The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Saturday, May 25, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 25, 2024

The first graduating class of Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences on Saturday, May 25, 2024
at ceremonies in traditional Hawaiian attire. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

Trinity Faye Young, aspiring Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, will
head off to study animal science. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

THE FIRST HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS OF VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES received diplomas on Saturday.
The Charter School began classes 20 years ago with elementary students and kept building its student body toward high school graduation.

On Saturday, twelve students graduated with one of them having attended the school since kindergarten.

Student Leahi Ka'awa gave the Welina, the greeting for the opening. In her Puakula Address, Principal Kalima Kenney welcomed the students and families and said she was very grateful to be with the first graduating class.

Lanakila Manguail gave the Special Address. Raised in Honoka'a and graduating from Kanu O Ka `Aina Charter School, he is considered a cultural and environmental protector, cultivator and educator. A Kumu Hula, he has worked in the state Department of Education and has run for several elective offices.
Manguail shared his own Charter School experience as a student and recalled the teachers giving him the personal attention he needed. He talked about the chapters of life, which for students, "is always school," but changes. He said, "Life is always a journey. Life began with the first breath."

Lanakila Mangual was keynote speaker and talks with
Ocean Keal'i Nainoa Nihipali-Sesson who is heading to Orange
Coast Community College to play football. Photo by Ophir Danenberg

He noted, "We are always in the real world." He suggested to students that they seek to live a balanced life through understanding. He talked about the fine line between having pride and "being stuck up. You find pride in haahaa," humility, but he cautioned, "Don't let humility stop you from seizing the opportunity. That is the balance of walking through life." He advised the students to "continue to strive for the righteous path every step of the way."

Manu Goodhue, the Volcano high school coordinator and registrar, came from a background in college counseling. In her Kumu Address, she commended the students for staying with the program to become the school's first high school graduating class. She pointed to the challenges, particularly during the COVID pandemic, with times of education going online and on the phone. She said,"it is a privilege to have overcome those challenges."
She stressed that the most important aspect of the school is the community, particularly with the small program at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. She left the students with the message, "You are not by yourself. We are here for you guys. Remember this is your home. If any time you need something, you are part of this 'ohana forever."

Kumu Manu Goodhue helped develop the high school
program at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences.
Photo by Ophir Danenberg

In his Student Address, Alden Wells described, by name, his appreciation for each student in his graduating class. He said the experimental nature of the school was possible only because of the solid foundation cultivated by students and instructors. "A solid foundation makes everything, a solid 'ohana, a solid education."
Before the presentation of diplomas, family members tied the cloth that draped each student in a Kīhei Ceremony, symbolizing the completion and celebration of their achievements.
Graduating Summa Cum Laude was Centelle Xitlalli Kaleimakamaeokapoli Bautista.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude was Alden James Wells.
Graduating Cum Laude were Merlin Renato Kaaumoana Harber, Kaimana Michael Erin Klein, and Shane Ala Yeakle.
Also graduating were Raymond K.Crittenden, Miccaiah Kaneali'i Dupre-Augiar, Nainoa Kamana Kaaa Dawson, Ocean Keal'i Nainoa Nihipali-Sesson, Nickolas Dio Tucker-Lilleeng, Mardani Pu'uwai Sugai and Trinity Faye Young.
For more on Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences, see https://www.volcanoschool.net/.

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

Last year during the Fourth of July Rodeo weekend, sponsored by Ka'u Roping & Riding.
Photo by Joy Marie Ridgely

KAʻŪ ROPING & RIDING'S FOURTH OF JULY RODEO WEEKEND WILL BE JULY 6 AND 7 AT NĀ'ĀLEHU RODEO GROUNDS. The action starts Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. with Slack Roping. Rodeo event competitions begin at noon. They include: Open Dally, Kane-Wahine Dally, Century Team Roping, Ranch Mugging, Double Mugging, Rescue Race, Po'o Wai U, Tie Down, Wahine Breakaway and Youth Barrels. Events for keiki include: Goat Undecorating and Dummy Roping.
Paniolo will vie for All Around Cowgirl and All Around Cowboy titles. Competitors include working and recreational paniolo with age group events from keiki to kupuna.
Rodeo queen competition for young ladies will begin soon for ages eight to 18. Contact Tammy Kaapana at 808-854-7917.

Here are the results of the Spring Rodeo at the same location:
Open team Roping: 1st Bronson Branco and Kaihau Onaka; 2nd Josh Gomes and Kaihau Onaka; 3rd Kevin Hill and Kaihau Onaka; 4th Josh Gomes and Chris Awa.
Wahine Team Roping: 1st Brandy Gomes and Kaiahu Onaka; 2nd Kevin Hill and Makayla Awa; 3rd -

Last year's Rodeo Queen ShaniaLee Silva congratulates Wahine
Double Mugging winners Makayla Awa and Katie Andrade and their
keiki at the 2023 July 4 Rodeo weekend. Photo by Joy Marie Ridgley

Brandy Gomes and Damien Flores.
Century Team Roping: 1st Gilbert Smith and Allen Gomes; 2nd Audwin Aiwohi and Mac Castillo.
Double Mugging: 1st Bronson Branco and Nalu Villanueva; 2nd Rigan Kaapana and Dale Arruda ; 3rd Frank Costa and Dutyn Abaya.
Wahine Mugging: 1st Katie Andrade & Kalia Andrade.
Kane/Wahine Ribbon mugging: 1st Raisha Karratti and Jamin Mederios; 2nd Katie Andrade and Bronson Branco; 3rd Shannon Benevides and Billy Benevides; 4th Makayla Awa and Chris Awa.
Wahine Breakaway: 1st Katie Andrade; 2nd Kalena Kaiwi; 3rd Shannon Benevides; 4th Kalia Andrade.
Po'owaiu:1st Bronson Branco; 2nd Kaihau Onaka; 3rd Westin Joseph.
Dummy Roping 4 & Under: 1st Kapena Leite.
Dummy roping 5-8: 1st Skylar Branco; 2nd Ella Marie Jose; 3rd Jesamy Ann Silva.
Goat Undercoating 4 & Under: 1st Kapena Leite; 2nd Leann Silva.3rd Eva Jose.
Goat Undercoating 5-8: 1st Jesamy Ann Silva: 2nd Maximas Parks: 3rd Ella Marie Jose.
Keiki Barrels: 1st Ella Marie Jose; 2nd Maximas Parks; 3rd Ezera Leialoha.

Kilauea Military Camp Memorial Day begins at 10 a.m. with

speakers, Boy Scouts, music, hula, prayers from a chaplain and a

speech from Brig. Gen. Ray Gandy, Jr.

Malama Kai Foundation's Reef Talk on Friday, May 30 will be live streamed on
YouTube channel@malamakai. This is a free event, but donations are always welcome.
Contact Kater Hiney, Malama Kai Foundation, Reef Talks Coordinator, for more information
at kateralisha@gmail.com,

Friday, May 24, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 24, 2024

Pacific Islanders celebrated the growing number of graduates from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary on Friday during
ceremonies for the Class of 2024. These family members came to congratulate Ceceta Carlend, President of Kaʻū High student government. Photo by Julia Neal

CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATED FRIDAY EVENING, 48 STRONG at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. An emerging Pacific Islander population saw seven graduate, surrounded by their extended families and traditions from the Marshalls and other islands south of Hawai'i.

Janeea Bonoan gave the commencement speech and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Photo by Julia Neal

Janeea Bonoan gave the inspirational student commencement speech. She and Tyra Wong Yuen graduated Summa Cum Laude, served in the National Honor Society and received Academic Honors and Real Trojan Awards.

Danny Eder graduated Summa Cum Laude and served in the National Honor Society. Stephen Adler graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned a Real Trojan Award. Keaka McDonnell and Kainaluokalani Wanzer graduated Magna Cum Laude. Lilyana Haina and Kamamalu Kaue graduated Cum Laude and received Real Trojan Awards. Brayden Andrade, Taijah Beck, Alexus Bivings, Nalani Blanco-Louis, Dea'area Dacalio-Camba, Tailiana Medeiros-Auhai and Chazlynn Pua-Queja graduated Cum Laude. Lexi Manila-Louis received a Real Trojan Award. Dakota Seaver served in the Honor Society.

Johntika Joanes is draped in money lei and money hat,
a modern Pacific Islander tradition. Photo by Julia Neal

Valeria Ortiz received the Seal of Biliteracy for her proficiency in two languages.

Also graduating were Braysen Andrade, Ralph Robert Aurelia, Jackry Boktok, Tildon Bunglick, Joe Buyuan, Ceceta Carlend, Kiwa Davy, Kailey Grimes, Kaytlin-Makenzie Guerpo-Craft, Jayden Haalilio, Johntika Joanes, Korina Kailiawa Escobar, Zaela Malia Kaino-Hailia-Barwis, Chaz Kajiwara-Ke, Jaestin Karasuda, Melo Keohuloa, Tyson Junior Kuehuia-Faafia, Jinita Langus, Malyann Lokot, Nikolai Makuakane, Precious Mereko-Ke, Rosebella Mote, Rayco Nielsen, Dominic Nural-Dacalio, Kaulana Oliveira Crapser Kanakamaikai, Jonquil Petitt, Manoa Reyes-Dawson, Iverson Salmo, Kyani Vierra and Jayden Young.

The class motto is "We'll keep one foot in the past as we take our next step into the future." Class song is Legacy by High Watah. Class Color is Rose, Gold, Black, White. Class flower is Puakenikeni.

Class Officers were President Lilyana Haina, Treasurer Taijah Beck, secretary Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia.

Real Trojan Awards went to Kamamalu Kauwe for English Language Arts, Stephen Adler for Social Studies, Janeea Bonoan for Mathematics, Lilyana Haina for CTE, Tyra Wong Yuen for Science and Lexi Manila-Louis for Electives.

Salute to the Graduates Award recipients were Janeea Bonoan for Scholastics, Cecedta Carlend for Leadership, Lexi Manila-Louis for Leterary & Artistic Performance, Danny Eder for Information Technology and Tyson Wong Yuen for Athletics.

Kiko Martinez, a Kaʻū High graduate and General Manager of Tony Honda in Kona, gave the Commencement Address. Principal Sharon Beck pointed out the achievements of the members of Class of 2024. Class Advisors were Chayanee Brooks, David Brooks and Dr. Angela Miyashiro.

WITH 18 TRAFFIC FATALITIES IN 2024, a 100 percent increase from nine fatalities this time last year, Hawai‘i Police Department urges motorists to drive safely and soberly during this Memorial Day holiday weekend with this statement: "Impaired driving continues to be a problem on our island highways. In recent years drug impairment has been a factor in 50 percent of Hawaiʻi Island traffic fatalities with 38 of the 76 traffic deaths in 2021 through 2023 due to drug impairment.
“There is absolutely no excuse to drive impaired on any substance,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section Program Manager. “It’s very simple, if you drink, don’t drive. Period.” Hawai‘i Police Department will be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers this holiday weekend.

Hawai‘i Island police remind the public of these safety tips.
● Something as simple as cold medication or an over-the-counter sleep aid can impair your driving, which may lead to you being arrested for a DUI. Impaired? Do not drive.
● If you plan on going to a party or event, plan ahead and designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who’s affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
● DUI violations are not just for drunk driving. Remember, any impairment, including drugs, is illegal if you are operating a vehicle. If you are impaired by any substance, do not drive.
HPD also remides the public about The Cost of Impaired Driving
● On average, a DUI could set you back $10,000 in attorney’s fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
● If you’re caught driving under the influence of any impairing substance, you can face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to your friends and family or your place of employment.
● Drug-impaired driving could cause you to lose your driver’s license and your vehicle. This could stop you from getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.
HPD reminds the public to Plan Before You Party
● If you have chosen to use an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
● Do you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs? Take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
● If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the police at (808) 935-3311.

CLICK IT OR TICKET is another Hawai‘i Police Department's campaign running through Memorial Day weekend, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal of the public awareness campaign is to remind drivers that seat belts save lives.

Hawai‘i Island police along with state and local law enforcement agencies across the country announced that officers will issue tickets to drivers who choose not to buckle up. In Hawai’i County, the fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $102 per person.

“As we continue to see an increase in traffic deaths across the country, risky driving behaviors, like failing to wear a seat belt, continue to be a contributing factor,” said Dr. Steven Cliff, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. “This campaign is designed to remind drivers that a seat belt is truly your best defense in a crash. Click It or Ticket isn’t about citations; it’s about saving lives.”
HPD released the following statement: "No matter what type of vehicle you drive, wearing your seat belt is the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Even if your car has airbags, the safest way to ride is properly buckled up. It is simple. Always place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck, and place the lap belt across your hips, not your stomach. You should never put the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm. When purchasing a new car, be sure to check that its seat belts fit you.
In 2020, more than half of all young adults’ ages 18 to 34 killed in crashes were completely unrestrained. Men make up the majority of those killed in crashes, representing 67% of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths in 2020. Data show 55% of men killed in crashes were not wearing a seat belt, compared to 43% of women killed in crashes.
HPD says "Remember: every trip, every time, buckle up."

THE WIZARD OF OZ GOES ON STAGE at Pāhala in the school cafeteria on Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. A statement from teacher and students producing the play says, "Get ready to click your heels together because next Wednesday, May 29th, Kaʻū High School is bringing the magic of The Wizard of Oz to our stage! Don't miss this classic tale come to life here at Ka'u. See you then!" For more, contact chayanee.brooks@k12.hi.us

COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP: KA ʻOHANA O HONUʻAPO LOKO IʻA WORKDAY is Saturday, May 25 from 9 a.m. - noon. Families and individuals welcome. Work day includes introduction, talk story, waiver signing, clean-up, pot-luck style lunch. BYO-lunch, snacks, water bottles, protective clothing. Water and juice provided. RSVP and more information at kaohanaohonuapo@gmail.com.

DIETRICH VAREZ EXHIBITION through Sunday May 26 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs May 23, 2024

Kaʻū Coffee Festival Recipe Contest Seeks Entries
Kaʻū Coffee Mill'e festival recipe contest is taking entries. Call 808-928-0550 for the required registration to enter into the pupu, entre and dessert categories. Entries must include Kaʻū Coffee in the recipes and be at Kaʻū Coffee Mill at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. No entry fees charged. Pre-registration required. The public is welcome to observe. Photo by Julia Neal

INFORMATION TECH IS CRITICAL IN SUPPORTING, MONITORING AND STUDYING one of the most active volcanic regions in the world at USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, writes HVO IT Specialist Thomas-Jon Hoomanawanui in this week's Volcano Watch. The Observatory's mission includes research, providing scientific data to government agencies, and educating the public about volcanic hazards. Hoomananwaui describes the IT role at HVO as adapting to ever-changing demands of scientific efforts and evolving federal regulations. Hoomanawanui writes:

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory IT specialist at a data center is pictured
imagining the benefits of programming code to the observation of volcanic phenomena.
USGS image

One of the primary duties of IT personnel at HVO is supporting existing and emerging volcano monitoring and science goals. The observatory uses a variety of instruments to collect data on volcanic activity—including seismometers, gas analyzers, ground deformation sensors, and cameras. These data are then analyzed by scientists to understand the behavior of the volcanoes and forecast potential future activity.
HVO IT personnel work behind the screens, so-to-speak, leveraging computing and network assets to

process and manage sizable amounts of data, ensuring that it can be accessed quickly and is stored securely. As the observatory’s needs evolve, so too does their response.
Additionally, HVO’s IT personnel are tasked with meeting evolving demands of federal regulations regarding security and integrity of systems. The observatory must adhere to strict guidelines for protecting sensitive information, maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its mission-critical systems. This requires a robust IT infrastructure that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and a team that can withstand and respond to an array of potential challenges and issues.
HVO uses localized computing resources due to the disparate nature of instrument deployments and the remote location of the observatory. The volcanoes in its purview are spread across a wide geographic area, making it challenging to establish reliable communication links between instruments, the observatory, and the central data processing facilities. Furthermore, the remote locations of most instruments make internet-facing links economically infeasible or impossible—and in turn, renders cloud-based options impractical for many processing and analysis goals.

In order to overcome the challenges of distributed data gathering, we compute closer to the data source. This allows for local storage and analysis of data, minimizing the risk of external service outages affecting HVO’s mission. Efforts by HVO IT personnel to make these systems highly available reduce the risk of data loss or corruption during eruptions or other anomalous events. HVO’s infrastructure includes high-performance servers, storage systems, and networking equipment that are designed to operate reliably in a remote location with limited access to external support.
Future-proofing is another essential consideration for HVO's IT infrastructure. The observatory must ensure that its systems can adapt to new technologies and changing requirements while minimizing costs. To this end, HVO invests in training programs for its IT personnel and judiciously upgrades existing hardware and software systems. HVO IT personnel have developed custom software solutions to manage data collection and analysis, reducing reliance on costly commercial products. Similarly, custom solutions have been developed to meet emerging regulatory requirements. These solutions have also been made available to benefit other USGS Observatories, Science Centers, and Offices, increasing the value provided via public funds.
The next time that you are on the HVO website to check the location of an earthquake, view a webcam image, or see how the ground is deforming, you can appreciate the high-quality IT infrastructure and exceptional personnel that are indispensable in supporting HVO’s mission. By maintaining reliable and secure systems for managing vast amounts of data, meeting regulatory requirements, ensuring local computing capabilities, and future-proofing on limited budgets, HVO can continue to provide timely scientific information about volcanic eruptions and other natural processes that shape the region’s landscape.
Volcano Activity Updates

The volcano is not erupting. Recent rains brought rainbows. NPS photo by Janice Wei

Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY. Unrest that began on April 27 continues intermittently beneath the upper East Rift Zone and the summit caldera south of Halemaʻumaʻu. There were less than 100 events most days over the past week except May 17-18, during which there were about 500 earthquakes. Most magnitudes remain smaller than 2 and depths remain concentrated between 2-4 km (1.2-3.1 miles) beneath the surface. Tiltmeters near Sand Hill and Uēkahuna bluff continued to record inflationary trends. Kīlauea's summit region is pressurized, and changes could occur quickly moving forward. See the Information Statement published on May 2 for background information: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/hans-public/notice/DOI-USGS-HVO-2024-05-03T07:42:02+00:00.

Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL. Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has remained at low levels over the past month. Ground deformation indicates continuing slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
Two earthquakes were reported felt in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.4 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) NNE of Pāhala at 8 km (5 mi) depth on May 22 at 7:33 a.m. HST and a M3.2 earthquake 33 km (20 mi) SSW of Pa‘auilo at 23 km (14 mi) depth on May 21 at 4:37 a.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

"SERVING OUR COMMUNITY, PROTECTION OUR LAND" is the slogan of National Park Service Law Enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. The agency is recruiting with training and positions available in Hawai'i, including Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. There is also the opportunity to be stationed around the country.

A National Park Service statement says, "Are you looking for a job opportunity to protect the country's most precious resources and the people who visit them?
"National Park Service law enforcement rangers, special agents, and United States Park Police are stationed around the country and work to fulfill the National Park Service mission by protecting the natural and cultural resources in parks and by keeping people safe.
The National Park Service is looking for its next generation of law enforcement."

To learn more about the upcoming application period, visit go.NPS.gov/lawenforcement.
#NPSCareers

HONOR PUBLIC SERVANTS: HE MEA NUI 'OE is the new web page to encourage the public and county employees to nominate County of Hawaiʻi employees for their exemplary service. This initiative from Mayor Mitch Roth aims to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work and exceptional customer service provided by Hawaiʻi County's dedicated county workforce.
He mea nui ʻoe webpage offers an easy-to-use platform for submitting nominations. By clicking or scanning the QR code on the site, individuals can access the nomination form to highlight the good work and commendable service of county employees.

"We believe it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of our county employees who go above and beyond in their service to our community," said the Mayor. "Our employees are the backbone of our county, and their dedication and hard work deserve to be recognized."
Nominations are open to all county employees, regardless of whether they provide direct service to the public or support their colleagues internally. Roth encourages everyone, from county employees to members of the public, to take a moment to nominate those who have made a significant impact through their exemplary service.
"We are excited to see the community and our county employees come together to celebrate the amazing contributions of our workforce," added the Mayor. "Every nomination is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our employees, and we look forward to recognizing and honoring their outstanding service."

For more information about the He mea nui ʻoe initiative and to submit a nomination, visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/our-county-our-kuleana/employee-complimenthawaiicounty .gov.

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Hydrologist Kevin Kodama

at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

RECENT RAINS HAVE PUT OFF THE DRY SEASON FOR HAWAI'I THIS YEAR. Nevertheless, it is expected to be drier than normal, according to National Weather Service's senior hydrologist for these islands. The dry season began May 1 and runs through Sept. 30, but started with heavy rains. Hydrologist Kevin Kodama announced this week that La Nina conditions are expected this summer, with Pacific equatorial waters registering lower than normal surface temperatures and causing lower expectations for tropical storms and hurricanes. May through September is the dry season and below-average dry season precipitation is typical for the summer months of a La Nina onset year, said Kodama.
He noted that this year's dry season totals will be skewed mainly because of the recent rainfall, which will also delay any severe drought. The interior of the island is already experiencing severe drought, according to Kodama.