Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

The ʻŌhiʻa Love fest month is November and enthusiasts are encouraging everyone to learn the
value of this tree to drinking water and the watershed, how to plant ‘ōhi‘a and take care of the forests.
Photo from U.H.

ʻŌHIʻA LOVE FEST KICKED OFF LAST WEEKEND on this island at University of Hawai‘i Komohana

Research & Extension Center in Hilo. It will continue through the month with another free event in Kona on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Ridge to the Reef Restoration Center at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority, next to Kona Airport from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    According to organizers of the effort, throughout November conservation hui throughout the state are sharing information and encouraging the planting and protection of ʻōhiʻa lehua, a keystone species of native forests and State Endemic Tree of Hawai‘i. "Although known for picturesque flowers ranging from scarlet red to vivid yellow, ʻōhiʻa lehua can be appreciated for more than its beauty."

    ʻŌhiʻa comprise 80% of Hawaiʻi’s native forests and play a key role in watershed protection and erosion prevention. ʻŌhiʻa are referred to as ka ʻupena o ke ola – the “net of life” which provides food, water, and habitat for several native animals and invertebrates – but their numbers are under threat.
    Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a fungus discovered on Hawaiʻi Island in 2014, can kill ʻōhiʻa and spread over long distances, potentially impacting the trees statewide.

    See guides to growing ʻōhiʻa and many educational and recreational resources at https://cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rod/EDUCATION-OUTREACH/%CA%BB%C5%8CHI%CA%BBA-LOVE-FEST.

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FIRE WEATHER RED FLAG WARNING AND WIND ADVISORY ARE CANCELLED, as of 4:30 p.m. on Monday. County Civil Defense urges to "Please continue to exercise caution as winds will remain elevated and dry conditions persist. Thank you for your kokua in helping to protect our families and communities during high fire danger periods."For more information on the Red Flag Warning Emergency Proclamation, visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3526/720.
For more information, visit County of Hawai‘i Hazard Impact Map at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/34f756070f8349c4b3ad1e827d4c8a4b.

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HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK HAS SHUT DOWN SOME ROADS AND CAMPGROUNDS DUE TO FIRE RISK. The Park statement calls the fire weather risk critical. Hilina Pali Road at the Chain of Craters intersection and Mauna Loa Road past Kīpikapuaulu are closed to vehicles due to critical wildfire risk. Hikers, bicyclists and overnight backcountry permit holders are allowed. Campfire restrictions are in place. Kulanaokuaiki Campground is also temporarily closed.

NPS Photo of Mauna Loa Road and dry vegetation flanking each side of the road.

A VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. sponsored by ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou. OKK President and veteran Wayne Kawachi said there will be music with Sonny Ramos, a free lunch and drinks as well as door prizes.

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Before its closure years ago, Pāhala Swimming Pool hosted swimming lessons, lifeguard classes,
and competitions, along with playtime for youth and lap sessions for serious swimmers. Photo by Julia Neal

PĀHALA SWIMMING POOL COULD BE OPEN AGAIN IN JULY, according to County of Hawai‘i Parks & Recreation Director, Maurice Messina. Visitors to the pool on the grounds of Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School can see work on nearby school sidewalks and the deck. The pool is receiving new plastering. Much of the overall work is to bring the swimming pool and access into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The pool has been closed for years.

    The planned renovations at Miloli‘i Park also involve the Americans With Disabilities Act and will lead to a completely new facility on the shore. It could be done by the end of 2024. 

    Volcano Skate Park is also up for renovations in a county - community partnership. 

    The first skatepark in the Kahuku County Park in Ocean View will be entirely new and is a partnership between Parks & Rec and Ocean View advocates.
    There are opportunities for architects, engineers and draftspersons to get the projects done more quickly. Anyone interested can email parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov or call 808-961-9311.

Pāhala Swimming Pool could reopen by July 2024, according to the County Department of
Parks & Recreation. Photo by Julia Neal

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Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023

Humpback mother and calf pair swim through Hawaiian waters. Photo by J. Moore/NOAA Permit 15240

HUMPBACK WHALE MOTHERS AND CALVES have already been spotted in Hawaiian waters where they come each winter. The humpbacks breed, give birth, and nurse their young here during winter before swimming back to waters off Alaska and Canada for the summer. 

    NOAA asks that boaters, swimmers, surfers and divers be mindful. "With the return of humpback whales, or Koholā, to Hawaiʻi waters, including some early reports of multiple mother/calf pairs,
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary reminds ocean users to keep a safe and legal distance of at least 100 yards from whales, and reduce harassment and possible vessel strikes that pose risks to the animals and ocean users alike."

    Humpback Whales are often spotted in Kaʻū from South Point, from Honu‘apo and its Hwy 11 lookout, and from Kawā, Punalu‘u and the shores of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    "Two key best practices are for vessel operators to keep a sharp eye out for Koholā and reduce vessel speeds, as both have been shown to reduce the risk of hitting a whale, especially calves, which are particularly susceptible to vessel strikes," says the NOAA statement.
    Humpback whale season in Hawai‘i generally runs from November through May, when thousands of Koholā return to Hawai‘i each year.
    Volunteers can sign up for NOAA's Ocean Count on the last Saturday of January, February and March with Miloli‘i, South Point, Punalu‘u and a station in the National Park having been designated as sites for counting whales and other marine mammals on those dates. Register at https://oceancount.org/registration/ starting Jan. 8.

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Aloha Medical Mission provided education on dental health and dental x-rays at Lā ʻOhana
at Miloli‘i on Sunday. Photo from Kalanihale

Education in natural resources was a big part of the outreach
 for Lā ʻOhana at Miloli‘i. Robin Martin of Hawai‘i Marine
 Education & Research Center talks with Akoni Nelson.
  Photo from Kalanihale

THE NINTH ANNUAL LĀ ‘OHANA GATHERING IN MILOLI‘I on Sunday is reported to be a big success by organizer Kaimi Kaupiko of the nonprofit organization Kalanihale. "It was a successful event with many different partners who came to share and educate." Among them were numerous health providers. There were dental X-rays with Aloha Medical Mission, health screening with University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and KTA-provided vaccinations. Queens shared information on genetics and University of Hawai‘i John Burns School of Medicine presented its program. 

    "Hawai‘i Island Community Health and Hopena Kuloli recruited for the education of Certified Nursing Assistants," said Kaupiko. Kalanihale educated the public about its Community Based Subsistence Fishing and Makai Watch. Ho‘ala Kealakeua, Hawai‘i Marine Education & Research Center and Arizona State University-Local provided info on natural resource management and education. Hawai‘i Literacy provided free books from its Bookmobile. Entertainment came from Bula Kailiwai & ‘Ohana, Sister Maka & Son and Brother Kevin.
   The Hawaiian emersion Charter School Kua O Ka Lā sold products to fundraise for a student trip. Other ‘Ohana sold food to fundraise, said Kaupiko.

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HĀLAU VISITING KAʻŪ from Japan, Mexico, Hawai‘i and the mainland wrapped up days of cultural exchange and performances on Sunday, along with visiting significant places for hula practitioners such as the crater at Halema‘uma‘u.

       Above are dancers from Japan with Kaʻū's Hālau Hula ‘O Leionālani. At left are young paniolo dancers from the local halau and below, young dancers learn the preparation of poi at Ke Ola Pu‘uhonua cultural grounds in Nāʻālehu. Photos by Brenda Iokepa Moses

     

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AID WORKER RAMONA OKUMURA, who was able to leave Gaza where she volunteered her skills in prosthetics to help Palestinian youth, is reported to be resting in Washington state this weekend. Her brother Glenn Okumura, of Pāhala, said she may visit Kaʻū late this year or early in 2024.
    A statement from her family in  Pāhala, Honoka‘a, Honolulu and the mainland, says that many of their members have been inspired to help spread her message "about peace and ending the inhumane violence in Gaza. The Okumura family has been touched personally by the Israel-Hamas war, and has remained in touch with other trapped individuals in Gaza. They continue to advocate for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor for safe passage for civilians, and an end to this brutal and tragic conflict.
    "Ramona was among hundreds of foreign nationals and dozens of seriously injured Palestinians who

Ramona Okumura, center with mask, as she
made her way out of Gaza and back to U.S.
Photo from Okumura family

were first allowed to leave Gaza after drawn-out discussions between Egypt, Israel, Hamas and Qatar," reports the family. After reaching Egypt, "Ramona thanked everyone who called, emailed, petitioned and met with their government officials."
    Ramona Okumura said, “Luv to everyone who helped get me out. Pray for the people of Gaza who now don't have us as shields from harm.”
    The family statement says, "She and her family describe overwhelming feelings of gratitude for her safety, paired with despair and sadness for the many civilians - 50% of whom are children - who continue to suffer and perish in Gaza. In voice memos she recorded before her escape, Ramona spoke powerfully about the conditions Gazans were facing, in particular, the children she has served for the past six years."
    She is quoted as saying, ”Please tell the U.S. to broker a ceasefire to stop this massacre of children. A friend told me that the more than 3,000 innocent dead Palestinian children are in a place where they no longer suffer. How many more children will find their only peace by dying?”

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Kaʻū News Briefs Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023

Dr. Angie Miyashiro, left, with the HOSA-Future Health Professionals at Kaʻū High School after traveling to Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy on Saturday and winning invitations to state conference competition in Honolulu in January.  
Photo from Kaʻū High School HOSA

THE HOSA FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS organization drew Kaʻū High School students to regional competition this Saturday at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy in Hilo. The students qualified for state competition in four divisions: Medical Spelling, Medical Photography, Nutrition, and Health Career Display Presentation,  highlighting Optometry and Travel Nursing. 

    The state conference will be held in Honolulu, Jan. 29-31 at Hawai‘i Convention Center. The local HOSA chapter planning to travel there is mentored by Dr. Angie Miyashiro, a health teacher at Kaʻū High, who said, "We are putting Kaʻū on the map!" HOSA students are: Janeea Bonoan, Nyori Soriano, Alajshae Barrios, Aubrey-Ann Delos Santos Graig, Colleen Ramos, Maryland Amon, Rojelin Capueta, Tina Joel, Anastasia Kovalik and Herika Lokot

    HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is an international student-led

A health education and health career class at Kaʻū High School. Photo by Julia Neal

organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education division of the Association for Career & Technical Education. HOSA's mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people.
    HOSA provides leadership development, motivation, and recognition for middle school, secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or who have an interest in pursuing careers in health professions. 

    "HOSA is 100% health care! HOSA is not a club to which a few students in school join. Rather, HOSA is a powerful instructional tool that works best when it is integrated into the HSE and health science-related curriculum and classroom," says the HOSA website. "Health Science Education instructors are committed to the development of the total person. Those who join the HSE-HOSA Partnership recognize the importance of providing students with training far beyond the basic technical skills needed for entry into the healthcare field. The rapidly changing healthcare system needs dedicated workers who, in addition to their technical skills, are people-oriented and capable of playing a leadership or followership role as a member of a healthcare team.

   "HOSA's mission is especially critical when considering the acute shortage of qualified workers for the healthcare industry."

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Hula Dancers from Mexico's Bali Hai halau graced Ke Ola Pu‘uhonua in Nāʻālehu on Saturday. Photos by Brenda Iokepa Moses

Emcees Alaka'i Paleka and Makana

HO‘OKUPU HULA NO KAʻŪ GOES INTERNATIONAL FOR MAIN EVENT. The cultural exchange program of Ho‘okupu Hula No Kaʻū went to the public stage on Saturday in Nāʻālehu with hula from dancers of Hawai‘i, Japan, Mexico, the mainland and Hālau Hula O Leionālani of Pāhala.
    Held on the grounds of Ke Ola Pu‘uhonua, the event produced by Kumu Debbie Ryder featured the voices of emcees Alaka'i Paleka and Kaʻū's own Makana, plus numerous cultural demonstrations, music and dance. See photos below and more in Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs.

A RED FLAG WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR KAʻŪ AND THE WESTSIDE OF THE ISLAND by the National Weather Service at 5 p.m. Saturday, due to expected windy conditions and wildfire threats. One of the restrictions issued by Civil Defense is no parking of vehicles on dry grass following travel.

    The following emergency measures go into effect at midnight and run through Tuesday at 6 a.m., as issued by County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense:

Potential Camping Permit Cancellation: All camping permits for Sunday and Monday within the affected Beach Parks have the potential to be canceled. These are Punalu‘u Beach Park, Whittington Beach Park, Ho‘okena Beach Park, Kohanaiki Beach Park, Spencer Beach Park and Mahukona Beach Park. "Campers will be notified promptly if conditions are conducive to cancellation," says the County statement.

Hālau Hula O Leionālani joined international dance troupes at Ke Ola Pu‘uhonua.

Prohibition of Outdoor Burning: All outdoor burning will be strictly prohibited from Kaʻū through North Kohala from 12 a.m. on Sunday through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Prohibition of Outdoor Open Flame Activities: Outdoor activities involving open flames, such as outdoor cooking, welding, and grinding metal, will be prohibited from 12 a.m. on Sunday, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
Vehicle Parking Prohibition: Parking vehicles on dry grass after travel is prohibited prohibited from 12 a.m. on Sunday through 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

Kaneohe halau of Ho‘omaika‘i Hula Studio led by Kumu Shona Lam Ho (left) joined the cultural festival in Nāʻālehu on Saturday.
 

Property Fire Safety Measures: Property owners are urged to secure outdoor items and implement necessary fire safety precautions on their premises.

    County of Hawai‘i Parks & Recreation is authorized to adjust the opening and closing of County Parks  to camping and other use permits if warranted.

Young ladies of Halau Hula O Leionalani

   Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth and Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno issued a statement saying the County's Emergency Operation Center will be activated throughout the duration of the event.
The Red Flag Warning covers all leeward areas of Hawaiʻi Island, from Kaʻū up the west side of the island to North Kohala, as well as the interior communities along the way.
"Conditions in these areas will lead to drier weather, significantly affecting Hawaiʻi Island on Sunday and Monday," says the County statement.
A Red Flag Warning is issued when the combination of dry vegetation and weather conditions creates an extremely high fire risk. "These conditions are conducive to the rapid spread of wildfires, creating difficulties for containment."
The Mayor said, "We're asking our residents to protect each other by being cautious and remaining mindful in their actions. We've seen these conditions lead to multiple fires along our leeward coast in the past, and we want to ensure we do all we can to prevent them to the best of our ability. These fires can potentially put our firefighters and communities at large in harm's way. By remaining mindful and refraining from potentially risky behaviors, we can significantly reduce the chances of large brushfires this time around."
Residents are also encouraged to visit the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization's official website at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home for valuable information on wildfire prevention and safety measures.
The statement says, "The County of Hawaiʻi assures residents that any updates or changes in conditions will be promptly communicated. Safety remains the top priority, and the cooperation of all residents is crucial to mitigate the risks posed by the prevailing fire weather conditions."
 

SIGN UP FOR PĀHALA TOWN LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE. Committee Chair Shai Lopez-Castenada noted that the parade honors Eddie Andrade who has retired from hosting the renowned Pāhala Christmas Parade with his family for more than 40 years. 

    The new parade will be in the evening on Saturday, Dec. 9, starting at 6 p.m., followed by picture taking with Santa and his Buddies, some arts and crafts and light refreshments until 8:30 p.m. at Pāhala  Community Center. It is co-hosted by County Department of Parks & Recreation.
    "We are calling all businesses, farmers, agencies, clubs and individuals to join in the parade, said Lopez-Castenada. 

    Parade participants will be entered in a drawing for a Two Guest Deluxe Snorkel & Dolphin Watch, sponsored by Body Glove in Kailua-Kona. 
    Those who would like to enter the parade can call Shai Lopez-Castaneda at (808)345-0649 or email him at pahalalightedchristmasparade@gmail.com.

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