Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Nēnē family has moved away from the half-mile of Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail between Kīlauea Overlook and  Uēkahuna, allowing Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to reopen the area to the public. See more below. NPS photo by Janice Wei

BENJAMIN MOSZKOWICZ WAS VOTED NEW POLICE CHIEF for Hawai'i County during the Police Commission meeting on Friday. He is chosen to succeed Paul Ferreira, who retired Aug. 31, which left Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Bugado, Jr. in charge.

Benjamin Moszkowicz received the votes needed during Friday's Police
Commission meeting to become the new Chief of Police of Hawaii Island.
Photo by Tim Wright

    Mayor Mitch Roth said, "As a former prosecuting attorney, I have had the privilege to work with all of the finalists for Chief of our Hawaiʻi Police Department – all of which I felt were great choices, bringing with them years of experience and varying skillsets that would make any of them viable candidates to run our department.

    "Having worked with Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz for over 15 years on numerous traffic safety committees, I can confidently say that he’s an intelligent guy who works very well with others. I’m excited to continue our work together as we build upon the incredible foundation of community-minded policing laid by former Chief Ferreira and Acting Chief Bugado. 

    "I would also like to commend the commission on the diligent work done to narrow the candidates to such a great group of individuals. It takes a lot to want to be considered for the position, as it does to narrow such a qualified pool, and so I extend my sincerest mahalo to all of the candidates and the commissioners who participated in the tedious process."
    The vote for Moszkowicz was five to three, with Commissioners Thomas Brown, Rod Quartararo, Dylan Andrion, Pudding Lassiter and Rick Robinson saying aye. Commissioners Donna Springer, Denby Toci and Anthony Sur voted no. Commission chair John Bertsch recused himself. See the stories in Hawai'i Tribune Herald concerning details of voting and controversy.
    Moszkowicz worked at Honolulu Police Department for 22 years in the traffic division, information technology, commanding the patrol watch and supervising the section dedicated to vehicle homicide.

 and currently leads the department's traffic division. This year he was a finalist for City & County of Honolulu Chief of Police.

    Three other finalists for Hawai'i County Chief of Police were Maj. Sherry Bird, the sole candidate who works for Hawaiʻi Police Department, retired FBI senior agent Edward Ignacio, and Kauaʻi Police Department's Acting Assistant Chief Capt. Paul Applegate.

    According to a story from Hawai'i Public Radio, Moszkowicz said, “I was not born in the Big Island, I have not worked in the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, I've developed myself professionally and academically to the point where I feel I can contribute to the department and I think I would do an amazing job as a chief.
   "My skill set is much broader base and much more I feel like have an executive-level skill set where I can come in and form collaborations, identify partners, find solutions that work and as the CEO basically of this company of the Hawaiʻi County Police Department, those are the skills that I bring to the table." 
    Moszkowicz earned a bachelor’s in public administration with a specialization in justice administration from the University of Hawaiʻi - West O'ahu, and a master's in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. He was recently accepted into a leadership Ph.D. program at Gonzaga University, which he may forgo as Police Chief. He told HPR, "This job would be a humongous time commitment, and that certainly is a priority that would slide ahead of me continuing my academic progress, at least temporarily."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A HAWAI’I LIFE FLIGHT AIRCRAFT traveling from Maui to Hawai'i Island for a medical transfer from Waimea, apparently crashed into the Alenuehaha Channel on Thursday evening, with three crew, no patients onboard.

       Hawai'i Island Mayor Mitch Roth wrote: "Our hearts are with the families of the crewmembers aboard the Hawaiʻi Life Flight plane that went off-radar last night while in transit to pick up a patient from our

hospital in Waimea. The service they provide to our community is truly invaluable, and we mahalo all who risk their lives daily to save the lives of others. Our administration remains hopeful in the Coast Guard's search and eagerly awaits any sign of good news. Until then, we'll continue constant communication with Governor Green and his team as we prepare to do whatever it takes to ensure the continuance of vital healthcare transportation services between islands — especially as regular Hawaiʻi Life Flight services are paused.

   "That said, we're urging our residents to be extra cautious over the coming week to help us keep medical transport needs on Hawaiʻi Island to a bare minimum. Our medical providers are working together to help pool resources so that we can keep as many of our patients on-island as possible. The coming days will be a strain on normal day-to-day operations, but we want the community to know that the County, State, and local medical providers are working together to find solutions that ensure adequate care for all of our residents. With that, we ask our community to join us in hoping for the best as the search continues for the aircraft and its crew."

    The tragedy garnered a proclamation on Friday from the Governor. Green said, “Hawai'i's medical airlift capacity must be supplemented. The Emergency Proclamation gives our state the ability to supplement Hawai'i's medical airlift capacity with aircraft and flight crews from other states and permits out-of-state actively licensed and certified emergency medical personnel to be employed as certified flight paramedics and registered nurses on medical transport aircrafts."

   U.S. Coast Guard reported “oil sheen and recovered aircraft debris,” and has been attempting to confirm whether they are from the missing craft.

   The Coast Guard reported that radar contact with the Life Flight was lost at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday, when the plane was at an altitude of about 5,000 feet. The plane was, at that point, about 15 nautical miles off Hana, Maui. The flight was set to land at the Waimea-Kohala airport.
   The statement from Green and his administration said they “are coordinating efforts between Hawai'i Life Flight, the State Department of Health, the Army National Guard, all county Mayors, the Coast Guard, and medical facilities and personnel throughout the state and on the mainland, to ensure continuity and uninterrupted emergency transport services between the islands. The primary focus is augmenting services to the neighbor islands and deploying extra capacity for critical care needs.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UĒKAHUNA OVERLOOK AT THE SUMMIT OF KILAUEA VOLCANO REOPENED ON FRIDAY, following closure to accommodate a nesting nēnē family. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park announced that a half-mile of Crater Rim Drive and Crater Rim Trail between Kīlauea Overlook and Uēkahuna parking lot are open, along with the restrooms and overlook to the east (left of the parking lot if facing the caldera). A half-mile trail connecting Nāmakanipaio Campground to Uēkahuna is also open.

Most of the lookout area at Uēkahuna has reopened, after closure to
 protect a family of nēnē, the native goose and state bird. USGS photo

    In addition, tour buses and vehicles over 25 feet in length are permitted to drive to the Uēkahuna parking lot again.

    Because the nēnē family may have moved to another location at Uēkahuna away from the parking lot, the westernmost overlook remains temporarily closed for now.

    The Park statement says, "People can help protect nēnē – the rarest goose in the world – by keeping at least four car lengths away from them, and never feed nēnē or other wildlife. Handouts cause nēnē to seek out people and cars, putting them in great danger. Drivers should be alert for nēnē along park roads, always drive the speed limit, and slow down for all nēnē crossing signs in the park and throughout the island."

    In 1952, only 30 nēnē remained statewide. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the imperiled geese in the 1970s. The Nēnē Recovery Program continues today, and close to 200 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

Holiday Lighting and Decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see until the New Year. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni'aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

A Toy Drive is Ongoing at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano through Saturday, Dec. 18. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monetary donations accepted. Toys purchased online can go to Cooper Center Community Pantry, P.O. Box 1000, Volcano, HI 96785.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Fridays, Dec. 16 and 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Christmas Keiki Party at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m. with Giving Tree.

Coffee Talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park will feature a presentation about hāhā, a critically endangered endemic Hawaiian plant, on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Learn about the plant and what the Park is doing to save it from extinction.

A Night Christmas Parade in Nā'ālehu will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, sponsored by Ka'ū Roping & Riding and featuring lights and displays after dark.

Join In and Watch Holiday Parade of Light, Discovery Harbour, Saturday, Dec. 17. Participants gather at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 5:30 p.m. for photos and maps, parade Starts at 6 p.m. Hot cocoa, cookies, and carols at the center after the parade. Restrooms at the center open for duration of the parade.

Learn About Using Fungicides to Protect Coffee Plants on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20. Webinar is on YouTube or one can attend via Zoom or in-person in Hilo and Waimea, with in-person or Zoom participation in a Q&A session each day: Monday at 2 p.m. or Tuesday at 9 a.m. Event is free and open to all. Register at hawaiicoffeeed.com/priaxor.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Event offers crafts, food, produce, live music, and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Showers, Soup, Haircuts, and Decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

Ka'ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Ka'ū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Sacred Heart: Loaves and Fishes Food Distribution, Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at 95-5558 Hwy 11 in Nā'ālehu. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, outdoor markets, and more on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

A farmer's sleigh carried food bags to 30 homes in Pāhala on Wednesday, the focus on households with young keiki. Rodney

and Marlene Freitas with daughter Shaeilia led the way. The effort was supported by Vibrant Hawai'i, Pāhala Food Hub,

KTA and other sponsors. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NEARLY SIMULTANEOUS SHUTDOWN OF MAUNA LOA AND KILAUEA ERUPTIONS is the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by scientists and affiliates of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
   The Island of Hawai'i recently went from having two actively erupting volcanoes that caught the attention of both local residents and the world, to having none. However, our volcanoes are still active and will erupt again, so volcano awareness should not be put on the backburner, so-to-speak. When volcanoes in Hawai'i aren't erupting, it is time to consider (and prepare for) where and when the next eruption could be.
   For decades, Kīlauea was the only erupting volcano in Hawai'i, but it is one of six active Hawaiian volcanoes that HVO monitors! Mauna Kea erupted several thousand years ago, Haleakalā erupted several hundred years ago, Hualālai erupted a couple of centuries ago, Kama'ehuakanaloa (formerly Lō'ihi Seamount) erupted in 1996, and—until very recently—Mauna Loa had last erupted in 1984.

Aerial view of the lava flows on the northeast flank of Mauna Loa, taken during a morning overflight on November 29. These lava flows came to within 2 miles (3 km) of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) before the eruption ended. USGS photo by M. Patrick

   Prior to November 27, 2022, staff at HVO and Island of Hawai'i residents and visitors alike wondered when and where the next eruption of Mauna Loa would be. Now, with the first eruption in 38 years of Earth's largest active volcano behind us, what have we learned?
   Volcano Awareness Month programs will address this question and others. Join us at one of the events being offered in Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Ocean View, Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historic Park, and Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Or take some time during the month of January to personally reflect on how volcanic activity in Hawai'i can impact you.
   Mauna Loa's recent eruption has reminded Island of Hawai'i residents and visitors that emergency preparedness cannot be overemphasized. An important aspect of preparedness is being aware of the hazards that can impact you where you live but also where you work and your commute. 

   The Mauna Loa eruption threatened the Danial K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road), a major thoroughfare connecting the east and west sides of the Island of Hawai'i. From the Highway, views of the eruption were spectacular and a stark reminder of how life on the Island of Hawai'i can be impacted very quickly by volcanic activity.

   Fortunately, the lava flow-front stalled, and the Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa ended before the highway was impacted. But consider how your life might have changed had the eruption continued and covered the road. It's important to remember that Mauna Loa's slopes cover more than half of the Island of Hawai'i and future eruptions have the potential to directly impact almost every district on the island. 

The Northeast Rift Zone eruption of Mauna Loa that began the evening of November 27 is considered ended as of December 13. The lava flows came to within 2 miles (3 km) of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) before the eruption ended. Map from USGS

   This Mauna Loa eruption accompanied an eruption within Halema'uma'u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. While there were signs that the Kīlauea eruption was waning before the Mauna Loa eruption began, lava supply appears to have ceased for both eruptions within about a day. What does that mean for future volcanic activity?
   We know that the two volcanoes have separate shallow magma systems but it's possible that they influence one another through stresses associated with their eruptions—essentially, when one volcano expands or contracts, it puts pressure on or off the other volcano.
   Though lava supply to Halema'uma'u appears to have paused, passive overturns of the lava lake surface continue as the dense cool crust sinks beneath the hot and buoyant magma below. During these overturns, the molten material beneath Halema'uma'u crater floor is temporarily exposed, making it appear that the eruption has resumed.
   Now, HVO staff and residents are wondering what will happen next? Will Mauna Loa will take another long break or enter a phase of more frequent eruptions? Will the lava lake at Kīlauea summit start to grow again? We'll be monitoring the volcanoes closely for clues and keep you informed.

   We hope to see you at a Volcano Awareness Month program this January. The schedule is forthcoming and will be posted at usgs.gov/hvo, where you can also read volcano updates, view monitoring data, learn geologic histories, see photos and videos, and much more. 

West vent in Halema'uma'u crater and lava lake from a webcam on the northwest rim of the caldera, looking south. USGS photo

Volcano Activity Updates
   Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at ADVISORY. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly on Thursdays.
   Webcam imagery shows residual incandescence and no lava movement in the fissure 3 vent on the Northeast Rift Zone. The inactive main flow front still glows at a few spots at night and may inch northward very slowly as it continues to settle. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates are at background levels. Summit and Northeast Rift Zone inflation is slowing. For Mauna Loa monitoring data, see: usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa.
   Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at ADVISORY. Kīlauea updates are issued weekly on Tuesdays.
   Lava supply to the Halema'uma'u lava lake in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park ceased on December 9. Sulfur dioxide emission rates have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels and were last measured at approximately 200 tonnes per day (t/d) on Dec. 14. Seismicity is elevated but stable, with few earthquakes. Over the past week, summit tiltmeters recorded several deflation-inflation (DI) events. For Kīlauea monitoring data, see usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea. 

Map of route for the Discovery Harbour
Holiday Parade of Lights this Saturday.

   There was one earthquake with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.3 event 11 km (7 mi) E of Pāhala at 34 km (21 mi) depth on Dec. 14 at 11:45 a.m. HST.
   HVO continues to closely monitor the ongoing eruptions at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
   Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

PARTICIPATE OR WATCH HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS in Discovery Harbour this Saturday, Dec. 17. Participants gather at Discovery Harbour Community Center at 5:30 p.m. for photos and maps - see route map, left. Parade Starts at 6 p.m. Hot cocoa, cookies, and carols at the center after the parade. Restrooms at the center open for duration of the parade.
   Participating vehicles must maintain a speed of five to ten miles per hour. All participants (except Santa) must stay in their vehicles during the parade. See flyer, below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday Lighting and Decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see until the New Year. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni'aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

A Toy Drive is Ongoing at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano through Saturday, Dec. 18. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monetary donations accepted. Toys purchased online can go to Cooper Center Community Pantry, P.O. Box 1000, Volcano, HI 96785.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Fridays, Dec. 16 and 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Christmas Keiki Party at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m. with Giving Tree.

Coffee Talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park will feature a presentation about hāhā, a critically endangered endemic Hawaiian plant, on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Learn about the plant and what the Park is doing to save it from extinction.

A Night Christmas Parade in Nā'ālehu will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, sponsored by Ka'ū Roping & Riding and featuring lights and displays after dark.

Learn About Using Fungicides to Protect Coffee Plants on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20. Webinar is on YouTube or one can attend via Zoom or in-person in Hilo and Waimea, with in-person or Zoom participation in a Q&A session each day: Monday at 2 p.m. or Tuesday at 9 a.m. Event is free and open to all. Register at hawaiicoffeeed.com/priaxor.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Event offers crafts, food, produce, live music, and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Showers, Soup, Haircuts, and Decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude's Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

Ka'ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Ka'ū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Sacred Heart: Loaves and Fishes Food Distribution, Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at 95-5558 Hwy 11 in Nā'ālehu. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawai'i Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nā'ālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

See daily, weekly, and monthly events, outdoor markets, and more on page 8 and page 9 of the monthly print edition.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

The future of piles of eucalyptus logs, stationed along ranch and farm roads around Pāhala, is delayed by further input regarding the Hū Honua biofuel plant north of Hilo. Learn more, below. Photo by Julia Neal

HŪ HONUA'S PILES OF EUCALYPTUS logs will lie on Kamehameha School lands around Pāhala a little longer, as the Hawai'i Supreme Court reviews briefs. Briefs were submitted on Wednesday by those who oppose and those who support Hū Honua burning wood and other materials for electricity to sell to Hawaiian Electric. Years ago, farmed eucalyptus trees around Pāhala were cut in anticipation of the power plant opening but it has been held up for years by rejections from the Public Utilities Commission and court cases.

Tawhiri's windmills at South Point. The power company opposes
the opening of Hū Honua, which plans to burn locally-grown
eucalyptus trees and other materials to generate power.
Photo by Bob Martin

    Now before the state Supreme Court again, the case is the subject of briefs from entities like Tawhiri, the windmill company at South Point, which opposes approval for Hū Honua; Life of the Land, also in opposition; and Hu Honua, which wants to burn the eucalyptus and other materials to make electricity. Hū Honua says it spent more than $500 million on revamping an old sugar mill on the coast north of Hilo to make the energy. Meanwhile, County of Hawai'i has tagged Hū Honua for building the factory without all the permits and approvals.
   The Supreme Court could stop Hū Honua or remand Hū Honua's appeal back to the PUC, which already rejected it. Should the consideration be remanded, the outcome would be unclear. The PUC's chair, Leodoloff Asuncion, has previously voted in favor of the project and is joined by two new commissioners. One is Colin Yost, who made his reputation in alternative energy with RevoluSun, the renewable energy firm based on O'ahu. The other is Naomi Kuwaye, an attorney who once wrote a legal memo for Hū Honua, but said she could vote in favor or against the project without bias.
   See the Civil Beat story about investors and lobbyists for Hū Honua.
   See the Civil Beat story on the county tagging Hū Honua for lack of construction permits and approvals.
   Read the briefs filed with the state Supreme Court on Wednesday.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

State Rep. Kai Kahele with journalist Katie Couric, at the
introduction of the Find It Early Act.
Photo from Kahele

U.S. REP. KAI KAHELE introduced a new bill to cover breast cancer screening costs this week. Kahele introduced the Find It Early Act of 2022, co-launched by award-winning journalist Katie Couric and a bi-partisan selection of Congress members.
   The legislation seeks to end cost-sharing for breast cancer screenings, which Kahele's office says averages, "$250 in out-of-pocket expenses for patients." The act would ensure "all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds and MRIs with no cost-sharing," according to a release from his office.
   Kahele said, "Early breast cancer detection saves lives. No one should be denied a potentially life-saving test simply due to financial barriers. Congress must do everything in its power to eliminate these barriers including costly copays, deductibles and additional out-of-pocket expenses."
   Kahele's office shared this information on breast cancer from the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center:

• Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.
• Annually, an average of 1,233 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Hawai‘i while another 308 are diagnosed with in situ breast cancer, or very early stage tumors that have not invaded surrounding tissue.
• An average of 155 women die of breast cancer each year in Hawai‘i.
• Invasive breast cancer incidence rates in Hawai‘i increased nearly 1.7% per year over the past 10 years.

• Breast cancer incidence is higher among Japanese and Native Hawaiian women compared to Chinese, Filipino, White, other Asian, and women of other race/ethnic groups. Other Asian women had lower incidence than Native Hawaiian, Japanese, White, and women of other race/ethnic groups.
• Native Hawaiian women had higher mortality than Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, White, and other Asian women.
• Most breast cancers (76%) are diagnosed at early stages (in situ or localized); 22% are diagnosed at advanced stages.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

NOT GUILTY PLEA to first-degree assault and abuse charges was entered on Monday by Nainoa Ellis-Noa of Ocean View. He is suspected of domestic abuse, beating with a belt and his hand his girlfriend’s three-year-old son, on Nov. 2. The child was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived, according to a report from Hawai’i Police Department, and "was listed in critical condition. The child was subsequently transported to Kapiolani Medical Center on Oahu, where he remains in critical condition."
   Ellis-Noa was arrested after the event and will stand trial on Monday, Dec. 19. He is being held on $17,000 bail.
   Police ask anyone with information about this case to contact Detective Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 224, or via email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide 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.

Coffee leaf rust.
Photo from Hawai`i Dept. of Agriculture

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LEARN ABOUT USING FUNGICIDES TO PROTECT COFFEE PLANTS on Monday, Dec. 19 and Tuesday, Dec. 20. Webinar is on YouTube or one can attend via Zoom or in-person in Hilo and Waimea, with in-person or Zoom participation in a Q&A session each day: Monday at 2 p.m. or Tuesday at 9 a.m.
   Offered by University of Hawai’i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, the webinar focuses on using Priaxor® Xemium brand fungicide which "has the ability to protect coffee plant leaves by preventing coffee leaf rust (CLR) spore germination for 14-21 days, unlike currently approved contact fungicides that only kill CLR spores on the outside of the leaf," according to UH-CHATR.
   This event is free and open to all. Register at hawaiicoffeeed.com/priaxor.

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ATTEND THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT-COMMUNION SERVICE at Kauaha'ao Congregational Church at 6 p.m. at 95-1642 Pinao Street in Nā'ālehu. See flyer, below.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
Christmas Lights & Icons Show brightens up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. Santa will be there on Christmas Eve to give 300 gifts, with a drawing for bikes to be given on Christmas Day. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Holiday lighting and decor are dressing up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at kaucalendar.com.

A toy drive is ongoing at Cooper Center on Wright Road in Volcano through Saturday, Dec. 18. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monetary donations accepted. Toys purchased online can go to Cooper Center Community Pantry, P.O. Box 1000, Volcano, HI 96785.

Letters to Santa is ongoing at Pāhala Post Office through Thursday, Dec. 15. Keiki write letters and receive gifts. Monetary donations and gifts accepted. See story at kaucalendar.com.

Christmas in the Country is ongoing until the New Year at Volcano Art Center Gallery and VAC's Ni’aulani Campus. See story at kaucalendar.com.

The Hiking Incentive Program at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park wraps up at the end of year. For the Kūkini Challenge, hikers, and walkers can turn in miles, recording them at the Visitor Contact Station for a chance to win a silver water flask and accolades for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Walk into the Past with Thomas A Jaggar to 1939. Talk with the founder of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, at the edge of Kīlauea volcano on Fridays, Dec. 16 and 23, at 10 a.m. and noon. Dressed in period costume, actor Dick Hershberger brings the renowned geologist to life. Space is limited; pick up free tickets at the Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai the day of the program. Supported by Kīlauea Drama Entertainment Network.

Christmas Keiki Party at St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m to 11 a.m. with Giving Tree.

Pictures with Santa at Ocean View Community Center on Christmas Eve from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Coffee Talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park will feature a presentation about hāhā, a critically endangered endemic Hawaiian plant, on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Visitor Contact Station. Learn about the plant and what the Park is doing to save it from extinction.

A night Christmas Parade in Nā’ālehu will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, sponsored by Ka'ū Roping & Riding and featuring lights and displays after dark.

Volcano Thursday Market Christmas Fair will be Friday, Dec. 23 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m with crafts, food, produce, live music and entertainment for kids at Cooper Center in Volcano, Wright Road.

Showers, soup, haircuts, and decorating of St. Jude's Church in Ocean View on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m to 1 p.m., with carols at 3 p.m. and Christmas Eve Service at 4 p.m, followed by Aloha Hour.

FREE FOOD

St. Jude’s Hot Meals are free to those in need on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until food runs out, no later than noon. Volunteers from the community are welcome to help and can contact Karen at pooch53@gmail.com. Location is 96-8606 Paradise Circle Drive in Ocean View.

Ka’ū Food Pantry Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 9:30 a.m. until pau at St. Jude's Episcopal Church above Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

ʻO Ka’ū Kākou Pantry Food Distribution, Tuesday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. until pau at Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Sacred Heart: Loaves and Fishes Food Distribution, Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at 95-5558 Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Cooper Center Community Pantry Food Distribution, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. at 19- 4030 Wright Road in Volcano. Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Island Food Basket.

Free Meals Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are served from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Volunteers prepare the food provided by 'O Ka'ū Kākou with fresh produce from its gardens on the farm of Eva Liu, who supports the project. Other community members also make donations and approximately 150 meals are served each day, according to OKK President Wayne Kawachi.

See The Ka'ū Calendar in the mail and in stands from Volcano through Miloli'i. Also see stories daily on Facebook and at www.kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com.