Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 29, 2024

Kīlauea Crater's Last Sunday of 2024 

This USGS webcam image from Sunday morning was posted by Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with the following message: "Steady fountaining continues from the southern portion of Kīlauea volcano’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater. According to USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (USGS Volcanoes), if fountaining continues, it is possible that the fountain heights will increase as more gas-rich lava erupts. It is not possible to estimate how high the fountains may get or how long the fountaining will last, but prior episodes of the current eruption have produced fountains over 200 feet high (70 m) that last up to 24 hours. More lava means more volcanic gas. Planning to visit the park? Watch the air quality. If the winds are light or southerly, toxic volcanic gas could blow over and impact the summit of Kīlauea volcano and the popular caldera overlooks. Check the air quality at https://www.nps.gov/havo/air-quality-alert.htm. Volcanic gas poses a threat to everyone, especially those with heart or respiratory issues, infants, children, and pregnant women. It is comprised mostly of sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor.

A M4.2 earthquake produced two jolts largely felt in Pāhala just after 11 p.m. Sunday. The epicenter was reported by USGS to be about a mile southwest of the village. It was followed by another strong jolt.

CIVICS LEADERS IN HAWAI'I are giving praise to Jimmy Carter, the former U.S. President, international peacemaker and advocate for affordable housing, who died on Sunday at the age of 100. He lived longer than any U.S. President and accomplished a post presidency career as a diplomat, volunteer and promoter of Habitat for Humanity and numerous other community programs.
    He and the late First Lady Roselynn Carter established the Carter Center which is known for its outreach in solving disputes between countries and between people. In recent years, the Jimmy Carter Award has been won by University of Hawai'i students for writing about international relations.

After their marriage when he was in the Naval Academy,
Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter lived in Hawai'i
 when he served in the Navy as a submarine officer.

    In Hawai'i, the Carters lived on O'ahu while the President-to-be served the U.S. Navy. Carter also visited Hawai'i as President when George Ariyoshi was Governor. He spoke at Hickham Air Force Base in 1979 and met with Ariyoshi and U.S. Reps. Dan Akaka and Cec Heftel.

   Carter called Hawai'i "one of the places on earth closest to our hearts." 

    Hawai'i County Mayor Kimo Alameda said, "Jimmy Carter was the first President I remember being talked about in our household. When he lost to Ronald Reagan in the 1980 election we talked about it in my fifth grade current events class. Since then, I have always been impressed with President Carter. He was soft spoken and an ambassador of peace and goodwill. He lived a whole century of being a really good man with a good heart. He was one of my favorite Presidents."

       The Hawai'i governor's office announced that "In honor of the life of Pres. James Earl Carter, Jr, 39th President of the United States, and as directed by President of the United States, Hawai'i Gov. Josh Green, M.D. has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the State of Hawaiʻi, for a period of 30 days starting Dec. 29, 2024.
    “Today Hawai‘i joins the nation and the world in mourning the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a leader whose life was defined by service, compassion and an unwavering commitment to justice and peace,” said Hawai'i's Governor.

Pres. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in Hawai'i in 1979. Photo by John Titchen

    “President Carter’s legacy extends far beyond his time in office. His tireless efforts for human rights, global diplomacy and humanitarian causes exemplify the values of aloha that we hold so dear in Hawai‘i. Through his work, he reminded us all of the power of humility, kindness and a deep care for others.

    “On behalf of the people of Hawai‘i, Jaime and I send our aloha and heartfelt condolences to the Carter ‘ohana during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing that his life’s work has left an indelible mark on the world and will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Green.
   Flags will remain at half-staff until Jan. 28, in accordance with the President’s proclamation. Pres. Biden further appointed Thursday, Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning throughout the United States.
    A link to the President’s Proclamation can be found here.
    Hawai'i U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said, "I join Americans across the country in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter. As president, he worked to protect the environment, expand clean energy, champion human rights, and advance Middle East peace. After leaving office, he spent decades helping the less fortunate, in America and around the world. His legacy of service, kindness, and generosity will live on. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Carter family.
    U. S. Congressman Ed Case said, “Faith, hope, service. These will always define President Jimmy Carter. Faith in God and humanity. Hope for our country and world and for each and all of us. Service as the purpose of life, each in our own best way. His was truly a life of consequence.”

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 28, 2024

Lonesome George, who now has a mate and sits on the nest, was the only endangered Short-tailed Albatross on Midway Atoll for years. Now he has fathered what may be the start of a colony. Photo by U.S. Fish & Wildlife biologist John Plissner

NO LONGER THE LONESOME GEORGE OF KUAIHELANI is the way Friends of Midway Atoll describe this Makalena, a Short-Tailed Albatross that is brooding an egg on the only known nest of the species outside of islands near Japan. 

    George himself hatched from the colony on Japan’s Torishima island in 2003 and was banded there as a chick. He started frequenting Midway in 2012 and was named Lonesome George for the years he spent by himself until a female Makalena made her way to the atoll and they produced several chicks. The monogamous pairs produce a maximum of one chick a year, with the nesting in December and January.

Endangered Short-tailed Albatrosses
have one nest on Midway, the
rest in Japan. Photo from FOMA

    There are about five of these short-tailed albatrosses on Midway including another lonely boy, perhaps the beginning of a colony, which could be key to the species survival. The primary nesting place is Torishima, an active volcano. Makalena are also threatened by being caught up in longline fishing.
    The Short-tailed Albatross was thought to be extinct in 1949 but has recovered to a population of about 3,400.

   "A beautiful Christmas sight to behold," states the message from Friends of Midway Atoll, "thanks to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service biologist Jon Plissner," who sent images of George sitting on the egg.

    Friends of Midway Atoll is completing a fundraiser where a donor will match $10,000 raised. It ends on Dec. 31, with over $8,000 raised so far. Gifts to FOMA empower:
    Direct support for the recovery of albatrosses, once decimated by the millions during the feather trading era, by funding sound attraction devices and field cameras including the one now currently positioned on the nest cared for by George.
   Sharing what is happening on Kuaihelani with the public.
   Support for actions that keep a nest site safe for Wisdom, the 72 year-old albatross that is said to be the world's oldest nesting bird. 

    FOMA also helps to support the world's largest Bonin petrel and albatross colony, safe from attacks by mice or spread of aggressive noxious weeds.
    Midway Atoll, which is 1,512 miles from Ka Lae and 2,538 miles from Torishima Island in Japan, was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1997. Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge was founded after volunteers visited the island in 1999.
    To learn more, sign up to volunteer and donate, see www.friendsofmidway.org.

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NOAA OCEAN GUARDIAN  YOUTH AMBASSADORS program sent notice to Kaʻū this week that conservation and stewardship opportunities are available. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5 for the program that begins Jan. 22. The message says:

    "Are you a youth passionate about the ocean and the natural environment? Are you looking for a way to develop the skills you need to engage in conservation and stewardship opportunities? Do you want to connect with like-minded youth and become an environmental leader at your school or in your community? Apply for Cohort 3 of the NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador Program!"

    Youth Ambassadors to this community experience the following:

    Attend monthly webinars to learn about the National Marine Sanctuary System, threats to the ocean, ocean optimism, NOAA programs and careers, opportunities for engagement, and future leadership programs;
    Gain the confidence and skills to lead a project or event at school or in your local community that supports ocean conservation and stewardship;
    Track progress on school or community project or event;
   Actively engage in discussions with other Ambassadors, post-webinar surveys, and evaluation of program content;
   Check and respond to emails in a timely manner;
   Complete the Climate Resilience in Your Community Activity Book over the course of the program;
   Share knowledge, passion, and skills with school or community as an official NOAA Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador.

   See more and apply at https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian/youth-ambassador.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=GovDelivery

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 27, 2024

Seven new DOCARE officers have been sworn in for this island to work enforcement for the 
state Department of Land & National Resources, which manages huge holdings in Kaʻū.

SEVEN NEW DOCARE OFFICERS were sworn in for this island earlier this month in a ceremony on O'ahu for 25 who will serve statewide with Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.
   During the ceremonies, DLNR First Deputy Ryan Kanaka‘ole, whose family is from Wai‘ōhinu and who worked on preservation of Kāwā along the Kaʻū Coast, said, “The job you have is very heavy, it’s challenging, it’s indispensable. Without a working enforcement arm our department is toothless, it is ineffective, we fail at our mission. I think I speak for everyone at DLNR, when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service.”
    The graduation ceremony was held at Hawai‘i Convention Center, as members of Recruit Class 24-01 were surrounded by family, friends, DOCARE leadership and academy instructors. They watched as each
new DOCARE officer was presented with a graduation certificate, followed by badge pinning.

    Officer Zane Dela Cruz will be assigned to his home island of Lana‘i, joining another recruit as the third and fourth DOCARE officers there. He had tears in his eyes when former state game warden Albert Morita, whom he calls Uncle Al, carefully pinned a DOCARE badge on his uniform. “Growing up he was our game warden,” Dela Cruz said. “He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to. He was very fair and consistent in how he performed his job.”
    Dela Cruz admits in his younger days he interacted with Morita, but not always in the best manner. “But the way he conducts himself, you have to respect him. He’s a good man and I’m very proud to follow in his footsteps,” Dela Cruz added.
    Prior to commissioning, guest speakers included former Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona, who is a retired judge and provided courtroom instruction for the academy class, as well as UH Richardson School 
of Law Dean Emerita Denise Antolini.
    Both Aiona and Antolini emphasized the responsibility of communities on each Hawaiian Island to support DOCARE and its mission, as well as to hold the new officers accountable.
    “I think we as a community, we as supporters of them and holding them accountable need to make sure they keep doing what they do without looking at those challenges,” Aiona said. Primary among the challenges he cited is the fact that DOCARE and other law enforcement agencies don’t have all the resources they may need to effectively carry out their missions.
    Antolini, who describes herself as one of DOCARE’s number-one fans, traced the history of the academy program, starting in 2017 and resulting in nearly doubling the number of officers in the field.

    “I don’t think we had any idea in August 2017 how this would far exceed our expectations, and this is the embodiment of that dream,” Antolini told the recruits.
    DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla then reminded the newly commissioned conservation officers, “As a civil servant your job is to serve our fellow citizens and visitors alike. It is important you recognize that while you may have a formal chain of command of people who are your bosses, the taxpayers of the state of Hawai‘i are your bosses, too.”
    Hawai‘i Island, Maui Nui, and O‘ahu will all have seven additional DOCARE officers, while Kaua‘i will have four.

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The old Naval Air Station swimming pool recently
reopened after $7.3 million in renovations and will
be the site of lifeguard training, with the Pāhala
pool remaining closed for its own renovations.
Photo from County of Hawai'i

COUNTY LIFEGUARD CLASSES, WITH THE COUNTY POOL IN PĀHALA still closed for renovations, will be available to Kaʻū residents in Hilo at the NAS aquatics center, starting Jan. 10.

    The name NAS reflects the building of the pool by the military in World War II as the Naval Air Station aquatics training center. It received a $7.3 million renovation and reopened in September. It is located at 135 Operations St. near Hilo Airport.
    Operated by the county Department of Parks & Recreation, the lifeguard program is an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification Course, which includes deep water training. It will be held Fridays from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. from Jan. 10-Feb. 7.
    The upcoming course at NAS follows a series of successful certification courses held in Hilo, Kona and Pāhoa last fall and is an opportunity to equip even more community members with important lifesaving skills, says a statement from County of Hawai'i.
    The certification course is open to participants who will be 15 years old on or before the final scheduled session of the lifeguarding course. In addition, participants must complete two prerequisite swimming skills evaluations.
    The course costs $122; payment must be made in cash in the exact amount. Payment can be made on the first day of class. Contact NAS Swimming Pool at 808-961-8697 to learn more and to register.
Information about pre-requisites can be found on the Department of Parks & Recreation Aquatics Section webpage: https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/recreation/aquatics.

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POLICE ARRESTED 19 FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 16, through Dec. 22. Hawai‘i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. Two were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 942 DUI arrests compared with 930 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.3 percent.

    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 963 major crashes so far this year, compared with 830 during the same time last year, an increase of 16 percent.
    To date, there were 25 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 fatalities, compared with 14 fatal crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities for the same time last year. (The year to date fatal crashes is revised deleting one fatal crash on 11/09/2024 which was inadvertently added as a multiple crash that had multiple deaths in its place.)     This represents an increase of 78.6 percent for fatal crashes and 86.7 percent for fatalities.
    In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is one, compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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