The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

For beach going, developers of Opihihale show Ho'okena Beach Park, describing it as: "A historic site open
to the public and a short drive from Opihihale." See investinkona.com

OPIHIHALE, NORTH OF MILOLI'I, IS TARGET FOR INVESTOR AND BUYER SOLICITATIONS TO BUILD A GATED LUXURY RESORT COMMUNITY, with heliport. Called The Kona Estates at Ophihale, the project includes an "offsite interactive showroom" on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles and an online call for investors. See investinkona.com.
The presenters promise to build "a luxury estate community situated on 324 oceanfront and oceanview acres on the famous Kona Coast of the Big Island Hawaiʻi. Providing resort amenities to its residents and affluent guests." The presentation shows a photo of the public's Hoʻokena Beach Park as a place for their Opihihale residents to go. Another attraction shown is the arch on the coast.

The arch along the coast at Opihihale is in the series of photos
promoting investment in a gated luxury resort community planned
above it. See investinkona.com

The online offering to investors says the group is seeking final zoning and shows a photo of a bulldozer with a caption saying, "Grubbing and Grading began on-site in early 2022. Here a D9 dozer pushes brittle volcanic rock." According to the presentation: "Funds were earmarked for our commercial water well construction in 2022. An initial grubbing and grading (site work) permit was applied for and obtained. This work began in February 2022."
The online presentation says the group is accepting minimum investments of $100,000 and offers to schedule a call. It describes the plan: "Within The Kona Estates at Opihihale will exist a 40-Villa Boutique Resort and clubhouse with a resort style pool, restaurant and bar, heliport, walking and biking trails, health club, spa, kids club, and event area. This boutique resort will be used to host prospective residents during real estate sales, be available to Kona Estates residents without restriction, and enhance the overall community experience.
"The configuration of Kona Estates is expected to be approximately 60 one to three-acre homesites with Two- to Four-Bedroom Estate Villas or Four- to Six-Bedroom Grand Estate Homes. Also located within the community will be a resident only set of amenities that consist of: a pro-shop and community center, racquet club, full-court basketball, an adults only pool, spa treatment rooms, and juice bar."
The presentation also says, "The development team will work with native Hawaiians, local

An online call to investors to buy into a luxury community at Opihihale. See investinkona.com.

universities, and the farm bureau to incorporate traditional practices common to the region into the Kona Estates project. Developing this beautiful land with respect to its history and culture will be a priority along with maintaining strong relationships with the community. We will adopt sustainable practices as well as incorporate the famous Kona Coast coffee production into the community through a co-op with local university agriculture students and farmers. Wind, solar, and geothermal technologies will be considered and implemented when possible."
The website presents drone footage and describes the location, giving the Royal Patent Grant: "The Kona Estates at Opihihale is located along the majestic South Kona Coast. The Property unique topography is elevated at the rear (east) and continuously slopes down to the coast line for over a mile; allowing for uninterrupted oceanviews from every homesite. It is about 20 minutes away from the more densely populated resort areas of Kona. The Property's address is: Mile Marker 93, Mamalahoa Highway, South Kona, Hawaii 96726, USA. The land is situated on the Westerly side of the Hawaii Belt Road at Opihihale 2nd, South Kona, Island and County of Hawaii, State of Hawaii, USA. (Legal Description: Royal Patent Grant 2572, Opihihale 2nd, South Kona, Hawaii.)

"Grubbing and Grading began on-site in early 2022. Here a D9 dozer
pushes brittle volcanic rock," says the developer's online investment
and purchasing solicitation. See investinkona.com.

The presentation boasts Incredible Natural Features: "The 324-acre site is over 6000’ from east to west (more than 1.0 mile) and over 2000’ from north to south (nearly 0.5 miles). The Property is graced with extraordinary natural beauty, spectacular geological formations, including a natural lava arch into the ocean, unexplored ocean caves, and literally perfect weather. Many of these natural phenomena are a part of ancient Hawaiian history.
"Elevated 1250’ above sea level and consistently descending to the coastline for over a mile, the natural topography of the property acts as a giant amphitheater, providing unobstructed 180 degree views from every estate homesite."
To attract investors and real estate sales, the presentation employs the term "Welcome Home," and states that Opihihale is "The perfect canvas to create the ultimate luxury community. Low density, privacy, exclusivity, resort amenities, and personal services in combination with the most amazing views and perfect year-round weather. A community that places a premium on privacy and security with minimal impact on the awesome natural surroundings." See the entire presentation for investors and buyers at investinkona.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

THE MEETING ABOUT THIRTY METER TELESCOPE IN NĀ'ALEHU Wednesday night, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, can be seen in part at https://www.facebook.com/hulinvda/videos/481752387287688 and at https://www.facebook.com/hulinvda/videos/591815119049852.
See story in upcoming www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com and on this facebook page.

WIND AND FIRE WEATHER WATCH UPDATE FOR KA'Ū IS EXTENDED UNTIL THURSDAY EVENING. County Civil Defense issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying: "Expect northeast winds 20 to 30 mph with higher gusts. Winds this strong can knock down tree branches and blow away unsecure objects."

The National Weather Service extended the Fire Weather Watch noting that critical weather conditions are forecast to occur. "Strong, gusty trade winds, dry fuel, and low relative humidity could produce extreme fire behavior. Any fires that develop will likely rapidly spread and be difficult to control."
Civil Defense recommends: Limit any activity that involves using open flames such as grilling and camp fires. Do not park cars on dry grass after a trip.

VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS IS BACK. Its first organizational meeting will be Thursday evening, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. at the The Village Church, 19-4276 Wright Road. Along with old favorites, the chorus will learn learn new material for its holiday performance, Saturday,

KDEN celebrated its 20th year recently and invites singers
to join its Festival Chorus. Photo from KDEN

Dec. 3, at Kilauea Theater on at Kilauea Military Camp.
Those who enjoy singing and "would like to join a fun group, come join us," says a statement from the organizers. "We are a group of people that like to sing, and if we sound good, it is just a bonus."
With questions, contact Suzi Bond at 808-982-7344 or Roch Jones at 808-985-7026. Volcano Festival Chorus is sponsored by Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network.

A DAY OF ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CLUB AT DISCOVERY HARBOUR THIS SATURDAY from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. includes hula and music with Halau Hula O Leionalani and its Kumu Debbie Ryder at noon.
The musical groups Shootz opens the event at 10:30 a.m. Regina Louise will perform her solo singing at 1 p.m. and Dem Guyz will perform from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The day celebrates the 50th anniversary of the golf course and membership appreciation along with a membership drive and day of local vendors and entertainment, followed by a dinner with Da Bomb, Chef Jason Lofland, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The offerings from vendors come from: Triple 7 Shave Ice; Club Tec with Hawaiʻi's personalized golf clubs; Bea Padrigo with lunches; Sherry's Stuff; Donna Masaniai with quilts and wallets; P&L Farm's with macadamia, baked goods and fruits; Looking Glass; Island Swanky; Fused Fragments; Green Goat Farm with mamaki tea and freeze dried food offerings; Pumehana Creations; Mai Treats 808 with Pastries; Tanya Ibara Design; Maile Design; K's Green House; Kapu's Hawaiian Makana; Kealaʻikoa Coffee Company; Paradise Kettle Corn; South Point Creations; and Have Tools Will Travel yard games, professional repair and home maintenance. Also on hand will be Kami Takacs of ESP Realty and Jamie Kalua with handmade jewelry.
The address is 94-1581 Kaulua Circle in Discovery Harbour, Nāʻālehu. Any questions call 808-731-5122.

See www.kaucalendar.com

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

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.

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.

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.

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

See www.kaucalendar.com

Monday, August 08, 2022

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

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.

See www.kaucalendar.com

About The Kaʻū Calendar

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022

Tuesday, August 09, 2022

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

Monday, August 08, 2022

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