Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, June 28, 2023

A blessing on Wednesday at the U.H. Hilo site of the new USGS facility that will  replace the one destroyed on the edge of
Kīlauea caldera. It will be the location of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center.
 Photo from U.H. Hilo

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW USGS HAWAIIAN VOLCANO OBSERVATORY AND PACIFIC ISLAND ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH CENTER was celebrated Wednesday. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Geological Survey Director David Applegate joined federal, state, local and University of Hawai'i leaders to launch the new facility to monitor volcanoes and support conservation science. The site is University of Hawai'i at Hilo campus. It will replace HAVO's facility that was irreparably damaged by the 2018 eruption on the edge of Kīlauea caldera in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland met
with U.H. Hilo students on Wednesday. Photo from U.H. Hilo

    

     The Secretary of the Interior said, "Partnership and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. I’m so excited about the collaborations that will be formed in this facility between USGS scientists and personnel, the brilliant faculty and the students who have already accomplished so much. As we celebrate this facility today, we celebrate the enduring relationship it represents for the Department of the Interior and the community at large, as well as and the benefits this partnership will bring long after our time doing this important work is done.”
    The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors and assesses hazards from active volcanoes and earthquakes in Hawai‘i, providing science for emergency managers, scientists, and local communities.
    USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center conducts research to support management and conservation of biological resources in Hawaiʽi and other Pacific locations. This includes scientific studies of imperiled species, invasive species, and plant diseases such as Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death.

Rendering of new USGS HAVO and Ecosystem Research
Center on the campus of U.H. Hilo.

    The USGS Director said, “We selected this location because of its unique qualities and partnership opportunities. One quality in particular that is critical to our future success is access to a very precious resource: students who can become our next-generation workforce, helping bring science to bear on some of the most challenging issues facing our nation and the planet.”
    Bonnie D. Irwin, Chancellor of the University of Hawai‘i – Hilo, said, “UH Hilo has a long and rewarding relationship with the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory and Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, and I am excited for the additional opportunities their presence on campus will have for research partnerships and student internships. Working side-by-side with professionals in the field is an invaluable complement to the education students receive at our university.” 
    Construction of the facility is estimated to be completed late 2025.

Federal funding is released to work toward prevention of extinction of Hawai'i's Native Forest Birds.
Photo from state Division of Forestry & Wildlife

THE U.S. SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR ANNOUNCED $16 million will be deployed to prevent the imminent extinction of Hawai'i Forest Birds. Sec. Deb Haaland revealed the funding on Tuesday in her opening address to the Hawai'i Conservation Alliance's annual Conference in Honolulu, which runs through Thursday.
    The Conference is attended by numerous organizations with a large presence in Kaʻū including Three Mountain Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund and Kamehameha Schools. Ulupono Initiative and agencies with a presence here, such as the National Park Service, USGS, NOAA, US Fish & Wildlife Service, state Department of Land & Natural Resources, University of Hawai'i and Department of Hawaiian Home Lands also attend. Those who run the endangered captive bird program in Keauhou at Volcano and indigenous scholars and practitioners attend and are among the speakers,
     The federal funding announced by Haaland, herself the first indigenous person to lead the Department of the Interior, will support a new Hawaiian Forest Bird Conservation Keystone Initiative, which was unveiled as part of Department of Interior's Restoration & Resilience Framework. The Framework is guiding $2 billion in investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act to restore lands and waters and advance climate resilience. 

Read the abstracts, learn more at https://www.hawaiiconservation.org/conference/2023-conservation-conference/

    The  Secretary of the Interior said, “Hawaiian Forest Birds are a national treasure and represent an irreplaceable component of our natural heritage. Birds like the ‘I’iwi, Kiwikiu and ‘Akikiki are found nowhere else in the world and have evolved over millennia to adapt to the distinct ecosystems and habitats of the Hawaiian Islands." Haaland said that through the Investing in America agenda, "we are working collaboratively with the Native Hawaiian Community and our partners to protect Hawaiian Forest Birds now and for future generations.”
    An example of the decline in Hawaiian Forest Birds: Historically, there were more than 50 species of honeycreepers in Hawaiʻi. That number is down to 17,

Secretary of the Interior Deb
Haaland announced $16 million to
help prevent extinction of Hawaiian
Forest Birds.

due to an array of threats that have caused significant declines in their populations. "Habitat loss, invasive species, climate change and disease, such as avian malaria spread by mosquitoes, are urgent challenges impacting bird species across the Hawaiian Islands," said a statement from the Interior Department.
    In December 2022, the Interior Department released a Strategy for Preventing the Extinction of Hawaiian Forest Birds. The strategy provides a shared vision among the Department’s bureaus for a comprehensive approach to prevent the extinction of Hawaiian Forest Birds by applying a science-based approach, various conservation techniques, and Native Hawaiian biocultural knowledge and practices.     "This approach is rooted in close coordination with federal and non-federal partners to leverage resources and expertise to meet common goals......Without this funding, experts assessed that two species could go extinct within the next year."
    The Hawaiian Forest Bird Conservation Keystone Initiative includes its list of the following objectives:
    Captive Care: Expanding captive care programs and facilities for bird species most at risk of imminent extinction.
    Invasive Mosquito Eradication: Implementing cutting-edge strategies to control and eradicate invasive mosquitoes that spread avian malaria, which has ravaged Hawaiian forest bird populations in recent years.

    Establish New Bird Populations Through Translocation: Relocating new populations of bird species to higher elevation refugia within the Hawaiian Islands where avian malaria is not yet present will help prevent further extinctions.
    Research and Monitoring: Conducting extensive scientific research and monitoring to ensure mosquito control efforts are effective and enhancing our knowledge on mosquito and forest bird biology. This knowledge will inform more effective conservation strategies.
    Native Hawaiian Community Engagement: Actively engaging Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners and experts through consultation, knowledge sharing, protocol and traditional practices at each major stage of a conservation action. This not only contributes to the overall forest bird recovery efforts but also sustains the Native Hawaiian Community’s biocultural relationship with the forest birds.

    Read the Department of Interior Strategy for Preventing the Extinction of Hawaiian Forest Birds at https://www.fws.gov/media/doi-strategy-preventing-extinction-hawaiian-forest-birds-508

    

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, June 27, 2023

County Council member Michelle Galimba with Kahu Kimo Awai at the blessing of the newly 
expanded Wai'ohinu Transfer Station. On Tuesday, Galimba released an update on her work. Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBER MICHELLE GALIMBA released an update on Tuesday, regarding her work representing District 6, which covers Kaʻū, Volcano and South Kona. She wrote:

    "I was honored to be part of the Grand Opening of the beautiful and spacious new Waiʻōhinu transfer station on June 9, 2023.  While the finishing touches continue, the new transfer station is far larger, more convenient and safer than the old transfer station that was damaged by an earthquake. Our thanks go out to Mayor Mitch Roth and the entire team at the Department of Environmental Management, but especially Director Ramzi Mansour and Kaʻū's own Deputy Director Brenda Iʻokepa-Moses.  A special thanks also  to Lee McIntosh, our District 6 representative on the Commission of Environmental Management and to former Council-member Maile David for their years of work advocating for the new transfer station!" 

    Galimba noted that the County Council approved the 2023-2024 County Budget early in June.                    "Highlights of the budget include significant and much needed investments in information technology across multiple departments to help County employees do their jobs more effectively and efficiently, thereby providing better customer service and timely information to the residents of Hawai'i County."

County Council member Michelle Galimba reports that among her many
 projects is working on renovation of the Pahala Pool. Photo by Julia Neal

    The Council member said her office "advocated for increased police presence in Ocean View during the budget process and would like to thank the Hawai'i Police Department for the heroic work they do every day, and especially our new Police Chief, Ben Moszkowicz.  I look forward to working with "Chief Ben" in the coming year to increase public safety and security in District 6." Galimba said her office has also been working with County Department of Parks & Recreation Director Maurice Messina on many projects in the District including extensive improvements to Miloliʻi Park and Pavilion to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, skateparks at Volcano and Ocean View, renovation of the bathroom facilities at Waiʻohinu Park and renovation of the tennis courts at the Nāʻālehu Park and Yano Hall in South Kona. "Other projects that I am advocating for are the renovation of the Pāhala swimming pool and night-time lighting for the ball parks in both Pāhala and Nāʻālehu." 

     On the legislative front, Galimba said she has been working with Council Chair Heather Kimball on Bills 43 and 44 "to reform our agricultural real estate tax programs in order to encourage agricultural production and discourage abuse of these programs for their tax benefits. I have also been strongly supporting the creation of an Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity and Resilience, (OSCER) proposed by Chair Kimball and Council-member Rebecca Villegas. OSCER will help our County to access federal funding to address sustainability and resilience, as well as help to coordinate our County's climate change response across departments, provide eduction and outreach, and notably, ensure that equity and fairness are taken into account as we grapple with these big issues." 

    Galimba concluded with a "Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of representing you, and have a safe and fun Fourth of July!" 

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THE FIRST TROPICAL STORM OF THE PACIFIC HURRICANE SEASON is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday. Off the coast of Mexico and headed west, Adrian is not expected to reach Hawai'i and is forecast to reach Category One hurricane status before dissipating. Many of the hurricanes
that originate in the Eastern Pacific near Mexico come towards Hawai'i, which is located in the Central Pacific. NOAA predicts a 50 percent chance of above-normal tropical cyclone activity during the central Pacific Hurricane Season this year, along with a 35 percent chance for near-normal activity, and only a 15 percent chance of a below-normal hurricane season. The forecast is four to seven tropical cyclones during 

this hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends Nov. 30.
    The Central Pacific Hurricane Center continuously monitors weather conditions using satellites, land-and ocean-based sensors and aircraft reconnaissance missions operated by NOAA, it National Weather Service and their partners. These observations are fed into complex computer models that run on NOAA’s supercomputers. Forecasters at the Center use that information to develop storm track and intensity forecasts and provide critical decision support services to emergency managers at the federal, state and county levels.
    This summer, NOAA is increasing its supercomputing capacity by 20 percent, allowing for more detailed, higher-resolution forecast models, advanced physics and improved data assimilation. Once implemented, the computing system will be able to perform 29 quadrillion calculations per second. The expansion will allow for forecast model upgrades for years to come, starting with the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System.
    The Central Pacific Hurricane Center will extend the forecast range of the Tropical Weather Outlook from five to seven days this season. The seven-day outlook will provide emergency managers and communities with more time to prepare for tropical activity and creates a seamless suite of products when combined with the two-week Global Tropical Hazards Outlook from the Climate Prediction Center.
    Check for watches and warnings on the Central Pacific Hurricane Center’s website throughout the season, and visit FEMA’s Ready.gov for additional hurricane preparedness tips.

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THE LAW ALLOWING SERVICE ANIMALS TO ENTER BUSINESSES is the focus of a statement from Hawai'i Island police reaching out the public for understanding of the purpose and regulations. It describes a service animal "as any dog that is specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for the  any dog that is specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other disability." 

    The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require service animals to wear a specific vest, ID tag, or harness. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The animal’s trained work or task must be directly related to the person’s disability. An animal whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support does not qualify as a service animal under Title II and Title III of the ADA. 

    Individuals with disabilities are entitled to access any facilities, services or programs with their service animals that are open to the public, provided that the presence of the service animal does not fundamentally alter the nature of the service or program, or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. A service animal must be either harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times and must not be disruptive or unsafe. In addition, a service animal must be under control of the handler and the handler should follow hygiene standards.

     For further assistance contact the following agencies: Hawaiʻi County ADA Coordinator (808) 961-8361; Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center (808) 949-2922 and Hawaiʻi Civil Rights Commission (808) 586-8636.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, June 26, 2023

The children of famous taiko drummer Takumi Sato joined him at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Saturday. Photo by Robin Sato

A TAIKO DRUMMING FAMILY TRAVELING THE U.S. STOPPED IN KAʻŪ to give a performance on Saturday at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Sponsored by Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko, the free performance to spread peace and hope was 232nd of 1,000 planned for the next five years across the country. Led by acclaimed taiko drummer Takumi Sato, the group includes his three children and is called the Peaceful Forest Ensemble. 

Takumi Sato and family take taiko to Nāʻālehu Hongwanji.
Photo by Robin Sato

    They were accompanied by the Kato lion, who nibbled the attendees to ward off bad luck give them good health. Guests also picked up sushi made by Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko, which is expanding through buying new instruments and opening up classes for children.

    Takumi Kato is winner of a grand prize in the Odaiko Division of the Tokyo International Japanese Drum Contest,  He performed the dedication of Ise Jingu Shrine and has performed for the Japanese Emperor, the Royal family, and the Prime Minister of Japan. Currently. Originally from Japan Kato recently moved to Ohai, CA.

    To donate to the Peaceful Forest Ensemble tour, see https://www.gofundme.com/f/sharing-art-of-japanese-taiko-by-1000-performs.

Kato Lion gently bites Charlie Sakamoto to ward off bad luck and encourage good health. Photo by Robin Sato

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THE NEW MASS TRANSIT ADMINISTRATOR FOR HAWAI'I COUNTY is Victor Kandle. The County of Hawaiʻi issued a statement Monday, saying that "Victor brings well-rounded and valuable expertise to his new role, including a wealth of knowledge and experience in program management, customer service, and transit control."

Victor Kandle is new administrator for 
Hele On and all of the other Mass Transit
services for the County of Hawai'i
Photo from Hawai'i County

    Kandle comes to Hawaiʻi Island by way of Portland, OR, where he dedicated 20 years of his career to leadership roles at TriMet, the city's mass transit agency. He came on board for Hawai'i Island on June 16 to oversee Hele On and other transportation services. His background in command center operations and transit control within bus and train transit systems positions him "to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the County's transportation services. His Incident Management, FEMA Contingency Planning, CDL, and Management Training certifications further reinforce his qualifications for this position," says the statement from the County.
    "We are thrilled to welcome Victor Kandle as the new Administrator for the County of Hawaiʻi Mass Transit Agency," stated Mayor Mitch Roth. "His impressive skill set and industry knowledge make him an invaluable asset to our team. Under his leadership, we are confident that our transportation services will continue to meet the needs of our growing community, helping us to forge a sustainable and equitable island where our keiki can thrive and succeed for generations to come."

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PET SAFETY TIPS FOR FOURTH OF JULY were offered Monday by Hawai'i County Animal Control Services: Keep pets secured inside. Pets tied up outside can panic due to the loud noise and may break their tie-out or jump over a fence to escape the noise. Make pets are microchipped and the current owner information is updated, to help increase the chances of reunification. Go to my24pet.com to register pets' microchips. Thunder shirts, favorite treats, and crating, are all ways to help keep pets calm. Check with the veterinarian about anxiety medications for dogs. Check yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets to explore the area.

    What To Do When Finding a Stray Animal or Lose a Pet: People who find healthy stray animals are encouraged to have the animal scanned for a microchip by a County of Hawai‘i Animal Control Officer, at a veterinarian’s office, or by a local rescue group. If a found animal is microchipped, veterinarians can try to find its owner by searching for microchip on my24pet.com.

Hawai'i County Animal Control & Protection Agency released tips and this image to help pets during Fourth of July. 

    People who find a healthy stray animal or who lose a pet are encouraged to post it as lost / found on https://lost.petcolove.org/. Petco Love Lost is a searchable national database that uses patented facial recognition technology to make finding lost pets quicker and easier. This simple-to-use tool is easily accessible to participating animal organizations nationwide, as well as any pet parent or person who finds a lost pet. Uploaded photos of a missing dog or cat are immediately used to search the data base to determine whether the lost pet is at a participating shelter or with a neighbor in the community.

    There are a handful of organizations across the island using this technology, including Hawai‘i County Animal Control & Protection Agency, Hawai‘i Animal Kuleana Alliance, and Hawai‘i Island Humane Society.

Hawai'i County Animal Control & Protection Agency transitions from Hawai'i Police Department to
an independent County of Hawai'i Agency on July 1. Photo from County of Hawai'i

    Hawai‘i County Animal Control asks the public to please kokua this July Fourth by following the rules regarding fireworks to reduce the risk of injuries to people and pets alike. As a reminder, as of July 1, Hawai‘i County Animal Control Services will transition to become the Animal Control and Protection Agency, and will no longer be under the management of the police department. 

    Earlier this year, Hawai‘i County Council passed Bill 22, creating a new Animal Control and Protection Agency, which will fall under the Office of Management (Mayor’s Office.) HPD stated that it wants to assure the public that animal control services will continue in much the same way while it transitions to a new agency.

   The phone numbers for animal control services will remain the same with (808) 327-3558 serving as the phone number for lost pets and non-emergencies. For animal emergencies, such as injured animals, any animal that is a public safety risk, animal cruelty, and situations in which an animal’s owner has been arrested or died with no family to pick up the animal, people can continue to call the Police Dispatch number at (808) 935-3311.

    Those who come across a deceased animal on a county road are asked to call Department of Public Works Highways Division at (808) 961-8349. If the deceased animal is on a state Highway or road, call the State Department of Transportation Highways Division at (808) 933-8866.

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FIREWORKS PERMITS BECOME AVAILABLE THIS THURSDAY. Hawaiʻi County Fire Chief Kazuo Todd announced on Monday that firework permits will be available for purchase beginning 8 p.m., Thursday, June 29, until Tuesday, July 4, at 8 p.m. pm. Firework permits and firecrackers can be obtained exclusively from two designated locations: TNT Tent @ Safeway Parking Lot, 381 E. Makaala Street, Hilo and TNT Tent @ Walmart Parking Lot, 75-1015 Henry Street, Kona.
    Each permit costs $25, enabling the holder to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. Permits will

Fire Chief Kazuo Todd issues some safety tips
for the Fourth of July holidays. Photo from HFD

be issued to individuals 18 or older and are non-transferable and non-refundable. Notably, novelties and paperless firecrackers do not require permits.
     Individuals with valid permits can set off firecrackers and consumer fireworks during the approved hours of 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. However, the Fire Chief emphasizes that buying, selling, possessing, or setting off any Aerial Luminary Device, including Sky Lanterns and Hawaiʻi Lanterns, is illegal. He said that individuals possessing such devices are encouraged to contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for proper disposal with amnesty.
    To ensure public safety, the Hawaiʻi Fire Department reminds everyone of the following illegal activities: Removing the contents from any firework(s); throwing firework(s) from a vehicle; setting off firework(s) outside the approved time period or within 1,000 feet of hospitals, nursing homes, homes for the elderly, animal hospitals, schools, highways, parks, or churches during service times; and selling, giving, or possessing firework(s) for minors, and minors setting off or igniting firework(s) without adult supervision.
    The Fire Department also urges the public to take these precautions to prevent fires and injuries caused by firework(s): Ensure that a water hose is connected to a water source or have a fire extinguisher readily available and wet down the surrounding brush before setting off firework(s). Ensure children playing with firework(s) are always under adult supervision, as even the smallest fireworks can cause serious injuries. Set off firework(s) in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. Dispose of used firework(s) properly by soaking them in water before disposal.
    Hawaiʻi Fire Department will conduct a collection of unused and unwanted firework(s) after Fourth of July holiday. Individuals interested in disposing of firework(s) can contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760 for information on pick-up and drop-off locations. Local fire stations are not designated drop-off points for firework(s).
    For more information on purchasing fireworks permits, safe use of firework(s), or firework(s) disposal, please contact Fireworks Auditor Shonne Sasaki at 808-323-4760.

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POLICE HAVE ARRESTED AND CHARGED A VOLCANO MAN FOR HARD DRUGS, FIREARMS AND THEFT OF A PICKUP TRUCK and ask the public for more information. Lt. Zachary Fernando, of
Hawai'i Police Department's Criminal Investigations Section Area I, made the announcement Monday after charging and arresting 55-year-old Jonathan Edward Kirkpatrick.
    HPD reported that the charges stem from Thursday, June, 22 at 7:10 p.m. when an off-duty police officer observed a pickup truck strike a pole in a drive-thru in Kea'au. Noticing the pickup driver slumped over and fearing he was suffering a medical condition, the off-duty officer contacted the

Johnathan Kirkpatrick

driver to render assistance. However, the off-duty officer determined the man was not suffering a medical condition. As uniform officers arrived, a check on the pickup truck revealed that it was reported stolen on Friday, June 16, from a residence in the Hawaiian Paradise Park. The driver, identified as Jonathan Kirkpatrick, was arrested for unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft) and two outstanding bench warrants. The stolen vehicle was recovered and transported to the Hawai‘i Police Department’s secured vehicle warehouse.
    Detectives with HPD’s Area I Criminal Investigation Section obtained and executed a search warrant on the pickup truck, recovering more than 29 grams of fentanyl, 9 grams of methamphetamine, 76 grams of marijuana, a loaded .357 magnum revolver, 12 rounds of .357 ammunition, three rounds of .22 ammunition, and a digital scale.
    After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office on Friday, June 23, detectives with the Area I Criminal Investigation Section charged Kirkpatrick with the following offenses: Unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle (auto theft); three counts of second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug
second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug; two counts of ownership prohibited; possession of loaded firearm on a highway; two counts of place to keep; and possession of firearm with intent facilitate the commission of a felony drug offense. His total bail was set at $237,000.
    Kirkpatrick is being held at HPD’s East Hawai’i Detention Center pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday June 26.
    Those with information regarding this crime can also contact Detective Jeremy Kubojiri at jeremy.kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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