Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022

Kamehameha Schools has purchased the 665-acre Kahuku Ranch, makai of Hwy 11 near Ocean View.

Photo from Kamehameha Schools

 
KAHUKU RANCH, the 665- acre parcel formerly owned by the Damon Estate, has been purchased by Kamehameha Schools. The historic ranch with its koa home, office, high producing cattle pastures, and ranch quarters is known for its very thick grasslands and its paniolo and Native Hawaiian history. It is adjacent to other Kamehameha Schools lands at Wai'ahukini. The land is on the makai side of Hwy 11, between South Point Road and Ocean View, makai of the Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
    A statement issued Jan. 4 from Kamehameha Schools says, the investment "consolidates ownership of area lands that include adjacent KS legacy lands and also provides for potential future agriculture or community education presence in the rural district along the southern tip of Hawai‘i island." The property

A village of seven homes at Kahuku Ranch,
recently acquired by Kamehameha Schools

provides "access to a large swath of KS’ Pākini ahupuaʻa. Additionally, this large property also has highway frontage and access to unique ma uka and ma kai cultural and natural landscapes."
    Jamee Miller, director of KS’ ‘Āina Ulu, which works with KS ʻāina tenants and partners on impactful outcomes that contribute to community resiliency, said the following: “Through responsible stewardship of ‘āina, we support vibrant, resilient communities where keiki learn and thrive. Through planning and collaboration with the community, there is an opportunity to link educational, economic and community resources while forging strong partner networks and relationships.” The ranch could also support agricultural and food systems activities such as securing a lessee to raise livestock or grow fruit trees, says the KS statement. "KS’ immediate focus is on properly securing and stewarding the ‘āina and facilities. While there are no set long-term plans, KS will be carefully assessing all options to create positive resilient community impact."

Punalu'u property managers are asking the public to beware of nene, the Hawaiian goose and state bird, which has taken to crossing the roads. Speed bumps and other improvements to protect the nene are planned at Punalu'u, according to property

managers and owner. A few of the nene have been killed in recent years on the Punalu'u roadway. Photo by Bob Martin

PUNALU'U MANAGERS URGE PROTECTION FOR NENE. "There are a lot of nene this winter at Punalu'u and we are very concerned about their safety," said Black Sand Beach, LLC Project Director Norman Quon who is working on the development plan for the 434-acre property below Hwy 11. He said the Punalu'u management team asks the public to drive slowly on the roads through Punalu'u, especially along the road bordering the golf course between Hwy 11 and SeaMountain condominiums.As many as ten nene have been seen recently on the property, said Quon. He vowed that the management team would work on signage and other nene safety protocol along the private road. "We are even considering perhaps 
building some of the stone walls higher along the golf course to help keep the nene off the road."
    Several nene have been killed along the road in recent years. O Ka'u Kakou President Wayne Kawachi said OKK is involved in setting up speed bumps to slow the traffic and will fill some gaps in the stone walls along the golf course where nene cross the road. He said OKK has reached out to Department of Land & Natural Resources wildlife biologist Raymond McGuire for guidance.

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The future of Punlu'u and the County of Hawai'i pavilions, which are leased from the owners

of Black Sand Beach, LLC, are up for discussion at a workshop on Jan. 15 about future development plans. 

Photo by Bob Martin

A FOURTH MEETING TO BE HELD ON THE FUTURE OF PUNALU'U will be a workshop on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the multipurpose room next to the Robert Herkes Gym adjacent to the Pahala School campus. Norman Quon, Project Director for Black Sand Beach, LLC's plan for the 432-acre oceanfront Punalu'u property, said the planning team wants more input from the community before turning in its proposal to the County of Hawai'i. "We are hoping to turn in a plan during the first 
quarter of this year," he said.
    The property includes the beach park, which is rented to the county; golf course, abandoned tennis center and abandoned commercial buildings, along with undeveloped resort, commercial and residential lands.
    Quon said he will help lead the workshop, along with Black Sand Beach, LLC's principal owner Eva Liu, Planning Consultant Daryn Arai and Project Assistant Jade Cardellos. "It's the next step, to take it to another level, to really get the community and involve the community specifically in the project," said Quon. He said the plans for development have not changed since the three community meetings held in December.

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HIGH INFECTION RATES OF COVID ON THIS ISLAND leading to staffing issues have prompted closing of the Ka`u Drivers Licensing Office on Wednesday, Jan. 5, with the expectation that it will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

    The Hilo office will also be closed and is expected to reopen on Thursday. Additionally, Waimea will be canceling all road tests scheduled for tomorrow and will also be closed for lunch between 12-1 pm. The Hilo Vehicle Registration Office will remain open tomorrow, pending staff availability.
    A statement from County of Hawaiʻi says thanks to "the community for their understanding as we all continue to battle the effects of the coronavirus locally and globally. The County remains committed to providing quality and timely service to all residents and will promptly notify the public of any further changes to regular schedules or services."

A 3.7 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHOOK WAI'OHINU AND OCEAN VIEW at 8 p.m. Tuesday. It was located 6 miles north of Waiohinu and 8 miles from Ocean View.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022

Uēkahuna viewing area at the summit of Kilauea Volcano. A man crossed into closed territory
and fell to his death late Sunday night. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

A MAN FELL FROM THE CRATER RIM TO HIS DEATH in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park late Sunday night. According to a statement from the park, the 75-year-old Hilo man died after falling from a closed area.

    Family members reported the man missing from within the park around 12:15 a.m. on Monday. After searching for the man in the darkness, National Park Service rangers and Hawaiʻi County firefighters located the man’s body about 100 feet below the crater rim, west of the Uēkahuna viewing area at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Park rangers, assisted by helicopter, recovered the body around 8 a.m.
    An investigation is underway and no additional details are currently available.
    Identification of the victim is pending further notification of family.

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Light shaking with a maximum intensity of IV
 was reported by USGS concerning the 4.3 earthquake.

A MAGNITUDE 4.3 EARTHQUAKE RUMBLED THROUGH PAHALA on Monday, with its epicenter five miles to the east-northeast of the village. USGS reported its depth at  34 kilometers (21 miles).  A map showing its location is posted on the HVO website at https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo. More details are available on the National Earthquake Information Center website at https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/hv72856332.
    Light shaking, with maximum Intensity of  IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale was reported across parts of the Island of Hawai‘i. At that intensity, significant damage to buildings or structures was not expected. The USGS "Did you feel it?" service (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/dyfi) received over 125 felt reports within the first 30 minutes after the earthquake.
    According to HVO Scientist-in-Charge, Ken Hon, the earthquake had no observable impact on Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes. “This earthquake is part of the ongoing seismic swarm under the Pāhala area, which started in August 2019.

     "Webcams and other data streams show no impact on the ongoing eruption at Kīlauea. Please be aware that aftershocks are possible and may be felt. HVO continues to monitor Hawaiian volcanoes for any changes. The Alert Levels/Color Codes remain at WATCH/ORANGE for Kīlauea and ADVISORY/YELLOW for Mauna Loa at this time.”

    For information on recent earthquakes in Hawaii and eruption updates, visit the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo.

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COVID-19 CASES ON THIS ISLAND CONTINUE TO SOAR. A Civil Defense message on Monday noted that Department of Health reported 359 new cases in Hawai'i County, 1824 active cases, and nine persons hospitalized.
    The Civil Defense message says, "Please do your part to protect our 'Ohana and follow the preventive measures of wearing face coverings, distancing, disinfecting your hands, limiting and avoiding gatherings, and staying home; especially when sick. If you feel sick or believe you may have been exposed to a positive case, please get tested.
    "The Department of Health recommends getting vaccinated and getting a booster shot to protect yourself, your family and friends."
    For a comprehensive calendar and list of all pharmacies and clinics providing vaccination and testing, please visit the Civil Defense website. www.hawaiicounty.gov

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HAWAI'I PONO INITIATIVE AND HAWAI'I ALLIANCE FOR PROGRESSIVE ACTION leader and former state Senate leader Gary Hooser has suggested 12 policy goals for the 2022 Hawai'i Legislature, which opens on Jan. 19 and adjourns May 5. Hooser wrote, "It goes without saying that if we don't set goals, we are sure not to achieve them." His public policy goals "worthy of our time and energy" are:              "Term limits for state legislators; passage of true living wage legislation; closing of Red Hill (underground military fuel storage that has contaminated drinking water) on Oʻahu and reevaluation of military impacts statewide;

    "Repeal HB499/Act 236 - Relating to lease extensions on public land; criminal justice/cash bail reform; increased public funding of state and county elections; legalizing the responsible adult use of cannabis; affordable housing for all local residents; food and energy self-sufficiency;
   
"Protection of our streams, coastlines, and mountains; ensure Hawai'i teachers are the highest paid, most qualified, and best in the world; and a tax structure that protects local residents and requires offshore investors and the wealthy - to pay their fair share."
    Hooser contends that "None of these goals are radical, or ground-breaking. There are models already in place elsewhere - we just need the political will and leadership to make it happen. This should be a slam dunk for a legislature dominated by Democrats such as exists here in Hawai'i.Term limits would need to be approved by voters but must be put on the ballot by the legislature. Fifteen states, including California presently have legislative term limits. Eighteen states have legalized the responsible adult use of cannabis.
Twenty-three other states have a higher minimum wage."
    Regarding the issue of clean drinking water and the contamination from Red Hill, Hooser said, "If a majority of our legislative leaders and the congressional delegation were willing to stand with the public at the gates of Pearl Harbor (either literally or figuratively) until the Navy agreed, you can be assured Red Hill would be closed tomorrow. There has never been a thorough evaluation of the military's collective impact in Hawai'i. Hawai'i residents deserve to know what those impacts are, and they deserve a say in
whether or not additional future expansion is needed or wanted. Hooser said that affordable housing, food and energy self-sufficiency, and protection of the natural environment require a long-term commitment, solid planning, and eternal vigilance.

    "Attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers is the single most important thing we can do to ensure the positive development of our children."
"Tax fairness can be achieved literally with the stroke of a pen. In past legislative sessions numerous proposals were put forth and passed, but then vetoed by the Governor. Without exaggeration 100's of millions of dollars are being left on the table each year.
"Hawai'i is flush with cash and just days ago Governor Ige announced his intention to put a billion dollars into the state's "rainy day fund. Yes, that's correct. We have a billion dollars extra on hand now and hundreds of millions more each year we are missing out on. We have the money, but just lack the political leadership to spend it where it needs to be spent - paying teachers more and building more affordable housing would be a good place to start.
Hooser said, "Citizen involvement is a prerequisite of political will. Without active citizen participation, the politicians are left only with the voice of big money and big business.....Make two calls and send two emails. One to your Representative and another to your Senator. Share with them your thoughts, your goals, and your expectations. You can find out who they are and their contact information by entering your address at https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/."

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HAWAI'I - PHILIPPINES BUSINESS ECONOMIC COUNCIL invites the public to a zoom meeting on Technological Innovations to Save the Planet. It takes place via zoom on Thursday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. Speakers are:
    Navkaran Singh Bagga, founder & CEO of AKVO, a company that created an atmospheric water generator to make safe and pure drinking water from the air. As statement from HPBEC says, "Its US partner is developing programs that ensure support in this innovative water generation technologies to establish its role as the world’s first solar water utility provider. This technology is now in California and is being introduced to Hawai'i. This is an alternative to current water sources that is now threatened by fuel-leaks and other catastrophic man-made pollutants."
    Rob and Mylene Reyes, who produce Kaivicide, an all-purpose cleaner, made and bottled  locally by the home medical supply provider owned by these Filipino-American entrepreneurs. "The key ingredient in Kaivicide is Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) - a powerful oxidizer that naturally occurs in humans, in our  

white blood cells. Kaivicide uses HOCl instead of harsh chemicals to deodorize and clean. HOCl is an EPA approved active ingredient in most commercially produced disinfectant. Kaivicide is the only product in the market that is sustainable, eco-friendly, non-toxic and affordable," says the HPBEC statement.
   Carvey Ehren Maigue, a student from Mapua University and invented the Aureus, a technology that utilizes crop wastes to create solar biopolymer materials that can harvest UV light. "Its ability to capture UV light allows Aureus materials to function even during cloudy or lowlight conditions or even on areas facing away from the sun, making it applicable to windows, facades, or claddings in vertical developments such as buildings. The solar material can also be formed in various shapes allowing it to be integrated to textiles or vehicles in the future. The Aureus won the James Dyson Sustainability Award in 2020," says the HPBEC statement.

    Register for free: https://bit.ly/32Ba5hn

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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022

Charter fishing operations like Lahela have had to drop their shark fishing program and concentrate on marlin, ono and other species, as well as whale watching, since shark fishing became illegal Jan. 1. Photo from Lahela

EVERY KIND OF SHARK IS OFF LIMITS FOR KILLING IN HAWAIIAN WATERS. The new law went into effect on Jan. 1. It is also illegal to knowingly entangle or capture sharks. House Bill 533 passed 
the Hawai'i Legislature during its last session. It protects the approximately 40 species of sharks living in Hawaiian waters. See them at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/hawaii-sharks/shark-identification-guide/.
    Brian Neilson, Administrator of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources, said, “We are well aware of how important sharks are to maintain healthy marine ecosystems. 
    We also recognize their importance in native Hawaiian cultural practices and beliefs.”

See Hawaiian shark species at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/sharks/hawaii-sharks/shark-identification-guide/.

    The new law does not apply to: People with special activity permits issued by DLNR; shark fishing for public safety purposes as authorized or conducted by DLNR; sharks taken outside of state marine waters, with required documentation; sharks captured, entangled, or killed for self-defense or the defense of another; sharks captured or killed according to a permit issued by DLNR.
    Neilson pointed out that DLNR still has "work to do before it’s fully implemented.” According to the statute, DLNR may adopt administrative rules to implement the new law, including but not limited to: ensuring that the incidental capture and release of sharks while targeting other species is not a violation; preventing the wanton waste of sharks; and limiting gear, such as gill nets, in areas identified as shark nursery habitats. According to Act 51, the conditions of non-commercial permits for the take of sharks “shall include native Hawaiian cultural protocol, size and species restrictions, and a prohibition on species listed as endangered or threatened.”

Shark killing fines are $500 for first offense, $2,000 for second and $10,000
for the third. Photo from DLNR

    The DLNR recommended that "people avoid fishing in areas known to be frequented by sharks, especially pupping areas, and use barbless circle hooks. If a shark is caught accidentally from a boat, avoid bringing it onto the vessel whenever possible. To release it, cut the line as safely as possible close to the shark’s mouth.
    Violation of the new law will be a misdemeanor, but carries significant penalties: $500 for a first offense; $2,000 for a second offense; $10,000 for a third or subsequent offenses; a civil fine not exceeding $10,000 per offense; an administrative fine of no more than $10,000 for each shark captured or entangled, whether alive or dead; seizure and forfeiture of any captured sharks or any part or product, commercial marine license, vessel, and fishing equipment; assessment of administrative fees and costs, and attorney’s fees and costs. For information about sharks in Hawaiian waters, visit the DLNR shark website at hawaiisharks.org.

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FREE COVID TEST KITS WILL BE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY, Jan. 5 at Ace Hardware in Na`alehu. The event is led by Ka'u Rural Health Community Association to provide COVID test kits first come, first served to those who register to receive a COVID vaccine at Ka`u Rural Health Clinic, Bay Clinic, CVS Longs in Pahala or West Hawai'i Community Heath Center. 

    Other sponsors are Ka`u Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, Community First Kuleana Health, Papa Ola Lukahi: Ke Ko'o Ko'o Project, Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi, state Department of Health and Queen's Ulu Network.   

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The Canada-France-Hawai'i Telescope webcam on the evening of Jan. 2 shows snow that likely lured a family
in their truck to go up Mauna Kea Jan. 1 in rain and ice conditions. The driver lost control and the truck fell 
into a ravine, leaving one child dead and others critically and seriously injured.

A DEADLY MAUNA KEA TRIP TO THE SNOW led to the death of a nine-year-old girl and injuries to seven people in a 2018 Toyota Tacoma truck on Saturday. Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Mauna Kea Access Road around 3:28 p.m.
    Police investigators have determined that the driver of the truck traveling west on Mauna Kea Access Road appears to have lost control of the vehicle when the brakes did not respond. The Tacoma then crossed the roadway in a right curve and went off the left shoulder, approximately 100 yards and fell into a ravine after rolling over, with some of the passengers ejected from the vehicle. At the time of the collision the roadway was wet and it was raining.  The location was about 8,000 ft in altitude just below the visitor center. 

The fatal accident happened just below Mauna Kea 
Visitor Information Center. U.H. Photo

    Five occupants were inside the truck at the time of the collision and three were in the bed of the pickup. All the vehicle’s occupants sustained injuries from the collision and were transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation.
    The operator of the pick-up truck, a 40-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male occupant, were airlifted to Queens Medical Center on O'ahu. A three-year-old boy was airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center on O'ahu in critical condition. The nine-year-old female, in the back seat of the cab, was transported to Hilo Medical Center and pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
    Police believe that speed, brake failure, and not wearing seatbelts appear to be major factors in the outcome of this collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors, reported Hawai'i Police Department.
    This is the first fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to zero fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
    The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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JANUARY PROGRAMS FOR KAHUKU section of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park have been announced. Ranger Orientation Talks are Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. The following Ranger Guided Hikes are scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays. Meet at the Visitor Contact Station.
    The Kaʻū Field System: Farming the Rock: On Saturday, Jan. 8 at 9:30  a.m., walk along an old ranch road to the remnants of the field system at Kahuku. Learn how pre-western-contact Hawaiians intensively farmed this area and fed the large population of Kahuku.. This is an easy 1/2 mile, one hour hike to kipuka kāʻopapa and back.
    Palm Trail: On Sunday, Jan. 9, at 9:30  a.m., hike a 2.6 mile loop along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruption. Discover relics of the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration). Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coast. This is a 1.5 hour program

Pele-honua-mea (Pele) and Hi‘iaka-i-ka-poli-o-pele,

 and the natural phenomena they represent come

 alive through epic stories depicted in natural

 landscape of Kahuku on a two-mile, 1.5 hour hike.

 Image by Dietric Varez

    Nature & Culture: An Unseverable Relationship: (He Pilina Wehena ‘Ole). On Saturday, Jan. 15 at 9:30 a.m., hike the Palm Trail and be inspired by a place where hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration) can be observed as the land transitions from the 1868 lava flow and its pioneer plants to deeper soil with more diverse and older flora. Learn about native plants and their significance in Hawaiian culture. This moderate hike is about two miles and takes two hours.
    Realms and Divisions of Kahuku: On Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m, discover the classification system, the realms, and the vertical and horizontal land divisions, that have been used in Hawaiʻi for centuries. Hawaiians made scientific observations of natural phenomena based on their astute powers of observation. This is a moderately difficult two-mile, 1.5-hour guided hike on Kamakapaʻa Trail.
    ‘Ōhi‘a Lehua: On Saturday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m., learn about the vital role of ‘ōhi‘a lehua in native Hawaiian forests, the many forms of the ‘ōhi‘a tree, and the threat of a new fungal disease, Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death. Visitors will be able to identify the many differences of the most prominent native tree in Kahuku on this program, which is an easy, one-mile one-hour (or less), walk.
    Hi‘iaka & Pele. On Sunday, Jan. 23 at 9:30 a.m., discover two fascinating Hawaiian goddesses, sisters Pele-honua-mea (Pele) and Hi‘iaka-i-ka-poli-o-pele, and the natural phenomena they represent. Visitors will experience the sisters coming alive through the epic stories depicted in the natural landscape of Kahuku on this moderate two-mile, 1.5 hour hike. Walk across the 1868 lava flow along an old ranch road, and down the old ranch airstrip.
    People and Land of Kahuku: On Saturday, Jan 29 t 9:30 a.m., take a moderate two-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. Emerging native forests, pastures, lava fields, and other sites hold clues about ways people lived and worked on the vast Kahuku lands – from the earliest Hawaiians, through generations of ranching families, to the current staff and volunteers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the powerful natural forces at work in Kahuku and how people have adapted to, shaped, and restored this land.

    Birth of Kahuku. On Sunday, Jan. 30 at 9:30 a.m., explore the rich geologic history of Kahuku. Traverse the vast 1868 lava flow, see different volcanic formations, including the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa. Learn about the Kānāwai o Pele, the natural laws of land building that govern Peleʻs realm.

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