Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 10, 2024

Filipino American History Month is honored with a flag of the Philippines raised at the County Building.
Photo from County of Hawai'i

FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH proceeded with the raising of a flag on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the County Building in Hilo. Members of the Filipino community, County officials, and special guests gathered to recognize the rich cultural contributions of Filipino Americans to the Island and across the nation.
    Mayor Mitch Roth, joined by Filipino community leaders, emphasized the significance of the event as a symbol of unity, heritage, and pride for the Filipino community on Hawai'i Island.
    "Raising the Philippine flag today is more than just an acknowledgment of our Filipino American community; it's a celebration of the history, values, and deep cultural ties that enrich our island and our lives," said Roth. "We honor the hard work and dedication of our Filipino community, whose contributions have helped shape Hawai'i Island into the place we all proudly call home."
    Jane Clement, a Filipino community leader and Mayor Roth's Executive Assistant, shared her personal reflections on the significance of the ceremony, highlighting the deep cultural connection that many Filipino Americans feel to their heritage.
    "This ceremony symbolizes the shared history and enduring spirit of Filipinos in Hawai'i," said Clement. "Filipino American History Month is a time for us to remember the resilience, strength, and unity of our ancestors who paved the way for future generations. We are proud to stand here today as we honor their legacy and our vibrant Filipino community."
    The County statement said, "For the County of Hawai'i, this month provides an opportunity to acknowledge the role of Filipino Americans in local culture, industry, and community leadership. The County will continue to engage with the Filipino community throughout October, celebrating their contributions with various events and activities."

The Philippines flag flies at the county building during October, which
is Filipino American History Month.

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AN ARMED STANDOFF IN VOLCANO prompted Hawai‘i Island police to arrest 58-year-old Shawn Edward Page for first-degree attempted murder and trespassing on Thursday. Here is the Hawai'i Police Department account:
    Shortly before 10 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded to a residence on the 11-3000 block of Nahelenani Street, in Volcano, after receiving a report of a male illegally occupying the residence, which was supposed to be vacant.
    Officers arriving at the residence identified the man as Page, and learned that he was wanted for questioning relative to a previous incident involving his dog. Officers also identified a dog within the residence which resembled the dog involved in the incident. As officers attempted to legally remove the dog from the front door of the residence and speak with Page, he quickly pulled the dog into the residence, where he verbally threatened the officers while brandishing a firearm. Officers attempted to speak with Page, however he refused and locked himself in the residence.
    Officers at the scene then created a perimeter of the residence. The department’s Special Response Team, along with federal partners, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation SWAT Team, and the United States Marshal Service, had been deployed earlier Wednesday morning to execute a high-risk search warrant on a wanted fugitive, considered to be armed and dangerous, in the vicinity of Malia Aina Road in the Fern Forest area of Glenwood. Once the Fern Forest incident was cleared, the SRT team, along the Crisis Negotiation Team, and federal partner agencies, responded to assist given their close proximity to the Volcano incident. The Fern Forest incident was unrelated to the Volcano incident.
    Members of the Special Response Team attempted to engage in communication with Page, however, he remained uncooperative, and on several occasions shot towards officers.

    Law enforcement personnel continued to attempt to have Page peacefully exit the residence, however, he refused, and police remained on scene throughout the night.
During the course of the standoff, Page discharged a firearm on numerous occasions within the residence, and shot towards police personnel on three separate occasions.
    On Thursday morning, shortly after 9:00 a.m., as the Special Response Team entered the residence, Page shot at officers and one member of the Special Response Team returned fire, prior to the officers retreating to safety. Page managed to breech the residence and escape into the rear of the property. In the process of retreating, one member of the Special Response Team received a large laceration from broken window glass.
    Police expanded the perimeter and conducted a detailed search of the heavily forested property.
At 10:16 a.m., Page was located several hundred yards from the residence hiding in vegetation.
Upon being located and arrested for first-degree attempted murder and trespassing, Page was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol. Additional charges are pending.
Page received minor injuries during the incident. He was treated by medics at the scene and then transported to the East Hawaii Detection Center in Hilo, pending investigation.
    Following Page being taken into custody, Detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigation Section executed a search warrant on the residence, where a potential homemade explosive device was located.  Police immediately evacuated the residence and are awaiting bomb tech experts to respond to access the device. The scene remains secured by police at this time.
    The officer who was injured was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released.
Police ask for anyone with information relative to this incident to contact Detective Amy Omaya of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section, at (808) 961-2381 or via email at Amy.Omaya@hawaiicounty.gov.

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IT'S EAT BETTER, EAT TOGETHER MONTH. PEOPLE ATTENTIVE TO CHILDREN, the PATCH organization, states the following:
     "Families can benefit from eating together, even if it’s only one meal a day. October is National Eat Better, Eat together Month. Children learn important social skill from eating together, skills like manners, sharing, taking turns and cleaning up after themselves. Family meals offer children important communication and bonding opportunities as well, this time helps to strengthen the familial bonds and boost confidence in young diners. This time can also prove beneficial in enforcing healthy eating habits, prevent mindless overeating, and encourage picky eaters to try something new. Family dinner can be a great way to involve older kids in the kitchen, helping promote a healthy relationship with nutrition.
    "Carving out meal times with everyone’s busy schedules can be difficult, but the secret is in the preparation. Spend some time planning which meal time works best to bring everyone together, let everyone have a day to pick what’s on the menu, let keiki help shop for the groceries, wash fruits and veggies, and set the table. Encourage them to find recipes they might like to try, or show them how to make some family favorites from your childhood. You just might find that everyone eats a little better when they eat together."

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5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 9, 2024

Deborah Zysman Hawai'i Children Action Network Executive Director and Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke honored PATCH, its Executive Director Carol Wear and CCR&R Manager Nicole Higa with a KOA Legacy Award. PATCH is offering help to pay for preschool and is reaching out to Kaʻū. Photo from PATCH

HELP FOR FAMILIES TO PAY FOR PRESCHOOL TUITION: Kehau Lee Hong-Mauga, Family Navigator Subsidy Specialist II with People Attentive to Children, the non-profit PATCH group, is reaching out to Kaʻū. She said the PATCH program called Preschool Open Doors helps families pay for preschool tuition and "provides our keiki the opportunity to attend preschool prior to their kindergarten year." PATCH is funded by the state Department of Human Services and is for families who meet income eligibility requirements. 
    She said Preschool Open Doors can help families with completing applications and can "schedule a

time that works best for you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is any way we can support you and the children you serve." Call 808-961-3169 or email PODadmin@patch-hi.org.

    PATCH Executive Director Carol Wear recently received the KOA Legacy Award from Hawai'i Children's Action Network for making a significant impact on the well-being of children in Hawai'i. PATCH also received the Outstanding Advocates for Children & Youth Award.

    The PATCH facebook says that "PATCH has been at the center of early learning in the state of Hawai'i for decades working integrally with government agencies, nonprofits, advocates and various stakeholders operating in the early learning sector statewide. While it largely operates under the radar and 'behind the scenes,' it is the engine supporting and powering early learning sector through its intimate partnership with the Department of Human Services Child Care Program Office and the community at large."

   The statement says that PATCH services "are the underpinning of what a safe, resilient, healthy community is built on."

    The application is available at https://childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov/ and at PATCHHawaii.org.

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Farley Sangels directs South Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra and invites musicians of all levels 
to join in. Photo from South Hawai'i Symphony Orchestra

SOUTH HAWAI'I SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, directed by Farley Sangels, welcomes musicians of all levels to join its growing ensemble in Kaʻū and to enjoy the possible assistance to play some instruments on loan. Email SouthHawaiiSymphony@gmail.com or join the rehearsal at the Ocean View Community Center on Saturdays noon-2:30pm.

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VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTIST HUI has announced its 38th Annual Studio Tour & Sale for Friday, Nov. 29, Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Volcano Village during Thanksgiving Weekend.
    A statement from the Hui says, "This is an opportunity to meet and talk story with the artists in five different studios and galleries in Volcano Village. Hui members are grateful for the community support through nearly four decades!"

    Locations this year are:
    Studio 1 is hosted by Pam Barton with her own fiber work and more. She will also host Zeke Israel with raku, jewelry, and whimsical surprises; and Randy Sutton, with textile art, cards and wall vases.
   Studio 2 is hosted by J.M Fusions with Jamie Lesourd's kiln formed glass.
   Studio 3 is Volcano Garden Arts, with Ira Ono's fine art and gifts.
   Studio 4 is hosted by Margaret Barnaby with her woodblock prints. She will also host Mike and Misato Morata with their hand blown art glass, Nash Adams Pruitt with his functional glass art; the work of Nolan Odachi, blade smith and metal worker; and Anne Brooke with her Hawaiian grown indigo, natural dyed and hand woven goods.
   Studio 5 is Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus with Ricia Sherma's vintage silk clothing, bags and more; Joan Yoshioka's original paintings, prints and bags; Scott Pincus with his handmade silver jewelry and  Bill Hamilton with his Treasures of the Tree, woodwork and fine furniture.
    A special drawing for artwork contributed by each of the artists will be held at the end of the sale. Maps to the artists' studios and galleries will be available at local businesses and galleries in Volcano Village, and at www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com For further information please call 936-2821.

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POLICE ARRESTED 14 FOR DUI during the week that ended Oct 6. Hawai‘i Island police arrested 14

for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers were under the age of 21.
    To date, there were 21 fatal crashes, resulting in 23 fatalities, compared with 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 62 percent for fatal crashes and 64.3 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year. So far this year, there have been 755 DUI arrests compared with 746 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.21 percent.
Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 753 major crashes so far this year, compared with 643 during the same time last year, an increase of 17.1 percent. Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.

 

   

Kaʻū News Briefs Oct. 8, 2024

On the middle East Rift Zone of Kīlauea, a recent eruption covered a large portion of the Nāpau Crater floor with new
  lava—dark gray lava near center of image. This eruption started a forest fire that continues to burn vegetation along the
 southern rim of Nāpau Crater. Photo view looking northwest with Kānenuiohamo visible in the upper left.
USGS photo taken on Oct. 7 by L. DeSmither

TO SUPPRESS WILDFIRES, MANAULA AND NĀPAU TRAIL PARKING LOTS ARE CLOSED temporarily in Hawai'i' Volcanoes National Park. The areas are off limits to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
    The remote 78-acre Makaopuhi Fire was ignited by the September 15 eruption of Kīlauea volcano. Fire activity has increased due to lack of recent rainfall, low humidity and wind. Twenty-two members of the Pacific Islands Fire Management team, which includes firefighters from Hawaiʻi Island and American Sāmoa, are constructing a fire line to gain control of the fire's spreading perimeter. Firefighters are supported by helicopter water drops. A staging area, helispot and temporary dip site are located near the Maunaulu parking lot.
    The fire was located on the south rim of Nāpau Crater following the recent eruption on Kīlauea’s middle East Rift Zone, within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Beginning around 4 p.m. HST on Oct. 6, a smoke plume from the burning vegetation became visible in HVO webcam imagery, and intermittent incandescence was seen overnight. There were no indications of renewed eruptive activity from geophysical monitoring signals. On Oct. 7, an overflight confirmed that the smoke and glow were due to a forest fire.
    The temporary closure at Maunaulu is expected to last through Wednesday, Oct, 9 but could be extended if fire spread continues. The fire, which does not have a continuous flaming front, continues to burn pockets of uluhe fern and other vegetation dried by recent volcanic activity in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It poses no threat to homes at this time.
    The fire is a threat to Hawaiian ecosystems and rare plants in the area. The remote location and the hazardous volcanic terrain in Kīlauea volcano's remote East Rift Zone increase the difficulty of fire suppression efforts.

A wildfire started by a lava flow has drawn firefighters from American Samoa and Hawai'i Island.
Photo by L. DeSmither

   

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UP TO THREE ADDITIONAL HOUSING UNITS WILL BE ALLOWED ON EACH LOT to address the housing shortage on the island. Mayor Mitch Roth announced the signing of County Council Bill 123 on Tuesday. It's a piece of legislation aimed at increasing housing inventory on residential and agriculture properties across Hawai'i County. The bill, co-drafted by Council Chair Heather Kimball, Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz, Planning Director Zendo Kern, and Deputy Director Jeff Darrow, allows homeowners to build up to three accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with a size limit of 1,250 sf on their properties, helping address the county's housing shortage and enabling local families to stay in Hawai'i.

    "Bill 123 is a significant step toward expanding housing opportunities on Hawaiʻi Island," said Kierkiewicz. "By allowing more ADUs in urban areas, we're encouraging smart growth within our communities. This practical solution not only increases housing availability, but also empowers residents to actively contribute to addressing our island's housing shortage."

    "Hawaiʻi County is leading the way with Bill 123. ADUs offer a flexible and affordable housing solution for our residents," said Kimball. "Building ADUs for parents, children or long-term renters can help families stay together here on the island and can help homeowners generate extra income needed to get by. By encouraging development of existing properties in urban areas close to school, work, and commercial areas, ADUs also promote more sustainable land use practices outside the urban core."

     The Mayor's announcement said the bill introduces new provisions that replace previous restrictions on "ʻohana dwelling units," providing more flexibility for homeowners to add ADUs. Key amendments include:

    Allowing ADUs, whether detached or attached, to be built alongside single-family homes in Residential (RS), Duplex (RD), Residential-Agricultural District (RA), Agricultural (A), and Family Agricultural (FA) districts.

    Limiting each property to a maximum of three ADUs.

    Ensuring compliance with infrastructure and safety standards, including requirements for sewage disposal and water supply.

    Restricting the use of ADUs for transient accommodations, with limited exceptions.

    "The ability to build additional dwellings on existing properties is essential in addressing our housing shortage, but it's also about preserving our communities and ensuring that future generations—our keiki—can continue to live and thrive here in Hawai'i," said Roth. "This bill expands our housing inventory in a way that is both sustainable and community-centered."

    The statement said Bill 123 reflects Hawai'i County's commitment to tackling the housing crisis while promoting long-term stability and sustainability.

    For more information on the new ADU provisions or to learn how to apply for building permits, contact the Planning Department at planning@hawaiicounty.gov.

 

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5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.