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Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs March 26, 2024

 Kaʻū Coffee growers will be represented along with other Hawai'i Coffees by Hawai'i Coffee Association at the Specialty 
Coffee Association Expo April 12-14 in Chicago. Image from HCA
Ralph Gaston invites Kaʻū Coffee growers to promote
 their coffee at the SCA Expo in Chicago in April.
Here he is shown with Rusty's Hawai'i Kaʻū Coffee
Grower  Lorie Obra. Photo by Julia Neal
KAʻŪ COFFEE AND ITS LOCAL GROWERS ARE HEADED TO CHICAGO for the Specialty Coffee Association Expo from April 12-14. Kaʻū Coffee has been represented at HCA's Expo for many years and has taken top awards in the past. 
    In preparation for the event, Kaʻū Coffee grower Ralph Gaston, who chairs Hawai'i Coffee Association's SCA Planning Committee, sent out this message: "HCA team is attending the 2024 SCA Expo in Chicago next month where we will be promoting Hawaii coffee. If you produce green 100% Hawaii coffee and have any of it available for sale, please fill out this survey, so we can give out your contact info to any interested buyers. Please submit this survey no later than April 5." The survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024_SCA_Expo;
    Among coffee local representatives attending the Expo are two from Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Andrea Johnson and Tyler Hess, and Jeff Clark, of Olston Trust.

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GENERATIONAL ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY FOR HAWAI'I AGRICULTURE is the subject of a survey by the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. Its leader and Chair of Hawai'i Board of Agriculture Sharon Hurd is "requesting your input to identify the underlying issues impacting your achieving success as an agriculturist in Hawaiʻi. HDOA needs to understand the obstacles you are confronting and develop strategies, investments, and legislative priorities to support a vibrant agriculture industry in Hawaiʻi. Your input on these issues is necessary for HDOA to put together programs and provide the
resources you identify as important to achieve Generational Economic Profitability." The survey can be taken at 

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC IS ASKING ALL HAWAI'I ISLAND CUSTOMERS to reduce or shift their electricity use over the next month. "This is an unusual situation, driven mainly by the unavailability of several large generators that have experienced mechanical problems, are at reduced output, or are undergoing maintenance," says the statement from the utility. 
    "The largest generator, an independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiian Electric, is offline with significant mechanical issues. The plant generates 60 megawatts or nearly one-third of the typical peak demand of 180 megawatts on the island."
   The company reports that Hawaiian Electric is using companywide resources and working with its independent power producers to return units to full service as soon as possible. "At least through the middle of April, when one of the company's larger generators is scheduled to return from an overhaul on the mainland, generation margin will be extremely tight, especially when wind, solar and hydroelectric output is lower than forecast.
    "Customers may see alerts asking them to conserve energy, especially on days when there isn't much wind, which can generate up to 15% of the electricity on the grid. When the alerts are issued, customers are asked to take immediate action to minimize the use of electricity.
   "Even without an alert, customers – including hotels and large retailers – are urged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible, especially between 5 and 9 p.m. weekdays. Suggestions include turning off air conditioners and unneeded lighting, shutting off water heaters and pumps, and shifting activities like cooking, showering, laundry, and dishwashing. Shifting large appliance use to the daytime, when solar is abundant, is also recommended.
    Without enough supply to meet electricity demand, the company may initiate rolling outages of up to an hour around the island. The impacted areas and the timing will be based on the amount of demand that needs to be reduced. Hawaiian Electric will post alerts on its X (formerly Twitter) @HIElectricLight and Facebook account. Customers also are encouraged to subscribe to Hawai'i County Civil Defense's emergency notification system, Everbridge, to receive alerts.
    "Customers may experience delays or busy signals on the Trouble Line (808) 969-6666 due to high call volume. Other options are calling Customer Care (808) 969-6999 or direct messaging on X or Facebook.?     For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/HawaiiIslandUpdate.

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A PHONE SCAM IS THE TARGET OF Hawai‘i Police Department, which is warning the public, after
receiving an uptick in reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as Hawai‘i Police Department officers or court officials.
    According to HPD, scammers are calling with altered caller ID numbers displaying Hawai‘i Police Department phone numbers, posing as police officers telling victims that they have outstanding warrants. The individuals then ask the victims to divulge personal information or make payments.
    "While Hawai‘i Island police officers have called individuals with outstanding warrants as a courtesy in hopes that they may turn themselves in, they will never ask for personal information or payment of any kind over the phone, says the statement from HPD.

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Kaʻū Little League registration deadline is April 2.
Photo by Elizabeth Crook
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE IS APPROACHING. Last day to register is Tuesday, April 2. Children ages 8-14 can register for either Ocean View or Nāʻālehu teams. 
     Practices for both locations are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practice for the Minors team (ages 8-10) is from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Practice for the 50/70 team (ages 11-14) is from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
    Kaʻū Little League is also looking for coaches and umpires. Information can be found for parents and players on the Kaʻū Little League Facebook page. Information about games for the community can be found on the Kaʻū Little League Hawai'i Facebook page. Registration is $100, but scholarships for registration are also available. For more information on scholarships or Kaʻū Little League contact Elizabeth Crook at 808-345-0511

Monday, March 25, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs March 25, 2024

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Halau O Leonalani recently hosted Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman, of Kea'au at the Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Ryder and halau also danced and are getting ready for Merrie
Monarch week performances. See more below. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses.

MATCHING GRANTS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS BENEFICIARIES OF UP TO $5,000 each to help them build or buy homes was announced Monday by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL has partnered with homestead nonprofit, Hawaiian Lending & Investments, to provide direct assistance to
KipuKai Kuali'i, Chair of the Sovereign Council
 of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, which
founded the org that will give grants for building
or buying homes on Hawaiian Lands.
beneficiaries looking to construct, or purchase, a home on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    DHHL Act 279 Down Payment Assistance Program will match Hawai'i Lending & Investments grants of up to $5,000 that are awarded to eligible DHHL beneficiaries on any of DHHL's Application Waiting Lists and those holding undivided interest homestead leases.
    "Getting our families into homes is at the forefront of our mission," said DHHL Director Kali Watson. "Through our collaboration with HLI, we are able to make a direct and immediate difference for our beneficiaries by providing financial support and eliminating obstacles to home ownership."
    DHHL's memorandum of agreement with HLI dedicates $250,000 of the department's general revenues appropriated by Act 279 to fund the program.
    "Our HLI team, and our board members from every island region, appreciate the purposes of this MOA," said Rolina Faagai, HLI executive director. "HLI will facilitate a matching grant from DHHL to waitlist families that receive funding support from any number of agencies that specialize in down payment assistance."
    Founded by the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, HLI will be responsible for determining a beneficiary's eligibility and administering the match awards. Sovereign Council chair KipuKai Kuali'i said, "This initial investment is a great start; it won't resolve 29,000 on the Waitlist, but it supports those DHHL has or will be awarding lots to. As a coalition of Homestead Beneficiary Associations across the state this partnership is exactly the kind of work we want HLI to be doing with the DHHL." For more information contact HLI@hawaiianhomesteads.org.

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Halau Hula O Leionalani hosted halau from Kea'au recently with free performances at  Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu and heads
 to Merrie Monarch week to share hula. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses

HALAU HULA O LEONALANI has a full Merrie Monarch schedule coming up, with a performance on Sunday, March 31 at the Hilo Civic at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 3 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m., and on Saturday, April 6 at noon at Hilo Hawaiian. 
    The halau, under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, also performed on Saturday, March 16, hosting a halau from Kea'au at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo is under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman.
     Halau Hula O Leionalani is fundraising for a visit to Mexico and leaves April 23, flying to Honolulu to Houston and Cancoon for a six day stay. The halau will perform at Riviera Maya Splash resort and also participate in workshops with the kumu's students from Mexico and Japan. The Mexican and Japanese halau will compete in Cancoon. Hawaiian musician Lorna Lim will teach in the workshops with Ryder.
    
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Mayor Mitch Roth and Executive Assistant Pōmaikaʻi
 Bartolome with statue of Kūhiō in  Mayor's Office in Hilo
Photo by Cyrus Johnasen
PRINCE KUHIO DAY IS TUESDAY AND A STATE A HOLIDAY. A bronze sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole "in reverent tribute to his leadership and his profound impact on the Hawaiian 
people" is on loan to the Mayor's office, says a statement from the county.
   The sculpture, crafted by Allen Ipo Auwae, son of the late Henry Auwae, a respected Hawaiian Kahuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau, "stands as a tribute to Prince Kūhiō's commitment to enhancing the lives of Native Hawaiians. Prince Kūhiō's legacy includes his work in enacting the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act while serving as the second Native Hawaiian elected as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This Act has since granted thousands of Native Hawaiians homesteads and continues to be a pivotal part of Hawaiian land policy today," says the statement.
    "We are honored to have this beautiful sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole in our office," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Prince Kūhiō's leadership and advocacy for the Hawaiian people continues to inspire us today, and we are proud to pay tribute to his legacy."
    The sculpture will be held in the Mayor's Office until the Auwae ʻOhana decides on a final resting place.

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Junson Heckerz, wanted by HPD
TWO OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE. Hawai'i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Junson Heckerz and 34-year-old Justina Alves, both wanted for outstanding bench warrants and for questioning in other criminal investigations.
Heckerz has two outstanding warrants for his arrest that were issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in five separate theft investigations.
Heckerz, who also goes by “Jay” or “Noel”, is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has the tattoo of his last name on his left arm.
Alves has an outstanding warrant for her arrest which was issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in four different criminal investigations, including theft and narcotics investigations. She is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 125 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her left neck area that reads "Ronald" and has tattoos on both thighs.
Justina Alves, wanted by HPD
    Hawai‘i Police Department would like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either Heckerz or Alves is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

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MATTHEW KOI, OF NĀ'ĀLEHU, is sought by Hawai‘i Island police who are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the 20-year-old. He is  wanted for an outstanding bench warrant, as well as for questioning in two investigations regarding an auto theft and a separate unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
    Koi is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Matthew Koi, wanted by HPD
He is known to frequent the Nā‘ālehu town area.
    Hawai‘i Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
    Persons with information on Koi’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
    Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can report a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.


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Sunday, March 24, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs March 24, 2024

Seaula Jr. Tupa'i took his mayoral campaign Saturday to Discovery Harbour. He travels Wednesday to Cooper Center in Volcano.
Photo from Tupa'i for Hawai'i County Mayor

MAYORAL CANDIDATE SEAULA JR. TUPA'I CAME TO DISCOVERY HARBOUR CENTER on Saturday and plans another meet-and-greet this Wednesday, March 27 at Cooper Center in Volcano at 6 p.m.
    At Discovery Harbour, he was accompanied by Nāʻālehu team member Ikaika Kailiawa-Smith and BJ Penn, the famous retired mixed martial arts fighter who has run for public offices on the Republican ticket in recent years. Tupa'i, who ran for Lt. Governor in 2022 as a Republican, is not required to name a political party affiliation in the nonpartisan mayoral race. Two other candidates, incumbent Mitch Roth and Dr. Kimo Alameda, are running as Democrats. The top two candidates in the primary election Aug. 10 will move on to the runoff in the General Election on Nov. 5.

    At Discovery Harbour, the Jr. Tupa'i team talked about a Tupa'i administration with a focus on accountability for tax-payer money and the need to grow food on the island, with its cost being so high. Food production is one challenge where government could be more involved, they said, and gave the example of providing land for community gardens. An attendee said she has access to a seed bank in Kaʻū and would like to see a community garden growing food in Discovery Harbour.
    The Jr. Tupa'i team questioned accountability for millions of dollars in grants spent by the county and through contracts to non-profit organizations. They said they want an audit and to see results of the money spent. They said that should Tupa'i be elected, county employees would be reviewed for their qualifications and accountability before being affirmed to continue their work.
    They talked about working people knowing how to get things done and pointed to broken lights at the Nāʻālehu and Pāhala ballparks that hinder sports for youth at night. They talked about poor conditions of playing fields. Baseball Coach Josh Crook said that he and his volunteers have helped to improve the ballfields in Kaʻū.
    Ka'iliawa-Smith gave the example of a ramp for the Wai'ohinu transfer station. He said he was able to install it it himself as part of his job for the county, cutting red tape to get it done affordably -for $1,000 after putting in a ramp was delayed for many months.
    Regarding affordable housing, the county code came up with some of the team suggesting that single wall houses, like the old plantation homes, be allowed for new construction. Regarding cost of land, it was suggested that foreigners pay much higher property taxes or be prohibited from owning land here.
    Tupa'i's campaign website says this about Tupa'i's background:
Jr. Tupa'i and BJ Penn at Saturday evening's campaign
 event for Tupa'i run for mayor. Photo by Julia Neal

Seaula Jr. Tupa'i was born and raised in California. His parents Seaula and Tina Tupa'i moved from American Samoa and his father became pastor of a Samoan Assemblies of God church in Monterey. "Growing up in that environment of faith, worship, and sports, Jr. gravitated towards football and music, while his love for God stayed with him throughout his life."
    He graduated from Washington state University where he played football and received a Master's Degree in music. He moved to Hilo in 2007. He worked at Hawai'i National Guard Youth Challenge Academy and coached football at Kamehameha School for one season and Hilo High for nine.
    Tupa'i became Senior Pastor at Overcoming Faith Center in Hilo. "He understands that as a public servant, the emphasis should be on serving...For far too long, servants in office have not listened to the people and have forgotten what it means to serve. It's about time to put people in office who are close to the pulse of the community."

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PUNALU'U PUBLIC HEARING EXTENSION WILL NOT BE ON THE AGENDA for the Windward Planning Commission in April and may be held during the May meeting or on a separate date, according to Deputy Planning Director Jeff Darrow. The March 7 hearing ended with 50 people waiting to testify and a new date to continue the hearing was promised. The hearing is for public comment on a proposed Special Management Area permit for a development at Punalu'u. During the March hearing eight supported and some 80 other testifiers opposed the project. 
    Read the Punalu‘u Village proposal by Black Sand Beach LLC to receive an SMA permit at https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7pd2i9x0uu9bl348lyebt/SMA-Major-Use-Permit-Application-for-Black-Sands-LLC-Complete-2023.12.18.pdf?rlkey=okd8wklno9p4rnss3alqwsz8r&e=1&dl=0. See the live testimony from the March 9 hearing at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfA6VoyabyE.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS VARSITY BASEBALL PLAYS AT KAMEHAMEHA ON TUESDAY, followed by two home games on Wednesday, April 10 at 3 p.m. and Saturday April 13 at 1 p.m. The record is three wins and one loss.
    On Tuesday, March 19th, the Trojans played Kohala Cowboys at Kohala. The game ended in the 8th after the Cowboys tied Kaʻū in the 7th and took the game to extra innings with a score of 15-10 Trojans. Caleb Crook started the game pitching, giving up 7, including a few unearned runs. He went 3 for 6, with a single, double, and triple, a home run short of the cycle. Koch, who batted first in the lineup, went 4 for 6 with a sacrifice fly and one ground out. Koch also turned a double play for the Trojans. Koch closed the game out, pitching and ending the game by striking out the Cowboys. Koch had two strikeouts while

 Kaʻū Trojan baseball plays Kamehameha on Tuesday, 
with two home games coming up April 10 and 13.
pitching. Senior starters Joe Buyuan, TJ Faafia, Ocean Sesson, Jaestin Karasuda, and Dominic Decalio all had a productive game. Karasuda got on base five times, scoring four runs and stealing multiple bases. Faffia had two base hits, a walk, and one strikeout. Buyuan went 4 for 5 with two base hits, two walks, and a strikeout. Freshman Ian Beck of Kaʻū caught a great game against the Cowboys. He didn't allow any stolen bases.
   Saturday, March 9th, Trojans played the Hilo High Vikings at home. Coming into this game, Coach Josh Crook said, "We knew this game would be tough; Hilo teams are usually really good." Offensively, the Trojans were pretty quiet. Defensively, they performed fairly well.
    Sophomore Caleb Crook of Kanu o ka ʻĀina took the hill and went into the 4th inning, giving up 8 runs with 3 home runs. Sophomore Riley Koch of Kaʻū closed the game, giving up three runs and one home run. Koch and Sophomore Devin Alpin of Kaʻū gave the Trojans the only hits of the game , each scoring 1 run. The game ended with a score of 11-1.
    "Although it appeared to be a blowout, it was a great performance by the Trojans defensively," said the coach. The majority of the runs came by way of long balls over our short right-field fence. These would have been fly ball outs on other fields. We have a lot of work to do offensively, but overall, it was a pretty 
positive performance," said the Coach.

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SUBMITTING BUILDING PERMITS WILL BE OFFLINE for county Department of Public Works Building Division with a scheduled maintenance outage of the EPIC Permitting system from 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Access to the EPIC system will be unavailable during this time.
    Public Works issued a statement saying it "would like to thank you for your understanding while we
Nakuina will be featured this Tuesday
at After Dark in the Park.
continue to make improvements to enhance the EPIC application."

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EMMA KA'ILIKAPUOLONO NAKUINA will be featured as an Extraordinary Woman of Hawai'i on Tuesday, March 26 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Nakuina was many things: Museum Curator under Kalakaua, author, and Commissioner of Water Rights under the Territorial government. Born in 1847, throughout her long life, her work and her writing illuminated Hawaiian culture from a Hawaiian point of view. Join Park librarian, Martha Janet Hoverson as she highlights the life of one of the most influential women in Hawaiian history. Free. Park entrance may fees apply.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.