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Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023


The beach at Halapē is one of the backcountry places where overnight permits allow camping and hiking in Hawai‘i
Volcanoes National Park with reservations available online starting Dec. 14. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane

BACKCOUNTRY OVERNIGHT HIKING PERMITS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE through Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, starting next month, Dec. 14. Hikers who plan to stay overnight in the remote backcountry of the Park will be able to make and pay for reservations online up to 90 days in advance through the Recreation.gov system.
A hiker in the distance walks on hardened pāhoehoe lava toward the backcountry
trailhead at Mau Loa o Maunaulu. NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane
    More than 250,000 acres of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are managed as wilderness and are only accessible on foot. Each of the parkʻs eight backcountry sites (Halapē, Keauhou, Kaʻaha, ʻĀpua, Pepeiao, Nāpau, Mauna Loa Summit and Red Hill Cabin) are in remote wilderness areas and "present challenging hikes. Each site offers its own distinct beauty with cultural and natural resources most visitors never experience," says the Park statement. "Preparation and knowing one's limits are critical for an enjoyable backcountry visit. A backcountry planner, safety tips and detailed information about each backcountry site is available on the park website."
    Reservation holders will still be required to check in up to seven days ahead of their trip to pick up their permit and to get a safety briefing at the Backcountry Office, which is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day including holidays.   
    Currently, backcountry overnight hikers can get a permit seven days in advance. Visitors to the new Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Permits page on Recreation.gov will be able to make reservations 90 days in advance of their planned trek. Seventy-five percent of the backcountry permits will be available online. The remaining 25% will be available in person at the Backcountry Office seven days before the start date. 
Keauhou Trail looking south towards remote wilderness and coastline.
NPS Photo by Jessica Ferracane
    Backcountry permits will still be available for walk-ins at the Backcountry Office, but payment must be made through the Recreation.gov system. All backcountry permits are $10 in addition to the park entrance fee payable by debit or credit card. The park's Backcountry Office will no longer accept cash payments.  
    "We are excited to offer a new online tool that gives local and out-of-state backpackers the option to make their backcountry adventure plans 90 days in advance," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Chief Ranger Jack Corrao. "Many backcountry enthusiasts have asked us to provide greater flexibility in our permitting system and Recreation.gov allows us to do that."   
    About the National Park Service: " More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's  425 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. See www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.  


POLICE ARRESTED 12 FOR DUI the week of Nov. 6 - 12. They arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Two were involved in a traffic collision. One was under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 825 DUI arrests compared with 860 during the same period last year, a decrease of 4.1 percent.
    Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 732 major collisions so far this year, compared with 719 during the same period last year, an increase of 1.8 percent.
    To date, there have been 15 fatal crashes, resulting in 16 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 30 fatal crashes, resulting in 32 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one was reclassified to a medical condition) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 50 percent for fatal crashes, and 50 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) so far this year is one compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island-wide.


FIRE WEATHER RED FLAG WARNING is canceled for Kaʻū and the rest of leeward Hawai‘i and the interior. However, the Wind Advisory is extended for Kaʻū, Puna, Huamakua, North and South Kohala and the interior. County of Hawai‘i Civil Defense urges an exercise of caution as dry conditions will continue to persist.
    For wildfire preventive actions, visit the Hawai‘i Wildfire Management Organization website at https://www.hawaiiwildfire.org/home. For more information, visit County of Hawai‘i Hazard Impact Map.

Home schooler Jack Olson won the Department of Water Supply first place in the Kindergarten category for
the annual Water Conservation Poster Contest. Image from DWS

THE PROJECTED EXTENDED DROUGHT has prompted the county Department of Water Supply to make preparations, undertaking "a multi-phased strategy aimed at meeting customers’ and the public’s essential drinking water needs during the ongoing islandwide drought that weather experts predict will extend well into 2024." 
    The statement released Wednesday says that "Providing customers with an adequate and reliable supply of safe drinking water in a financially responsible manner is DWS’ mission. Fulfilling this mission becomes more challenging when reduced rainfall creates severe or extreme drought conditions which the  U.S. Drought Monitor reports are now occurring."                                                          
    See https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?HIIt says DWS’ drought strategy includes the following:

Keriah Wong took first in the sixth-grade category of Department of
Water Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest. Image from DWS
  Participating with partners in a Hawai‘i County Water Needs working group convened by the Civil Defense Agency to prepare for the extended dry weather conditions;
    Conserving water storage, where possible, to meet anticipated demands, including fire protection;
    Preparing to establish temporary services from select fire hydrants so approved commercial water haulers will have more sites from which to draw potable water to assist those on personal rainwater catchment systems;
    Considering adding additional public spigot locations to make water access more convenient and available for people not served by a DWS water system;
    Utilizing generators to power crucial water facilities during temporary electrical outages;
    Continuing to promote water conservation and restriction notices, including mandating, if warranted, customers to limit their water use to only essential needs (drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, sanitation);
    Issuing timely notices informing customers how their water service could be or is being impacted by extended drought and/or red flag warning conditions;
    Posting updated messaging at www.hawaiidws.org and on the DWS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/; and
    Closely monitoring both the Department’s 23 public water systems and the latest weather forecasts to remain informed and prepared for potential impacts.
    DWS says that "water customers can do their part to use drinking water wisely and prevent waste."
    For helpful water conservation tips, please visit www.hawaiidws.org/conservation-resources/. To reach the DWS, please call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for afterhour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.




7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail.













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Monday, November 13, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 13, 2023

Arbor Day Giveaway in Ocean View over the weekend led to 300 seedlings going to the 
public for planting. Photo from West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners

Many native seedlings were given away at Arbor
 Day event. Photo from Master Gardeners
AN ARBOR DAY GIVEAWAY IN OCEAN VIEW enabled about 300 trees and plant varieties to find homes on Saturday. Hosted by West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners, which has members in Ocean View and beyond, the giveaway included about 20 kinds of trees and plants, including ‘Ākia, Hō‘awa, A‘ali‘i ‘Ōhi‘a, Hala, Koai‘a, Koki‘o ke‘oke‘o, Māmane. Pūkiawe, ‘Ulei, Wiliwili, Mgambo, Malabar Chestnut and more.
    West Hawai‘i Master Gardeners who helped with the giveaway include Gary Kastle, Velvet and John Replogle, Tom Kirk, Suzanne Waldman, Lillie Cogswell, David Steachy, Dennis Benson, and Mary Wilson, all of Ocean View. The Master Gardeners answered many questions from people wanting to plant more trees.


PLANT OF THE MONTH IS KUPUKUPU for Lāʻau Letters: Native Plants of Kaʻū, the monthly column about Kaʻū’s native plants and their moʻolelo (stories), uses, preferred habitats, and opportunities to adopt them for stewardship. This column, by Jodie Rosam with illustration by Joan Yoshioka, seeks to encourage making new plant friends and to reunite with others.
    Description: Kupukupu Nephrolepis exaltata subsp. hawaiiensis or sometimes called ʻōkupuku or niʻaniʻau, is an endemic sword fern, with two native Nephrolepis species found in Hawaiʻi: N. cordifolia (either considered an indigenous species or an early Polynesian introduction), and N. exaltata subsp. Hawaiiensis (an endemic species). Unfortunately, both native species hybridize regularly with the non-native (and also invasive) N. multiflora, which is contributing to the loss of genetic integrity in this species. Kupukupu fronds stand erectly about 1-2 feet tall and have a width of 2-3 inches, and are composed of smaller pinnae (frondlets). The stolons (sprawling stems which look a lot like roots) can spread across the ground and also climb up trees. A defining characteristic of this species is that it has underground tubers (or underground organs, similar to kalo corm) that not only store food and nutrients, but also generate new fern babies.
    Although the weather has been quite hot, we are in the time of Makahiki, as we transition from the season of Kau (summer, represented by Kū) into the season of Hoʻoilo (winter, represented by Lono).
Kupukupu illustration by Joan Yoshioka,
   Kupukupu is a great symbolism of both the upright and tall nature of Kū and the wide and sprawling nature of Lono. Representing growth, kupukupu also is consistent with this change of seasons as we enter into a time of abundance. Perhaps you can sit with kupukupu for some time and notice any symbolism it offers to you.
    Uses: Kupu means “to sprout”, and kupukupu are often used to decorate hula kuahu (altars), symbolizing sprouting knowledge. Fronds are also a common component of kūpeʻe (lei for wrists and ankles) and lei poʻo (for the head). Medicinally, the pressed juice is great for the skin and can be used as a remedy for multiple skin disorders. Kupukupu has a delicate scent that accompanies its beauty in adornment.
    Habitat: Kupukupu is a relatively common forest friend, growing on all of the main islands except for Kahoʻolawe. It can occupy sites between 100 and 4,600 feet elevation in mesic, wet, and even upper elevation dryland forests. In Kaʻū, there are Nephrolepis fern species all around - roadside, planters, even growing epiphytically in the trees. Unfortunately, what we see more commonly is a non-native or hybridized Nephrolepis. True kupukupu are restricted to more protected forest reserves and a little more
difficult to come by.
    Growing and Purchasing: Kupukupu are often sold at nurseries, and are relatively easy to propagate, they produce shoots that will quickly develop and spread into full-sized reproducing plants 
themselves. They make a great container plant and landscaping component, groundcover, and can even be planted at the bases of rock walls (where they will slowly climb up). When you plant your kupukupu, give them room - these ferns like to grow and will out-compete one another. While they can survive full sun, kupukupu really likes to keep cool, so offer them a space with at least partial shade. Do you have other native trees on your property? Pop some kupukupu at the base of their trunks! Soon your kupukupu will begin to spread and sprawl (hmmm, Lono imagery again) and you will be able to share it with friends and family. Lonoikamakahiki!

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.

CIVIL DEFENSE A WIND ADVISORY through Tuesday afternoon: The National Weather Service Wind Advisory continues for Kaʻū, North and South Kohala and Puna, and across the interior of the island.
     Sustained east and northeast winds of 15 to 30 mph with localized gusts of over 50 mph are forecast.
    "Due to the Wind Advisory. Stay clear of and report any downed trees, utility poles or lines to authorities. Motorist, drive with caution. Stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions. This is your Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency."
Alya-Joy Kaehailua plays Nani
of Kahuku Ranch on Tuesday
at After Dark in the Park

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.

HISTORIC PLAY ON LIVING AT KAHUKU RANCH IN THE 1880s is the After Dark in the Park presentation this Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. 
    Called Nani O Kahuku: A One-Woman, Living History Play, it is adapted by Jackie Pualani Johnson directly from the diary of Hannah (Nani) Piʻilani Jones, portrayed by actress Alya-Joy Kanehailua. Nani was the eleventh and second-to-youngest child of one-time Kahuku Ranch owner, George W.C. Jones. 
    In the play, Nani takes the audience through her memories of ranch life in the 1880ʻs on the lush and rugged landscapes of Kahuku. This performance is expected to be well-attended and doors will open for seating beginning at 6:30 p.m. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Park entrance fees apply.

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.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF HAWAI‘I COUNTY invites people to join and members to come to its meeting this Sunday, Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the newly renovated ILWU Local 142 Hawai‘i Division Harry Kamoku Hall in Hilo. Address is 100 West Lanikaula St. Zoom option will be available.
Party organizers Patti Cook and Chair James Hustace said the meeting will be in-person with zoom option. Democratic Party members will be planning for the 2024 Biennial District meetings, County and State conventions, and the Party-Run Presidential Primary.

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.

 
 
See https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/gp

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.

RESULTS ARE IN FOR THE FIRST HOKULELE BASKETBALL VETS DAY  TOURNAMENT.
The event, on Friday and Saturday at the Herkes Kaʻū District Gym, raised money for eighth and ninth grade teams to travel to O‘ahu for competition in 2024. Winners of the Veterans Day: In the 14 & Under, Alaka‘i took first and Hokulele took second. In the 12 & Under Kona Stingrays took first and Hokulele second. 
    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 Jan Kaeza Penera by email at kaeza.hokulele@gmail.com.
7,500 printed, 5,000 in the mail.












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Kaʻū News Briefs Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023

Honey Girl dances hula at Veterans Day celebration at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Saturday, backed up by musician
Sonny Ramos, himself a Navy veteran who sang and played music. Photo by June Domondon

VETERANS DAY was celebrated Saturday at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Vietnam War veteran Wayne Kawachi President of ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou, hosted the event. Joining him were veterans, including musician Sonny Ramos, OKK members, hula dancer Honey Girl and the Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko Drummers. Lunch and snacks were served to all.
Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko traveled to Nāʻālehu for the Veterans Day celebration on Saturday.
Photo by June Domondon

THE FATAL DOG ATTACK IN OCEAN VIEW on Aug. 1 has led to a story in Hawai‘i Tribune Herald by John Burnett, who reports the case has gone to the Prosecuting Attorney for Hawai‘i County to consider charges against the owners of the dogs.
    Bob Northrop, 71, of Ocean View, died after being attacked by four large dogs when he was walking
Bob Northrop was killed by four dogs in Ocean
View on Aug. 1. The case involving the dog
owners is being considered by County Prosecutors.
Photo from facebook
along Outrigger Drive to a friend's house.
    Burnett wrote that Northrop's ex-wife is calling for prosecutors to speed up their investigation and make charges. While the dogs that killed Northrop were turned over to Animal Control for euthanasia with ten puppies, Stephanie Northrop said that she heard that the same dogs attacked another person, before killing Northrop. She said police were called and that no one was charged. 
    Hawai‘i Tribune Herald reported that "The police investigation into Bob Northrop’s death was classified as a negligent failure to control a dangerous dog case. A Thursday call by the Tribune-Herald to county Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen wasn’t returned in time for this story. The dogs’ owners, whose names haven’t been made public, haven’t been arrested or booked on suspicion of the charges — which could be as serious as a Class B felony with a potential 10-year prison term."
  Sharon Matson, daughter of Bob Northrop, earlier told The Ka‘ū Calendar that his death seemed unreal since he was such a dog lover. She adopted her dad's puppy after he died and said the young dog has adjusted to living at her home with farm animals. 
    Matson, who is active in public service, is an aide at the County Council and is working with council members to see if the laws regarding dangerous dogs can be strengthened. She said she is shocked her father's death represents the second time the new law has been used this year alone to prosecute and investigate deadly dog attacks.
    Council member Michelle Galimba, who represents Ocean View was quoted earlier by Big Island Now concerning Northrop's death. “If the dogs had been secured in a fenced area or kennels, this would have been preventable.”
    Northrop was a school bus driver at the time of his death and also a retired county inspector and a glazier and carpenter. A Life Celebration was held at St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ocean View.


POLICE HAVE ISSUED A STATEMENT ABOUT THE EARLY MORNING WRECK that killed a Nāʻālehu woman on Sunday shutting down Highway 11, around 2 a.m., near the 83 Mile Marker, west of Ocean View.
 Responding to a call at 2:06 a.m., police investigators determined that a silver 2011 Mazda CX-9 was traveling south on the highway when it ran off the right (makai) shoulder, went down a 20-foot embankment, rolled over, and caught on fire.
Responding Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel extinguished the blaze at which time a female body was located within the vehicle. The woman, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 8:32 a.m.
Police said they believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash. The driver was not wearing her seatbelt. She has not been positively identified, pending the notification of next of kin.
Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.



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