The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Friday, August 19, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022

Kai Kahele sent out a mahalo message from family and campaign crew and urged the citizenry to "hold elected officials accountable." He serves in Congress until Jan. 3, having refrained from running for a second term, in order to run for governor, the primary won by Lt. Gov. Josh Green.
Photo from Kahele

KA'Ū'S CONGRESSMAN KAI KAHELE broke his silence Friday. He had been quiet since last Saturday's primary election that put Lt. Gov. Josh Green on the general election ballot as Democratic candidate for Governor of Hawai'i. Kahele, who also ran for Governor on the Democratic ticket, sent out a message saying, "Mahalo nui loa for joining Maria, ʻAleʻa, ʻIolana, Nāmaka, myself, and our entire ʻohana on this journey to return Hawaiʻi to the people.
"Because of you, we were able to do so many things that no one thought possible. We ran a statewide campaign in 98 days without accepting more than $100 from any individual while denouncing PAC, corporate, and special interest monies. We raised $215,692.64 from 3,191 everyday working people with an average contribution of $63.95 and we did it without having a single fundraiser.
"We took charge at debates and forums and asked the tough questions that no one would normally dare ask. We challenged the biased media and took positions that would be considered unconventional and politically risky. We were honest and gave straight answers.
"At every turn, we dared to be different. We set out to show that there was a right way to win and a wrong way to win.

Kahele supporters waived mahalo signs around the island
following the primary election that came up short for Kahele
in his bid for governor. Photo from Kahele

"Unfortunately, the right way didn't produce the outcome we had hoped for. But, I believe within my naʻau that we've set the tone for every election to come. That we have made the point that campaign finance and election reform is necessary to restore public trust. That money shouldn't be the main driver of politics. That if you want to change Hawaiʻi, measure someone by the size of their heart, not by the size of their campaign warchest. 37,540 individuals across Hawaiʻi were ready for change and I am honored that they stood on the right side of history and for something greater than themselves.

"I know there is a better way. And with your continued trust, faith, and aloha, we will ensure it becomes the only way.....
"If you would like to ensure that our campaign was not run in vain, please continue to hold your elected officials accountable. Ask the tough questions and remain engaged. Never give up on the vision for a Hawaiʻi that belongs to our working class families.
"Finally, I want to mahalo our statewide team that have been sign waving this week. From Kauaʻi to Waimea, from Oʻahu to Hilo we truly appreciate everyone that went out this week to say, Mahalo to the voters of Hawaiʻi.
"We've come a long way in just three months, and I look forward to many more to come — together.
"As I head back to finish my congressional term and the 117th Congress strong, know that it was an honor to serve as your U.S. Representative in Washington DC. It is an experience that has forever changed my life, and I will never forget the trust that you bestowed upon me to represent you — in the Hawaiʻi State Senate and in the halls of Congress.
"I'm not sure what the future may hold for me and my family, but rest assured that whatever it is we do or wherever it is we may go, I will always be here, ready to fight for the Hawaiʻi we all deserve."

Kahale serves as congressman for Kaʻū and all rural Hawai'i until his term ends Jan. 3.

Aumākua, personal family Hawaiian gods that are often wildlife, are depicted in the David Maes Gallegos
show at Volcano Art Center Gallery through Sept. 18. His new art also focuses on hula.

Image from Volcano Art Center

CIRCLE OF LIFE: KA PO'AI O KE OLA, BY DAVID MAES GALLEGOS, is the show that opened recently at Volcano Art Center gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Gallery Manager Emily C. Weiss noted that the new works in this exhibition "are a combination of oil painting and pyrography, expertly rendered on locally sourced woods.”
The show is also described as depicting images of hula and 'aumākua, personal gods.

The exhibition runs through Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A reception for the artist will be held Saturday, Aug. 27 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. While admission is free, park entrance fees apply.
Gallegos was born in Denver, Colorado in 1954, a child and grandchild of Arapaho and Cheyenne ancestry. At a young age he and his family moved to San Francisco. At age 14 Gallegos received his first art award, First Place in Graphic Arts at the California State Fair. He earned awards and scholarships in painting and drawing while he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with high distinction from California College of Arts and Crafts in 1974. In 1977 Gallegos received his Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking from the University of California, San Francisco.

David Gallegos

Gallegos opened his first one-man show at Marshall – Myers Gallery in San Francisco in 1978. From 1978 to 1990 he exhibited in numerous one person and group exhibitions in California and worked with Tamarind lithographer, Ernest DeSoto.

Between 1985 and 1986, he produced five limited edition lithographs, including his 1984 Chicago Night: No Defense Against Nuclear Weapons – Art for Peace lithograph. Posters of this nine-plate lithograph were sent to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The START treaties followed a year later in 1985. In 1990, Gallegos was discovered by Zephyr Cove Publishing – Japan. He signed to a five-year contract from 1990 to 1995, and again from 2000 to 2003. The Artist traveled to Japan annually for exhibitions of his Artworks in Sendai, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.Gallegos has displayed his art and won awards in numerous one person and group shows nationally and internationally. His work is in many collections, including those at California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, The Smithsonian, The Albright Kemper Museum in St. Louis, University of Arizona and The Richmond Art Center. His art also hangs in several private and corporate collections and has been featured in Architectural Digest, Art in America, Art Week, and the Encyclopedia of Living Artists.

He has been featured in many news periodicals, from New York to Hawai'i, where he moved in 1984. He currently teaches and creates in his home at Spirit Art Studio in Kona.
For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call (808) 967-7565.

IRA ONO'S TRASH ART SHOW HAS ISSUED A CALL FOR ENTRIES. The 33rd annual event, founded by the artist who lives in Volcano at his Volcano Garden Arts compound, will be held at East Hawai'i Cultural Center in Hilo from Oct. 7 through Nov. 25. The address of the venue is 141 Kalakaua St., Hilo.

Ono said, "With this exhibition, we hope to educate and increase the understanding of the island's socioeconomic landscape and ecosystem, to encourage artists and viewers to re-think the shop and drop mentality, and to stimulate our brains and hearts to find ways in which we may lower the carbon footprint on our island.

He calls the event, The Trash Show Hawai'i Artist Recyle. Entries must be original works of artists living on Hawai'i Island, not previously shown in a juried exhibit. Large works are encouraged. Entries are due on Oct. 1 at East Hawai'i Cultural Center for delivery between 9 a.m. and noon. Entry forms are available at https://ehcc.org/content/call-entry-trash-art-show-2022.

KA'Ū HIGH TROJANS TRAVELED TO HONOKA'A for the first game of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation high school football season on Thursday. The final score was 39 points for Honoka'a, 6 for Kaʻū. See a a video clip of the Trojans making their touchdown at https://twitter.com/KauAthletics/status/1560507183388696576?cxt=HHwWgICh9f3AhKgrAAAA.

Kaʻū High athletics combines the talents of Kaʻū High and Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences to compete islandwide.

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022

Firefighters from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park helped stop the Leilani Fire that started at
Pōhakuloa and spread toward Puu Lani. NPS photo

THE 17,000 ACRE, 26.5 SQUARE MILE FIRE on the other side of the island was more than 90 percent contained on Wednesday. Hawa'i Volcanoes National Park firefighters worked for several days alongside U.S. military, state and county crews, who fought the fire over the last week. Called Leilani Fire, it burned south of Waikōloa Village and mauka of Highway 190 near the Puu Lani Subdivision and left a charred landscape. The dozens of firefighters have been supported by heavy equipment and air assets.

“It’s possible, we could see another re-kindle of this fire, as that’s what started it in the first place. The Pōhakuloa Training Area federal fire department, first put out a fire here, three-weeks ago. We believe hot

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park provided
logistics assistance and an engine to fight the
17,000-acre Leilani Fire. NPS Photo

spots lay dormant under the ground, and then high winds whipped it up into the major fire, we’ve all been fighting for the past week,” explained Lt. Col. Kevin Cronin, the PTA Commander.

Steve Bergfeld, an experienced wildland firefighter, and Hawai‘i Island branch manager for DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, said firefighters found it difficult to initially slow the fire due to high winds, the presence of highly flammable and fire adapted fountain grass, and the difficult terrain and access. "We will continue to monitor the fire, but smoldering and unburned pockets of fuel within the firebreaks will continue to burn until we receive adequate rainfall.” Bergfeld added, “Without a small army of eight private bulldozers, contracted by the State, and one Department of Public Works bulldozer this fire would have grown much larger. The fire lines cut by dozers are intended to remove the fire of fuels, to stop its spread. Most often, line crews then backfire from the firebreaks to further eliminate fuels."
Greg Funderburk, Fire Management Officer for Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and the Pacific Island network, said the park sent an Engine and a Division Supervisor to help battle the fire, plus two people for logistical support. The Engine performed back-fire operations to secure fireline in advance of the flaming front.

THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION is accepting comments to help the agency decide whether to fund the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Loa. Comments will be included a the Draft EIS, if received by Sept. 17. NSF has also announced that it will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft EIS.

Comments on the National Science Foundation's funding of the Thirty Meter Telescope
can be submitted by the public through Sept. 15. During its Nāʻālehu meeting in August,
people in opposition stood on one side of the room, when Nohea Kaawa asked attendees
to show their stance. Photo by Richard Taylor

NSF held a public meeting in Nāʻālehu this month. South Point resident Richard Taylor said, "By far the most important, most effective speaker presentation, demonstration really, was made by Nohea Kaawa when she asked for all the people opposed to the TMT to stand beside her on one side of the hall. And then had them file out of the hall as they counted off. By the time they were done there were only a dozen or so left plus of course those from NSF." Most speakers were opposed to TMT but a number of public speakersw supported it.
NSF announced that information regarding the Proposed Action will be posted throughout the EIS process at http s://beta.nsf.gov/tmt. For further information regarding the EIS process or the Section 106 consultation process, contact Pentecost at (703) 292-4907 or EIS.106.TMT@nsf.gov.

The public is also invited to comment on NSF’s Draft Community Engagement Plan (Draft CEP), which is available at https://beta.nsf.gov/tmt and at local libraries.

KA'Ū HIGH'S CHAYANEE BROOKS IS NAMED A TOP TEACHER: Brooks teaches 11th and 12th grade English Language Arts and AP English at Kaʻū High School. State Department of Education named her Teacher of the Year for the Kaʻū -Kea'au-Pahoa complex. She is in the running for state Teacher of the Year, to be announced in October. Brooks has been teaching for DOE for ten years.
Brooks said that she found the best way to connect with students at Kaʻū High is to always be "sensitive to my students' learning experiences." Brooks said she looks at teaching "through the eyes of individual students. I pay attention to things that are important to them. My goal is that students not only find comfort and meaning within texts, but also understand and make connections between themselves, their community, and this world with joy.

Chayanee Brooks, English teacher at Ka'u High,
is a nominee for teacher of the year for
Hawai'i Island.

"As a language arts teacher, I integrate art, sport, film, music, or even food to encourage my students to see that language permeates all things we do in both its function and beauty as well as invite my students to contribute and to share their creations, passions, and interests.
The nominee described Kaʻū High School as "a very small rural k-12 school with 500 students. Our district is very broad and wide geographically, so we have often struggled with chronic absenteeism, even before COVID." She described the experience of some of the students who "wake up at 4 a.m. to get on the one bus they could not miss." She noted that some of their parents work in Kona, "so it's students' own initiative to get to the bus."
Brooks explained that during the pandemic, students were given "a 1:1 device to take home and we had different learning hubs at different locations for students to come to use WIFI." She said the pandemic emphasized that "teaching is about sensitivity and adaptability. Even though learning from home was nothing like physically having a round table seminar discussion or performing a reader theater of a play in our classrooms like we normally do, I used that challenge as a learning opportunity to bridge the outside world to my students. I invited journalists and experts from around the globe to zoom in and collaborate with my students. I got to learn new technology tools that would help enhance the learning experience for each and everyone of my students."
Brooks said, "Education is changing, challenging the past structures and ways of learning. Schools extend beyond the physical space of our campus to include local and global communities. Technology has become a liberating tool for collaboration, research, and creation, and many teachers, myself included, see opportunities to connect with other educators across the state and country to reimagine and redesign education for our students." While navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and distance learning in rural Kaʻū was difficult, "for me and other educators, it has turned out to be an opportunity for great growth and development in how we teach and in understanding the needs and realities of our students."

Brooks said that recent favorite teaching moments "involved seeing students grow as a human in confidence and happiness. Last year when we got back in school together in person, we were so thrilled because a lot of students realized how much some people meant to them when they could not go out to see their peers. Throughout the year, I strive to continue to build our classroom community not only to survive, but to thrive. Knowing that students need to reconnect with the place and the people, we went out together, laying on the grass soaking up the energy and warmth from the sun to write journals about what was on our curious minds. We laugh and we cry while engaging in literature: songs, poetry. Moments like when a student wrote a song inspired by a book he read in my class and played ukulele in front of a cheering crowd of peers or another student emerged as a poet writing and performing poetry slam are among many many of my most fond memories I have, sharing space of learning and laughter with my students."
In order for teachers to better connect with students, Brooks recommended, "Be curious about your students. Ask them questions. Truly listen and really pay attention to their needs. Ask students for input and invite them to work with you as a team. My teaching mantra is, 'I want my class to be a class that I want to be a student in,' and I ask myself that question every day."

Chaynee Brooks (left) is nominee for Hawai'i Island Teacher of the Year. Here, she is shown with
Kaʻū High Honor Society this Spring. At right his her husband David Brooks, also a teacher.

Brooks encouraged teachers to ask their students, "Can you teach me something you know well?" She said the question empowers students to take pride in their ability to contribute and encourages meaningful conversation. "I believe that we teachers can learn tons from our students. A student asked me if I knew how to play mahjong and I replied I don't know how but I can learn, they can teach me, too. We model a growth mindset and lifelong learning disposition through our actions."
For this school year, Brooks said she is looking forward to "getting to know my students and spending time guiding and learning alongside them. I am also eager to connect with parents and my colleagues to best support our keiki. I'm eager to continue to mentor beginning teachers and students whose interest is in the teaching profession in our work-based internship program that we have at our school. I'm also always excited to keep in touch with my former students and continue to be their cheerleader."

See www.kaucalendar.com

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022

Nāhuku, formerly known as Thurston Lava Tube, has reopened after 18 days of closure to the public,
due to movement of an overhanging rock slab. NPS photo by Janice Wei

NĀHUKU, THE POPULAR LAVA TUBE in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, has reopened following data monitoring and inspection of a fracture near a large overhanging rock slab at the apex of the lava tube. Park management closed Nāhuku on July 30 when data from a crackmeter installed inside the lava tube revealed that a fracture near the large rock slab in its ceiling had narrowed by 2.47 mm.
Movement recorded on the crackmeter had been less than 1 mm since November 2019. In response to the new movement, National Park Service Geomorphologist Eric Bilderback recommended closure of the lava tube for monitoring and evaluation.
A Park statement on Wednesday said, "Data collected during the 18-day closure demonstrated a return of movement similar to the previous record. This data, combined with expert analysis and a physical inspection, allow Nāhuku to safely reopen. In addition, the daily average velocity, the speed at which the crackmeter is either expanding or contracting, has been below the velocity thresholds established by the National Park Service as normal in Nāhuku since monitoring began in 2019."
Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh said, "Conditions are constantly changing on this living lava landscape, but safety is always our top priority. We appreciate everyone's patience as we monitored the fracture and collected data from Nāhuku."

Nāhuku repairs after the 2018 collapse of Kīlauea
summit. NPS Photo by Janice Wei

The Park statement noted that "Entering any lava tube or cave is not without risk. Potential hazards include rockfall, low ceilings, standing water, tripping hazards, low light or no light. Large rocks in Nāhuku were dislodged during the 2018 eruption and summit collapse of Kīlauea volcano. Two crackmeters were installed in the lava tube's ceiling to monitor their movement. Visitors should always plan ahead and check the park website for the latest conditions and stay out of closed areas."
The park calls the lava tube (formerly known as Thurston Lava Tube), Nāhuku in reference to the Hawaiian name which means "the protuberances" and possibly refers to lava that dripped from its once-molten ceiling. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has been returning to other ʻinoa ʻāina (Native Hawaiian or indigenous) place names throughout the Park.

HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR RECRUITS, WITH PAY STARTING AT $65,652 A YEAR. HPD sent out a statement Wednesday, saying it, "is looking for qualified people interested in serving our Hawai‘i Island community as part of its upcoming recruitment for entry-level police officers." Recruitment opens this Sunday, Aug. 21 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022.
In addition to the $65,652 starting salary for Police Officer I positions, the pay package includes such benefits as paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, health insurance, group life insurance, a uniforms and equipment stipend, automobile subsidy, and retirement.

Interested applicants must meet the following requirements: Graduated from high school or obtained a GED; knowledge of grammar, spelling, and word usage; possess a valid driver’s license; be at least 20 years

HPD is looking for recruits who would like to serve as police officers, with pay
starting at $65,652. Deadline to apply and start training is Aug. 30.
Photo from HPD

of age at the time of filing, and at least 21 years of age by the time of graduation from the Police Academy; be qualified to carry and/or possess firearms or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws; must not have any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence convictions; meet health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations, such as a correct ratio of weight to height; and possess good eyesight and good physical condition and agility, according to standards set by the County of Hawai‘i.

The HPD statement says,

"Submitting an application is the first of several steps to becoming an officer with the Hawai‘i Police Department. The department prides itself on its rigorous screening and training program that graduates highly qualified officers." Applicants who meet the initial minimum requirements must pass a written test, physical agility test, stringent background check, polygraph examination, psychological test, formal interview, medical clearance, and drug screening.
Upon hiring, recruits undertake six months of academy training five days a week. After successful completion of academy training, each recruit transitions from an academic setting to four months of field training, paired with an experienced officer to "gain hands-on experience, forming the foundation of their career."
“Being a police officer is not just a job, it’s not just wearing a badge, it’s who I am.” says HPD Sergeant Jason Grouns. “Most of us in this profession answered a calling. If you feel that you’re up to the challenge and have what it takes to work in a high-paced environment, then I strongly encourage you to apply,” says the 23-year veteran.
Applicants must apply using the County of Hawaiʻi Job Opportunities web page and create an account.

MORE ELECTRIC HELE ON BUSES WILL BE PURCHASED WITH FEDERAL FUNDING that requires low or no emissions. The word came on Wednesday from the County Mass Transit Agency, which is partnering with state Department of Transportation. Currently, Hele-On Buses provide free service to passengers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Transit Administration are funding the grant program for new buses under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Hawaiʻi County is leading procurement of electric buses and charging equipment in partnership with Maui and Kauaʻi Counties. Funding was also received in 2018 and 2020. In addition to the purchase of six fuel cell electric buses for this island, the money will be used for electric and hydrogen charging facilities, as well as improving bus stops, shelters and transit hub design.

Electric, hydrogen, fossil fuel - all Hele-On buses
offer free passenger service, and Bikeshare.

"Our administration has committed to transitioning to a more sustainable, eco-friendly fleet across the board and has been aggressively seeking funding opportunities to make the transition as swift as possible," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Through these grants, we will not only be able to acquire more zero-emission buses but also upgrade our facilities to support them -- paving the way for an islandwide transition down the road. This is a huge win for us and it's all due to our teams who continue working tirelessly to create a more sustainable Hawaiʻi Island for generations to come."
John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager, said, "We are grateful to HDOT, the FTA, and the Hawaiʻi congressional delegation for securing this funding. As we work towards to purchase and implementation of the brand new fleet of the future, we continue to ensure the provision of equitable transportation to the residents and visitors of our island while being good stewards of our environment to protect our future."
More information on these grants can be found at https://www.transit.dot.gov/bus-program.
For additional Hele-On information, call (808) 961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org.

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JEANNE' KAPELA, STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE TO REPRESENT ALL OF KAʻŪ, sent out a message Wednesday. The incumbent whose district will expand to all of Kaʻū, after stretching from West Kaʻū into Kona, said:
"I am honored to once again be your Democratic nominee to the Hawai'i State House. With 3,466 votes cast in support of our campaign for change, we are showing that our movement is growing stronger each day.

Jeanne Kapela promises to "fight to replace special
interests with the public interest in local politics."
Photo from Kapela

We are continuing our fight to replace special interests with the public interest in local politics. Hawaiʻi deserves leadership that delivers results for working families and protects our ʻāina for the generations to come.
"Together, we can realize our vision for a better future, including by passing paid sick and family leave, building truly affordable housing, and investing in clean energy. We can strengthen access to reproductive care and create a world-class education system that empowers our keiki to achieve their dreams.
"Mahalo for standing with me during this election. I promise that I will always make you and your 'ohana my top priority.

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

KAʻŪ COMPETES IN THE FIRST HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR. Big Island Interscholastic Sports launches the football season with the Trojans traveling to play on Thursday at Honoka'a. The game begins at 6 p.m. Head coach is Greg Rush. Assistant coaches are Garrett Greedy, Mark Peters and Ted Blanco. Trainer is Moses Whitcomb.
Athletic Director Timothy Gould said, "We are excited to have the opportunity to start competing this week and invite the public to come back to the campus for sports competitions." Kaʻū High and Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences combine their athletic talents to compete islandwide in numerous sports.

For fans, mask wearing is optional at all Kaʻū High sporting events. Tickets can be purchased at venue entry sites and food may once again be available at the sporting events.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL WAS SCHEDULED TO START FOR THE TROJANS this Friday, Aug. 18 at home against Kealakehe but it was postponed due to lack of availability of a bus with CDL-licensed driver to transport the the visiting team to Kaʻū High.
Athletic Director Tim Gould said Kaʻū High's own transportation challenges will be mitigated somewhat with the arrival of several vans later this year. The first home game for girls volleyball is next Tuesday, Aug. 23 when the Trojans host Waiakea. JV game is at 5 p. m. Varsity game is at 6 p.m. Coach is Josh Ortega with assistant coach Kamalani Fujikawa.

Trojans Athletic Director Tim Gould

CROSS COUNTRY FOR THE KAʻŪ TROJANS starts on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. at Kea'au with coach David Wells.

AIR RIFLERY COMPETITION FOR THE TROJANS begins on Saturday, Aug. 27 in a virtual competition. Kaʻū competitors will fire at targets on the Pāhala campus and send the target results, virtually, to be scored. Coach is Tiani Castaneda-Naboa. No fans invited.

BOWLING COACH IS JACOB DAVENPORT. Competitive high school bowling starts Sept. 10 in Kona at KB Extreme. Practices for the Trojans are at Kilauea Military Camp.

KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS are warming up under coach Karma Hanshew. They will cheer at home football games.

NEW APPLICATIONS ARE PAUSED FOR HAWAI'I COUNTY EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE for housing. Seven local nonprofit organizations joined Mayor Roth on Wednesday announced that the Hawaiʻi County Emergency Rental Assistance Program will temporarily pause new applications effective August 18 at 11:59 pm to process existing applications. During this time, Hawaiʻi Community Lending and its partners will connect applicants with available job opportunities and no-cost financial counseling offered through the Financial Empowerment Centers.
Applicants already enrolled in ERAP do not need to reapply, and program partners will continue to pay out assistance without disruption. Applicants who applied before August 19, 2022, and are in the process of finalizing their application, will continue to have their applications processed and funded.

“The pause on new applications will allow our nonprofit partners who are working hard on the front lines to process existing applications while still bridging our local people to good paying jobs at the County, for-profit businesses, and nonprofit organizations,” said Jeff Gilbreath, Executive Director of HCL, the lead contractor for the program.
Since launching on April 1, 2021, ERAP has disbursed $20.6 million in rent and utility assistance to 7,312 low-income Hawaiʻi Island residents to keep them in rental housing and prevent homelessness.
According to Gilbreath, this announcement comes as the program reports that 53% of those approved for ERAP assistance are currently unemployed, at a time when public and private employers have a significant number of job opportunities available.
HCL anticipates that the ERAP application portal will re-open to accept applications on or before the end of September 2022.
“Our administration is focused on creating sustainable models of rental relief so that our residents can set themselves up beyond month-to-month assistance and gain real financial independence and solid employment opportunities that alleviate mounting pressures on themselves and their families,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “We applaud the tremendous work of all our partners who have pooled resources to bolster our response to community needs and amplify our overall impact.”
The mayor and ERAP nonprofit partners are encouraging local residents to visit www.HawaiiCountyERAP.org to learn more about available job opportunities, resources to obtain employment, and services and resources offered through the Housing Stability Services providers.
Residents who need assistance during the program’s pause on new applications are encouraged to contact the County’s Financial Empowerment Centers, run by Hawaiian Community Assets and Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. The Financial Empowerment Centers provide free financial counseling to find financial solutions that fit their family, including grant and loan options.
Book an appointment at the nearest center at www.HawaiiCountyERAP.org.