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Sunday, January 28, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 28, 2024

ʻAlalā, endangered Hawaiian crows, raised in captivity in Volcano and on Maui, will be
released into the wild, this time on Maui, following an earlier release on this island when
they were attacked, some killed by another native bird, the Hawaiian hawk. Photo from DLNR
 SOME OF THE ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN CROWS, RAISED IN CAPTIVITY IN VOLCANO, will be flown to Maui for release by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service onto forest reserve lands. The ʻAlalā - native Hawaiian crows - are extinct in the wild. An earlier species re-introduction project on Hawai‘i Island was halted, largely because the native Hawaiian hawk (‘io), their natural predator, was preying on the birds.          While ʻalalā were last known to exist on Hawai‘i Island there is subfossil evidence of a Corvid (crow family) species on both Maui and Moloka‘i.

    For Maui releases, the state Department of Land & Natural Resources and U.S. Forest & Wildlife Service identified the project area through a collaborative process that evaluated eight sites on Maui and Moloka‘i. Since Maui Nui does not have a breeding population of ‘Io, researchers are hopeful releasing ʻalalā on Maui will be successful.
ʻAlalā chick being fed by a look-alike, substitute ʻAlalā mom in a captive breeding facility. Photo from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
    The agencies prepared a joint Environmental Assessment to address any impacts of pilot releases of ʻalalā. The assessment focused on the two highest-ranking sites, Kīpahulu Forest Reserve and Ko‘olau Forest Reserve. Project areas include a radius of 2.4 miles surrounding release sites, which is the maximum distance ʻalalā are expected to travel based on the previous Hawai‘i Island releases.
    In its submittal to the Board of Land & Natural Resources, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife indicated the preferred alternative is to release ʻalalā in the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve for the first release effort to minimize potential impacts to rare snails and other native species. The environmental analysis also addressed potential impacts to other threatened and endangered plants and animals, to cultural, recreational and wilderness resources, and to public health and safety, air quality, climate change, and environmental justice.
    The interdisciplinary team consulted with scientific experts and environmental partners from DLNR, USFWS, the National Park Service, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Released birds will come from the captive population of 120 birds. The birds are housed at two conservation breeding facilities managed by SDZWA on Maui and Hawaiʻi Islands.
    DOFAW representatives told board members that after reviewing the final EA, they agree that a “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” justifies the pilot release of ʻalalā in east Maui.
    BLNR voted unanimously to approve the plan. No date for releases has been set.

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ADDING A $25 FEE TO TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TAXES already charged by the state and county would raise money for state Department of Land & Natural Resources to deal with climate change, according to a proposed bill from Gov. Josh Green before the Hawai'i Legislature. 
    Green said the money would be used to protect beaches, parks and natural treasures from extreme weather, without hiking taxes and fees on Hawai'i residents. He said the fee could bring in $68 million a year to the state.
    Other proposals from legislatures would also add taxes to visitor accommodations, including raising the TAT by a percentage point.

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COFFEE EDUCATION AT NOON ON TUESDAYS will be offered via zoom with live questions by University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources' Agricultural Extension Service. Here is the schedule:
  • Jan. 30 - Using Priaxor for CLR Management: Chemistry Review and Best Usage Guidelines w/ Mike Ravalin of BASF
    Feb. 6 - NO Presentation w/ Q&A scheduled
    Feb. 13 - Coffee leaf rust research updates and pesticides registered in coffee w/ Julie Coughlin and
    Kaʻū and Kona coffee education series is at noon on Tuesdays.
    Photo by Luis Aristizabal
    Zhang Cheng of CTAHR
    Feb. 20 - Progress on coffee breeding for CLR-resistance w/ Ming-Li Wang of HARC
    Feb. 27 - Micropropagation of coffee using somatic embryogenesis w/ Steve Starnes of UH Hilo
    Mar. 5 - Optimizing location-specific pesticide applications for Coffee Berry Borer on Hawai'i Island w/ Melissa Johnson of USDA ARS DKI PBARC
    Mar. 12 - Coffee Leaf Rust in Puerto Rico: Patterns and Pathogens w/ Paul Bayman of Univ. of Puerto Rico
    Mar. 19 - Black twig borer w/ Rob Curtiss of Washington State University and Bob Smith of Smith Farms
    Mar. 26 - Management Tools for Kona Coffee Root-knot Nematode w/ Roxana Myers of USDA ARS DKI PBARC
    Apr. 2 - Field trials controlling the coffee leaf rust infection by using fungicides in commercial coffee farms in Hawai'i w/ Luis Aristizabal of SHAC
    Apr. 23 - Field pesticide and fertilizer trials and leaf disc assays w/ Lisa Keith of USDA PBARC
    Apr. 30 - Coffee germplasm and update on the cupping of rust resistant varieties w/ Tracie Matsumoto of USDA PBARC,
       The pre-recorded presentations will be hosted at the Kona Extension YouTube account and will be played at 12:00 pm on Zoom during the Tuesday webinars. A live online Q&A with the presenter(s) will take place after the presentation. Topics, presenters, and presentation titles are subject to change and will be updated at https://www.hawaiicoffeeed.com/coffeewebinars.html.
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SOME 200 SMALL EARTHQUAKES REGISTERED AT KĪLAUEA VOLCANO on Saturday with
fewer on Sunday. The quakes continue to indicate repressurization of the summit magma reservoir, according to reports from USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, The increase in pressure began when the latest eruption ended last September.
    The heightened seismicity remains in the south caldera area. The tiltmeter near Sand Hill indicated Sunday morning an ongoing inflationary deformation. A tiltmeter near Uēkahuna bluff also responded to Saturday’s events, but to a lesser degree, as this instrument is not as sensitive to south caldera changes, reports USGS.

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Saturday, January 27, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 27, 2024

Guinea grass, haole koa and other invasive plants and trees could become fertilizer. U.S. Department of
Energy has invested in the idea. Photo from Simonpietri Enterprises

INVASIVE PLANTS CAN BE TURNED INTO FERTILIZER, according to the group ramping up to use guinea grass, haole koa and other invasives to make it. U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded Simonpietri Enterprises, LLC a $206,500 grant to conduct research on producing organic fertilizer from locally-sourced green waste and wildfire-prone invasive plant biomass.
    The project also includes the possibility of producing renewable energy to displace imported fossil fuel inputs, said Joelle Simonpietri, creator of the venture. She said construction and demolition debris and other organic waste can be diverted from landfilling and burning to make to make renewable energy, organic fertilizer, recycled-material building products, and other circular economy products.    
    She said her company has partnered with University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture, native Hawaiian plant nursery and landscape restoration organization Hui Ku Maoli Ola, and the Energy and Environmental Research Center of North Dakota.
    Phase I research took invasive guinea grass from a wildfire prevention project of Hui Ku Maoli Ola, and converted it to biochar and syngas for energy and fertilizer production at the U.S. DOE's National Center

for Hydrogen Technology™ gasification pilot laboratory at the North Dakota EERC. The nutrient products will next be tested in crop trials at U.H. Tropical Agriculture's Waimanalo and Pearl City research stations as a soil amendment and slow-release fertilizer ingredient.
    "We all need a way to bring more resources to landscape restoration and fire prevention in Hawai'i," said Hui Ku Maoli co-owner Matt Kapaliku Schirman. Hui Ku plans to test Simonpietri's organic fertilizer product for its seedlings at its native Hawaiian plant nursery.
    "This competitive DOE low-greenhouse gas fertilizer research award demonstrates the strength and timeliness of Simonpietri Enterprises' vision for sustainable agriculture and clean energy in Hawaii," says a statement from the company, noting its commitment to the "transition to a regenerative local economy that benefits all of Hawai'i's communities."


Kaʻū Aikikai Club in Ocean View, on Thursday, hosted Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, 7th Dan, a high level aikido
instructor. He is in back row, fourth from right. Photo by Cheryl Cuevas

HIGH LEVEL AIKIDO INSTRUCTION CAME TO OCEAN VIEW on Thursday, with Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan, 7th Dan, of Boulder Akikai and Aikido Shimbokai. Ocean View Sensei Jim Carter and his students at Kaʻū Akikai Dojo invited three others from Kaʻū to join in the training. Shihan has been in Kona teaching a winter Aikido Camp. Aikido is also taught at Pāhala Hongwanji by Sensei Gabriel Cuevas.


O KAʻŪ KAKOU AND KAʻŪ HIGH REMIND STUDENTS OF SCHOLARSHIP MENTORING available for free. "Millions of dollars of scholarship money go unclaimed each year - mostly due to a lack of applications from qualified college students," says statement from the mentors. "Scholarships are free money, tax free, and don't have to be repaid."
    Many scholarships cover educational expenses beyond tuition such as books, housing and meals.
    A committee has been created this year to assist students in successfully locating, researching and applying for college scholarships. A team of adult volunteer mentors in the Kaʻū District is available to work with students who need help, encouragement and support in receiving scholarship money.
    Mentors assist students with online research of available scholarships, help students keep organized, review applications for completeness and grammar, not miss deadlines and proof read applications, essays and other submissions.
    This service is free to any high school senior living in the Kaʻū District. For more information and to sign up with a scholarship mentor, contact the committee at okaukakou.org.scholarship@gmail.com or contact Kaʻū High School Counselor Regina Blanchard-Walker.

Deadline to apply for Rotary scholarship is Feb. 1.
Photo from Rotary Club of Volcano

ROTARY CLUB OF VOLCANO REMINDS STUDENTS OF THE $5,000 SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE ON FEB. 1 for high school seniors going on to a four year college. A $2,000 scholarship will go to a senior going on to a two year college or vocational school. Applications for the $5,000 scholarship are due Feb.1 and the students must show academic achievement, community participation and financial need. Applicants must also attend an interview with Rotarians. The $2,000 scholarship applications are due April, with similar requirements. Those interested can email office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org or contact Alita Gandy at alida608@gmail.com.

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Friday, January 26, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 26, 2024

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is heavily promoted in social media and through travel publications, including Travel & Leisure,
which published this photo. Decisions are soon to be made by the Planning Commission regarding proposals for more accommodations and commercial enterprise at Punalu'u. Photo from Travel & Leisure 

A NOMINEE FOR THE WINDWARD PLANNING COMMISSION is sought by Mayor Mitch Roth. The person selected could vote for or against one of the ongoing considerations - proposal for a Special Management Area permit for various accommodations and commercial enterprises in the old Sea
Mountain Resort and Punalu'u Black Sand beach area.
    The position on the Planning Commission is for N. Hilo - Hamakua and was formerly held by John Cross, who worked for many years in Kaʻū. The Commissioner for Kaʻū is Louis Danielle, manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill. He succeeded John Replogle, who has worked and volunteers for land and ocean conservation programs.
    Holders of the seven Planning Commission seats vote on issues concerning each others districts,
including zoning changes, variances, approval of Special Management Area permits and other matters.

    The Planning Commission is advised by the Hawai'i County General Plan, Kaʻū Community Development Plan and its Action Committee, the Planning Department and the public through written comments and public hearings and meetings. It is also informed by submissions and interaction with those proposing developments.
     A county statement on Friday said the Mayor seeks qualified candidates to fill critical positions on various Boards and Commissions in the County of Hawaiʻi. "These civic bodies play a crucial role in shaping the future of Hawaiʻi Island, and the Mayor invites individuals with the necessary skills, expertise, and commitment to public service to apply."     
    Other commissions where nominees are sought are Board of Appeals, Merit Appeals Board, and Cultural Resources Commission.
    A statement from the Mayor's office says, "These bodies play a vital role in ensuring our communities' responsible and sustainable development, protecting cultural resources, and upholding the highest standards in planning and appeals processes." 
    The Mayor said, "Our Boards and Commissions are the backbone of effective governance, and we seek individuals with a passion for public service and a commitment to the betterment of our County. Your input and expertise will contribute to the growth and prosperity of our communities."
    Qualified individuals interested in serving on these Boards and Commissions are invited to apply. "Applicants should possess a solid commitment to the community, relevant expertise, and a willingness to dedicate their time to public service."
    For further information or inquiries, contact Pomai Bartolome at pomaikai.bartolome@hawaiicounty.gov or apply online at Boards & Commissions Application - Mayor | Hawaii County, HI.


WALKSTARS - WALKING FOR FITNESS BEGINS in March with Herkes Kaʻū District Gym and Pāhala Senior Center in partnership with Hawai'i island-based health promotion nonprofit organization Vivawell.org. Vivawell will hold an information session on the Walkstars program Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. at Pāhala Community Center. 
    Walkstars- Walking for Fitness Program will be held Fridays 9:15-10:15 a.m. at Herkes Kaʻū District Gym beginning March 1.
    According to Vivawell, the program helps participants gain the most health benefits from a regular walking habit. Walkers will learn how to add time, frequency and intensity to their walks as well as set goals, monitor progress, and have fun with different walking tools and equipment. The program consists of ten, one-hour sessions with a warm up, walking workout, and weekly health education topics led by a board certified health coach and personal trainer.  
    Each session will build on previous information and skills. A statement from Vivawell encourages participants to attend as many classes as possible. Walking for Fitness is a free program open to adults with donations accepted. Participants can register for the program at Kaʻū District Gym, Pāhala Community Center or online at vivawell.org.
    Vivawell launched the Walkstars Program in 2023 in partnership with the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo and Hawai'i County Elderly Recreation Services. With grant funding from the Hawai'i Community Foundation, the program is expanding to Kaʻū and Puna in 2024. Vivawell is a 501c3 nonprofit organization offering community based programs to prevent chronic health conditions through diet, exercise, stress reduction, social connection, and health-supporting environments.


Matthew Koi
MATTHEW KOI, OF NA'ALEHU, IS SOUGHT BY HAWAI'I ISLAND police, who are requesting the public’s assistance. The 20-year old is wanted for an outstanding bench warrant and also for questioning in two other criminal investigations. He is described as being 5-foot 9-inches tall, 155 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Koi is known to frequent the Naalehu town area.    
     Hawai‘i Police Department announced it "would also like to inform the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or concealed the wanted person."
   Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Koi can contact Detective Donovan Kohara at 808-960-3118 or donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. Also contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency number at 808-935-3311.
    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION will be held between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 in Hilo at Waiākea High School Parking Lot B (entry via Po'okela Parkway, upper driveway off W. Kāwili Street).
    Another Hazardous Waste Collection will be in Kona on Saturday, Feb. 10 at West Hawai'i Civic Center Parking Lot (entry via 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway).
    County Department of Environmental Management states that it "holds these regular collection events, at no charge to the public, so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects both public health and the environment."
    Acceptable household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and pesticides. For a more complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste, visit https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. The website includes information on solid waste diversion and recycling.
    These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, or farm wastes are prohibited by law. No latex paint, no electronic waste, and no tires will be accepted.
    Rules have been set for public safety and the safety of the staff conducting these events:
- Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.
- Prior to arriving at the event, place your HHW items in your trunk or truck bed. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don't have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that you place your materials in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.
- All containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you want to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe disposable container prior to the event.
- Please label your HHW items (if possible) and make sure that your HHW items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.
- If you are under quarantine, feeling ill or showing symptoms of illness, please consider postponing your participation in our event or designate someone else to drop off your materials.
    With questions, contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8554, or email recycle3@hawaiicounty.gov.



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