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Friday, July 21, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, July 20, 2023

Kaʻū Forest Reserve. Photo by Rob Shallenberger
INVASIVE PLANTS DOMINATE THE UNDERSTORY OF HAWAI'I FORESTS, according to a new study by the U.S. Forest Service called How Invaded are Hawai'i's Forests? It notes that natives are the largest trees in the forests but the next generation of trees growing under them are mostly non native. It predicts "a more dire future for native plants in Hawaiian forests than has been previously described" and points out that fresh water comes from forests that create the watershed.
Christian Giardina worked on
the study and is based at U.S.
Forest Service in Hilo
     The study predicts that 75 percent or more of Hawai'i's forest canopy species in the future will be nonnative. The subtitle of the study is Nonnative understory tree dominance signals potential canopy replacement. It is published in the latest Landscape Ecology journal.
    The abstract says, "Non-native species invasions are altering the composition, structure, function, and dynamics of forests globally. The Hawaiian Islands are a global biodiversity hotspot for non-native invasive plant species. New spatial inventory data for forests of Hawaiʻi can provide insights into invasive species presence and dominance across complex landscapes."
    The Forest Service researchers employed a network of 238 standardized plots spanning climate and soil gradients to conduct the first comprehensive assessment of non-native plant invasions in forests of Hawaiʻi. "We examined non-native plant dominance from the forest floor to canopy to understand how invasion related to environmental and management-related factors."
     The scientists tested whether significant differences in non-native dominance across forest strata existed based on ownership/management, fenced status, island group, and forest type.
    Across forest types, non-native tree species accounted for 30 percent of large tree stems, 65 percent of sapling stems, and 67 percent of seedling stems. The study found that low-elevation forests were particularly degraded, but even montane forests were widely impacted and may become more so following forest disturbance. 
Based at U.S. Forest Service in Hilo, Dr. Susan
 Cordell is one of the authors of the study
showing invasives taking over Hawaiian forests.
      Forests on public lands, in conservation reserves, or in fenced areas were less impacted by non-native trees and shrubs, indicating possible benefits of conservation management.
     The study concluded that "patterns and processes of plant invasion in Hawaiian forests provide data for the conservation of Hawai‘i’s unique flora and insights into how invasion trajectories may play out in other forests." It noted that damage from pigs, goats and other ungulates has doubled in the last seven years. It also mentioned wildland fires, climate change and Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death as mounting threats. 
      Kaʻū has the largest amount of land in native forests in all of Hawai'i with ownership by the state, federal government, Kamehameha Schools and The Nature Conservancy.
    The U.S. Forest Service for Hawai'i is based on the campus of University of Hawai'i in Hilo with its Institute of Pacific Island Forestry. Authors of the study are Kevin M. Potter, Christian Giardina, R. Flint Hughes, Susan Cordell, Olaf Kuegler, Amy Koch and Emma Yuen.
     
HOW HVO MONITORED KILAUEA IN THE PAST is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch written by scientists and affiliates of Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
    We can learn about how the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitored Kīlauea prior to and during the 1967-68 Halema‘uma‘u eruption by reading reports documenting activity at that time. HVO staff then
A telephoto image of vents erupting on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u
 crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, in 1967. NPS photo by C. Stoughton.
wrote, “The current eruption in Halema‘uma‘u is especially interesting because events seem to be following the same general pattern that was recorded again and again during the pre-1924 Kīlauean activity.”
    In March and December 1965, middle East Rift Zone eruptions occurred which partially drained the magma storage system at Kīlauea summit and caused modest subsidence. The 2018 lower East Rift Zone eruption of Kīlauea drained the summit magma chamber on a larger scale, resulting in caldera collapse.
    Similar timeframes of quiet, non-eruptive periods ensued at the summit of Kīlauea following the 1965 and 2018 eruptions. About two years after each eruption, the summit magma reservoir recharged and eruptions occurred.
An aerial overview of Halema‘uma‘u crater erupting in early December 1967.
 USGS image.
    HVO staff wrote that the 1967-68 eruption was preceded by only about “one hour of gradually increasing harmonic tremor…though the eruption has been ‘expected’ for over a year.” Gradually increasing earthquake rates and inflation over the months prior signaled to HVO staff that an eruption could be coming.
    Likewise, modern HVO has monitored increasing rates of earthquakes and ground deformation for weeks to months prior to the recent eruptions at the summit of Kīlauea. The immediate harbinger of these eruptions has occurred within a similar timeframe of about an hour, as ascending magma breaks rock and causes seismicity.
    In 1967, HVO had 12 seismometers and two tiltmeters monitoring Kīlauea’s summit. Though the seismometers were telemetered to the observatory, the tiltmeters were done by hand, being read manually every two-to-twelve hours.
A telephoto image of vents erupting on the floor of Halema‘uma‘u
 crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, in June 2023. USGS image 

    Today, HVO’s Kīlauea summit monitoring network includes similar numbers of seismometers (18) and tiltmeters (4), but it has expanded to include other monitoring datasets. For example, GPS stations record three-dimensional ground motion, gas-stations record volcanic gas emissions and other meteorological data, gravimeters track accumulation and loss of magma beneath the surface, a laser rangefinder tracks elevation of the crater floor, and webcams capture imagery (visual and thermal) documenting changes on the surface and eruptive activity.
    Compared to the manual data monitoring of 1967, telemetry advancements and digitization allow HVO scientists to observe near real-time monitoring data remotely. Much of these data are available to the public on the HVO website, including the popular livestream camera.
An aerial overview of Halema‘uma‘u erupting in late September 2021.
USGS image.
    In their 1967 eruption reports, HVO staff observed that “Halema‘uma‘u is in the process of being filled.” The eruption, which began on November 5, 1967, went on for another 251 days and filled about 370 ft of lava in the crater (113 m). Post-2018 eruptions within Halema‘uma‘u, which began in December 2020, September 2021, January 2023, and June 2023, continued for two weeks to over a year, and have filled the crater over 1,270 feet (387 m) in total.
   Tom Wright and Fred Klein, in their 2014 publication noted of HVO in the 1960-70s, “Along with improved instrumentation and methods came increased challenges to the HVO staff as eruption frequency underwent a dramatic increase.”
    HVO staff today have seen similar improvements in monitoring and research, especially with funding supplied through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2157). Eruptions over the past several years, which include the several at Kīlauea summit and one on Mauna Loa, have certainly kept HVO staff busy, but have also provided unprecedented opportunities for learning and strengthening relationships with our partners and communities on the Island of Hawai‘i.
    Similarities can be drawn between Kīlauea’s behavior prior to 1924 and discrete other periods, including the 1967-68 eruption and the 2018 summit collapse and subsequent refilling eruptions. These examples are a good reminder that a volcano’s past behavior can offer clues as to how it might behave in the future.
    Volcano Activity Updates: Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
Active lava has not been visible within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of Kīlauea since June 19. Earthquake activity in the summit region has been low over the past week. Summit tiltmeters generally showed gradual inflation for much of the past week. A sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate of approximately 104 tonnes per day was measured on July 17.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Seismicity remains low. Summit ground deformation rates indicate slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the recent eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    There were five earthquake with three or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.2 earthquake 21 km (13 mi) N of Hawaiian Ocean View at -1 km (0 mi) depth on July 18 at 11:24 p.m. HST, a M3.2 earthquake 10.1 km (6.2 mi) NE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on July 16 at 12:56 a.m. HST, a M3.0 earthquake 12 km (7 mi) N of Puako at 20 km (12 mi) depth on July 13 at 7:56 p.m. HST, a M1.8 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 31 km (19 mi) depth on July 13 at 12:38 p.m. HST, and a M4.6 earthquake 97 km (60 mi) NNE of Laupāhoehoe at 28 km (17 mi) depth on July 13 at 11:29 a.m. HST.
    HVO continues to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.

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A MASKED MAN WAS ARRESTED IN OCEAN VIEW WHILE BURGLARIZING A RETAIL BUSINESS wee hours of Wednesday morning. Hawai'i Police Department identified him as 21-year-old
Derick Camacho
Derick Camacho, of Captain Cook, and arrested him for first-degree robbery.
    Around 2:35 a.m. on Wednesday, Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to an active burglary at a business in the 92-8000 block of Māmalahoa Highway. While investigating this burglary, officers were alerted to a second active burglary occurring at a nearby retail establishment.
    Upon entry into the second business, officers discovered Camacho, making verbal threats and physically dragging a 61-year-old male victim into a back room. Officers immediately demanded that Camacho release the victim, however he refused to comply with the officers’ orders. An officer deployed his Conducted Energy Weapon, commonly known as a “taser,” and Camacho was subsequently taken into police custody.
    Camacho was transported to the Kealakehe Police Station where he remains in custody as detectives with the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continue their investigation. A charging decision with additional offenses is anticipated.
    Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Cacique Melendez at (808) 326-4646, ext. 281, or via email at Cacique.Melendez@hawaiicounty.gov.


ACTIVITIES IN AUGUST ARE ANNOUNCED BY OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 
    The monthly pancake breakfast is Aug. 12, 8 a.m. -11a.m. at OV Community Center. "Just $7 for a big plate of food and friendly neighbors."
    Yoga classes are Thursdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3:45 p.m. at the Center,
    Aikido Classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. at the Center,
    Teen Night is the first Saturday evening of the month - Aug. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pingpong, air hockey, games and snacks.
    OV's County Council member Michelle Galimba from County Council District 6 will hold an outreach event at the OV Community Center on Friday, Sept. 1 at 5 p.m.

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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Aaron Hammer's show reopens at Volcano Art Center on Thursday after a day of being closed, following Tropical Storm Calvin.
 He offers a demonstration on Saturday, July 29 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m., featuring live wood turning on a lathe. Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART GALLERY REOPENS THURSDAY with the Wondrous Works in Wood show, featuring Aaron Hammer. His lathe-turned works of art will be on display through Aug. 20. The gallery, which opened the exhibition on July 15, shut down Wednesday in the wake of Tropical Storm Calvin. It reopens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The exhibition is free and park entrance fees apply.
    Hammer has scheduled a woodturning demonstration from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 to allow viewers to witness live woodturning on a lathe. Hammer states that while working on the lathe “one must work from the center both physically and spiritually…starting with a raw log and transforming it into a finely finished and cherished object is the joy of my creation.”
    Wondrous Works in Wood showcases Hammer's newly-finished turned wood made from trees grown in Hawai'i. The works include natural-edged bark lipped bowls, traditional calabash shaped bowls, and large-scale platters. The scale of the pieces range from 8 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Hammer chooses to use previously-fallen Hawaiʻi grown trees in an effort to protect Hawai'i’s cherished forest resources. He states, “In the pieces I create, I attempt to honor these sacred trees by creating heirloom-quality work that is loved by families for generations. The fallen trees or urban-salvaged trees that I work with are often full of flaws, imperfections and defects. I endeavor to embrace these challenges and turn these flaws into unique features.”

An Aaron Hammer creation in the Wondrous Works in Wood exhibition.
Photo from VAC

    Originally from Kansas City, Hammer traveled extensively after high school to destinations including Israel, India, and Nepal and then made the island of Oʻahu his home in 1993. Mentored by  master wood turners Jerry Kermode and Ron Kent, Hammer began operating his own wood turning studio in 2000.
   Hammer now produces a full line of HammerCraft, lathe-turned art and gift items from his studio in Papaikou, which he established in 2014.In addition to running his business,                Hammer has served on the Board of Directors of The Pacific Handcrafters Guild holding the titles of Vice President and President. He is active now on the Board of Directors for the Hawai'i Forest Industry Association and in the local Hawai'i art and wood shows, winning awards at the HFIA wood shows of 2011 and 2022. He said he also loves teaching and has offered wood turning classes in Laupahoehoe. As an instructor he has been invited to teach wood turning workshops at Pratt Art Center in Seattle and was recently invited to teach a third workshop at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
 Park staff urges motorists and hikers
 to be alert for post-Calvin downed branches
 and other possible damage. This large
 branch was on Mauna Loa Road in the Park.
NPS photo
    Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information, or call VAC Gallery at (808) 967-7565. Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi through arts and education.


HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REOPENED WEDNESDAY at 11 a.m. as impacts waned from Tropical Storm Calvin. Kīlauea Visitor Center, park roads and most trails are open the to public.
Ranger programs are suspended Wednesday. Park staff are busy clearing trails, roads and other public facilities following the storm. Visitors should expect that some areas could remain closed while being evaluated or cleared.
    The Kulanaokuaiki Campground, backcountry areas and backcountry office also reopened at 11 a.m.
Nāmakanipaio Campground, managed by the Volcano House, is expected to reopen at 3 p.m. The A-frame cabins remain open. Call (808) 756-9625 for more information.
    While little damage occurred in the park, visitors are advised to remain alert for hazards which include fallen branches and road debris. Be extra cautious in forested areas and on trails. Expect continued wet weather and drive carefully.
     Continue to check the park website at https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htmand
and social media for updates.


Brown Water Advisory after Calvin. Image from Hawai'i Pacific Health   

A BROWN WATER ADVISORY FROM SOUTH POINT UP THE EAST COAST OF THE ISLAND was issued by the state Department of Health on Wednesday in reaction to runoff from the rains of Calvin.
   DOH Clean Water Branch issued the following statement: Heavy rain has resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Not all coastal areas may be impacted by runoff, however, if the water is brown stay out. Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow-up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns."

THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED for Hawai'i Island along with a Flood Watch and High Surf and Wind Advisory in the wake of Tropical Storm Calvin. County Civil Defense still urges: "Please exercise caution while the conditions remain unsettled." The storm left some fallen trees and branches but little damage across the island. 

    HPD ARRESTED TWENTY-SEVEN FOR DUI during the week of July 10 through July 16. Hawai'i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight were involved in a traffic collision. Three arrested were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 536 DUI arrests compared with 561 during the same period last year, a decrease of 4.5 percent.
    Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 458 major collisions so far this year compared with 424 during the same period last year, an increase of 8 percent.
    To date, there have been nine fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 20 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 55 percent for fatal crashes, and 54.5 percent for fatalities. HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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MORE SCREENING AND TREATMENT FOR SYPHILIS IS NEEDED, warns state Department of Health. DOH issued a statement Wednesday, cautioning that the rate of syphilis is increasing in women and newborns. "The continuing rise of cases in women and congenital syphilis is alarming and requires immediate attention."
    Dr. Diana Felton, chief of the Department of Health Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division, said, All sexually active people with risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be regularly tested for syphilis and other STIs. For pregnant persons, we now recommend syphilis screening three times: as early as possible during the first trimester, at 28 to 32 weeks of gestation and at the time of delivery. It is important that sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection.
    DOH noted that most cases of congenital syphilis in Hawai'i have been reported in people who received late or no prenatal care. This has led to the health department to urge enhanced screening in health care interactions other than prenatal care.
    "Visits to emergency rooms, urgent care and primary care clinics present critical opportunities to identify and treat syphilis and prevent recurrence of congenital syphilis."
    DOH strongly recommends that women begin receiving prenatal care as soon as they learn they are pregnant, ideally in the first trimester.
    Syphilis can have severe health impacts, especially for developing babies, including increased risk of stillbirth or death shortly after birth, Felton said. The devastating effects of untreated syphilis are preventable if infections are detected early and treatment is initiated promptly.
    In Hawai'i, the number of babies born with syphilis , known as congenital syphilis, ranged from zero to four cases per year from 2000 to 2019, 12 cases in 2020, and 20 cases in 2021. Preliminary data indicates at least 22 cases in 2022. This dramatic increase in congenital syphilis cases is associated with increasing infections in adults.
    The health department is alerting health care providers to be vigilant in screening for cases of syphilis in people who may become pregnant and during pregnancy, and is emphasizing recommendations for diagnosing and treating cases. The department also stresses the importance of treatment of partners to prevent reinfection and follow-up appointments with patients and infants.
    For more information on syphilis infections in Hawai'i as well as screening and treatment recommendations, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/learn-about-diseases/sexually-transmitted-infections/syphilis/.
    Information on syphilis and pregnancy is available at https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/syphilis-pregnancy/.

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Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 18, 2023

 
TROPICAL STORM CALVIN IS PASSING SOUTH OF HAWAI'I ISLAND, according to the National Weather Service 11 p.m. update on Tuesday. The key message is that "Calvin has begun to pass south of Hawaii County. Expect periods of flash flooding, dangerous surf and damaging winds. Calvin will weaken as it moves westward to the south of the other Hawaiian Islands Wednesday and Wednesday night, bringing the potential for some peripheral impacts."
    The 11 p.m. advisory says, "Deep convection has decreased considerably near the center of Calvin since late this afternoon, but has begun to increase farther to the north along windward shores and slopes of the
Big Island of Hawai'i. The low level circulation center is rapidly becoming unveiled again.
"Instruments aboard the US Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunter aircraft showed maximum flight level winds of 50 kt, reduced to about 45 kt at the surface. Objective Dvorak satellite analyses from PHFO and JTWC gave current intensity numbers of 2.5 or 35 kt. Based on these data, the initial intensity
for this advisory has been decreased to 45 kt. The initial motion for this advisory is 275/17 kt as Calvin
continues to move south of a large subtropical ridge. No significant change in this steering is expected over the next several days.After passing south of the Big Island tonight, the forecast is
essentially the same as the previous forecast track but slightly to the south to account for a small adjustment in initial position, thanks to the newly revealed LLCC. The forecast track lies within,
but on the southern side, of the guidance envelope due to the initial point adjustment. Although the center of Calvin is passing south of the Big Island, most of the island is well within the 34
kt radius, and impacts from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf are imminent or occurring.
    "The forecast calls for Calvin to pass south of the Big Island, then southwest of the rest of the main island chain, as a weakening tropical storm. Vertical shear affecting the tropical cyclone is expected to be moderate through tonight and into Wednesday, then strong by Wednesday night. The strong shear should result in a weakening to post-tropical/remnant low status on Friday."


SHELTERS OPENED in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala on Tuesday afternoon, courtesy of County Parks & Recreation, Civil Defense and the Red Cross. The Hele On Bus was cancelled until reassessment at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. All county parks were shut down until reassessment, as well. Many state and county offices and facilities were set to be closed on Wednesday.


THOUSANDS OF NEW HOMES AND APARTMENTS WILL SOON BE BUILT IN HAWAI'I, according to Gov. Josh Green who signed an Emergency Proclamation on Tuesday to help make it happen. A statement from Green's office stated that the Emergency Proclamation "will speed the safe construction of thousands of critically needed, public, low-income, affordable, workforce, and market-rate for-sale and rental units for Hawaiʻi residents across the state, while ensuring careful stewardship of the land and all it holds." 
Gov. Josh Green with his Emergency Proclamation to speed up construction
of many thousands of homes in Hawai'i. Photo from the Governor
    Green said the Emergency Proclamation will "streamline processes for housing development, while ensuring respect for our iwi kūpuna and environment." The statement from his office said, "The historic proclamation also will provide flexibility to direct resources to our state and county agencies to accelerate plan reviews."
    The Governor's Emergency Proclamation "directs all state agencies to prioritize housing reviews, plans, approvals, and permit processing. It also means additional state resources will be directed to address the affordable housing crisis," says the statement from his office.
        Hakim Ouansafi, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, said, "I applaud the Governor and his team for crafting this, one-of-a-kind in the nation EP, that is a proactive and concrete action that I know will greatly help our agency to promptly deliver the more than 12,000 new units that the Governor announced on July 3, as well as help other agencies and private developers to expeditiously deliver housing to our citizens."
    Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson said, "In line with the Governor's
Kali Watson, new Director of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands,
 has built thousands of single and multifamily housing units as CEO
 of Hawaiian Community Development Board and promises to help the 
Governor solve the housing shortage among Hawaiians. Photo from PBN
 proclamation, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will swiftly adapt its strategies and plans to accelerate the provision of affordable housing opportunities for our beneficiaries. Our commitment to providing affordable, decent, and safe homes for native Hawaiians remains steadfast in the face of this crisis. We understand the urgent need for housing, and we will use every tool at our disposal to expedite processes, while ensuring the integrity of our program and the well-being of our beneficiaries."
    Dean Minakami, interim executive director of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp., said, "The Housing Emergency Proclamation will expedite necessary affordable housing projects across the state by reducing regulatory barriers."  
Dean Minakami, who worked for A&B
 Properties, Castle & Cooke Homes and
Wilson Okamoto, will help to build homes
as Development Branch Chief of Hawai'i
 Housing Finance & Development Corp.
    State Senate Housing Chair Stanley Chang called the Emergency Proclamation "one of the largest state-level housing actions anywhere in the country in years, if not decades. It will remove many significant barriers private developers face in building the housing Hawaiʻi's people so desperately need. It also enables state and county agencies to develop low-cost housing for Hawaiʻi residents on government-owned land."
   The statement from the Governor's office noted that "several officials spoke on the importance of this significant milepost in Hawai'i history." It provides quotes from all of the Mayors in the state who participated in a news conference on Tuesday.
    Hawai'i County Mayor Mitch Roth said, "Housing our local families is our administration's top priority as we strive to forge a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can raise their keiki for generations. We're honored to work alongside Governor Green, his team, and my fellow mayors to create a tool that will catalyze our efforts to alleviate the housing shortage and bring truly affordable housing to the market."
    Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami said, "Addressing homelessness and our housing crisis takes a whole-community approach, one that cannot be solved by government alone. Every step toward a resolution, is a step forward in the right direction. That's why we are grateful to Governor Green, his team, our fellow
Hakim Ouansafi, Executive Director of Hawai'i Housing Authority,
 vows to help deliver 12,000 affordable housing units.
 Photo from HPR
mayors and counties, and our communities statewide, for making this unified commitment which seeks to ensure that our residents are cared for, and offers our families hope for the future."
    Maui County Mayor who serves Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe and Maui islands, said, "I'd like to thank Governor Green for his leadership on a critical need affecting our islands. The housing crisis has caused our people a degree of hardship unseen in our contemporary history. When we make more homes available for our kamaʻāina, we're offering a sense of belonging, security, and dignity our people rightfully deserve. We're building more than homes - we're building communities."
    O'ahu Mayor Rick Blagiardi said, "As Mayor, I fully support the Governor's emergency proclamation for housing. It is a necessary step to address the urgent crisis facing our community. Our goal is to provide access to safe, affordable housing for every resident, and this emergency proclamation will allow us to mobilize needed resources and implement the necessary measures. This proclamation sends a clear message that we are committed to finding solutions and taking action to alleviate the housing challenges our city is experiencing."

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