Kaʻū News Briefs July 16, 2024

Dried vegetation flanks  Kīpukapuaulu Trail in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park,. The trail is open but vehicles are prohibited on Hilina Pali Road and Mauna Loa Road and open fires are prohibited at campgrounds and picnic areas in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park until further notice. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

ELEVATED FIRE RISK LED TO THE CLOSING OF MAUNA LOA ROAD AND HILINA PALI ROAD to motorized vehicles Tuesday until further notice. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park stated that the closure if from the gate past Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa Lookout.
    Pedestrians and bicyclists may continue to use both roads, and backcountry permit holders will be provided access to trailheads.
    Open fires are also prohibited until further notice at Nāmakanipaio campground, Kīpukapuaulu picnic area, and Kilauea Military Camp. Propane or gas cooking stoves are allowed.
"Low rainfall, reduced humidity, and gusty winds have created dry conditions throughout the park. Every visitor has a role to help prevent wildfires in national parks. Follow all fire restrictions and do not park on dry grasses. The hot underside of a vehicle can ignite dry grass," says the Park statement. "Most wildfires in Hawaiʻi are unintentionally human caused. Many of these wildfires occur in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, and pose considerable threats to public safety."

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High rez cameras on poles and AI will be employed by AlertWest and Hawaiian Electric in the coming year
to detect smoke and the outbreak of fires on all the inhabited Hawaiian Islands. Photo from AlertWest

HIGH RESOLUTION VIDEO CAMERAS AND AI TO DETECT SMOKE AND FIRES EARLY are being installed by Hawaiian Electric. The aim of the cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology is to provide enhanced situational awareness and early detection of ignitions in elevated fire risk areas near company infrastructure. reports Hawaiian Electric.

     The public will also have access to the live feeds from any of the cameras. Hawaiian Electric recently installed the first camera station in Lahaina and has plans to deploy 78 stations in elevated fire risk areas on the five islands served by the company, with each location having two cameras to provide a full 360-degree view. The camera feeds will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

     A company statement says: "The $14 million project is the latest step in Hawaiian Electric’s ongoing effort to reduce the risk of wildfires associated with company equipment."

    Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and CEO, said, “We are continuing to take action to address the growing risks from wildfires across our service territory using a variety of technologies and methods. Installing publicly viewable AI-assisted video cameras in elevated fire risk areas will enable the company, fire agencies, and emergency operations centers the ability to identify potential wildfires early and respond quickly.” 

    Hawaiian Electric signed a five-year contract with California-based ALERTWest. ALERTWest will install and maintain the camera stations as well as provide around-the-clock monitoring for potential ignitions by experienced wildfire safety professionals. Approximately 50 percent of the project costs will
be covered by federal funds allocated under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act estimated at $90 million in grant funding covering various costs related to Hawaiian Electric’s resiliency and wildfire mitigation work. 

    Hawaiian Electricwill be able to achieve cost savings by leveraging its existing telecom network to provide communications support for the project. ALERTWest’s software platform, which is widely used in fire-prone areas through the Western U.S., is assisted by AI to detect smoke and other early indications of fire in real-time. 

    According to Hawaiian Electric, "ALERTWest has extensive experience working with utility companies, including partnerships, with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Southern California Edison (SCE), and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), as well as the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The AI Solution was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s best inventions of 2023. The software platform’s pan, tilt, zoom cameras constantly scan their surroundings, completing one 360-degree

sweep every two minutes. Utilizing AI, the system detects changes from previous images and highlights them with a red rectangular box on the screen. 

   "This, coupled with 24/7 human verification, helps eliminate false alerts caused by mist or dust. If a suspected ignition is detected, the ALERTWest Operations Center staff reviews the camera imagery to ensure there is sufficient visual evidence before notifying Hawaiian Electric and emergency response agencies, says the statement from Hawaiian Electric.

     The public will be able to access the live feeds from any of the cameras on the ALERTWest website at www.alertwest.org. Half of the video camera stations are expected to be operational by September 2024, with the remainder to be installed in the first half of 2025. 

     Hawaiian Electric initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff program on July 1. It notifies communities when it will shut off the electricity in cases where fire threat is high or fires are spreading within or nearby service areas. "This program is our last line of defense to keep communities safe from the threat of wildfires," said a statement from the utility. See https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/wildfire-safety/public-safety-power-shutoff.

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THE WEHILEI BACK TO SCHOOL CONCERT has been changed to 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 28. The free concert is sponsored by Debbie Ryder and 'Uhane Pohaku Na MOku o Hawai'i and will also feature keiki of Halua Hula O Leionalani. It is designed for Kaʻū youth and will be held at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nāʻālehu, adjacent to Punalu'u Bake Shop.     

    Keiki will receive colorful school backpacks autographed by Wehilei. Free hotdogs and water will be available to keiki.
  Wehilei is composer of hit songs and recipient in 2023 of Na Hoku Hanohano awards for Single of the Year and Most Promising Artist of the Year. Her music includes the song and album Music Heals the Soul, and songs Movin On and In the Mood.
   Wehilei is granddaughter of Debbie Ryder and daughter of Lorna Lim, who is known for her renditions of Pua Olena and Ku'uipo, of the Lim Family of musicians. Wehilei is also daughter of Wailau Ryder, the Hawaiian Slack-key artist and music producer. She has traveled to perform throughout Hawai'i, Asia, New Zealand and Australia, as well as the mainland.

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Kaʻū News Briefs July 15, 2024

John Keawe will be in concert on Wednesday at Kilauea Visitor Auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes
National Park at 7 p.m. See more below. Photo from John Keawe

ENCOURAGING NATO TO GUARANTEE PROTECTION OF HAWAI'I, Guam and other U.S. Pacific territories, should they come under attack, will continue, according to Hawai'i Congressman Ed Case, who has been appealing to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
    Case reported on a letter received Monday from the State Department, which says that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is likely to help defend Hawai'i though Hawai'i is not specifically included in the NATO treaty with the U.S. and other member countries. The State Department letter says the NATO

treaty is to protect Allied territory in North America and Europe and islands under Allied jurisdiction in the North Atlantic area north of the Tropic of Cancer.
    The State Department letter does say that in the words of Secretary Blinken that "any attack on the United states or its territories, even if outside the geographic scope of Article 5, would almost certainly draw Allied reaction, including the consultation procedures under Article 5 of the Treaty. This includes Hawai'i, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and any other U.S. Indo-Pacific locations."
    Case said, "It is encouraging to hear that the Department of State believes NATO allies would generally support our country if Hawai'i was attacked. While I appreciate the Department of State's response, it is clear more needs to be done on this issue. These assurances are helpful while we continue to pursue possible next steps, including communication directly with NATO and legislative action."
    The State Department letter also highlighted the participation of Indo-Pacific Partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Republic of Korea in the recent NATO summit and acknowledged that security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific are increasingly interconnected, said the statement from Case.

    Case wrote to Blinken in May saying the exclusion of Hawai'i and other U.S. Pacific territories "is a historical anachronism. Numerous NATA allies still hold territories and possessions outside of the boundaries outlined in Article  6 and the areas in the Indo-Pacific are at the forefront of national security challenges for these NATO countries. Given the changes in the world duirng the some three generations since NATO was establised (1949), including the virtual alliance betwee Russia and the People's REpublic of China and the fact that Russia is a Pacific. power, the scope and applicability of ARticles 5 and 6. have very serious implications to today's international security environment."

     See the letter from case at https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:3e57f309-b28d-4cfe-ab78-77330935047b?comment_id=d56c91f8-112d-45c5-b545-52bae3c1ec65 and the letter from the State Department at https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:5e7d8c34-2d4b-4e41-b057-ed385baa1704

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A MAYORAL FORUM FOR COUNTY OF HAWAI'I CANDIDATES WILL BE HELD BY HUI 'OIHANA, Hawai'i Island Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce this Thursday, July 18 at Grand Naniloa Crown Room in Hilo. Cosponsors are Hui Hoʻolako for Hawaiian Initiatives, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and Nā Leo TV. Doors will open at 4:30 pm and entry will be restricted once doors close for broadcasting. The forum will be live on Nā Leo TV and OHA's Facebook at 6 p.m. With questions, contact Pono Kekela at 808-990-0346.

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John and Hope Keawe. Photo. by Julia Neal

LISTEN TO HAWAIIAN MUSIC BY JOHN KEAWE, a kihoʻalu (slack-key) guitarist, composer and recording artist. The concert is at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park this Wednesday, July 17 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The concert is free.
    Keawe has earned Grammy and Nā Hōkū Hanohano music awards.
    The evening is one in a series of Nā Leo Manu Heavenly Voices of Hawaiian Music concerts and presentations. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

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Kaʻū News Briefs July 14, 2024

Lauhala artist Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell will emcee the 40th Annual Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival this Saturday, July 20. She demonstrates weaving a lauhala hat during the 2023 festival. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

THE FORTIETH HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK CULTURAL FESTIVAL is in the making for this coming weekend. A statement from the organizers says, "Hulō! A remarkable program of local musicians, hālau hula, Hawaiian games, arts and crafts plus exhibitors and food vendors will be featured at the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park 40th Cultural Festival happening in Kahuku on Saturday, July 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free!
    "The theme of the 40th Cultural Festival, E Ho'omau i ka Poʻohala, is exemplified in the many performances and hands-on activities that carry on the virtues, arts and skills of the 'ohana." Sway and sing along to Hawaiian and island-inspired music by well known performers including Kenneth Makuakāne, the Pandanus Club, and Keaīwa. Enjoy hula arts performed by Kaleilaniakealiʻi and LoriLei's Hula Studio. Lauhala artist Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell, an ardent supporter of the Cultural Festival for decades, will emcee.

Demetrius Oliveira and Gene Beck of Keaiwa will perform at the 40th Hawai'i
 Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival. Photo form Keaiwa

    Everyone is invited to test their skills at nā pāʻani (Hawaiian games), makau (Hawaiian fishhook making), and weaving with lau niu (coconut palm leaves) and lau hala (pandanus leaves). Learn to make lei lāʻī (tī leaf lei) and kāhili (feather standards), and how lāʻāu lapaʻau (Hawaiian medicinal plants) can improve one's health. 

    "Don't forget to make your mark with 'ohe kāpala - bamboo stamping! These activities are an integral part of Hawaiian culture and an enlightening, hands-on way to learn about the deep connection between Hawaiians and the natural environment."

    In addition, Kaʻū Multicultural Society will host a display about paniolo history, and local conservation organizations will share the latest information about Rapid 'Ōhiʻa Death (University of Hawaiʻi), honuʻea (Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project) and efforts to save native forest birds from deadly mosquito-borne illnesses (Birds Not Mosquitoes).
    Entrance and the Cultural Festival are free. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase or pack a picnic. Laulima Catering and 4 Scoops of Aloha will offer Hawaiian food, and the Hawaiian Civic Club of Kaʻū will sell lunch plates. The Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will give away free ice shave minis and will sell the official 2024 festival T-shirt. The Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association will sell items from the park store, and a free shuttle between the festival grounds and the parking area on the former air strip will be provided by KapohoKine Adventures.
    The 40th Cultural Festival is planned to be "a fun-filled, family-friendly drug- and alcohol-free event." Sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Bring water, rain jacket, and ground mat or chair. The cultural festival is co-sponsored by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, the Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, and the Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association.
    Kahuku is located on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5 in Kaʻū, a 50-minute drive south of the park's main entrance.

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A HEAT SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN is launched by the state Department of Health and all four counties. The aim is safeguarding the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi's residents and visitors during the hottest months of the year.
    "Hawaiʻi has some of the highest average annual relative humidity in the country," said Bethany

Bethany Morrison assists with the Heat Safety
 Awareness Campaign. Photo from County of Hawai'i

Morrison, County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience Administrator. "When it is too humid, our bodies have a harder time cooling down, which can lead to heat-related illness."
    Last year, 2023, was the hottest year on record, with unprecedented heat waves and heat-related illnesses. "Hawaiʻi is known for its moderate climate and cooling trade winds; however, rising temperatures and high relative humidity levels pose a significant health risk," says the statement from the Heat Safety Awareness Campaign.
    This initiative aims to dispel the misconception that Hawaiʻi is immune to heat-related health issues and to provide residents and visitors with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe. The campaign consists of two main components, heat brochures and social media outreach that will be shared through September.
    Heat brochures offer practical tips on staying cool, recognizing symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and emergency contact information specific to each County. The plan is for them to be widely distributed in public spaces, health centers, and community events. The brochures are in English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
    A Social Media Campaign leverages Instagram and Facebook to reach a broad audience. Each County and DOH will share collaborative posts on topics including heat-related illnesses, tips for identifying heat exhaustion and highlighting vulnerable groups that are more prone to heat risks.
    See Instagram @COH.OSCER for updates throughout the summer. Visit www.heat.gov for more resources about heat illnesses, extreme heat, and how to prepare. Contact County of Hawaiʻi Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience at oscer@hawaiicounty.gov.

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QUALIFIED, PASSIONATE APPLICANTS FOR COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS are sought by Mayor Mitch Roth. He said, "These positions are crucial for the effective governance and development of our community, and we encourage all community-minded individuals with a heart to serve to apply. Available posts are on the following:
    PONC, the Public Access, Open Space, and Natural Resources Preservation Commission

• 

    Police Commission

    Fire Commission

    Transportation CommissionSalary Commission
    Fire Board of Appeals
    Liquor Commission
    Merit Appeals Board    

    The statement from the County says, "These roles offer residents the opportunity to engage in public service, provide valuable input on county matters, and contribute to the betterment of Hawaiʻi County. Members of these boards and commissions play a vital role in shaping policies and making decisions that affect the daily lives of our residents."
    Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications online by visiting the Boards & Commissions Application - Mayor | Hawaii County, HI website. Additionally, those interested can contact Pomai Bartolome at 808-961-8504 for further assistance or inquiries.

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HAWAI'I'S U.S. SENATORS have reacted to Saturday's shooting of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Political violence is abhorrent and has no place in our society. We’re mourning the life tragically lost in yesterday’s attack and wishing the former President a full and speedy recovery.
    Sen. Brian Schatz said, "This is absolutely horrifying. Political violence is always unacceptable. I am praying for everyone’s safety."
    Both Trump and Pres. Joe Biden, along with other Democrat and Republican leaders, called for reduction in anger among those with different views on how to run the country. They also called for an increase in civil discourse in political life, calling it key to American democracy.
    The sniper who was killed by Secret Service was a 20 year old man who graduated from junior college in engineering and worked at a health care facility, with no prior criminal record. He was a registered Republican who had made a small donation to a progressive group.
    Trump's injury was a bloody ear. After examination at a hospital he headed to New Jersey and on to  Milwaukee for the Republican National Convention which begins Monday.

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