About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Ola Sangels on violin, Julia Parke on flute and Charlie O'Kelly on Euphonium at the debut of the South Hawai‘i Symphony on Sunday, directed by Farley Sangels. Photo by Annie Bosted
Sangels played a Bach solo on trumpet.
Photo by Annie Bosted
A STANDING OVATION WAS GIVEN TO THE DEBUT PERFORMANCE OF THE SOUTH HAWAI‘I SYMPHONY on Sunday afternoon.  An audience of about 100 music lovers gathered at Ocean View Community Center. The ground-breaking show of local talent was the brainchild of the Symphony’s music director and conductor, Farley Sangels. For the past year, he has been recruiting musical talent in Kaʻū, and in many cases training beginning musicians and giving them loaner instruments.
    The year of dedicated practicing and rehearsals by his small orchestra of a dozen musicians was loudly appreciated by the cheering audience as each piece ended.
    Among the performers were Ola Sangels, Steve Smith and Lee McIntosh on violins, Julia Parke and Noa Caisermann on flutes, Laurie Boyle on the clarinet, Nicole Fournier and Nina Lloyd on French Horns, Arlene Araki on a cornet, Charlie Kelly on a trombone and a euphonium, and Brenda Trowbridge on percussion.
    Sangels took a break from conducting to play a Bach solo entitled Prelude from Suite #2 for Cello on his trumpet. It was an awesome display of the exceptional talent that earned him a place in the prestigious Hong Kong Philharmonic.
    A former radio announcer, Charlie Kelly, introduced each piece with a short description consisting of interesting factoids, often laced with his brand of humor. The 11 pieces included waltzes, chorales, marches, a canzona and a memorable rendering of the famous Danny Boy by Julia Parke and Ola Sangels on flutes.
The South Hawai‘i Symphony received a standing ovation.
Photo by Annie Bosted
 Sangels appealed for more musicians to step forward and join the symphony. He later told The Kaʻū Calendar that at least three people had shown an interest in joining the orchestra by promising to attend the next rehearsal, which will be on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Ocean View Community Center. Musicians of all levels are encouraged to attend.
    Sangels, a dedicated advocate of live music, has already selected the pieces for the Symphony’s next performance.

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.

A MAUI DONATION DROP-OFF CENTER IS ESTABLISHED IN KA‘Ū. The Maui Recovery Assistance Task Force has set up a drop-off center for physical goods for Maui victims of the recent fires. The location is 95-1625 Kama‘oa Road in Wai‘ōhinu.
    It is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Operated by the Department of Public Works, the aim is to aid local organizations in coordinating the storage and shipping of physical goods for Maui residents impacted by recent fires. "This initiative addresses concerns raised by various groups and individuals who have organized resource drives in recent days and encountered shipping backlogs, leading to storage challenges," says the statement from the County. "The Task Force's goal in this endeavor is to help optimize the collection, storage, and distribution of physical goods to assist affected Maui residents.
    The County advises that "Maui's recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. Continued inundation of physical goods to Maui will prolong their ability to intake and disseminate goods effectively."
An online form has been created to enable organizations to provide a detailed inventory of items for shipment or storage. "These inventories will help assess Task Force capacity and enhance coordination among stakeholders, reducing duplication and enhancing efficiency."
    The Task Force identified suitable temporary storage locations and is coordinating item collection in East, West, and North Hawaiʻi.
    Organizations encountering shipping or storage issues are requested to complete the form available here: https://forms.gle/ohDFxoQXsTKTZC8d6. See the Task Force's Guidance at : https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3442/720#!/.

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.

KA‘Ū COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Building at the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym, 96-3150 Pikake St. The public is invited to ask questions and discuss issues. On the agenda are reports from the Action Committee's Punalu‘u Coastline Access & Resource Investigatory Subcommittee; Mahana Bay (Green Sand Beach) Coastline Access & Resources Investigatory Subcommittee; Pohue Bay Coastline Access Resources & Investigatory Subcommittee; Kupuna Housing Investigatory Subcommittee; and Development in Kaʻū Investigatory Subcommittee.
    Action Committee members are Jesse Ke, Ka‘ohinan Mokuhali‘i, Leina‘ala Enos, Babette Morrow, Jason Masters, Pernell Hanoa, Catherine Williams and Kaweni Ibarra. There is one vacancy on the committee.

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.

POLICE ARRESTED 20 FOR DUI during the week of Aug. 7 - Aug. 13. Hawai‘i Police Department made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Seven of the drivers were involved in a traffic collision. None were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 600 DUI arrests compared with 628 during the same period last year. This is a decrease of 4.5 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 525 major collisions so far this year compared with 500 during the same period last year, an increase of 5 percent.
    To date, there have been nine fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 23 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 60.9 percent for fatal crashes, and 60 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is 1 compared to 0 non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.

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.

Kiliona Young performs on Wednesday,
Aug. 16 at After Dark in the Park.
KILIONA YOUNG PERFORMS Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium. Young is a multi-genre musician and songwriter from ʻŌlaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island. His music tells stories of love, hope, struggle, and truth by employing a diversity of rhythms and melodies found in traditional Hawaiian music, reggae, blues, hip hop and soul. Kiliona has collaborated with artists like Pō & the 4fathers, Moemoeā and many others. Part of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park's ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs, and co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association. Free, but park entrance fees apply.

ALL FRIENDS OF KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED to the Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Live music will be provided by Calvin Ponce. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.





5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.











Posted by at

Monday, August 14, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, August 14, 2023

This was Kaʻū, not Maui, last November and local firefighters said Pāhala was fortunate that the wind direction was slightly in favor of skirting the town of wooden plantation houses. Otherwise, it could have gone up in flames. The county is calling for everyone to take more fire prevention action, as the fatality count on Maui rises to 99. Photo by Julia Neal

HAWAIʻI COUNTY COMMUNITY IS URGED TO PRIORITIZE FIRE SAFTEY awareness and preparedness. Hawaiʻi Fire Department Chief Kazuo Todd and Mayor Mitch Roth issued a statement Monday in light of the recent fires on Hawaiʻi Island and the ongoing crisis in Maui County. "Fire safety is a collective responsibility, and all individuals have a kuleana to take proactive measures to mitigate
wildfire risks in their residences and neighborhoods. By adhering to key fire safety practices, individuals can substantially diminish the potential impact of wildfires." Recommended steps include:
    Adopt Firewise Practices: Establishing a defensible space around your residence, which entails maintaining a safe distance between trees, shrubs, and other flammable vegetation, can drastically curtail the spread of fires to your property. For comprehensive guidance on Firewise practices, please refer to the resources available on the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) webpage.
    Reduce Waste and Flammable Items: Proper disposal of waste and the removal of flammable items around your property are pivotal in averting accidental fires. Residents are advised to securely store firewood, propane tanks, and other combustible materials away from their homes and structures.
    Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: Ensuring the installation of smoke alarms on each floor of your home and conducting monthly tests are imperative. Batteries should be replaced as needed to guarantee optimal functionality.
    Create and Practice a Family Emergency Plan: The creation and regular rehearsal of a family escape plan, complete with two exit routes from every room and a designated outdoor meeting point, are vital components of comprehensive fire preparedness.
    Stay Informed and Educated: Residents are encouraged to access additional resources, tips, and information related to fire safety and preparedness on the HWMO webpage and the Civil Defense website. To receive real-time Hawaiʻi County emergency alerts and updates, individuals can sign up for the Everbridge notification system.
    "The recent events weigh heavy on our hearts and serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact that wildfires can have on our communities," said the Mayor. "We have seen how quickly the fires devastated Maui and truly believe that a unified community effort can yield meaningful results in safeguarding homes, families, and our 'āina. We have the privilege of working toward prevention, and we encourage all of our residents to take advantage of this guidance for the safety of us all."
    The Mayor extended gratitude to the community for attentiveness to this pressing matter. For further inquiries or assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to the Hawaiʻi Fire Department or explore the provided online resources.

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.

A MORATORIUM ON SELLING PROPERTY IN THE DEVASTATED AREAS OF MAUI is proposed by Gov. Josh Green. He said on Monday that he has asked the Attorney General "to explore options to do a moratorium on any sales of properties that have been damaged or destroyed. "Moreover, I would caution people that it's going to be a very long time, before any growth, or housing can be built. And so, you
would be pretty poorly informed if you try to steal land from our people and then build here." He said he envisions the place to become a memorial for all that was lost there.
   In the meantime, two class action lawsuits have been filed, blaming the electric company, contending that failing to turn off the power during the high winds energized the fires and contributed to the firestorm. Some of the law firms involved are litigating suits concerning deadly fires in California.
    Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura addressed the devastation of the electrical system in West Maui during a press conference Monday, acknowledging the grief over the loss of life experienced by the Hawaiian Electric ‘ohana, many of them impacted by the tragedy. She reported progress in bringing electricity to Lāhainā Civic Center and hotels that can be used to house displaced people and recovery workers.
    Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Chair Kali Watson said "In the aftermath of the wildfires, DHHL is involved in rebuilding homes and infrastructure" and that his agency will consider "how to build in a way that would be more resilient to future fires and storms." The statement from his office says, "DHHL is committed to meeting the needs of our community and will work alongside federal, state and county leaders to ensure beneficiaries are safe, sheltered and have access to necessities. The Department has allocated resources and funds to support recovery efforts. This requires both immediate crisis management funding and longer-term planning to ensure sustainable recovery.
     The devastating Lāhainā wildfires consumed two homes at DHHL Villages of Leialiʻi, which consists of 104 residential lots. 


Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Everyone who supports the school is invited. Photo by Julia Neal

ALL FRIENDS OF KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED to the Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Live music will be provided by Calvin Ponce. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.





5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.











Posted by at

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 13, 2023

County of Hawai‘i has issued guidance for helping Maui. Image from Hawai‘i County
HAWAI‘I COUNTY'S MAUI RECOVERY TASK FORCE, led by Cyrus A.K. Johnasen, released a guide on Friday for helping out. "Just four days ago, the people of Maui Nui - our friends, family, and colleagues - lost everything. Their homes, their vehicles, their means of making a living - all of it. But one thing they didn't lose is us - their community - both close-knit and extended. From the very start, we have emphasized that ‘ohana knows no bounds of geography, and neither does kuleana.
     Johnasen said, "This guidance has been shaped by the insights of Hawaiʻi Island officials who attended the initial Task Force meeting on August 10th, as well as leaders from Maui County, non-profit organizations, and local communities who have been in touch within the last 96 hours. It is important for residents to recognize that Mayor Mitch Roth acknowledges the diverse ways individuals are connected to the Maui devastation and encourages responses that match those connections. Nevertheless, the guidance highlights existing capacity challenges that should be handled with attention and sensitivity according to the Mayor's recommendations." The guidance recommends:
    Contribute to high-impact organizations: After extensive discussions with officials, non-profit leaders, and community members in Maui, it has been determined that the most effective immediate contribution is through monetary donations to established community-focused organizations with a strong track record of efficiently distributing funds where they will have the greatest influence. These include: Hawaiʻi Community Foundation's Maui Stong Fund, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement's Kākoʻo Maui Fund, and Maui United Way's Maui Fire Disaster Fund.
Cyrus Johnasen, right, at a Hawai‘i County Sustainability Summit.
Photo from County of Hawai‘i
    
     Hold off on physical goods... for now: We know that everyone is eager to donate what they have to the families that lost everything. That's "local" style and what makes Hawaiʻi such a special place.
    While the natural inclination is to provide material goods to families who have lost everything, there is presently no clear mechanism to ensure these items promptly reach those in need. Until a reliable distribution system is in place, it is advised that residents on Hawaiʻi Island refrain from sending physical donations. This approach safeguards both our local community and the broader Hawaiʻi Island population until a clear assessment of needs and on-site resources is available to ensure effective distribution.
    Help those who are displaced: The West Hawaiʻi Realtors Association has curated a housing inventory catalog, encompassing not just Hawaiʻi Island but the entire state in collaboration with other real estate associations. Their website details all of the available housing options in real-time and also offers those willing to offer up a second home, vacation rental, ʻohana unit, or additional space for a displaced Maui resident a platform to do so. Interested parties can visit mauikokua.com for more information.
    Share your talents when the time is right: Numerous members of our community have reached out, offering a diverse range of valuable skill sets that could be deployed to aid in the recovery of Lāhainā and the wider Maui community. From architects, engineers, and home builders to solar companies, truckers,
shippers, pilots, and mental health specialists, many have expressed their willingness to contribute to our efforts. While the recovery process is still in its early stages, these valuable talents have been acknowledged, and all residents will be engaged as Maui formulates its next steps forward.
    Stay put until Maui is ready for us: While the desire to lend a hand is strong, it is crucial to remember that Maui's resources are currently stretched thin. Each individual sent over requires resources like food, fuel, and shelter that could otherwise support displaced residents. This isn't to say that our assistance isn't appreciated; it's just that we need to ensure that our footprint is minimal while our impact is meaningful.
      Maui will communicate when it is prepared to accept outside assistance. However, if you have displaced family members requesting help, please heed their call. Our intention is not to speak on their behalf; rather, we aim to limit any unintended adverse effects.
    Final thoughts: In closing, we must remind ourselves that Maui's recovery, like all recovery, will be a marathon and not a sprint. Our approach must be thoughtful and focused to make our contributions meaningful. Mahalo again for your thoughtful collaboration and commitment to Hawaiʻi. Naʻu me ka haʻahaʻa; humbly.


HWY 11 AT MILE MARKER 82 SHUT DOWN ON SUNDAY AT 9. A.M. FOLLOWING A VEHICLE CRASH. Hawai‘i Police Department reported the closure in both directions. "This section of Highway 11 will remain closed for the next several hours as Police conduct their investigation. There are no detours available. Please use alternate routes until the road is reopened." For a road reopening update on this road closure, contact HPS non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.

 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.

A 4.4 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE SHOOK THE KĪLAUEA SUMMIT area Sunday at 1:36 p.m. The earthquake was not large enough to cause a tsunami for the Island of Hawai‘i.

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.




5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.










Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)