayor Mitch Roth said he was particularly concerned about Kaʻū which could be in for a difficult time, since it is usually not as wet as places like Hilo. Roth pre-declared a State of Emergency in order to be able to use funding in case there is need for emergency services and repairs. County Civil Defense issued a Flash Flood Watch on Thursday afternoon, saying that Kaʻū, Puna and Hilo "are most at risk for this event." Rainfall of multiple inches per hour was predicted.
   A winter storm warning covers the upper slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea with over a foot of snow forecast for the summits and heavy fog and ice already on the mauna.

    The storm is spawned by a Kona Low, defined as a subtropical low, which spins like a tropical storm and or hurricane with deep tropical moisture, but with lighter winds. Rains can fall rapidly causing flooding. 

    Civil Defense stated, "All Residents in flood prone areas should prepare their property for flooding and should remain alert for flooding conditions. Be aware that outdoor events may be cancelled with little to no warning."

    National Weather Service issued a High Surf Advisory for east facing shores of Hawai'i Island from Upolu Point in North Kohala through Cape Kumukahi in Puna to South Point in Kaʻū until 6 p.m. Saturday. A High Surf Advisory means surf will be higher than normal, shore break, and dangerous currents could cause injury or death.
    Due to the High Surf Advisory, Civil Defense warns:"Expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and rip currents making swimming difficult and dangerous. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by ocean safety officials; when in doubt, don't go out. There are no beach closures at this time, but be aware that beaches may close without notice."

     Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park issued a statement saying those who plan to visit the park can "expect up to 20 inches of rain over the next few days, flash flooding, potential road closures, program cancellations, and poor visibility for eruption viewing." A Walk in the Past with Dr. Thomas Jaggar living history and Stewardship at the Summit programs have been cancelled for this week.

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TEN SCHOLARSHIPS, $2,000 EACH, are being offered to high school and college students by CU Hawai'i Federal Credit Union, which serves Kaʻū with branches in Nā'ālehu and Pāhala and an ATM in Ocean View.

    Students can apply for a scholarship online at www.cuhawaii.com.

    CU Hawai'i is celebrating Big Island graduating High School seniors and post graduates with "More Possibilities for their futures with $20,000 in scholarships," says the announcement from the credit union.

   "We will be awarding eight scholarships for Big Island Class of 2023 public or private High School graduates and two scholarships for current college students who graduated from a Big Island public or private High School. Each recipient will receive $2,000 to further their education as a full-time college student in a vocational school, community college or university."
    Applicants must be enrolled as a full time college student in 2023-2024 and a CU Hawai'i FCU member prior to the application deadline. Application deadline is April 15 2023.

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KAʻŪ PANIOLO ARE HEADED TO THE PANAEWA STAMPEDE RODEO for Saturday and Sunday. Organizers call it a rain or shine event.

    Gates open at  8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with the rodeo starting at noon both days at the Alvin 'Al' Cabral Rodeo Arena. Sunday features Cowboy Church at 9 a.m. The location is Pana'ewa Equestrian Center where the arena was recently named after the late Al Cabral, a longtime supporter and announcer for many rodeos at Kaʻū  Roping & Riding Association events in Nā'ālehu. He was also the founder of the Panaewa Stampede Rodeo.

    Events this weekend include Open Dally Team Roping, Kane-Whine Team Roping, Century Team Roping, Tie Down Roping, Double Mugging, Kane-Wahine Ribbon mugging, Po'o Wai U, Bull Riding, and Ranch Bronc riding. 

     There will be Wahine Breakaway Roping and Wahine Barrels.

     In the Junior Division are Bull Riding, Calf Riding, Sheep Riding and Dummy Roping.

     Rodeo Director is Rob Sanborn, Rodeo Treasureer is Nancy Cabral, Rodeo Secretary is Sammie Roque.

      Lori Lee Lorenzo, Ikaika Grace and Frank Lorenzo, Jr. are among those competing from Kaʻū. Edmund C. Olson Trust is a Silver Spur sponsor of the event. The Paniolo Preservation Society Tent will have displays featuring famed paniolo from around the island throughout history, including those from Kaʻū .

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COMPARING CRISES: MAUNA LOA 1984 VS MAUANA LOA 2022 is the title of this week's Volcano Watch by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     Mauna Loa's recent eruption is still fresh in the minds of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and Island of Hawai'i residents. Now is a good time to reflect on this event, especially in comparison to the one 38 years before it.

Aerial images of the distal ends of a lava flows from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone in 1984 
USGS image.

    Despite the development of new volcano monitoring techniques, decades between the eruptions meant there were many uncertainties leading to the recent eruption. Did the unrest observed during the fall of 2022 mean an eruption would certainly occur? How soon would modern monitoring signals show signs of an imminent eruption?
    At the same time, 33 previously observed Mauna Loa eruptions have demonstrated certain patterns that HVO could be confident the volcano would follow if it erupted again. Patterns like all previous eruptions began in the summit caldera. Additionally, half of those eruptions stayed in the summit and half migrated to a rift zone or radial vent. If the eruption migrated out of the summit, where would it go? The answer to that question wouldn't become evident until it happened. A Southwest Rift Zone (SWRZ) eruption could impact infrastructure within hours; a Northeast Rift Zone (NERZ) eruption would take days, weeks, months to impact infrastructure downslope.
    Throughout the fall of 2022, as Mauna Loa became more active, HVO worked closely with the County of Hawai'i Civil Defense Agency to educate the island residents. We held community meetings, gave media interviews, published Volcano Watch articles, official notices, and social media posts about the uncertainties and certainties of a Mauna Loa eruption. We encouraged kamaʻāina living or working on the flanks of Mauna Loa to prepare for the possibility of an eruption. And as unrest continued, the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park closed Mauna Loa's backcountry to hikers on Oct. 5.
    When the eruption began, on the night of Nov. 27, events unfolded similarly to the 1984 eruption. Seismic signals indicating an impending eruption occurred less than an hour in advance of each eruption. Both eruptions occurred in the middle of the night, waking scientists and residents from their slumber.
    In 1984 and 2022, bright glow, from fountains within Moku'āweoweo, was visible around the island. Word of the eruption spread quickly—in 1984, via the coconut wireless and, in 2022, via social media.
    In 2022, some residents living near the Southwest Rift Zone chose to self-evacuate in case the eruption migrated there. Fortunately, both the 1984 and 2022 eruptions migrated within hours from the summit to the Northeast Rift Zone.
    Weather sometimes prevented HVO crews from making observations during both eruptions; however, technological advancements since 1984 allowed HVO to provide remote views of the 2022 eruption in near real-time. Furthermore, HVO deployed webcams and a livestream video that were available to the public.

Aerial images of the distal ends of a lava flows from Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone in 2022.

    Modern technology allowed HVO to share, in near real time, accurate 2022 flow maps, derived from satellite imagery and overflights, with HCCDA, our partners, and the public. Lava flow models used digital elevation models to evaluate lava flow paths and potential impacts. This information was shared during daily press briefings in 2022, a communication strategy that was also used during 1984 eruption.
    These observations, and others, were summarized at the International Association for the Volcanology of Earth's Interior scientific assembly meeting that takes place every four years. This year, the meeting occurred in Rotorua, New Zealand, where HVO staff were invited to present talks on the recent eruption.
    Presentations described the buildup to the eruption, the magma system, flow mapping and modeling, and interagency coordination and messaging.
    How do these eruptions compare physically? In 1984, about 58 billion gallons were erupted and covered an area of 11,860 acres. The 2022 eruption produced almost 40 billion gallons and covered an area of 8,900 acres. The volume and area covered was close to the average and median values for all historical NERZ eruptions. While it was spectacular, the 2022 eruption was ordinary.
    Fortunately, these two eruptions have not greatly impacted infrastructure on the Island of Hawai'i, but future eruptions at some point will. HVO appreciates our community awareness and preparedness for eruptions, which are part of the dynamic and beautiful landscape of Hawai'i nei.
    Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at WATCH. Kīlauea updates are issued daily.
    Kīlauea volcano's summit eruption in Halemaʻumaʻu crater within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park continues, with active lava in three locations. Summit tilt has been mostly flat over most of the past week. Summit earthquake activity remains low and eruptive tremor (a signal associated with fluid movement) is present. A sulfur dioxide emission rate of 2,000 tonnes per day was measured on February 13. For Kīlauea monitoring data, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/past-week-monitoring-data-kilauea.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at ADVISORY. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly on Thursdays.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Seismicity remains low. Deformation rates show inflation somewhat above background levels, but this is not uncommon following eruptions. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates are at background levels. For Mauna Loa monitoring data, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring-data.

    There were nine earthquakes with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: 

a M2.2 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 27 km (17 mi) depth on Feb. 15 at 6:25 a.m. HST, 

a M4.8 earthquake 12 km (7 mi) SE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on Feb.14 at 9:27 p.m. HST, 

a M2.0 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) ENE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on Feb. 14 at 9:23 p.m. HST, 

a M2.3 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) NE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on Feb. 14 at 10:45 a.m. HST, 

a M3.4 earthquake 13 km (8 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 29 km (18 mi) depth on Feb. 14 at 6:42 a.m. HST, 

a M2.4 earthquake 4 km (2 mi) SSW of Kapaau at -2 km (-1 mi) depth on Feb. 13 at 6:59 a.m. HST, 

a M3.8 earthquake 12 km (7 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 30 km (18 mi) depth on Feb. 11 at 4:21 p.m. HST, 

a M2.7 earthquake 3 km (1 mi) WSW of Honalo at 10 km (6 mi) depth on Feb. 10 at 6:23 p.m. HST, 

and a M3.3 earthquake 48 km (30 mi) SW of Captain Cook at 38 km (24 mi) depth on Feb. 10 at 6:26 a.m. HST.
   HVO continues to closely monitor the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea, and Mauna Loa. Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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.

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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

Community members are invited to set up apprenticeships, internships, shadowing and other educational career path
opportunities for students in Kaʻū through the high school's new Career Academies. Photo by Julia Neal

CREATION OF CAREER ACADEMIES AT KAʻŪ HIGH & PAHALA ELEMENTARY were explained at last week's onboarding reception on the school campus. A slogan for the program is "Design. Innovate. Kokua. Malama."
    Leaders, including Academy Director 'Aina Akamu, explained that teams of teachers work across several academic and technical subjects, grouping students in cohorts for these classes that follow a program of study. In addition, businesses and other community entities are invited to offer internships and other work and learning opportunities through the academies.
    The academy leaders invited representatives of Ka'u businesses, non-profits and agencies to become involved, to offer opportunities for students to work, through cooperation with the school. Possibilities include programs that pay the students to work in the community.
   Members of the public are invited to sign up to serve on the advisory board. The advisory board helps to identify a sequential set of experiential components that show students the applications of academic subjects to the career and college field and deliver work-based learning experiences, like shadowing, community service, mentoring, internships and apprenticeships.

Agri-preneurship is one of the career academy paths
at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

    Why is Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary transitioning to the Career Academies? According to the presentation, student voice is important. "We want to hear and reflect the values, opinions, beliefs, perspectives, languages and cultural backgrounds of students in the school. Teachers will utilize instructional approaches and techniques that are based on student choices, interests, passions and ambitions." The transition is to a career academy school design that "provides an effective, research-based k-12 articulated model that is planful in how they use time, curriculum, pedagogy, pathways, community partners, supports, decision-making collaboratives and student products based on a specific college and career approach."

    The plan is for the school to transition through teacher collaboration. "Quality school designs that meet the needs of all students is possible through powerful teacher collaboratives that are data-informed and allow for deep discussions about curriculum quality that leads to timely curriculum and support adjustments based on student performance data."
    The plan also offers students participation in community engagement opportunities, including, field trips, hiking, community service such as beach clean-ups, fishing, cultural activities such as makahiki, and work-based learning opportunities with local farms, food establishments, stores, hospitals, clinics, design labs, businesses and community partners. "These partnerships will be a resource to support student learning, engagement and success," says the plan.
    In addition, numerous college courses are offered and students can earn many higher education credits before graduating from high school, giving them a head start at colleges and universities.
To find out more and to help out with the advisory board, apprenticeships and other student career opportunities, see www.khpes.org, bit.ly/KHPESGLL and bit.ly/KGLLIRD21.

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IKAIKA ANDERSON WITHDREW HIS NOMINATION FOR CHAIR OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS on Wednesday. It follows Tuesday's vote by the state Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, which recommended to reject the Anderson nomination by Gov. Josh Green, who said Anderson will continue at the post until he identifies another nominee.
    In Anderson's nomination paper, Green wrote: “Ikaika has an extensive history as a public servant in

Ikaika Anderson during grueling hearing Tuesday on his nomination to head
 Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands. On Wednesday, he withdrew his nomination.
 Photo from Hawai'i Public Radio

our State, including serving on the Honolulu City Council from May 2009 through September 2020, and serving as its Chair from May 2019 through September 2020. While on the Council, he helped to establish Hui Mahiʻai ʻAina, a tiny-home communal village that offered shelter and wrap-around services to our homeless population in Waimānalo, Oʻahu. Since the announcement of his nomination as chairperson, Ikaika has been traveling across the State, speaking and engaging directly with beneficiaries and stakeholders to pursue solutions as the department continues to address the ongoing issues facing our Native Hawaiian communities.”
    Among others who supported Anderson were former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, former Gov. John Waihe'e and former state Sen. Malama Solomon. Former Hawaiian Home Lands Chair William Aila opposed Anderson's nomination, focusing on the issue of how to best use $600 million funding to implement the DHHL Strategic plan, including putting more housing on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    The governor held the press conference where Anderson withdrew his nomination. Green objected to the negative outcome of Tuesday's vote in the committee where support for Anderson was two to one, but the process was described as grueling and the vote was to reject the nomination. The governor said, "People deserve to be treated well. There should be no bullying. There should be no stones thrown in glass houses." Green also said, "We were all sent here to do a job. To help people. In this case, it was to help build houses for the Hawaiian community, and I can't think of anybody who was better poised to do that. We need to change the culture of state government. We need to be more considerate of people.” 

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HAWAI'I HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST HEPATITIS B DEATH RATES IN THE NATION, according to a report from the state Department of Health. Also high are deaths from liver cancer. The Hawaiʻi Hepatitis B Mortality and Liver Cancer report analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 2020 in order to guide local efforts to improve liver health and reduce preventable deaths.
    The report was the first comprehensive analysis of hepatitis B and liver cancer death data for Hawaiʻi. The most important findings from the report include:
    Hawaiʻi has one of the highest hepatitis B death rates nationwide. In 2019, the rate for Hawaiʻi (1.17 per 100,000) was almost three times the national rate (0.42 per 100,000).Hepatitis B death rates were higher among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents in Hawaiʻi. Rates for API residents were 1.2 to 1.4 times the rate of the state average.

  Liver cancer death rates in Hawaiʻi were consistently higher than the national average, with Hawaiʻi rates 1.1 to 1.8 times national rates. This overall trend was driven by higher rates among male and API residents, compared to the rest of the state.
    The report makes recommendations to reduce the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer mortality, including additional research and reporting; improved data collection and sharing; and increased screening and immunizations, especially for API communities in Hawaiʻi.
    "The findings of this report reiterate the importance of eliminating hepatitis B infection in Hawaiʻi through increased screening and immunizations," said state Health Director Dr. Kenneth Fink. "Deaths from hepatitis B are preventable, and we can reduce deaths statewide and improve health equity by ongoing commitment to culturally appropriate partnerships with the local Asian and Pacific Islander communities that are most affected."
    The development of this report was the result of a multi-sector collaboration between DOH and external partners, including Hep Free Hawaiʻi, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Hepatitis B Foundation. To read the report and related materials, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/new-hep-b-mortality-article/.
    For local hepatitis B screening and immunization resources, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org.
    This report aligns with Hep Free 2030, the statewide strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis in Hawaiʻi by 2030, which was developed by DOH in collaboration with Hep Free Hawaiʻi and over 160 community stakeholders. For more information on hepatitis elimination efforts in Hawaiʻi, visit www.hepfreehawaii.org/hep-free-2030. 

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FIFTEEN MOTORISTS WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI, during the week of Feb. 6  through Feb. 12.

Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Six of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. One of the drivers was under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 130 DUI arrests compared with 127 during the same period last year, an increase of 2.4 percent
    After a review of all updated crashes, Traffic Services found 114 major collisions so far this year compared with 89 during the same period last year, an increase of 28.1 percent.
    To date, there have been 4 fatal crashes, resulting in 5 fatalities, compared with 5 fatal crashes, resulting in 7 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 20 percent for fatal crashes, and 28.6 percent for fatalities.
   Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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A REMINDER TO TAKE HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT'S COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY has been sent out by Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz. It is open through 4 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28. HPD conducts the survey every two years as part of its national accreditation process.

Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz asks the public
to take the survey to give feedback. 

       “At the most basic level, our job in the police department is to help the public feel safe,” said Moszkowicz. “The only way we can gauge our success and identify areas for improvement, is to solicit feedback from the community. It is only through honest communication that we have any hope of continuing to improve the department and the community.” 

    The anonymous survey is available on the department’s website www.hawaiipolice.com and can be accessed directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPD2023.
    The HPD statement says, "Knowing that our department’s effectiveness is ultimately determined by the confidence and cooperation of the community we serve, the survey includes both multiple-choice questions and an opportunity to make individual comments that will aid us in determining the police department’s strengths and weaknesses. By comparing the results of this year’s survey with the results of past surveys, the department can gauge where it has improved and where it needs further improvement."

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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.

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.