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Monday, September 25, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Orange, green and red pumpkins grown in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

MICRO GRANTS FOR FOOD SECURITY are going from U.S. Department of Agriculture to Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture. The $3.5 million aims to support small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations to increase quantity and quality of locally-grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity.
    Through community outreach, HDOA will identify and administer the funding to various
groups and individuals in communities with high levels of food insecurity.
Red ribbed kale grown in Kaʻū.
Photo by Julia Neal

   Sen. Mazie Hirono, who advocated for the funding, said, “Too many families in Hawai‘i and across the U.S. lack access to affordable, healthy food options within their own communities. These grants will help people in Hawai‘i access more locally-grown food options—increasing food security across the islands. I am proud to have supported the provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that enabled this funding and I will continue working to strengthen federal support for food security projects across our state.”

    The Microgrants for Food Security Program was supported by Hirono in the 2018 Farm Bill that promotes food security not only by helping local communities grow and store more nutritious food, but also by helping feed families when supply chains are disrupted.
    Sharon Hurd, Chair of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture said, “The MGFSP has impacted more than 1100 Hawai‘i households and 25 organizations, providing them resources to grow food for their families and neighborhoods. Food
security increases when we grow what we eat and eat what we grow—the MGFSP funds can be used to purchase, for example, gardening tools or equipment, soil, amendments, seeds, plants, animals, canning equipment, refrigerators/freezers, fencing, vertical farming units—to increase food production. Appreciate the work of our congressional delegation to bring millions of MGFSP dollars to Hawai‘i.”
    The funding is part of a larger $15 million being awarded by the USDA AMS for 22 grant projects to promote the maple syrup industry and to strengthen and explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. In addition to the MGFSP, the funding is being awarded through the Access and Development Program and the Federal State Marketing iMprovement Program.

Red peppers grown in Kaʻū.
Photo by Julia Neal
   USDA Under Secretary for Marketing & Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffit said, “USDA’s investment in these grant programs will not only benefit local and regional producers, but also improve access to locally sourced food for underserved communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts these projects will have on the U.S. food and agricultural industry.”
    A statement from Hirono's offices notes that she is a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and "championed legislation to protect Hawai‘i’s environment, support local farmers, and secure stronger investment in the agriculture industry, while also working to ensure that communities across the country have access to healthy and fresh meals and produce."
    In September, Hirono introduced the Ag Research Act, legislation to provide billions in funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including the University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and USDA Agricultural Research Service facilities. In May 2023, Hirono introduced the RTCP Revitalization Act, legislation to secure additional funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture                         Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program. The program enables geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in Hawai‘i, Alaska, and other insular areas to receive reimbursements for costs incurred when transporting supplies such as feed, fertilizer, and equipment parts.
Popcorn grown in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal
    In May 2023, Hirono sent a letter to Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, expressing her strong support for the agency’s proposed rule that would expand access to healthy, free school meals for students across the country.

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.

MAUKA TO MAKAI EATERY is open for A Culinary Journey Celebrating Hawai‘i's Bounty in Kaʻū. The founders messaged, "Get ready to savor the flavors of Hawai‘i as Mauka to Makai Eatery proudly announces its grand opening. Located at Manadina Farm and nestled in the hills above Nāʻālehu, this farm-to-table restaurant aims to redefine the local dining scene with a menu that features ingredients grown right here on the island and mostly in Kaʻū."
Mauka and Makai Restaurant co-owners Jasmine Leitzel and Justin Canelas. See www.manadina.com for more on the restaurant, events and the permaculture farm with the restaurant's grand opening this Thursday, Sept. 28. Photo from Manadina
   Lunch and dinner will be served on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., "showcasing the flavors of Hawai‘i."  On Saturday evenings, Mauka to Makai Eatery turns into a date-night spot as the menu elevates to five-course prix-fixe farm-to-table meals, available by reservation only, through Open Table. The rotating menu features appetizers, hearty soups, savory entrees and desserts. 
    Visit the Mauka to Makai Eatery website to make a reservation on Open Table. 
    A statement from the restaurant says, "What truly sets Mauka to Makai Eatery apart is its unrivaled remote location. The restaurant offers guests sweeping, panoramic views that stretch from the peak of Mauna Loa to the eastern tip of the island, giving guests a truly mauka to makai view and creating an unforgettable backdrop for your dining experience."
    "We are excited to introduce Mauka to Makai Eatery to the community and visitors alike," said Justin Canelas, chef, and co-owner of the restaurant. "Our mission is to celebrate the beauty and bounty of Hawai‘i by showcasing the incredible flavors that our island has to offer without relying on imports from the mainland. We look forward to welcoming guests to our restaurant and providing them with a dining experience that reflects the rich agriculture of Kaʻū and the Hawaiian Islands, while supporting local farmers and fishermen. Mauka to Makai Eatery's commitment to quality, sustainability, and community is sure to make it a culinary destination on the Big Island of Hawai‘i." 
     During the official opening month of Mauka to Makai, the restaurant invites celebration of the island's flavors and sights at reduced-priced lunch and dinner items for Kaʻū residents. For more information, visit https://www.manadina.com/dining  and at https://www.facebook.com/manadinafarm. Call 808-756-2059. The address of Mauka Makai is 95-1910 Kaalaiki Road. It is above Nāʻālehu on the old sugar cane haul road between Nāʻālehu and Pāhala.

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.











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Sunday, September 24, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

Ocean Nihipali-Sesson runs the ball around the end for the gain, helping the Trojans break the school
record for points earned in 11-man football and beating Kohala 60 to 13 on Saturday at home. Photo by Mark Peters 

Steve Adler intercepts and carried the ball 73
yards for a touchdown. Photo by Mark Peters.
KAʻŪ TROJANS EARNED A 60-14 VICTORY OVER KOHALA COWBOYS, Saturday on home turf. Trojans offense helped set a new school record of 60 points for 11-man football, scored on a strong running game totaling 318 yards. 
    Ocean Nihipali-Sesson led all runners with 11 carries for 217 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 19.7 yards per carry. Joe Buyuan also contributed to a TD run.
   Kaʻū Trojans defense was led by a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown by Stephen Adler. There was also an interception by Keaka McDonnell and one by Diya Ellis-Reyes. Sacks were recorded by Desmond Camba, Blake Self-Ah Yee and Dakota Seaver. McDonnell led the Defense in tackles with six. 
    Next game is Saturday, Sept. 30 in Pāhala at 1 p.m. against Pahoa. 

Cowboy defender breaks up a deep pass attempt
 to TJ Kuahuia-Faafia. Photo by Mark Peters

A HIT AND RUN IN OCEAN VIEW on Saturday has led Hawai‘i Island police to search for the driver in the traffic collision that left a 26-year-old female with life-threatening injuries. 
    HPD reported: "The single-vehicle collision occurred on Saturday evening, Sept. 23, 2023, near the intersection of Paradise Parkway and Lu'au Drive in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision. The female pedestrian has not been positively identified, but is believed to be from the Ocean View area.
    "Responding to a 10:26 p.m. call, police determined that an unknown pickup truck or SUV ran over the woman, who was possibly lying in the middle of the roadway. Investigators are not able to determine the direction of travel of the unknown vehicle at this time."
    The female pedestrian was transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment and later transferred to the Queens Medical Center on O'ahu for further treatment, where she is currently listed in critical condition.
    The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and failed to render aid to the pedestrian. Failure to render aid when a person is seriously injured or killed in a traffic collision is a Class “B” felony that may be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Failure to render aid is covered under section 291C-14 of the Hawai'i Revised Statutes.
A solid block by Senior lineman Dakota Seaver
 helps open a hole for the Trojan running backs.
Photo by Mark Peters
    The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent injury investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

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

LT. GOV. SYLVIA LUKE is covering for Gov. Josh Green who is on the mainland again, away four nights from Thursday until Monday afternoon. A statement from his office says that he is in Nevada "to attend meetings with various business and trade leaders."
    The Governor is on the the mainland after being back in Hawai'i for a few days last week following his visit to New York the previous weekend to participate in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals meeting and a followup presentation for the Brookings Institution and United Nations Foundation.
    The Lt. Governor is Acting Governor from late afternoon of Thursday Sept. 21 through midday Sept. 25. She was also acting governor the previous weekend and was scheduled to be Acting Governor for a portion of Green's trip out of state July 30 to Aug. 15 but Green came back to Hawai'i after the Maui firestorm disaster.
   Green was also in New York in July for a United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

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.

Senior Dominic Nurial-Dacalio closes in on the Kohala ball carrier with support from teammates. He achieves
another solid game in the trenches, playing offense and defense. Photo by Mark Peters


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Saturday, September 23, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023

The ninth annual Kaʻū Coffee Trail Run took to the macadamia orchards and coffee fields surrounding
Kaʻū Coffee Mill on Saturday with competitors from around the world. Photo by Julia Neal
Hina Barcia, of Nāʻālehu, who works for Punalu'u
 Livestock, won the Female 5K. Photo by Julia Neal

THE NINTH KAʻŪ COFFEE TRAIL RUN results on Saturday featured the top female contender Chanelle Schmid taking the top overall time in the Half Marathon in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 34 seconds. She was followed by Daniel Hill in 1:47:23, Nicholas Civitano in 2:10:34, Jennifer Henricks in 2:11:48, and Morgan Gerdel in 2:17:20. 
     The Female 5K winner, in 29:19, was Hina Barcia, of Nāʻālehu who works with Nonie Soares at Punalu'u Livestock. The female 10K winner was Molly Rasmussen who moved with her family to this island this week to work for University of the Nations.
     The events drew people from around the world to run from farm to rainforest and back with start and finish at Kaʻū Coffee Mill. Money raised from the event goes to O Kaʻū Kakou community group. Overseeing the start and welcoming the finishers was high school student Kalia Andrade, of Nāʻālehu, and of rodeo circuit fame, a former Junior High State Rodeo Champion.
Kalia Andrade, of Nāʻālehu and rodeo fame, welcomed
 the finishers at the Trail Run. Photo by Julia Neal
    The toughest race was the 50K, won by Justin Young in 5 hours, 35 minutes and 11 seconds, followed by Sean Warner in 5:37:46, Lyman Perry in 5:56:17, Chiara Warner in 5:00:37 and Steve Schaffer in 6:07:26. 
    Overall times for the 10K were first place finisher Noah Hunt in 42 minutes and 26 seconds, followed by Trevor Quandt in 43:00, John Kolander in 45:07, Molly Jarvis in 48:36 and Tim Heaton in 48:58.
    Overall times for the 5K were first place finisher Collin Saxby in 23 minutes and 16 seconds, followed by Aaron Harness in 23:48, Cody Rasmussen in 24:03, Peaman Peaman in 24:17 and Matthew King in 24:33.
     See more results upcoming Kaʻū News Briefs.

KAʻŪ TROJANS GIRLS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL TEAM REMAINS UNDEFEATED this season, with a win at home Saturday afternoon against Hawai'i Preparatory Academy from Waimea. Kaʻū won in four sets, 28-26, 18-25, 25-23, and 25-16. Junior Varsity lost in two sets, 17-25 and 15-25. 
    The next match is on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at home against Kanu O Ka 'Aina  at 5 p.m. at the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym.

Hokulele will raise money for its sixth grade traveling basketball team
 when 22 teams from around the island come to Herkes Kaʻū District Gym
 for a tournament Oct. 7. Photo from Hokulele
TWENTY-TWO YOUTH BASKETBALL TEAMS PLAN TO COME TO KAʻŪ for the Hokulele Basketball Club tournament on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Herkes Kaʻū  District Gym. Players six to ten years of age will compete and funds raised will go to Hokulele's sixth grade travel team. 
    Hokulele is a Kaʻū based basketball training organization for youth. It is led by Hokulele Club & Organization President & Head Coach Ravel Kaupu Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa Dacalio and Jaron Garcia.
    To join the club, register for a tournament, volunteer, and sponsor, contact Kaeza Penera by email at kaeza.hokulele@gmail.com.

Skatepark advocate Travis Aucoin, County Parks & Rec
 Director Maurice Messina and Skatepark Project Treasurer
 Laura Roberts. Photo from Ocean View Skatepark Project
OCEAN VIEW SKATEPARK PLANS ARE MOVING ALONG, according to its community organizers.
    Following the community meeting in May with Hawai'i County Parks & Recreation Director Maurice Messina, Bow Engineering was hired for the Environmental Assessment. It is underway and archeological inspections were completed without issue, said the organizers.
      The EA is expected to be completed by end of the year. The group is working on funding for the actual construction of the skatepark, applying for grants and hosting fundraising. The organization is seeking those able to assist in land clearing and additional volunteers to fundraise. 
    A community meeting for input on details in the design of the skatepark is expected soon.  
   Once built, the skatepark will be available to BMX, rollerblades, rollerskates, scooters, wheelchairs and skateboards. Also in the planning are a bike/walking path, community garden, workout bars and mini Folf course for Frisbee Golf, also known as Disc Golf. For Folf, there are multiple "holes" set up that are usually on a tree,  rock or Folf course basket. It can be played with just a few people, alone, or with a group. A "hole" is scored with the hit of the tree or target. It is the same concept as golf, just with special frisbees.                  
    As with many of the plans, what's built is all dependent on the fundraising. 
   Donations can be made at oceanviewskatepark.org and folks can purchase tees, hats, stickers at Lisa's Kahuku Gift and Garden in Ocean View. To volunteer, donate, help plan or with questions, contact Laura Roberts at 406-249-3351 or oceanviewskatepark@gmail.com.

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.

Keoki Sereno will teach ‘ukulele in a nine-week
course starting Oct. 18 in Nāʻālehu. Photo by Julia Neal
FREE ‘UKULELE LESSONS for anyone of any age will be offered at Nāʻālehu Methodist Church, in preparation for Christmas. Beginning Oct. 18, two classes will be held concurrently each Wednesday at 2:30 p.m., one for beginners, one for intermediates.
    After the nine-weeks of classes, students will be able to play Mele Kalikimaka and dozens of favorite Christmas Songs. Teachers are Scott Taylor and Keoki Sereno.        
    The hosts sent out a statement saying, "All we ask is that you show up and give it your best and have funWhat could be better than strumming an uke and singing with your friends?"



SIXTEEN WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI the week of Sept. 11 through Sept. 17. Hawai‘i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. 
    Two were involved in a traffic collision. One driver arrested was under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 692 DUI arrests compared with 717 during the same period last year, a decrease of 3.5 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 593 major collisions so far this year compared with 585 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.4 percent.    
    To date, there have been 12 fatal crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 23 fatal crashes, resulting in 25 fatalities (one with multiple deaths, and one reclassified to a medical condition) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 47.8 percent for fatal crashes, and 48 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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