Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

Last night's annual Night Parade with Ka'ū Roping & Riding lit up the night with light strings, inflatables,
and more adorning vehicles. See more on the parade, below.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

Adult and fledgling ʻAeʻo walking in the flats of Honuʻapo estuary in September.
Learn more about the return of the birds to Ka'ū, below. Photo by Bret Mossman

'AE'O RETURN TO KA'Ū. For the first time in living memory, Kukuluaeʻo or Hawaiian stilts, endangered Hawaiian waterbirds, have successfully raised a family on the Hilo side of Kaʻū. ‘Aeʻo were extirpated from Hawaiʻi Island from the late 1890s to the 1970s through direct game hunting and non-native predator impacts (rats, mongooses, cats). From 1970 into the 1980s, there were only 20 to 30 ʻAeʻo on all of Hawaiʻi Island. Since the 1990s, their population has increased by about 200 of the 300 birds, at first only on the Kona side. Beginning in 1999, ʻAeʻo began to show up on the Hilo side of the island around Lokowaka and later moving to Haʻena.

    A solitary ʻAe‘o was observed at Honu‘apo on Aug. 20, 2014 during statewide waterbird counts according to Hawai‘i Department of Land & Natural Resources, but the 'Ae'o didn't establish itself here. Since 2017, the only breeding ‘Aeʻo on the East side of Hawai‘i Island were at Haʻena.
    This year, a pair nested in Kaʻū. Biologists from DLNR set up mongoose traps near the nest and in September, two female chicks fledged. Since then, the ʻAeʻo ʻOhana has moved to Honuʻapo where the community group, Ka ʻOhana O Honu‘apo,  has worked to care for the area for the past two decades with support from Hawai‘i County Parks & Recreation staff.
    John Replogle, a co-founder of Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo and current Loko Iʻa Coordinator for the organization, said, “Na Akua has bestowed upon us in Kaʻū a great gift, ʻAeʻo! It is our duty to show them hospitality and to care for this great gift. Let us all mālama ʻāina and help to keep them safe and productive."
 

An adult ʻAeʻo searches for food at Honuʻapo in September, 2022.
Photo by Bret Mossman

   The decline of traditional agriculture and a rapid increase of development coupled with the establishment of invasive plants and animals have been the primary threats to ʻAeʻo survival. Feral cats and mongooses in particular pose the most danger to these special waterbirds. Controlling invasive predators, restoring traditional agriculture and aquaculture, and removing invasive plants are important ways to help secure more safe habitat so these native birds can continue to return to areas they once called home. Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo is supporting the plans initiated by Birds of Hawaiʻi Past Present to control mongoose activities around the estuary and protect breeding habitat in order to encourage ʻAeʻo - and other listed species and migratory birds - to more safely take residence within the estuary.
    A joint statement from Ka 'Ohana and Birds of Hawai'i Past Present says, "As we welcome these native winged residents back to Kaʻū, we humbly ask that you are especially mindful of your behavior around this wahi pana (storied / special place) and wetland ecosystem. Please remember that ʻAeʻo are a Federally-listed endangered species, protected under Endangered Species Act which prohibits harming or killing (with heavy fines and potential imprisonment). We must all do our part to protect them and provide a safe and clean habitat. Help us by practicing pono wildlife viewing - maintain a distance of 150m (300ft) or more - and following all park rules and regulations."
    For more information about Ka 'Ohana O Honu'apo and future volunteer opportunities, see www.honuapopark.org and visit @kaohanaohonuapo. For more information on Birds of Hawaiʻi Past Present, visit www.birdshawaiipastpresent.com. Contact birdshawaiipastpresent@gmail.com.

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

Nā'ālehu glowed last night during the annual Night Parade with Ka'ū Roping & Riding.
Photo by Lee McIntosh

An inflatable dragon, Mickey Mouse, a candy cane arch, and many
lights festooned this float last night. Photo by Lee McIntosh

NIGHT PARADE WITH KA'Ū ROPING & RIDING rolled through Nā'ālehu on Saturday evening.    

    Christmas floats - four-wheeled vehicles, decorated with holiday icons and lights paraded - down Hwy 11 after sunset.

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

Nā'ālehu's night sky brightened with many decorated golf carts, trucks, and other vehicles, celebrating the holiday
season with a Night Parade. Photo by Lee McIntosh

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

TROJAN BOYS BEAT KOHALA IN BASKETBALL SATURDAY NIGHT, led by Coach Troy Gacayan.

    Trojan Varsity won with 66-59 over the Kohala Cowboys. Tyson Junior Kuahuia-Faafia scored 30 points, Kaimana Kaupu-Manini 12, Lois Emmanuele Badua 10, Jensen Navarro-Villa 8, Jaestin Karsuda 6.

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

A VOLCANO MAN DIED IN HILO SATURDAY MORNING in a single-vehicle collision, says a report from Hawai’i Police Department. They are investigating the cause of the 54-year-old’s death. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.

    A report from HPD says the crash occurred in the Hilo-bound (northbound) section of Highway 11, in the area of the 5 mile-marker near Ikaika Street, with police responding at 9:17 a.m. The report says police “determined through investigation and witness statements that a green 1993 Mazda sedan was observed weaving in the outer lane while traveling northbound on Highway 11. The sedan then veered off into the right shoulder and clipped the end of a guardrail. It continued into the grassy shoulder when it struck a telephone pole before coming to a final rest. The operator and sole occupant of the Mazda sedan was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 9:59 a.m.” This is the 34th traffic fatality of 2022 compared to 25 traffic fatalities during this same time period last year, says the report.
    Police “believe that speed is a primary factor at this time,” according to the report. East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest and will continue investigating this traffic collision, says the report. Police ask for anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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

A HIGH WIND WARNING AND A FLOOD WATCH FOR ALL OF HAWAI'I ISLAND were issued on Sunday. A High Wind Warning means damaging winds between 20 to 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph were expected from the southwest. Hawai'i County Civil Defense issued a statement saying, "Due to the High Wind Warning, the following are in effect: Residents should secure outdoor items such as canopies. Strong winds will make driving hazardous, especially for high profile vehicles. Be alert for downed utility lines; do not drive over or attempt to move utility lines as they may be energized. Treat intersections with inoperable or downed traffic signals as four-way stops. A Flood Watch means dangerous flooding can occur. Flood prone areas and roadways may be closed due to run off and elevated streams. Do not cross fast flowing water, turn around don't drown." Waipio Valley Road closed at 3pm today except to residents and farmers.

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. 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.

Register as a Candidate for Discovery Harbour’s Community Association Board by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 21at the Community Association office. Candidates may submit their biography and have their name appear on the 2023 DHCA ballot. Two of the seven Board seats are up for election. See discoveryharbour.net.

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 Friday, Dec. 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.

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.

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

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.

   Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

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.

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.

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.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻōhinu.

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

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Santa came to Discovery Harbour today, turning in his reindeer for a 4-wheeler. See the parade, below.
Photo by Cheryl Cuevas

REPRESENTATION OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES is the subject of Congressman Kai Kahele's final episode of Conversations with Kai. Kahele sat down with indigenous Congresswomen Sharice Davids and Mary Peltola. Watch at https://youtu.be/zoUKHoy7ljA. Kahele leaves the position of representing Ka'ū and all of rural Hawai'i in the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 3, after serving in the 117th Congress and not seeking reelection.

Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola on the left with Kansas Congresswoman
 Sharice Davids during Congressman Kai Kahele's final episode of Conversations with
 Kai, where they discuss indigenous people in Congress.
See https://youtu.be/zoUKHoy7ljA Photo from Kai Kahele

   During the interview, Kahele noted that the three are but a few of the indigenous people in Congress. Kahele's Hawaiian roots go to Miloli'i. Peltola, representing Alaska, is the first Alaskan native in Congress and the first Alaskan woman to serve in the House. She is a Yup'ik from Bethel, which has a native name that means "Place of Many Fish Catches."

   Davis is a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, from Wisconsin, but serves Congress from Kansas. Her heritage also includes Mohawk. She is co-chair of the House Native Caucus. She grew up with her mother who served in the military.

   Hawai'i and Alaska have a long standing relationship, said Kahele and Peltola, working across the aisle, sharing issues with telecom, transportation, and food, including "pilot bread." Peltola said both Hawai'i and Alaska are "in the corner of the map, not reflective at all of where we really are on the globe."

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

A TEMPORARY SITE ON MAUNA KEA REPLACES AIR MEASUREMENT ON MAUNA LOA. NOAA scientists recently installed an intake tube less than an inch in diameter and 25 feet long on the University of Hawai'i's "88-inch observatory to sample the summit air, after data collection on Maunaloa was abruptly disabled when lava from the Maunaloa eruption cut off staff access and power lines to NOAA’s Mauna Loa Observatory," says a University of Hawai'i statement. Atmospheric measurements have been taken on Maunaloa since 1958, providing more than six decades of data to track global climate change through CO2 measurements.

The new air measurement site on Mauna Kea, temporarily replacing some of the
 instrumentation at the Mauna Loa Observatory. NOAA photo

   Under an emergency agreement, NOAA and UH established the temporary measurement site to ensure the continuity of CO2 data collection and other atmospheric measurements taken at Mauna Loa Observatory. Department of Land & Natural Resources Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands also provided expedited site plan approval for this important project.

   “The data gathered over many decades in Hawai‘i are essential to our understanding of climate change,” said Steve Thur, NOAA assistant administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research. “We are always grateful for the strong partnership with the University of Hawai‘i, but especially now when we need a way to ensure continuity in the measurement of CO2. Being able to pull atmospheric samples from Maunakea while MLO is down ensures that any disruption to this important long-term research will be minimal.”

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

THE FORECAST THROUGH MONDAY CALLS FOR STORMY WEATHER. National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory at 5 p.m. on Saturday for Ka'ū, Puna and Hilo. A High Surf Advisory includes Ka'ū for north-facing shores. It runs from from Upolu Point in North Kohala to Cape Kumukahi in Puna, through Sunday. A cold front with strong southwest winds and thunderstorms late Sunday through Monday is expected. Associated with the cold front are a High Wind Warning and Winter Storm Watch for island summits, and High Wind Watch for all areas is issued for late Sunday through Monday.

    NOAA forecasts that "Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage tonight through Sunday as southwest winds strengthen. Strong and potentially damaging kona, or southwest, winds and strong thunderstorms will move through the area Sunday night through Monday evening. Breezy westerlies will then focus showers over leeward slopes through Tuesday. Drier conditions and lighter southwesterly winds are then expected Wednesday through late next week."

Night falls on the Discovery Harbour Christmas Parade on Saturday.
Photo by Jana Kaniho

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. 

See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR HELD ITS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE on Saturday, with four wheel drive vehicles, golf carts, classic cars, and trucks. It wound through the streets of the community. Santa led the parade and stepped off his four-wheeler to mingle with the crowd and to hand out some gifts. Carols, cookies, and punch followed at the community center. The parade went into the night with lighted vehicles.

Decked-out golf carts, classic cars, and inflatables graced today's Discovery Harbour Christmas Parade.
Photos by Cheryl Cuevas

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

REGISTER AS A CANDIDATE for Discovery Harbour’s Community Association Board by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 21at the Community Association office. Candidates may submit their biography and have their name appear on the 2023 DHCA ballot. Two of the seven Board seats are up for election. See discoveryharbour.net.

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

THE MAGNITUDE 4.0 EARTHQUAKE IN THE CHANNEL BETWEEN MAUI AND HAWAI'I
ISLAND could spawn aftershocks in the next few weeks, according to USGS. The quake hit on Friday at 6:47 a.m. at a depth of 8 miles (13 km) below sea level, 27 miles from Hawai'i Island and 19 miles south southwest of Hana, within the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel.

    USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported no apparent impact on Mauna Loa and Kīlauea volcanoes, saying, “This earthquake is probably related to a crustal readjustment related to Haleakalā volcano and is not related to volcanic activity.” There was no tsunami and no damage to buildings or infrastructure.

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

NO SIGHT OF THE MISSING LIFE FLIGHT CRAFT lost en route from Maui to Hawai'i Island with three crew members aboard. A Facebook post from Hawai'i Life Flight's parent company, Global Medical Response, says: "We want to provide an update on the search and rescue mission for our crew members in Hawai'i. The U.S. Coast Guard continues its search today. We are asking you to continue to pray for our team members and their families. We have partnered with multiple agencies and our sister companies AirMed International and REACH Air Medical Services to bring additional resources in support of emergency air operations. Hawai'i Life Flight and GMR extend our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, Governor Green, Hawai'i Emergency Air Lift and the community for their assistance and continued support during this difficult time."

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. 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 Friday, Dec. 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.

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.

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

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.

   Those in need can also take hot showers from 9 a.m. to noon and use the computer lab from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Masks and social distancing required.

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.

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.

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.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Volcano Evening Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with live music, artisan crafts, ono grinds, and fresh produce. See facebook.com.

Volcano Swap Meet, 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Kaʻū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

'O Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact Nadine Ebert at 808-938-5124 or June Domondon 808-938-4875. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

Ocean View Community Market, Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in the upper lot only. Vendors must provide their own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling is encouraged.

Ocean View Swap Meet at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks required.

The Book Shack is open every Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church grounds at 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻōhinu.

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

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."

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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.