The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Thursday, May 09, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 9, 2024

Reverendo William Tulua, of Mexican and Tongan heritage, will lead mass in the Spanish language
starting this Sunday at Sacred Heart Church in Nāʻālehu. Photo from Sacred Heart

CATHOLIC MASS IN THE SPANISH LANGUAGE begins this Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church in Nāʻālehu at 1 p.m. Reverendo William Tulua will be the celebrant at the mass delivered second Sunday of each month. If needed, he said, the mass will be twice a month.
Aloha Latinos Hawai'i Association sent out the message. "Reverendo Guiermo Tulua - Todos estan invitado a La Misa Católica en Espaniol cada segundo Domingo del mes a 1 p.m. en La Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon en Na'alehu. Los esperamos, gracias."
Tulua's father is Togan, mother Mexican. He said the mass serves the increasing number of Spanish people working and living in Kaʻū. Most arrive here to work in agriculture; some become farm owners.

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MACADAMIA BRAND PROTECTION was approved last week in the Hawai'i Legislature and sits on Gov. Josh Green's desk awaiting his signature. The new law would require Mauna Loa and other macadamia-nut processors to disclose on their labels when a portion of the nuts included in their Hawaiian product come from outside this state. The label must state country of origin.

Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Company advocates
for truth in labeling through state and federal protection.

Kaʻū macadamia nut growers who sell 100 percent Hawaiian lobbied for the measure. They include small farmers and those with thousands of acres, including Hamakua Macadamia and Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co.
Australia, South Africa and China are some of the countries sending mac nuts to Hawai'i to sell to blenders, who use packaging that indicates the nuts are from Hawai'i.

Representatives of Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co. said they are also looking into macadamia brant protection through existing federal laws. A bill to protect coffee branding is also on the governor's desk.

TO INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CU HAWAI'I FEDERAL CREDIT UNION HAS DONATED $20K on Hawai'i Island. The donation goes to Hawai'i Island Community Development Corp, leveraging a matching grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. CU Hawai'i’s donation and matching grant to HICDC will support the development of additional self-help housing units. HICDC’s mission is to facilitate the development of housing for low- and moderate-income households on Hawaiʻi Island through direct development and self-help development coordination. HICDC Executive Director Keith Kato said, “These matching gifts will help our organization create more housing for those in our community who many times need the most help to become homeowners.”
CU Hawai'i serves Kaʻū through a location in Nāʻālehu on weekdays and a location in Pāhala on Fridays.

Bob Northrop, killed by dogs in OV. Under
new law such a death would likely bring a
felony charge to dog owners.

OWNERS OF DOGS WHO SEVERELY INJURE OR KILL A PERSON would be subject to felony penalties under the new law passed by the 2024 Hawai'i Legislature. Gov Josh Green is expected to sign the bill into law. Under current law, owners whose dogs seriously injured or killed a person are subjected to a petty misdemeanor. The new Class 3 felony requires incarceration for no less than one year and up to five years in prison. The fine is no less than $1,000 and as steep as $10,000.

One of the tragedies that prompted the passing of the new law was the death of Bob Northrop, father of Shannon Matson. She lobbied for the tougher penalties with help from attorney Teresa Tico who was also attacked by a vicious dog.

Northrop died after being attacked by a pack of dogs while walking to a friend's house in Ocean View.

Matson noted that the public can contact the governor to encourage him to sign the legislation. "The bill number is HB2058 and while it is expected Gov. will sign it, it doesn’t hurt for people to voice their support for its passage here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/cont.../comments-on-legislation/"

THIRTY-TWO INDIVIDUALS ON THE POLICE WANTED LIST WERE ARRESTED in a sweep April 27-May 2 in West Hawai'i. They were taken in to custody for a total of 55 charges. Conducted by detectives from Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Vice Section, Area I Special Enforcement Unit, U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, the sweep resulted in offenses ranging from contempt of court, probation violation, probation no bail, failure to appear, and other related offenses. The sweep resulted in the recovery of 300 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of heroin, an illegal assault rifle, and $17,000 in currency seized for forfeiture.
Police encourage the public to call the Police Department’s 24-hour ice hotlines to provide anonymous information about “ice” and other illegal drugs and the whereabouts of wanted fugitives. The hotline phone numbers are 329-“ZERO-ICE” (329-0423) in Kona and 934-“VICE” (934-8423) in Hilo.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

JOHN P. ALAMODIN IS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF OFFICE OF VETERANS' SERVICES for the state of Hawai'i. Gov. Josh Green appointed him and said he will will start on June 16. OVS is a division in the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Defense and Alamodin will oversee a staff of 25. The longtime former Director, COL (RET) Ron Han, passed away in August of 2023.
Alamodin comes to the state from the Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani where he served as the Senior Director since 2022. Alamodin is currently a Major in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard as serves as a Behavioral Health Officer. He has over eight years in the Hawai‘i Guard and served as the Headquarters Commander of the Medical Readiness Detachment. He has supported state responses such as COVID-19 and as the Senior Behavioral Health Officer in the Hawai‘i National Guard’s Joint Task Force Maui for a multi-governmental agency during the Maui wildfires recovery effort.

John Alamodin is new Diretor of Veterans' Services for State of Hawai'i.

Some of the previous civilian positions he held were as Clinic Director for the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Child and Family Service, as the Deputy Director for the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers in Wailuku, a Training and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Lincy Institute (UNLV), Senior Social Worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas, and as the Director of Health, Human Services and Housing for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
In 2011, Alamodin direct commissioned into the Army for active duty service at Fort Hood, Texas. Alamodin has deployed three times, initially in 2012-13 in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom as a Behavioral Health Officer in Charge with the 44th Medical Brigade. In 2014, he transitioned to the Texas Army National Guard and deployed in 2017-18 as a Behavioral Health Officer in Charge for the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade in Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait. Following his return, he inter-state transferred back home to the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard. In 2022-23, he deployed again with the Texas Army National Guard and the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade for Joint Task Force Mustang in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, and served as Senior Field Grade Officer in Charge of a Combat Aviation Combined Joint Task Force for 1,500 Soldiers from Texas, Maryland, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New York, Puerto Rico, and Hawai‘i Army National Guard units deployed in theater for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
The Office of Veterans’ Services has its main office at the Tripler Army Medical Center. They are responsible for development and management of policies and programs related to Veterans’, their dependents, and/or survivors. OVS acts as a liaison between the Governor and veterans’ organizations and between the Department of Veterans Affairs and individual veterans. OVS has counselors on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and two on Hawai‘i. OVS also manages the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery in Kāneʻohe.

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A FLOOD WATCH FOR ENTIRE ISLAND AND STATE is the Alert from Hawai'i Country Civil Defense Agency. National Weather service reminds that a Flood Watch means conditions are favorable for flooding and notes the following:

Flooding may not occur, but is possible.
Due to the Flood Watch, be advised:
Thunderstorms will produce heavy rains, high winds and lightning.
Residents in flood prone areas should be prepared for heavy rains and potential flooding
Be aware that road closures may occur without notice
Do not attempt to cross flowing water in a vehicle or on foot; turn around don't drown.
If lightning threatens your area, the safest place to be is indoors.
You will be informed as conditions change.

HOME HERBALIST WORKSHOP WITH HEATHER PENFIELD is Saturday May 11 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Learn germ boosting powers of plants & herbs and discover how to use them, learn the art of making effective remedies at home. Watch how products are made from start to finish. Includes: class handout with recipes and samples. Class fee is $60/$55 for VAC members plus a $20 supply fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

NA'OHULELUA HISTORICAL GARDEN, NURSERY & NATIVE PROPAGATION CENTER IS OPEN Saturday, May 11, Sunday May 19 and Saturday May 25 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at 94-6488 Kama'ōa Road, Nāʻālehu. Offering rare & endangered native Hawaiian plants, several varieties of organic Moringa "The Miracle Tree" & more, ready to plant. A Mission of Alanui 'O Ka'ū a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Private appointments, special orders, volunteer opportunities and other inquiries text (808) 256-3193.

ZENTANGLE® RIXTY VARIATIONS WORKSHOP WITH IRIS THORNTON is Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Rixty is a simple and dynamic tangle that is odd and familiar at the same time. This class is open to all levels, no Zentangle or art experience necessary. Students are encouraged to bring snacks/beverages to share. Cost is $35/$30 VAC members plus a $15 supply and facility fee. Register at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/registration-workshops-classes/.

HULA KAHIKO UNDER THE DIRECTION OF KUMU KINI KAʻAWA is Saturday, May 11 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Volcano Arts Center in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This performance is part of a year-round series sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. Presented authentically in an outdoor setting, rain or shine without electronic amplification. Audience members are encouraged to bring sun/rain gear and sitting mats. For more information call (808) 967-7565.

SOUTH HAWAI`I SYMPHONY PRESENTS: MOTHERS' APPRECIATION CONCERT. Saturday, May 11 from 2 p.m. at Discovery Harbour Community Center, 94-1604 Makali`i St, Nāʻālehu. With classical pieces by Mozart and Shubert and popular music from movies such as Star Wars, Ben Hur, Harry Potter, E.T. and more. Farley Sangels will conduct 15-piece orchestra. Free event. Donations welcome.

VOLCANO WINERY'S MOTHER'S DAY MARKET is Sunday, May 12 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Volcano Winery, 35 Piʻi Mauna Drive, Volcano. Featuring wine, crafts, food and more. More information at https://m.facebook.com/volcanowinery/.

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT: FEATURING THE VOLCANO CHAMBER PLAYERS is Sunday, May 12 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Dietrich Varez Hall in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert is a special tribute to mothers. Beverages and pupu will be available for purchase. Tickets available at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/purchase-tickets-to-vac-events/.

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Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 8, 2024

Sen. Dru Kanuha, one of the recipients of Hawai'i Legislator of the Year from Hawai'i Coffee Association, worked for years to pass the truth in labeling bill for coffee that passed the Hawai'i Legislature and is on Gov. Josh Green's desk for his signature.
Photo from HCA

A TRUTH IN LABELING BILL FOR KAʻŪ, KONA AND OTHER HAWAIIAN COFFEE AWAITS THE SIGNATURE OF GOV. JOSH GREEN. House Bill 2298 CD1 made it through the Hawai'i Legislature last week and it is expected that some coffee blenders will lobby the governor to veto it. The bill mandates that beginning July 1, 2027, any coffee labeled or advertised with a Hawaiʻi geographic origin must consist of at least 51 percent coffee by weight from that geographic region.

Until then, the existing rule requires 10 percent. That means that Kaʻū Coffee, chocolate covered beans and other products can be labeled as coming from Kaʻū when 90 percent of the coffee is from other regions, or even from another country. The new law, introduced in the Hawai'i Legislature in many forms for more than three decades, "aims to protect Hawaiʻi's origin products, combat deceptive labeling, and ensure that products that bear regional names contain at least a majority of product from that region," says a statement from the Hawai'i Senate. It also aims to ensure farmers receive prices they deserve and that money stays in the local economy.

State House of Representatives member Nicole E. Lowen, who introduced the measure, said that coffee labeled as coming from a coffee region in Hawai'i should be 100 percent from that region, "but given that this is the first progress made on this in more than 30 years, it’s a huge win."

Rep. Jeanne Kapela said the new law for truth in
coffee labeling will support economic growth.
Photo from Kapela

On Jan. 18, Hawai'i Department of Agriculture submitted to the Hawai'i Legislature a Final Report on the Economic Study on Changes in Coffee Labeling Law. The report showed that an increase in the minimum amount of coffee from 10 percent to either 51 percent or 100 percent would be advantageous for local farmers, with a higher increase providing the most benefit. It also projected that the new law would result in a price increase while seeing minimal impact on quantities grown or sold.

House of Representatives member Jeanne Kapela, who represents Kaʻū and Kona Coffee farmers, said that for too long, makers of blended coffee products have used the regional name and reputation for profit at the expense of farmers. "This law is a step forward in doing the right thing for Hawaiʻi's farmers and supporting their economic growth.”

Kapela grew up in a coffee farming family and became Miss Kona Coffee, which launched her to become Miss Hawai'i in the Miss America pageant.

Senator Dru Kanuha, who also represents Kaʻū and Kona Coffee regions, said the new law is "a pivotal advancement in our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Hawaiʻi’s cherished agricultural industries. By requiring a majority percentage of coffee from the specified geographic region in labeled products, we’re not only protecting our farmers’ livelihoods but also ensuring that consumers receive authentic, high-quality coffee synonymous with our beloved regions like Kona and Kaʻū. This legislation reflects our dedication to fostering a sustainable and transparent agricultural sector, one that honors our traditions while promoting economic prosperity for generations to come. I look forward to continuing the work ahead to further strengthen and preserve the rich heritage of Hawaiʻi’s coffee industry for all."
Senator Tim Richards, who is vice chair of the Agriculture & Environment Committee and member of the Commerce & Consumer Protection Committee, said, "This session, the Legislature was able to pass out a bill that ultimately supports our coffee farmers and in reality, the whole coffee industry in the State of Hawai‘i. By increasing the required percentage of Hawai‘i regional coffee to 51 percent for the use of geographic monograms, we are raising standards, enhancing transparency in labeling, and will ultimately advance the coffee industry over time. Mahalo to the coffee processors and farmers who worked together to find middle ground."

A separate bill for truth in labeling for macadamia also passed. See a story on it in upcoming news briefs.

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Participation in Little League helps build the future for Trojan baseball, say the coaches.
Photo by Josh Crook

"A TREMENDOUS SEASON FOR KAʻŪ TROJANS BASEBALL," is the report from
Assistant Coach Josh Crook. "The varsity baseball team had a winning season for the first time in a long time. They made it to the BIIF championship for the first time since 2011."
Manager Rolland Alcoran said, "I am ecstatic about how this season went; after so many years of losing seasons, this was great. And I look forward to the upcoming seasons." Crook said, "The Kaʻū community owes a lot of thanks to Alcoran, who brought back the baseball program." Alcoran said, "There is so much talent in this community that someone had to start it back up for the kids."

Trojans took the count deep in baseball.
Photo by Josh Crook

Trojans made BIIF playoffs for the first time
since 2011. Photo by Josh Crook

Crook noted the year started with the JV team and ended with Varsity in playoffs. He is also Kaʻū Little League president and said, "I am now seeing the kids that I had coached in tee ball come up to the high school level. The feeder programs are now starting to show, and that should help the program tremendously.

"It takes a lot of community support to succeed in this endeavor and a lot of money, volunteers, hard work, and heart to make all this work. I wish more of the community would come to support these guys as they compete at this level. These guys need to feel they are loved and encouraged by the community." Kaʻū Trojans played a three-game BIIF series with Konaweana Wildcats. The first was in Waimea, where Trojans lost 10-0. The second ended in 8-1, Trojans losing.

"The losses didn't come from lack of effort, Alcoran said. "The boys need to leave it on the field. These boys wanted to beat those guys and were willing to do whatever it took."
Crook reported that "Seniors Ocean Sesson and Joe Buyuan gave it all they had in the infield. Buyuan was shutting them down defensively and Sesson was like a wild man all over the field making plays and stopping balls. Seniors Jaestin Karasuda, TJ Faafia, and Dominic Dacalio in the outfield made every play they could to keep the Trojans in the game.
"Sophomore Devin Alpin had a great game defensively at first base. Sophomore Riley Koch pitched a great second game and did his job on the rubber, along with Freshman catcher Ian Beck who was behind

Trojans earned a spot in BIIF playoffs.
Photo by Josh Crook

the plate for both games. Sophomore Caleb Crook played shortstop during the second game and kept his team engaged by stopping every ball hit to him. Freshman Eli Crook got his chance in the second game, finishing off the Wildcats game in the top of the 7th.
"Offensively, it doesn't look good on paper, but the boys put up a fight at the plate, taking the counts deep," said Crook. Beck had the Trojan's only RBI with a base hit to right center, driving in Koch, who reached base on a hit by pitch, and stole 2nd and 3rd. Both Karasuda and Eli Crook walked. Sophomore Obten Boaz pinch ran but got thrown out at 2nd trying to steal.

Crook said, "Hopefully, more guys will come out next year for JV and continue into the Varsity season. I love this small-town, underdog, scrapper team; it fits my style. To me, it's not about being a superstar as the world sees it but as individuals working hard and being a team player, win or lose. I'd take any kid who wants to play and give it their best; I was truly blessed to be part of this team this year."
Coach Jeremy VanArkel said, "I'm proud of the hard work these young men put in for the entire season. While we did not experience the desired results in our last two games, the guys should be proud of making it to the playoffs due to their hard work and dedication."
The coaches expressed a huge thanks parents who provided food for every home game and supported this program. "Thank you for your support this season from the coaching staff Manager Rolland Alcoran, and coaches Jeremy VanArkel, Terry Cox, and Josh Crook. Aloha! The Kaʻū Trojans Ended the season with a record of 5-5. Losing to 3 teams in their division and losing to 2 teams in Division 1."

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In 1979, Coach Barba revitalized the Kaʻū High football program by temporarily suspending the varsity team and leading the junior varsity squad to the BIIF championship.

THE PASSING OF A SEASONED KAʻŪ SPORTS COACH ROBERT BARBA, 82, has drawn a story from Kaʻū High alumnus Tim Wright, Class of '77. He writes: The Kaʻū community and sports enthusiasts mourn the recent passing of Robert Barba.

Upon his return to Pahala after his service in the Army, Coach Barba couldn't bear to watch a Kaʻū High football game; the desire to suit up and return to the field consumed him. By the early 1970s, Coach Barba reignited his passion, first as a Pop Warner and flag football coach and eventually as a coach for Kaʻū High School by the late 70's. What an exceptional coach he became. He instilled in his young Trojans the skill of grinding out yardage with swift running plays and precise short passes.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, retired Hilo High Coach Leroy Simms expressed his admiration for Coach Barba's unique football wishbone offense and stout defense and said he eagerly sought to learn from him. Despite Coach Simms' persistent efforts, Coach Barba kept his offensive strategies closely guarded, adding an air of mystery to his coaching style that continues to captivate and inspire.
Playfully teasing Coach Simms, Coach Barba declared, "It remains a secret!" One person Coach Barba shared his wishbone offense with was a player on Barba's 1976-77 football team, Kaʻū Quarterback Catalino Alcordo, his first cousin. "Coach Bobby had an advanced mind for his time; he came up with the best plays and knew how to dismantle other teams' offense; if there's one thing I can take away from his mentorship, it is that he told me if you wanted to be great you have to go above and beyond your peers."
Alcordo said as he reminisced about his years under Barba's wing from age nine, playing Pop Warner

Coach Bobby Barba tapes boxer Catalino Alcordo's arm with boxer Danny Pua.

football and boxing at age nine, playing Pop Warner football and boxing.
In 1979, Coach Barba revitalized the Kaʻū High football program by temporarily suspending the varsity team and leading the junior varsity squad to the BIIF championship.
Coach Barba dedicated 34 years as a loading machine operator and welder for the former Kaʻū Sugar Company while mentoring countless youths in the community. Recognizing his extensive coaching career spanning multiple sports, Coach Barba was inducted into The Big Island Sports Hall of Fame as its 90th member a few years ago, a testament to his unwavering dedication and profound impact on those he coached and mentored. His teachings extended beyond the sports arena, instilling essential physical and mental conditioning lessons that prepared his students for both sports and life's challenges.
Coach Barba's legacy lives on through the legion of grateful Kaʻū High School Trojans, each a testament to his enduring influence as a coach and mentor. His impact on the Kaʻū community was profound, and his memory will forever be cherished. A memorial to honor Coach Barba's life will be scheduled for a future date.

Barba was Pop Warner and flag football coach and eventually as a coach for Kaʻū High School by the late 70's.

This is his 1976-1977 team.

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A SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT WARNING OF POSSIBLE SEVERE WEATHER ACROSS THE ISLANDS was issued Wednesday afternoon by NOAA National Weather Service. The statement says, "An unusually strong upper level disturbance is expected to approach the islands later Friday into Saturday, bringing the possibiLity of very active weather to portions of the Aloha State. The latest guidance indicates a possibility for severe thunderstorms, which could produce damaging winds and large hail, as well as the possibility for localized intense rainfall and flash flooding. The details of this event, including timing, locations most at risk, and intensity, are still uncertain. We will continue to monitor this potential. Listen for later statements, as well as possible watches and warnings, as this event becomes more clear."

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Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 7, 2024

Award ceremonies last Saturday, honoring Kaʻū High tenth grader Megan Pierpoint, right, and
other younger winners in the Maunakea Coin Contest. Photo from Maunakea Observatories

MEGAN PIERPOINT WON THE 2024 MAUNAKEA COIN CONTEST, reports social studies teacher and mentor David Santos. The tenth grader at Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary was given the award last Saturday at AstroDay at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. The Maunakea Coin Contest was initiated by an astronomer related to Subaru Telescope in 2011, and the Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee has led the contest. See h ttps://www.maunakeaobservatories.org/coincontest./

The annual Maunakea Coin Contest is open to all Big Island students in grades K to 12, including homeschooled children with separate categories for the keiki and older students. Students are asked to make a drawing for a design that can go on a bronze collector’s coin, available at the First Light Bookstore at the Visitor Information Station on Maunakea. Aluminum versions are available at Maunakea Astronomy Outreach Committee events throughout the year. The designs submitted for each year’s contest represent Maunakea and include different aspects of the mountain: its natural resources, astronomy, and culture.
Sponsors of the event include KTA Super Stores, ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i, Galaxy Garden/Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, East Hawai‘i Cultural Center, and Maunakea Observatories.

THE SUDDEN PASSING OF STAR ALAMEDA, WIFE OF MAYORAL CANDIDATE DR. KIMO ALAMEDA is a tragedy that struck the Alameda 'Ohana last Friday, May 3. She was found

Dr. Kimo Alameda and his wife who died suddenly
on Friday morning. Photo from Alameda family

unresponsive in the morning. Valiant efforts by family and Hawai'i County EMS personnel were unable to revive her, says a statement from the family.
Star Alameda accompanied her husband to their mayoral campaign events throughout Kaʻū, serving up food to community members and meeting people. The family statement says:
"Star was immensely proud of her seven children, one grandchild, and her large extended island 'ohana. Before joining her husband on the campaign, she taught reading at E. B. DeSilva Elementary and volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Star was well-known in her community for her kindness, generosity, and love of children. 'Gentle and soft-hearted,' 'a spiritual giant,' 'humble and sweet,' 'approachable and dedicated' are a few of the hundreds of comments on their Facebook page.
"My mom was everything to us. Always putting the needs of others before her own. We are super sad, but we know she is still guiding us and my dad to do good and to be happy," shared Angel Alameda, the eldest of the seven children.
Kimo Alameda said, "Star was the light of my life and the backbone of our family. Through everything, she stood right by my side as my number one supporter and advisor. Her memory will continue to shine on to everyone who was lucky enough to know her."
When asked about the campaign, he stated that he intends to continue, but "my immediate focus right now is to be with my family as we remember Star. I want to thank everybody for the outpouring of prayers and aloha during this difficult time."
Born in Hilo, Star was the daughter of the late Herbert Ishibashi and is survived by her mother Mona Ishibashi, brothers Sky (Tina) Ishibashi, Herbert Pua (Gloria) Ishibashi, and sister Roxy Tubbs. Star's children are Angel Alameda, Kekaulike Alameda, Seizen (Tavita) Ika, Kekaukahi Alameda, Kekaulana Alameda, Kira Alameda, and Kimo Alameda Jr.
Updates on any services or arrangements will be forthcoming, says the family statement.

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A POLICEMAN WHO DIED IN 1916 will be added to this island's Memorial Wall for fallen police officers during Police Hawai'i Police Department recently learned that Hilo Police Officer Michol Octobre was murdered in a shootout with a suspect in Kalopa on December 8, 1916.

An HPD statement says, "Hilo and Kalopa were gripped by fear as a serial killer, Maxime Bondad, terrorized the community. Officer Octobre, undercover as a laborer, embarked on a dangerous mission to locate Bondad. His dedication led to a crucial lead – Bondad's suspected hiding place.
"With Deputy Sheriff Rickard by his side, Officer Octobre bravely ascended the Kalopa hillside. Despite the risk, he attempted a peaceful resolution by calling out to Bondad. This courageous act tragically went unanswered. A single gunshot shattered the quiet. Bondad, who was hidden in the brush, shot and fatally wounded Officer Octobre. Officers returned gunfire and killed Bondad where he hid.

Some of the fallen police officers memorialized on the wall. HPD photos

"Officer Michol Octobre, and all heroes whose names grace this wall, deserve our deepest gratitude, utmost respect, and a promise: We will never forget. Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work and in recognition of officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week it falls in as National Police Week. In Hawaiʻi County, Police Week activities will take place from Sunday, May 12, through Friday, May 18.
The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m., at Hilo police station and Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at West Hawaii Civic Center. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Police will pay tribute to:

Police Captain T. Simeona, who gave his life in 1890.

Officer Manuel Cadinha, who gave his life in 1918.

Officer William “Red” Oili, who gave his life in 1936.
Officer Ronald “Shige” Jitchaku, who gave his life in 1990.
Officer Kenneth Keliipio, who gave his life in 1997.
Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, who gave his life in 1999.
Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who gave his life in 2018.

During Police Week, members of the public are encouraged to attend station tours at the Hilo and Kona Police stations on Friday, May 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please call Sergeant Amy Omaya at (808) 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.

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DANGERS OF FENTANYL ARE SHARED BY Hawai‘i Police Department, which provides monthly updates on the amount of fentanyl related arrests (possession/distribution) in Hawai‘i County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month.
During April, there were six fentanyl related arrests, five in Area I (east Hawai‘i) and one in Area II (west Hawai‘i). Police recovered 142.17 grams of illicit fentanyl last month, including 14.77 grams in Area I and 127.4 grams in Area II.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, two milligrams of illicit fentanyl, equal to a couple grains of salt, is a lethal dose. The 142.17 total grams of illicit fentanyl recovered by HPD in March was enough to kill over 50,000 Hawai‘i Island residents. In the first quarter of 2024, HPD recovered 297.91 grams of illicit fentanyl, enough to kill 148,955 Hawai‘i Island residents.

Image from Hawai'i Police Department

HPD also recovered a total of 80.5 fentanyl pills, with 80.5 pills recovered in Area I and zero recovered in Area II. An HPD statement says, "
Hawai‘i Police Department is committed to fighting drugs on island and apprehending those that distribute and sell illegal narcotics. In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences.
For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, go to HPD’s website: https://www.hawaiipolice.com/services/crime-tips#fentanyl.
Those with information relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice issues such as prostitution, gambling, and other related crimes, HPD encourages calling East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotlines at (808) 329-“ZERO-ICE” (808) 329-0423 with infopertaining to districts of Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala, and North Kohala, and (808) 934-“VICE” (808) 934-8423 with info pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo, North Hilo, and Hāmākua.
Those who call will be asked to provide information, without giving their name, address or telephone number. All information is kept confidential and within the Criminal Investigation Division. Information is cross-referenced, allowing detectives to determine if additional information related to the criminal activity about which you are calling has been reported in the past. Even “small” bits of information can at times provide detectives with the “missing link” that allows them to take action, according to HPD.

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JAZZ IN THE FOREST: "TAKE A GIANT STEP OUTSIDE YOUR MIND – A HISTORY OF JAZZ GUITAR MUSIC" is Saturday, May 11 from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Volcano Arts Center Niaulani Campus in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Featuring internationally known and respected guitarist and vocalist Benny Yutake, along with JP and the Jazztones featuring JP Thoma on saxophones and clarinet, Joey Carroll on vocals, acoustic as well as electric bass, and Owen Matsui on percussion. Tickets are $25 for VAC members and $30 for non-members. Purchase tickets at www.volcanoartcenter.org, or at VAC's Administration Office in Volcano Village.

MOTHER'S DAY CONCERT: FEATURING THE VOLCANO CHAMBER PLAYERS is Sunday, May 12 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Dietrich Varez Hall in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The concert is a special tribute to mothers. Beverages and pupu will be available for purchase. Tickets available at https://volcanoartcenter.org/classes-and-workshops/purchase-tickets-to-vac-events/.

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About The Kaʻū Calendar

Thursday, May 09, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 9, 2024

Wednesday, May 08, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 8, 2024

Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 7, 2024