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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association played a major role in coordinating COVID vaccinations during the pandemic. The organization invites the public to its 25th anniversary this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Founded
by Jessie Marques, it is known for health education, research and health delivery efforts. See more below.
A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU SEWER PLAN will be held this Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center.
    The county Department of Environmental Management has updated the status of its large capacity cesspool closure projects on its website, https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management/pahala-naalehu/. The county encourages those affected to bookmark this site and view updates on Nāʻālehu and Pahala that are posted at least once a month. "The projects have similar milestones but are on separate timelines, so it's important not to get mixed up on which meeting is for what purpose." says the county statement.
    For Nāʻālehu, those who own a property in the affected area have received meeting notices along with wastewater treatment preference survey forms on green paper. The purpose of the Nāʻālehu meeting is to review the Preliminary Engineering Report and also collect input for the Nāʻālehu Draft Environmental Impact Document, which is still under development. The public is invited to bring up questions and engage with the county in a robust discussion. "We will be collecting your surveys at this meeting if you feel you have enough information to make your decision."
    Write comments to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov with the subject line Nāʻālehu EID.”
    A statement on Wednesday from the County says, "In compliance with the federal consent order, the
County is engaging with the public to solicit feedback on the options explored in the Preliminary Engineering Report in preparation for the Draft Environmental Information Document. In late October 2023, public preference surveys to gather input on the four feasible options were mailed out to 194 lot owners in the LCC closure area." The Final Environmental Information Document is due to the EPA on October 22, 2024. The final deadline for the County to close the large-capacity cesspools is Dec. 31, 2027.

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.

FOR PĀHALA, THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FOR ITS NEW SEWER system has just been released and public comment is open until December 22. A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Pāhala Community Center.
    See the draft https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=126647&cr=1. Paper copies are being placed at the Pāhala Public & School Library. Write comments to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov with the subject line "Pāhala EID".”
     The meeting will be held to answer questions, to gather the final surveys (on blue paper) sent to owners and all additional comments on the Draft EID. The Final EID will be released in early 2024.
Recordings of the meetings will be posted to https://www.youtube.com/@cohenvironmentalmanagement within a day or two as technology permits.
    The statement released Wednesday from the county says, "In compliance with the federal consent order, the County has released a Draft Environmental Information Document (Draft EID) for public review and comment. The Draft EID explores environmental impacts for each of the four feasible options. All options remain under consideration. Surveys were mailed out to 174 lot owners in the LCC closure area. The
County urges maximum public input and return of the completed surveys as the Final EID is anticipated to identify a preferred option."
    The Final EID is due to be submitted to EPA by January 27, 2024. The final deadline for the County to close the large-capacity cesspools is July 21, 2026.
      Slides from a meeting in August on Nāʻālehu and Pāhala plans are available at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/docView.aspx?dbid=1&id=125446&cr=1     
    The next district-wide semi-annual public informational outreach meeting will be scheduled in February 2024.


UTILITY SCAM AWARENESS DAY is the announcement from Hawaiian Electric regarding Wednesday, Nov. 15. The statement says "‘Tis the season for scammers to prey on utility customers" and that Hawaiian Electric wants to remind customers that it doesn’t accept payment via cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards or money transfer.
    "Utility scams tend to increase over the busy holidays and in the aftermath of disasters. In some recent cases, customers were told they would have their electric service shut off immediately unless they went to a Bitcoin kiosk to make a payment. Last month, a scammer mimicked Hawaiian Electric’s customer service caller ID and contacted an Oʻahu business. The caller told the customer his account was ‘past due,’ and service would be disconnected within two hours unless he paid $1,400 in Bitcoin. The caller directed
the customer to a nearby gas station and gave him step-by-step instructions to ʻpay his bill’ by depositing cash into a Bitcoin machine. The customer fed $500 into the machine and told the caller that was all he had. When the same man called back a half hour later demanding more money, the customer contacted Hawaiian Electric.
     “No one wants to be without electricity, especially over the holidays, and scammers use the threat of disconnection to strike fear in our customers,” said Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service. “If you get a call, text, email or letter demanding immediate payment by Bitcoin, gift cards, money transfer or prepaid debit cards, it’s a scam.”
    For fraud awareness tips, visit hawaiianelectric.com/stopscams. To report suspicious activity, go to hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud. Hawaiian Electric offers the following tips:
• If a caller says your account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
• If someone from ‘Hawaiian Electric’ contacts you and demands immediate payment by methods not listed at hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions, it’s a scam. – more – Hawaiian Electric customers urged to
be on alert for scams during the busy holiday season.
• If the caller asks to meet you in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
• If you receive an email urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment to pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
• If someone shows up at your home or place of business claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric, ensure that the person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle, and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call customer service.


HAWAI‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED ADVICE ON PROTECTION FROM HOLIDAY SCAMS AND FRAUDS in a statement issued Wednesday. "With the holiday shopping season getting underway, Hawai‘i Island police are offering shopping and mail safety tips to prevent Hawai‘i Island residents from being victimized."
Mail Safety Tips:
    Install locked mailboxes at your residence to deter theft of incoming mail.
    Drop off outgoing mail at a secure United States Postal Service drop box, or post office.
    Opt for delivery alerts via text or email from the company you ordered from, so your package won’t be sitting on your doorstep for an extended period.
    If possible, install and use a door camera to help deter thieves and provide video surveillance to police should you fall victim to a porch pirate.
Stay Safe While Shopping
    Keep your purse or handbag with you at all times.
    Leaving handbags or purses unattended in shopping carts, even for only a few seconds, can provide thieves an opportunity to steal your handbag and its contents. Shoppers should maintain their bag on their person, with the strap placed over their shoulder and the bag positioned on the opposing side and with the enclosures zippered or snapped closed.
    Remain vigilant of your surroundings and activities when out shopping. This also applies when shoppers are transferring items from their shopping cart to their vehicle. If you plan to do more shopping, it is a good practice to conceal your purchases in your vehicle so it doesn’t draw the attention of would-be thieves.
    Make sure you always secure your vehicle, do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and whenever possible, park in well-lit areas.
ATM Safety
    While using an ATM to withdraw money or make deposits, make sure you conceal your PIN (personal identification number), as well as use your body to conceal your screen activities.
    When at an ATM machine, immediately place your cash withdrawal in your bag, wallet, or pocket prior to leaving the ATM. Many ATMs have mirrors that allow users to see individuals behind them and it’s suggested that you use them while using the ATM. 
    Always be aware of your surroundings. If you witness suspicious activity or may have been a victim of theft or fraud, report it immediately by calling the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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












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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

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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.

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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.
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