Kaʻū News Briefs, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023

The halau at Miloli'i will be removed and replaced by County Parks & Recreation with new parking, sports courts, pavilion and a setback from the shoreline. Photo by Julia Neal

MILOLI'I HALAU ON THE OCEAN WILL BE REPLACED, according to the Environmental Assessment published on Thursday on the state's Environmental Notice website https://planning.hawaii.gov/erp/environmental-notice/

   The facility, which includes the halau, a place to store canoes, a pavilion with tables and facilities for meetings, classes, lu'au, and other events is open air. It is unpermitted and on the water. The new pavilion will be set back from storm surge. The county park also includes walkways, parking, volleyball and basketball courts and restrooms, which are "in a state of disrepair, with cracks and eroded areas," says the final EA.

The plan for replacement of the Miloli'i halau -pavilion,
parking and sports facilities. Image from County of Hawai'i

   County Department of Parks & Recreation is in charge of the project and plans to bring the facility into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
     The EA says, "Both the restroom and hālau/pavilion structures must be replaced in their entirety due to their age and extensive need for repair and modifications, and because the pavilion is located in the flood zone. Further, the existing pavilion is currently unpermited, and would be brought up to County standards with implementation of the proposed improvements.”
According to the County, the objectives of the project are:
    To protect the health and safety of the public.
    To bring the existing park facilities into compliance with ADA guidelines and County permit requirements.
    To provide connecting walks and ramps to park facilities for greater accessibility from feature to feature.
    To maintain fishing access for local community.
    To maintain the character of the existing Miloli‘i Beach Park.
    To provide improved recreational facilities for the Miloli‘i community.
    To improve the longevity of existing beach park facilities.
    The EA also says, "Due to the proximity of nearshore ocean waters. the project could present increased

The halau at Miloli'i is an iconic gathering place.

potential for water quality impacts during construction. The proposed project would include site-specific Best Management Practices to be implemented during project construction to minimize erosion and potential impacts to water quality. The BMPs would include but would not be limited to the USFWS recommended standard BMPs regarding sedimentation and erosion in aquatic environments:
    "Turbidity and siltation from project-related work should be minimized and contained within the project area by silt containment devices and curtailing work during flooding or adverse tidal and weather conditions. BMPs should be maintained for the life of the construction period until turbidity and siltation within the project area is stabilized. All project construction-related debris and sediment containment devices should be removed and disposed of at an approved site.
    "All project construction-related materials and equipment (dredges, vessels, backhoes, silt curtains, etc.) to be placed in an aquatic environment should be inspected for pollutants including, but not limited to; marine fouling organisms, grease, oil, etc., and cleaned to remove pollutants prior to use. Project related activities should not result in any debris disposal, non-native species introductions, or attraction of nonnative pests to the affected or adjacent aquatic or terrestrial habitats. Implementing both a litter-control

Miloli'i's county park is set for upgrades. Photo by Kai Kahele

plan and a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plan can help to prevent attraction and introduction of non-native species.
    "Project construction-related materials (fill, revetment rock, pipe, etc.) should not be stockpiled in, or in close proximity to aquatic habitats and should be protected from erosion (e.g., with filter fabric, etc.), to prevent materials from being carried into waters by wind, rain, or high surf.
    "Fueling of project-related vehicles and equipment should take place away from the aquatic environment and a contingency plan to control petroleum products accidentally spilled during the project should be developed. The plan should be retained on site with the person responsible for compliance with the plan. Absorbent pads and containment booms should be stored on-site to facilitate the clean-up of accidental petroleum releases.
    "All deliberately exposed soil or under-layer materials used in the project near water should be protected from erosion and stabilized as soon as possible with geotextile, filter fabric or native or non-invasive vegetation matting, hydro-seeding, etc. These BMPs will be refined in accordance with County of Hawai‘i regulatory requirements as part of the permitting process."
    The Final EA was accepted as Finding of No Significant Impact, or FONSI, which eliminates the requirement to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

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A SUPER BOWL PARTY ALERT has been issued by Hawai'i Police Department, which notes that six weeks into the new year there have already been five traffic fatalities on island:
     With Super Bowl LVII happening this Sunday, Feb. 12, Hawai‘i Island police have teamed up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind Big Island football fans that Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. Those heading out to a Super Bowl party who plan to drink alcohol, urges HPD, "Make

sure you plan for a designated driver to get you home safely after the game."
    “We want our community members to enjoy Super Bowl festivities, but we also want responsible drivers on our roads,” said Torey Keltner, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Manager.
“If you’re planning to be away from home during Super Bowl, make a game plan to ensure you don’t find yourself without a designated driver if you need one. If you’re hosting a party, make sure you take care of your designated drivers. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”
    Impaired driving is on the of the most significant dangers on Hawai'i Island's roadways. Last year there were 34 traffic fatalities on island, the highest number of deaths since 2012, when there were 38 traffic deaths. Of those 34 deaths, impairment a factor in half, or 17, of those deaths. In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island, with 21 of those deaths due to impairment, either drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both. HPD recommends:
    Be the DD MVP: If you’re planning to be a designated driver, know that you’re the day’s MVP and that people are relying on you. Your positive influence could help keep them on the right track.
    Host a Winning Party: If you’re hosting a party for this year’s Super Bowl, prepare plenty of snacks and nonalcoholic drinks for your guests and the designated drivers. Ask your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance. Remind drinking guests that they have a long day ahead of them, and encourage them to pace themselves, to eat food, and to drink plenty of water.
    Have a Game Plan: Whether you are attending a party or going to a bar or restaurant, make a game plan and follow these simple tips for a safe and happy day:Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride service or call a taxi or sober friend to get home safely. If someone you know has been drinking and tries to drive, take their keys and help them get home safely. They may complain, but they’ll thank you later.
If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. If it’s an emergency, call 911.
    HPD cautions: "Only one team wins Super Bowl, but if you drive drunk, you lose. Score the big win during Super Bowl LVII with a commitment to sober driving."

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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.

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.

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, fourth Saturday 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 Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, 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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023

Kapāpala Ranch, where raising cattle dates back to 1860, is one of the larger state owned pasturelands
where ranchers want oversight by state Department of Agriculture. Photo from Kapāpala Ranch

TRANSFERRING STATE OWNED PASTURE LANDS from management by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture is an issue for new DLNR and HDOA department heads, and subject of legislation in the state House and Senate.

     Local lessees like ranching enterprises run by Kapāpala Ranch, Wally Andrade, Jerry Igami, Randy Cabral, Sonny Avenue, and Ernie Matos support transferring the leases to the Department of Agriculture, where they say there would be more empathy for their food production businesses.  

     Statewide about 100,000 acres of State of Hawai'i owned land are in cattle leases. The Department of Land & Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture sent out this joint statement this week saying that the recently appointed leadership teams under Gov. Josh Green for Department of Land & Natural Resources and Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture are working to resolve a long-standing issue on the management of pasture lands.

State land leased for pasture on Hawai'i Island is in yellow. National Park land
is in purple, State Forestry & Wildlife land is in olive green, The Nature
Conservancy land in lavender. DLNR map

    DLNR leases or permits ranching across approximately 100,000 acres while also managing other uses on these lands including native forest protection and restoration, endangered species habitat, hunting, public trails, and customary and traditional gathering practices.

    One of the largest is Kapāpala in Kaʻū, where cattle ranching dates back to 1860.
    In 2003, the legislature passed Act 90, which established a process for determining whether certain lands could be transferred from DLNR jurisdiction to Dept. of Ag, based on a review by the boards of both departments.
    Since then nearly 40,000 acres, mostly plowed crop lands, and including some lands ranched by the Galimba family in Ka'u, have been transferred to HDOA and the State’s Agribusiness Development Corp. “We are referring to those completed transfers as Phase 1,” explained the recently appointed DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “Now, we are ready to get to work on Phase 2 – farm and pasture lands that both departments see fit to transfer.”
    Recently appointed Dept. of Ag Chair Sharon Hurd said, “We thank legislators, as well as ranchers, for highlighting the importance of this issue. With the Green Administration’s leaders of both boards (Chang and Hurd also chair the Board of Land & Natural Resources-BLNR and the state Board of Agriculture), working together as a team, we have been meeting to find agreement and a plan for transfers, as well as a process for addressing multiuse areas,” Hurd added.
    The joint statement says that DLNR and HDOA made major progress by deciding that more than 50 leases and permits, representing more than 16,000 acres, have a mutual agreement to transfer to HDOA and will be put before the BLNR and BOA for approval.
    Another 70 leases and permits are also being offered for transfer by DLNR and are under review by

Kapāpala Ranch, managed by Lani Cran Petrie and Bill Petrie, recently received the
Excellence in Range Management Award. The historic ranch dates back to the 1860s.
Photo from Kapāpala Ranch

HDOA. “We look forward to making progress in transferring these Phase 2 parcels and will communicate with the legislature about the funding needed to conduct surveys and other due diligence necessary to finalize them transfers,” Hurd said.
“We have heard from many stakeholders including ranchers, trail users, conservationists, gatherers, and lawmakers,” Hurd continued. “This is a complex issue. A mandate to transfer all the lands to HDOA has unintended consequences for these stakeholders, as well as the agencies. We hope to chart a different course that has both progress and balance.”
    Chang said “I’m directing DLNR to focus on processing transfers we agree are win-win, as well as negotiating with stakeholders on the multiple-use lands. We are putting all available lands on the negotiating table to see whether there are overlooked opportunities to support agriculture, while safeguarding other public trust resources. DLNR and HDOA recognize that each parcel should be reviewed individually, using the existing process of Act 90 that requires the expertise of both boards to prescribe how to best manage natural, cultural, and agricultural resources. Our path forward is consistent with the recommendations of the Act 90 Working Group, formed in 2021, to carefully consider this multi-faceted issue.”
    Hurd concluded, “We are excited to have a shared vision on the path forward. With so many land issues, DLNR and HDOA need to both be at the table to make headway.”

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

MAKING GOVERNMENT MORE TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE is a mission of Hawai'i Democratic Party, according to its statement released on Thursday:
"In response to a series of highly publicized cases of corruption and misconduct in state and county government, the State House of Representatives created the Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct to review and assess state law and rules relating to standards of conduct of public officers and employees, including ethics, campaign finance and lobbying. The Commission was chaired by retired judge Dan Foley and had members from the Ethics and Campaign Spending Commissions, Common Cause, League of Women Voters, a former United States Attorney and retired Republican legislator.
    "After extensive public hearings and research, the Commission submitted its report to the Legislature recommending 31 bills and resolutions that would strengthen investigation and prosecution of fraud, bring greater transparency to government operations, and the conduct of public official and employees, create more ethical awareness and oversight in government, and reduce the power of money in politics. 

    "The Commission’s report and recommendations can be found at the State House of Representative’s webpage. Additionally, Honolulu Civil Beat has extensive and ongoing coverage on the Commission and the Legislature’s response to the Commission’s recommendations under “LET THE SUNSHINE IN”.

    "The Commission’s report and recommendations have received the support and endorsement of Governor Josh Green and House Speaker Scott Saiki, an increasing number of legislators, community groups and leaders, as well as the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Honolulu Civil Beat. '"The bills and resolutions recommended by the Commission will be introduced and heard this current legislative session. You are encouraged to read the Commission’s report and recommendations and share your views with legislators directly and through public hearings.
    "The people of Hawai'i have a unique opportunity this legislative session to reform their government, to make government more transparent and accountable, and to root out corruption and misconduct. But this will not happen unless we all become engaged with our legislators in demanding this reform."

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HELE-ON KAKO'O ISLAND-WIDE PARATRANSIT SERVICES will be entirely operated by MTM Transit. Following a competitive bidding process, MTM announced on Thursday that it is partnering with the County of Hawai'i Mass Transit Agency to operate every aspect of MTA's paratransit services program, including paratransit eligibility assessments, travel training, and the actual paratransit service. Hele-On, the County's public transportation system, offers complementary Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit through its Hele-On Kako'o service. Services are available to individuals with disabilities who are unable to utilize the Hele-On fixed route bus due to their disability.
      The system is an advanced reservation, origin-to-destination service, with service available in Hilo, Puna, and Kailua-Kona. To support its operation of the system, MTM Transit will employ a local staff of

13 teammates, including a Project Manager, a Mobility Specialist, four dispatchers, a Safety Trainer/Road Supervisor, and six Vehicle Operators, who will work out of two dedicated offices in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. This new contract adds to MTM Transit's existing operations in Hawai'i, including performing ADA eligibility assessments at TheHandi-Van Eligibility Center in Honolulu.
    "The Hele-On Kako'o service is imperative to help people with disabilities access the Hawai'i County community and lead happy, healthy, and productive lives," said MTM Transit Regional Vice President Scott Transue. "We're honored to be MTA's single, trusted partner for eligibility assessments, travel training, and paratransit operations, and look forward to offering MTA and its passengers world-class innovation and a superior customer experience."
    Chief Operating Office Brian Balogh added, "Our operation with MTA represents an opportunity for MTM Transit to showcase the value of leveraging our eligibility assessment, travel training, and paratransit best practices to maximize program efficiency and control costs. We look forward to a long, successful relationship with the County and its Hele-On Kako'o passengers."
    "The County of Hawai'i Mass Transit Agency is pleased to have a firm like MTM Transit that has professional paratransit experience serving our operations" stated John Andoh, Mass Transit Administrator & General Manager. "We are looking forward to launching the in-person eligibility assessments, travel training, a volunteer driver program, as it provides additional mobility options for our island residents in need of mobility-based services".
    To learn more about Hele-On services, visit www.heleonbus.org or call 808.961.8744, option 2, TTD/TTY: 711 for the hearing impaired. 

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.

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.

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, fourth Saturday 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 Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, 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.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

Waikapuna from the air. The draft stewardship plan for the 2,137 acres is available to the public who can send in input and attend a zoom meeting on Wednesday, March 22 for a presentation and discussion. Photo from The Nature Conservancy

THE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2,317 ACRES AT WAIKAPUNA IS RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. A public meeting will be held by zoom on Wednesday, March 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The plan is available on the County of Hawai'i website at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/1/edoc/121424/Waikapuna%20Resources%20Management%20Plan_Public%20Review%20Draft_February%202023.pdf.

    The county hired Townscape, Inc. for public and county input to develop the plan, with numerous sessions with the public, community groups and government agencies. Gabrielle Sham, who led the effort for Townscape, said, "Mahalo to everyone who provided manaʻo for the Waikapuna management plan for your time and effort."

    The steward for Waikapuna is Ala Kahakai Trail Association. Its website says, 

"The voluntary sale and acquisition of 2,317 acres at Waikapuna encompasses the entirety of Kahilipalinui and Kahilipaliiki Ahupua'a of Kau Moku on Hawaii Island. This purchase covers over 2.3 miles of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail - including what is traditionally known as the Ala Loa. An ancient fishing village of Waikapuna exists here and the acquisition of this wahi pana protects hundreds of intact pre-contact Native Hawaiian burial and non-burial cultural sites."
    The Ala Kahakai Trail Association website also states, "The entire community is invited to participate in the planning process. If you have connections to Waikapuna, we encourage you to provide your contact information. We look forward to hearing your stories and suggestions on how we can protect Waikapuna. Our hope is that Waikapuna will provide our community opportunities to honor our kupuna and perpetuate connections to place for future generations." See http://www.alakahakaitrail.org/waikapuna where there is an online portal to sign up and share information.
    To participate in the meeting on the daft management plan on March 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m, log on at: www.zoom.com. Meeting ID: 894 9322 7063. Passcode: kau. Dial-in: (253) 215-8782 (Audio only). Meeting ID: 894 9322 7063. Passcode: 545091. 

   A hard copy of the draft plan will be available at the Nāʻālehu Public Library and Pahala Public Library later this month. Comments on the draft plan may be submitted online or e-mailed to gabrielle@townscapeinc.com. Comments will be accepted until April 22.

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

THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN REPLACING THE OLD PLANTATION SEWER SYSTEMS IN PĀHALA AND NĀ'ĀLEHU are online and the the subject of a mailing in both communities. The notice reminds folks of a community informational meeting to be held on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center, 96-1140 Kamani St. It will cover proposed options for closing the large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā'ālehu and replacing them with other legal wastewater treatment options.

    The website is https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management/pahala-naalehu.

The letter to community members comes from Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Deputy Director, Dept. Environmental Management, County of Hawai'i.

On hand for the acceptance of federal grant to fight homelessness in Hawai'i and Maui counties are Carrie Hoʻopiʻi, Homeless Outreach Team Leader, Hope Services; Llyz Whitney, Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery, Data Specialist and Case Manager; Carlos Palma – Operation Director, HIHR; Mayor Mitch Roth; Ryan Okahara – Honolulu Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); Brandee Menino, Chief Executive Officer, Hope Services; Susan Kunz – Housing Administrator, Hawaiʻi County; Sarah Figueroa – Director of Planning & Evaluation, Hope Services. 
Photo from Hawai'i County

HUD GRANTS TOTALING $2.8 MILLION TO ADDRESS UNSHELTERED AND RURAL HOMELESSNESS have been awarded to two non-profit organizations in Hawai’i County, Hope

Susan Kunz,
Housing Administrator

Services Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island Home for Recovery. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development funding is the first of its kind competitive funding to provide for housing and supportive services in rural areas, says a statement from the County. The funding is designated to strengthen homeless outreach, increase the supply of permanent housing, and expand supportive services.
    "The County appreciates the endeavor put forward by the awardees, Hope Services Hawai'i and Hawai'i Island Home for Recovery for completing the competitive federal grant application and securing the much needed funding to address the needs of our most vulnerable community members,” said Susan Kunz, Housing Administrator for Hawai'i County's Office of Housing & Community Development.
    Mayor Mitch Roth said, “Guiding unsheltered homeless individuals off our streets in a dignified way and providing supportive services is key to keeping them permanently housed. We support the efforts of these two organizations, as well as everyone else on the Big Island who is addressing this issue

    HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said, “Homelessness is a crisis, and it is solvable. Housing with supportive services solves homelessness. That’s why for the first time the federal government is deploying targeted resources to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in unsheltered settings or in rural areas. With these grants and vouchers, HUD is filling this gap and giving communities the resources and tools to improve housing and health outcomes for people on the streets, in encampments, under bridges, and in rural areas.”

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CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE OVERSEEING U.S. ARMED FORCES READINESS AND MANAGEMENT SUPPORT is the new position for Hawai'i Sen. Mazie Hirono. Already a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, she is named Chair of the Committee's Subcommittee on Readiness & Management Support for the 118th Congress.
    Hirono's appointment as Chair follows her inclusion of several priorities that fall within the Subcommittee's jurisdiction in the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act which was signed into law in December: $1 billion for the defueling and closure of Red Hill; more than $815 million for military infrastructure projects in Hawai'i; more than $200 million for environmental sustainability and climate resilience projects in Hawai'i.

    The Readiness Subcommittee oversees the capabilities and preparedness of U.S. Armed Forces and has jurisdiction over military training, logistics, and maintenance; military construction; base housing construction and privatization; contracting and acquisition policy; business and financial management; base realignment and closure; and defense energy and environmental programs.
    A statement from Hirono's office says, "As Chair of the Subcommittee, Senator Hirono will build on her work to safely and quickly defuel the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu and advance other critical military infrastructure projects across Hawaii and the country, and strengthen the Department of Defense's work to combat climate change."
    Hirono said, "As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I'm working to ensure our military is always ready and able to defend our nation and that our servicemembers and their families receive the support they deserve—and I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Readiness
Subcommittee in order to continue advancing these priorities, As Chair, I will be focused on overseeing the safe closure of Red Hill, rebuilding and modernizing military infrastructure, and strengthening DOD's work to combat climate change. I thank Senator Kaine for his leadership of this important Subcommittee over the past two years and I look forward to working with Ranking Member Sullivan and our colleagues to support our service members and defend our national security."
    In addition to serving as Chair of Readiness, Hirono remains on the Committee's Seapower and Personnel Subcommittees.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see 

facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

THE THREE MOUNTAIN ALLIANCE SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM IN KAʻŪ is open for applicants. Called Kahuapono, it will be held at Keauhou in Volcano on weekdays from from July 10 - 21 for sixth through 12th graders who live on Hawai'i Island. It is free and includes some overnight camp trips.
    Students travel across Keauhou ecosystems and meet with environmental stewards who mālama 'āina. Students participate in hands-on activities, service projects and observation and reflection activities. There is emersion in Hawaiian lifeways and cultural practices and observation of rare plants and animals. Applications are due May 1. See www.threemountainalliance.org/kauhapono. Call 808-756-2467.

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POLICE ARRESTED 19 FOR DUI during the week of Jan. 30, 2023, through Feb. 5. Hawai‘i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. One driver was involved in a traffic accident. None were under the age of 21.

  So far this year, there have been 114 DUI arrests compared with 101 during the same period last year, an increase of 12.87 percent. After a review of all updates on crashes, Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services found 96 major collisions so far this year compared with 82 during the same period last year, an increase of 17.07 percent.
    To date, there have been four fatal crashes, resulting in five fatalities, compared with five fatal crashes, resulting in seven fatalities for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 20 percent for fatal crashes, and a decrease 28.57 percent for fatalities.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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See the print version of The Ka'u Calendar online
at www.kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.













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

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.

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.

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, fourth Saturday 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 Ka'ū Coffee. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Ka'ū Kākou Market, Nā'ālehu, 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.