Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022

Hawaiʻi County will help determine the use of $79 million in opioid settlement funds coming to the State of Hawaiʻi. Photo from NPR

SEVENTY-EIGHT MILLION DOLLARS IN OPIOID SETTLEMENT FUNDS will be used in all four Hawaiʻi Counties. Gov. David Ige and the mayors announced Tuesday that an Advisory Committee of the counties will determine the recommended uses for Hawaiʻi's share of $26 billion to be distributed nationally. The settlements resolve lawsuits against the three largest drug distributors and one of the largest drug manufacturers in the country.
    Hawaiʻi’s portion of these settlements was determined by a formula that takes into account population and impact of the opioid crisis. The $78 million includes approximately $63 million over 18 years from the settlement with the three major distributors and $15 million over nine years from the Johnson & Johnson settlement.
    The counties and Hawaiʻi state government agreed to use 85 percent of the funds for opioid treatment, prevention, and education, as well as other abatement measures and strategies. The other 15 percent is reserved for treatment, prevention, and education on other risky substances.
    A Memorandum of Agreement facilitates compliance with national settlement agreements. Eighty-five percent of opioid settlement funds will be spent in consultation with an Advisory Committee composed of equal numbers of state and county representatives. Each year, at least 15 percent of the total will be spent at the local level, and each county will determine how its respective share is spent.

  The governor said, “Too many of us know children, spouses, neighbors, or colleagues who are suffering every day from the impacts of drug addiction and misuse. I want to thank our mayors and our community, healthcare and government stakeholders who have come together to help the people of Hawaiʻi. Our efforts will be successful because all stakeholders are working closely together to achieve success.”
    Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth said, “Thanks to this collective statewide effort spearheaded by Gov. Ige and our healthcare providers, our counties will each be able to receive much-needed resources to combat the opioid crisis that we see island-to-island, community-to-community. Many of our first responders and local non-profit organizations have been working in the trenches to keep our families safe and free from the adverse effects of opioids and other illicit substances, and now we can look to amplify their efforts through this settlement. The work that our Corporation Counsels and State Attorney General’s Office have put in to ensure that we hold pharmaceutical companies accountable to our local communities cannot go understated, and we mahalo them for their dedication and commitment to justice.”
    Other anticipated settlements with major drug makers will contribute millions more to the state and counties’ abatement efforts. "In addition, cases against and investigations into other opioid actors are ongoing, and Hawaiʻi could see millions more when these are concluded," says a statement from the governor.

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A LOCKDOWN WAS DECLARED AT SISTER CAMPUSES OF KA'Ū public and charter schools on Tuesday. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., Puna patrol officers responded to Kea‘au High School for a reported threat by a 17-year old male student believed to be armed. As officers arrived, the juvenile was observed within a vehicle on campus, and as officers attempted to identify him, he fled on foot into a forested

area. Police set up a perimeter encompassing two area schools and the forest. Area I Criminal Investigation Division personnel responded to the scene to assist patrol in the search.
    As a precaution, Kea‘au High, Middle and Elementary and Ke Kula 'O Nāwahīokalani'ōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School were locked down. The schools are located in the Kaʻū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa Complex Area of the state Department of Education.

    Shortly before 10:45 a.m., police located the young man and arrested him without incident. He was not armed. The initial verbal threat was made in-person, and later followed up with a general threat the suspect allegedly posted online.
    Hawai‘i Island police charged the 17-year-old student accused of threatening students and school personnel with first-degree terroristic threatening. He was transferred to the custody of the State of Hawai’i Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division and scheduled for transport to the Hawai’i Youth Correctional Facility on O‘ahu.

    A statement from Hawaiʻi Police Department says, "Police would like to thank the community for their patience as this case was investigated. Police take threats of violence extremely seriously, especially those involving the use or threatened use of a firearm or other weapon. The protection of life is paramount."
    Area I Juvenile Aid Section is continuing this investigation. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Jenny Lee at (808) 961-2279 or Jenny.Lee@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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POLICE ARRESTED 16 FOR DUI from Aug. 1 through Aug. 7. Hawaiʻi Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two were involved in a traffic accident. One was under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 613 DUI arrests compared with 684 during the same period

last year, a decrease of 10.4 percent. There were no arrests in Kaʻū for DUI this past week, with six DUI arrests since January. In South Hilo there were 175, Puna 131, and Kona 226.

    There have been 480 major accidents so far this year compared with 474 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.3 percent.
    To date, there were 23 fatal crashes (one fatal crash reclassified on 5/30/22 due to a medical condition) resulting in 25 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one of which was reclassified due to a medical condition), compared with 13 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents is an increase of 76.9 percent for fatal crashes, and 92.3 percent for fatalities. Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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THE PUBLIC MEETING ON THE THIRTY-METER TELESCOPE is Wednesday at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the aim is to gather public opinion from Kaʻū to help determine whether NSF should continue to fund the project. Meetings are being held around the island. See stories at

http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022_08_07_archive.html and at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022_07_20_archive.html

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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022

Hawaiʻi Superintendent of Schools Keith Hayashi shakes hands with a Nāʻālehu Elementary student on Monday,

 when free school supplies were handed out to students. Photo by Iwalani Harris

THE SCHOOL SUPPLY SUBSIDY PROGRAM kicked off on Monday at Nāʻālehu Elementary School. State Sen. Dru Kanuha joined Hawaiʻi Public Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi, Board of Education Member Kaimana Barcarse and school administrators at Nāʻālehu to celebrate the unveiling of the School Supply Subsidy Pilot Program. The program was established by a bill that Kahuna introduced for the past four years – SB2893 SD1 HD1 CD1, which has come to fruition.

Nāʻālehu Elementary was the inspiration and the launch site of 
the new School Supply Subsidy Pilot Program on Monday.
Photos by Iwalani Harris

    Kanuha said, "Through discussions with ‘ohana and teachers throughout Kona and Kaʻū, I am keenly aware of the difficulty many parents encounter in affording required school supplies, as well as the cost burden many of our teachers assume to purchase extra supplies for ‘ohana that can’t afford it themselves."

   As prescribed by SB2893, the newly-established program subsidizes cost of school supplies at all Hawaiʻi public schools composed entirely of students eligible for participation in Title I, Part A, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act, which includes Hōnaunau Elementary, Ka‘ū High & Pahala Elementary and Nāʻālehu Elementary Schools in Senate District 3.
    Kanuha explained, "What started as an effort to offset costs on families in Nāʻālehu has become a statewide endeavor thanks to the leadership and advocacy of Senate Committee on Education Chair Sen. Michelle Kidani; House Committee on Education Chair Justin Woodson; as well as HIDOE and Hawai’i State Teachers Association advocates."
    He said he would also like to acknowledge the contributions of Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz and House Committee on Finance Chair Sylvia Luke for finding money in the budget to establish, "what I hope to be a permanent program for Title I schools throughout our State. And of course Governor Ige for ultimately signing the bill in to law."

DOE leadership, political leaders and school staff at Nāʻālehu join keiki to receive free school supplies.
Photo by Iwalani Harris

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WITH HOMELESSNESS GROWING IN KA'Ū AND AROUND THE ISLAND, Shirley David has written an analysis, providing an example of homeless people interviewed to find out why.
She is a member of the Vibrant Hawaiʻi Committee on Homelessness and the West Hawaii Faith-Based Hui to End Family Homelessness and Community Alliance Partners. She writes:
    On May 19-20, 20 people were moved from their encampments along Kuakini Highway in front of the Kailua-Kona Aquatic Center into Hope Services emergency shelters. The encampments were the result of a sweep earlier in the month of those sleeping in the bushes at Kona’s Old Airport Park.
During the intake process, the outreach team learned that all 20 individuals were local residents from Hawaiʻi. Fourteen identified as Native Hawaiian, four as Caucasian, and two as African-American. Several had jobs. Most had lost their homes because the rent had become unaffordable, or as a result of family issues.
    The annual Point-in-Time Count held in January gives us an even larger snapshot of who are the homeless, and why they are living in places not meant for human habitation. On Jan. 23,

At home or homeless near Punalu'u Black Sand Beach in a tent at Ninole.
Photo by Julia Neal

there were 843 individuals in emergency shelters or living unsheltered islandwide. Sixty-six families were in shelters and 18 were unsheltered.
The two most stated reasons (55%) that led to being unsheltered were conflicts with family or with housemates and inability to pay rent. Others told volunteers that they had lost their jobs, had a medical emergency in the family, or had a chronic disability. Some told volunteers they suffered from mental illness, had been incarcerated, or had substance addictions. One person shared that his house burned down. Another lost his land; another was saving money to buy land. For a few people, living unsheltered was preferable to being housed in an unsafe living situation. When asked “Did you move to Hawaiʻi within the past year?” Ninety-two percent of those who responded said no.
    Although the Point-in-Time Count does not survey those who are sleeping on couches or in overcrowded housing, it’s important to consider them in conversations about housing policy. Many are on the precipice of losing their housing, and they live in circumstances that are harmful to their physical and mental health.

Shirley David works with Vibrant Hawaiʻi
and Saint Michael's on homelessness.
Photo from St. Michael's

    The count does not survey those camping out or sleeping in their cars on private property with the owner’s permission. If asked, the reasons for their homelessness will most likely mirror the reasons given by the other unsheltered. The count does not include those living in unsafe situations such as youth addicted to drugs by preditors who use the internet to groom them for the sex trade.
    With each response there is a story. You don’t have to be homeless to know that housing prices are skyrocketing, and inventory is at an all-time low. We all know people who moved away because their wages did not keep up with their rent or because their landlords sold the property, and they could not find anything in their price range. We all have family members who struggle with addictions or have lost everything due to a catastrophic illness.
    Moving homeless people off the streets, doorways and beaches only moves the problem around. In order to reduce homelessness, it is important for us to look at these documented reasons people are homeless. Then we can address each one of the reasons. There are no quick fixes. It takes perseverance, dedication, money, and political will.
    How can you help? You can help by supporting the efforts of our public officials who all know we do not have enough affordable housing and support services. You can help by insisting that our building code permit process is amended in a way that takes away roadblocks to affordable housing by lowering the cost of building. You can help by renting out your second homes long term if you are not using them. We all can help.
    David notes that Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s mission is to empower the Hawaiʻi community by increasing equitable opportunities, shifting deficit narratives and systems, and implementing strategies that are developed and resourced by the community and reflect native intelligence. To learn more, visit www.vibranthawaii.org. Over the past two years, Vibrant Hawaiʻi's dedication to multisector collaboration and partnership has formed and supported multisector working groups focused on community-led solutions to address complex issues affecting the community: economy, education, health and well-being, resilience hubs, and housing.

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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022

Artist's conception of the multiple planet system, initially discovered with Gemini North optics. The art is used to 
explain the National Science Foundation's interest in funding TMT, with a public scoping meeting planned for this
Wednesday at Nāʻālehu Community Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gemini Observatory Artwork by Lynette Cook

THE THIRTY METER TELESCOPE MEETING IN NĀ’ALEHU THIS WEDNESDAY is preceded by an explanation online regarding National Science Foundation's decision to seek public input to determine whether to further fund TMT. The scoping meeting will be held at Nāʻālehu Community Center on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m..

    NSF poses the question, "Why is NFS considering funding a new telescope? NFS states, "The field of astronomy is entering a new era. In the next two decades, a new class of telescope — known as Extremely Large Telescopes — can be built with capabilities well beyond that of space-based telescopes.

    "These new telescopes will explore the signatures of life on other worlds, answering fundamental questions about humans' place in the universe: Is there other life out in the vast expanse of space? Are there other worlds with life that future generations can explore?

    "NSF is considering a potential future investment in the construction and operations of an Extremely Large Telescope in the Northern Hemisphere, the Thirty Meter Telescope. NSF understands that the possible construction of this telescope on Maunakea, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai'i, is a sensitive issue that requires extensive engagement and understanding of various viewpoints.
    "NSF will not make a funding decision until after it considers the following: Public input; the environmental review of the telescope; the project's technical readiness; the project proponent's management capabilities; the availability of federal funding; and the telescope's alignment with other NSF priorities."

    NSF also states: "A decision by NSF not to go forward with an investment in the construction and operations of the Thirty Meter Telescope could be made at any time, including before the environmental review process has concluded."

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HAWAI'I'S U.S. SENATORS VOTED YES DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT on Sunday. The legislation aims to lower costs for families by investing billions in renewable energy, allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, and requiring wealthy corporations to pay their fair share in taxes.
    "The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic investment in our families, our climate, and our future. From tackling inflation, to combating climate change, to making health care and prescription drugs more affordable, this bill makes meaningful progress on some of the most pressing challenges families in Hawaii are facing, all while ensuring working families don't pay a cent more in taxes," said Sen. Mazie Hirono. "In order to reduce the deficit, this legislation also closes outrageous tax loopholes that have allowed the largest corporations to avoid paying anything in taxes. Once again, Democrats delivered for our families while Republicans sat on their hands."

     More information on the health care in the bill is available from Hirono at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Health%20FINAL.pdf.          

More information on the climate provisions in the bill is available at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Climate%20FINAL.pdf.        

More information on the tax provisions in the bill is available at: https://www.hirono.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/IRA%20-%20Taxes%20FINAL.pdf.

    Sen. Brian Schatz said, “This is a historic victory for the United States and the planet. We have met the ambition this crisis requires, and passed the biggest climate action in American history. By investing in clean energy, clean transportation, and climate-smart manufacturing, we’ll cut emissions 40 percent by the end of the decade. And we’re going to pay for it all by making billion-dollar corporations finally pay their fair share of taxes. We’re also lowering the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and making health care more affordable – all while saving taxpayer dollars.”

    Schatz pointed out that investing in residential clean energy, the bill extends residential clean energy credit for ten years at the full 30 percent rate, which Hawai‘i residents can use for rooftop solar and battery storage purchases. It gives Hawai‘i residents access to $9 billion in new rebates for home electrification. It revises the expired energy efficiency home improvement credit and increasing its limit from $500 lifetime to $1,200 annually per taxpayer, which Hawai‘i residents can use for heat pumps, doors and windows, home energy audits, and other efficiency upgrades. It revives the expired tax credit for new energy-efficient homes.

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James Yamaki heads up this year's Kaʻū High Alumni & Friends
Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 21 at Pāhala Community Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

KA'Ū HIGH ALUMNI & FRIENDS ANNUAL REUNION IS LIVE on Sunday, Aug. 21. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. All are welcome; just bring a potluck dish. A message from organizers says, "The County has eased COVID-19 rules to allow the public to meet for social gatherings at the center. This is the 19th potluck reunion. The potluck was canceled the last two years due to the corona virus pandemic."

    Chase Cabudol and Calvin Ponce are featured entertainers. "Their music will give the reunion an air of festivity. Their upbeat tempo is conducive for dancing," said organizer James Yamaki. "Past potluck reunions have been a showcase of Kaʻū talent and this year is no exception. Expect the unexpected."

Chase Cabudol. Photo by Julia Neal

    He said that this year's reunion is informal and set up for participation by the broader community. The potluck reunion is held annually on the Sunday of the Statehood Admission Day weekend. It is designed so that classes can hold their own reunions during the weekend and wrap them up by joining the other alumni and friends at the Sunday gathering. He said, "Younger alumni are encouraged to attend to keep the tradition going."
    The class of 1958, which started this annual gathering in 2002, is hosting this year's event. Yamaki is in charge, assisted by registration chair Richard Fujioka and food-line coordinator Mary Gravel Peralta. Assisting are Ernest Kalani, entertainment; Lovey Gerantz, decoration, publicity and program and Ju Ann Kai, assisting with the program. Lisa Dacalio has been the featured artist creating whimsical posters publicizing the annual events. Her poster is of Punalu'u Beach.

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