Kaʻū News Briefs Feb. 6, 2024

A mission of the U.S. Coast Guard during humpback whale season in Hawai‘i is to protect them while
they are living in local waters, giving birth, nursing young and breeding. Photo from U.S. Coast Guard

Lt. Cmdr. Nic Iannarone, chief of enforcement for the U.S.
Coast Guard in Hawai‘i, focuses on protecting whales
through March 31 in Hawaiian waters.

OPERATION KOHOLĀ GUARDIAN IS UNDERWAY through March 31 with the U.S. Coast Guard partnering with NOAA Office of Law Enforcement and state Division of Conservation & Resource Enforcement. The aim is reduce risk to humpback whales in Hawaiian waters.
    A Coast Guard statement says that "Operation Koholā Guardians is a focused mission that occurs during peak whale season, from January to March, that was designed to monitor and protect humpback whales, enforce humpback whale regulations, provide outreach and education to the community, and respond to distressed whales."
    Thousands of humpback whales seasonally use the waters around the Hawaiian Islands as their principal breeding and calving wintering grounds. Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is one of 15 National Marine Sanctuaries designated as special areas set aside for long-term protection and conservation and provides extremely important habitat for humpback whales.
    Mariners and visitors are reminded that the following activities are prohibited and unlawful:
    A vessel, individual, or drone approaching within 100 yards of any humpback whale.
    Operating an aircraft within 1,000 feet of any humpback whale, except as necessary for takeoff or landing from an airport or runway.

    Harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing, or any attempt to do any of these actions, of any humpback whale in the sanctuary.
    “Operation Koholā Guardian is a shining example of how the Coast Guard, alongside our invaluable partners at NOAA and the Hawai'i Division of Conservation & Resource Enforcement, effectively safeguard the fragile marine ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nic Iannarone,  chief of enforcement at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Through collaborative efforts, shared intelligence, and coordinated patrols, we ensure the safety of protected and iconic species like humpback whales, while simultaneously fostering responsible practices amongst ocean users. This collaborative approach is not only crucial for enforcing regulations but also for educating the public and fostering an appreciation for the delicate balance of our marine environment."
    Those who see a violation or are involved in a collision with a whale, call the NOAA Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. If a phone call is not possible, hail the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

A partnership between U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA and DOCARE protects humpback whales this season in Hawai'i.
Photo from U.S. Coast Guard

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ROBBING KAHUKU GIFTS & GARDEN SHOP IN OCEAN VIEW NETTED THE MAX, 15 YEARS IN PRISON for 21-year-old Derick Camacho of Captain Cook. Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced on Tuesday that the prison term is related to robbery, burglary, and unlawful imprisonment on July 20, 2023.     

    The gift shop owner responded to the burglary after being notified by an alarm. Camacho, while wearing a ski mask-type cover over his face, assaulted, threatened, and bound the shop owner’s hands and feet with tape. 

Derrick Camacho received the maximum sentence of 15
years for robbery and tying up the owner of Kahuku 
Gift & Garden Shop. Photo from County Prosecutor

    Police, responding to the scene, contacted Camacho and were able to compel him to release the shop owner by deploying conducted energy weapons (tasers) before placing him under arrest.

    The case was initiated by Kaʻū Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Cacique Melendez with assistance from Detective Len Hamakado, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Detective Cacique Melendez with assistance from Detective Len Hamakado, Area II Criminal Investigation Section, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chase Murray.  

    On Nov. 20, 2023, Camacho appeared in Kona Circuit Court where he entered No Contest pleas to charges of Robbery in the Second Degree, Burglary in the Second Degree, and Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree. On Monday, Camacho was sentenced to serve a ten-year prison term for the robbery and five-year prison terms for both the burglary and unlawful imprisonment offenses. The Court ordered that the robbery and unlawful imprisonment offenses be served consecutively for a total of fifteen years.                

    Robbery in the Second Degree is a class B felony offense punishable by a maximum penalty of a ten-year prison term. Both Burglary in the Second Degree and Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree are class C felony offenses punishable by a maximum penalty of a five-year prison term. 

    “This sentence reaffirms our Office’s commitment to hold violent offenders accountable and protect our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen. “We hope that this result provides closure to the victim and his family and a sense that justice was served.” 

    The statement from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney says its team "remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. 

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OVERCROWDING AT HAWAI‘I COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL CENTER is the subject of a graphic

and statistics released Tuesday evening by the Hawai‘i County Prosecuting Attorney. The statement says that the graphic illustrates "the current overcrowding situation at the Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center in Hilo. HCCC is the primary correctional facility on Hawai‘i Island where most pre-trial and sentenced felons are housed."
    Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen said, “Our Office shares in our community’s concern regarding the unwarranted release of individuals facing serious felony charges. Nevertheless, judges often times refer to HCCC’s overcrowding as the basis to release offenders over prosecutors’ objections. This practice does not promote trust and confidence in our criminal justice system, instead creating doubts, fear, and concerns for public safety. Hawai‘i Island is in dire need of new and improved correctional facilities with the infrastructure to both house serious offenders and accommodate rehabilitative care and treatment, social services, cultural education, and reintegration assistance for incarcerated individuals to reduce recidivism and promote public safety.”
    According to the State of Hawai‘i, Department of Public Safety’s website, HCCC is a 226-bed facility

County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen

located on two sites. The primary facility is situated on three acres in downtown Hilo. HCCC’s reintegration program, Hale Nani, is located five miles away in Panaewa. Hale Nani offers offenders reintegration services and a work release program for sentenced inmates who will be released on Hawai‘i Island. 

    HCCC also contracts transitional community residential program services for female offenders. Work opportunities are available through in-facility worklines and Correctional Industries. Inmates are also able to participate in community service worklines for county, state, and non-profit organizations.
    For more information on HCCC, the Corrections Division, and Hawai‘i's other correctional facilities, visit: https://dps.hawaii.gov/about/divisions/corrections/
#hawaiiprosecutors #buildcommunity #ourcommunity #corrections #publicsafety #hccc #hilo #kona #bigisland #hawaiiisland #ourcounty #hawaiicounty

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THE UNNAMED SCHOOL THAT DREW POLICE TO ITS CAMPUS on Tuesday was neither in Volcano nor Kaʻū, according to social media reports that revealed the location of the scene as Hilo High School. 

    Hawai‘i Police Department released the following report without the name of the school: 

    "Hawai‘i Island Police were summoned to a local high school today, February 6, 2024, following

reports of a potential altercation that was to take place on the school campus. Police arrived at the school during recess hours to provide presence and prevent any altercation from taking place.
    "At about 9:30 a.m., a verbal altercation took place while police and school staff were present. School staff and police noted that the altercation quickly turned physical, and took action to stop the altercation from escalating, but during a potential brawl between two students, a police officer collided with a 51-year-old female administrator who was knocked to the ground while trying to separate the two students. The administrator did not receive any injuries, was treated at the hospital as a precaution, and was later released. The involved students were suspended from school.
    "In all, five students received suspension days in accordance with the Department of Education Chapter 19 Rules of Conduct.
    "The incident was captured on various cellular devices and posted to social media outlets, quickly popularizing and overplaying the incident with police and the school administrator, indicating that she was injured and is in critical condition. This is completely false.
    "Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Quiocho credited the school resource officer at the school for being there and in a position to get additional resources to quell the incident early on. Quiocho said 'it was disappointing to see the social media posts. The posts take away from the seriousness of what is occurring in our schools, and it is hopeful that the public will look at the incident and not believe everything they see and read on social media without supporting facts. This incident was serious and it was more alarming that this kind of altercation takes place in our schools.'”
    The HPD statement said that police "will continue to monitor any further potential incidents and take preventive measures to stop similar incidents from occurring. This particular incident demonstrates how imperative it is in our school system that we have school resource officers present and available as they are vital to the safety of our children in our schools."

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The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail. 2,500 on the streets.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Feb.5, 2024

All three Trojan wrestlers were successful at the Kea‘au Tournament on Saturday, as they compete towards qualification for
the state finals. Above, La‘akea Kajiwara Ke worked a double chicken wing for the pin against Konawaena. See details below.  
Photo by Coach Ray Mazyck

THE OLD PETER LEE'S ROAD BETWEEN PĀHALA AND VOLCANO may be the reason for a concrete monument marked Aug 1887. It can be seen across from the original Volcano House on Crater Rim Trail, says a posting from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    The Park posts that "Speculation suggests it may commemorate Peter Lee's Road, constructed in the 1800s to connect Pāhala to the Volcano House, intersecting with the old Hilo Road. Peter Lee, an

Historic black and white photograph of a person in the foreground carrying plates that were used

in photographing the scenery. Behind the person stands a concrete monument on a small hill.

The monument may be for the old Peter Lee's Road between Pāhala and Volcano House.

NPS photo by Townsend

immigrant from Norway, played a pivotal role in early tourism in Hawaiʻi. Lee served as the popular manager of the Volcano House Hotel from 1891 to 1898 and later established the Crater Hotel in Volcano. The completion date is estimated from a Volcano House register entry in October 1888, documenting the first visitor's journey by 'wheeled conveyance' to the volcano.
    "During recent preservation of the monument, initials 'G.W.' emerged on the monument's southwest side, raising questions about its origin. The link to Samuel Gardner Wilder of Wilder Steamship Co., a key player in bringing early tourists to the volcano, adds a layer to its history."

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Exchange students from Nakaminato, Japan are visiting students and families of Kaʻū High. Photo by Jen Makuakane

The last time exchange students from Japan were hosted at
Kaʻū High was in 2020 before the  pandemic. New students are
 back from Nakaminato High School, hosted by local families.
Photo by Jen Makuakane

EXCHANGE STUDENTS FROM NAKAMINATO HIGH SCHOOL, JAPAN are welcomed into the Kaʻū High School community with co-sponsors ‘O Kaʻū Kakou and host families taking them into their homes. The students from Nakaminato High School, located in Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture, are in Kaʻū from Feb. 4-12, immersed with local students and families.
    Host home family sponsors are Kaʻū High coordinator Aina Akamu, along with Breeann Ebanez, Keone and Jennifer Grace, Wayne and Nora Kawachi, Mike and Kayoko Munnerlyn and Cyrus and Myra Sumida.
    Students are led by the Nakaminato High school Sensei Masato Naritomi, who has been the overseas travel coordinator and teacher in charge since the Sister School relationship began in 2018. Traveling with the group is school business teacher Kenta Abe, on his first visit to Hawai'i.

    The students are boys Sena Nukagawa, Takumi Terunuma, Yusei Iyo, and girl Kune Nambu.

June Domondon of OKK and ‘Āina Akamu teach lei-making
to exchange students during a welcome dinner on Monday.
Photo by Julia Neal

    A Sister School Agreement between Kaʻū and Nakaminato says the schools will "contribute to a friendly relationship between the United States of America and Japan. Both schools will continue to exchange materials such as letters, works of students and photographs, or anything that promotes mutual understanding. Both schools will continue to communicate with each other and make further efforts to bring about the development and happiness of both schools. Both schools will make efforts to strengthen the ties of friendship through mutual visiting of teachers, students, and parents if they have a chance to do so."

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Ocean Nihipali-Sesson, squeezing a pin against Kamehameha. He won his two matches on Saturday at the Kea'au tournament.
Photo by Coach Ray Mazyck

THE TROJAN WRESTLING TEAM performed well in the Kea‘au tournament last Saturday. Coach Ray Mazyck said, "Each one of the three wrestlers had an excellent day, showing just how much they’ve grown."
    Seniors Ocean Nihipali-Sesson and Laakea Kajiwara-Ke represented the Trojan Boys team, and Junior Rain Nihipali-Sesson represented the Trojan Girls. Rain won both of her matches by pin in the first round, making quick work of her opponents from Connections and Konawaena High Schools, taking 1st place in her bracket. 

    Ocean won his two matches by pin as well, one in the first round against Kamehameha and the other coming in the final seconds of the match against Kea‘au. He ultimately had to medical forfeit his finals match due to an elbow strain and defaulted for second place. 

     Kajiwara-Ke took third in his bracket, beating his first opponent from Hilo by a pin in the second round. He then lost a tough semi-final match to Kamehameha, then wrestled hard in his next match against Konawaena in which he won by pin securing third place in the tournament. 

    Trojan Wrestling has two more regular season tournaments left, both at Konawaena. Saturday, Feb. 10 is the Konawaena tournament. Saturday, Feb. 17 is the BIIF Championship. A fifth place or better finish at the BIIF Championship will qualify the wrestler for the State Tournament on O‘ahu. Trojan wrestlers come from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences and Kaʻū High.

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Sommer Tokihuro is new Director of
Human Services for Hawai'i County.

SOMMER TOKIHURO IS THE FINAL CHOICE FOR DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES AT HAWAI‘I COUNTY. She assumed the position in November, following the departure of Waylen Leopoldino on June 30, 2023. The Merit Appeals Board, responsible for the recruitment process, conducted an internal search within the County of Hawaiʻi, ensuring a comprehensive and fair selection process. Mayor Mitch Roth made the final appointment.
    Roth said Tokihiro brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. Before being appointed Director, she served as HR Manager II in the Workers' Compensation Division of the County of Hawaiʻi's Department of Human Resources from April 2019 to November 2023. In this capacity, Tokihiro administered the County's self-insured workers' compensation program, demonstrating her commitment to employee well-being and organizational efficiency, said the statement from the Mayor's office... 
    "Her extensive background in case management, demonstrated during her tenure as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with Case Management Works – Hawai‘i, Inc., from October 2012 to March 2017, aligns seamlessly with the goals and responsibilities of the Director of Human Resources position. In that role, Tokihiro assisted individuals in returning to work following work-related injuries, showcasing her

supportive and empathic approach to employee relations. Gabriella Cabanas, Chair of the Merit Appeals Board, expressed enthusiasm about Tokihiro's selection, stating, "With her background in Human Resources and her expertise in case management, the Merit Appeals Board is pleased to announce her selection as she moves the County's Human Resources program forward."
     Tokihiro holds a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University and a Bachelor's Degree in History from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. Additionally, she is a SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).
    "Since her appointment, Director Tokihiro and I have worked closely to advance the County's Human Resources program to ensure a positive and productive work environment for all our hardworking employees," said the Mayor. "We both strongly believe in investing in our employees to help build stronger and more resilient communities. At the heart of that investment is aloha – which Sommer has plenty of. A special mahalo to all on our Merrit Appeals Board who worked diligently throughout the months-long candidate selection process."

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HAWAI'I KEIKI RODEO has received praise from the Hawai‘i Police Activities League (HI-PAL). The org issued a statement congratulating the 250 keiki, ages five to 17, who participated in the Hawaii Keiki Rodeo Association competition on Saturday, Jan. 20 at Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center. Organized by the Hawai‘i Keiki Rodeo Association, this event was part of the qualifying rounds for the upcoming Hawai‘i Keiki Rodeo Championships on Saturday, April 13.

HI-PAL completed a Keiki Rodeo warmup for its
championship rodeo in April. Photo from HI-PAL

    In addition to the rodeo events, Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Officers issued keiki identification cards for the children. Officers also engaged with participants, offering a casual opportunity for both kids and adults to connect with their local officers while enjoying the competition.
    The HI-PAL organization also expressed appreciation to volunteers and sponsors for their role in making the Keiki Rodeo competition a resounding success.
    HI-PAL is a program of the Hawai‘i Police Department in which police officers interact with youth in various activities as mentors. "This positive connection encourages teamwork, citizenship, and responsibility among youth. Community organizations interested in hosting a HI-PAL event in their area, can contact Hawai‘i Police Department Community Policing Officers at (808) 961-8849.
 

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The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail. 2,500 on the streets.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Feb. 4, 2024

USDA's Rural Energy for America Program will fund programs for new energy sources in rural places like Kaʻū, quarterly
through Sept. 24. See below for Hawai‘i projects already funded and how to apply. USDA photo

IRONWORKERS UNION 625 has endorsed Dr. Kimo C. Alameda in his run for Mayor of Hawai‘i County. The Alameda campaign issued a statement saying it is "the first major endorsement of the 2024 mayoral race" and "signals that the Big Island mayor's race is now in full swing as other unions and organizations consider which candidates they might support. Alameda is hopeful that he will receive additional endorsements as well."

    Alameda said, "I'm excited to earn the support of everybody who wants to bring the spirit of aloha back to County government."
    Local 625 represents almost a thousand members across the state, including many on Hawaiʻi Island, "who provide essential construction, repair, and maintenance services for critical infrastructure projects," noted the Alameda statement.
    The union endorsement statement said, "Local 625, under the leadership of Mr. T. George Paris, is proud to endorse Dr. Kimo Alameda for mayor. We know he will always put the community first, and fight for the infrastructure investments that Hawaiʻi Island needs."

    Alameda noted "Almost a hundred years ago, my grandfather was an ironworker in Hilo. Back in those days, he and his crew would build and fix all the steam engines, railroad tracks, boilers, and other machinery used on the old sugar mills. Today, Local 625 continues to keep that legacy of hard work and dedication alive. I am very proud to be supported by the amazing members of Local 625."
    See more on the Alameda campaign at www.kimoformayor.com.

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A FATAL HIT AN RUN ON HWY 11 NEAR KA‘ALU‘ALU ROAD INTERSECTION in Wai‘ōhinu early Sunday morning has led to a Hawai‘i Island police search for the driver of the unknown vehicle that hit

the pedestrian. The victim is a 25-year-old Kealakekua man, Kevin Adonay Catellanos-Rodriguez.
    Responding to a call at 3:59 a.m., police investigators determined that an unknown vehicle, possibly a pickup truck or SUV-type vehicle, struck Catellanos-Rodriguez. He was possibly in the middle of the northbound (Kona) lane. After striking the pedestrian, the unknown vehicle fled the area in an unknown direction. Catellanos-Rodriguez was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 a.m.
    Failure to render aid when a person is 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.
    The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking 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.
    This is the fifth traffic fatality this year compared to two at this time last year.

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FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS FROM KAʻŪ HIGH did well at the HOSA gathering at Hawai‘i Convention Center in Honolulu, Jan. 29-31, according to teacher and mentor Dr. Angie Miyashiro. The HOSA conference was part of the statewide Career & Technical State Organizations Conference, 

Alashae Barrios qualifies to attend the
 national HOSA convention in Houston
 this June. Photo by Dr. Angie Miyashiro

representing 45 public, private and postsecondary schools.                   

Future Health Professionals from Kaʻū High did well at the annual HOSA
state competition in Honolulu in late January. Photo from HOSA

    Miyashiro reported that Alajshae Barrios placed third, qualifying her to attend the national HOSA convention from June 26 - 29 in Houston.
    Maryline Amon came close to qualifying, coming in fifth. The other attendees from Kaʻū High who followed close behind the top two are: Anastasia Kovalik, Rojelin Capueta, Aubrey-Ann Delos Santos, Coleen Ramos, Janeea Bonoan and Nyori Soriano.
    The Career & Technical State Organization Conference serves as a forum for students from four of the five Hawai‘i CTSOs — the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Future Health Professionals (HOSA), Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and SkillsUSA — to apply their Career and Technical Education (CTE) learning in a competitive showcase.
    “The CTSO conference is the culminating event for students to take all of this knowledge that they've been learning in class, and display that in front of authentic judges,” said Daniel Addis, CTE educational specialist for the Hawai‘i State Department of Education.
    Approximately 1,700 students from across the state participated in a range of authentic, real-world competitions in areas including business and marketing, retail merchandising, drone operations, robotics, health science, emergency preparedness, engineering technology and more.                 Competitions took place at the Hawai‘i Convention Center in the form of written exams, interviews and presentations, along with team and individual challenges.           Culinary, automotive technology and carpentry competitions took place off site at Kapi‘olani Community College, Leeward Community College and the Carpenters Training Center in Kapolei.

   Community business partners were invited to judge competitions within their respective fields or industries to help ensure that the student CTE skills were in alignment with real-world industry standards.

    “We really rely on our business partnerships to make sure that we're giving the kids the skills they need to be in that career in the future,” said CTSO State Coordinator Margaret Miura.
    With leadership-building as one of the main focuses of CTSO, business partners also help to mentor and guide students looking to enter an industry.
    A statement from organizers said, "The annual conference aligns with the Department’s efforts to strengthen career and college pathways by providing relevant, real-world learning opportunities that help ensure all graduates are globally competitive. Winners of the state competitions will go on to compete in national CTSO tournaments later in the school year."
    The fifth Hawai‘i CTSO, Future Farmers of America, will host its annual statewide conference on Kaua‘i at the end of February. The Ka‘ū High FFA chapter is raising money to attend the event. To donate to Kaʻū FFA, email kaweni.ibarra@k12.hi.us or send donations to Kaʻū FFA, P.O. Box 100, Pāhala, HI 967677.

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A FARM ON THIS ISLAND WILL RECEIVE A $388,667 GRANT to install a 246-kilowatt (kW) DC solar photovoltaic system. The project, funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Energy for America Program, is estimated to generate 422,591 kilowatt hours (kWh) and replace an on-site energy usage through a net-metering agreement planned with a utility company. The location for the Hualua Farm, LLC project is in Hawi.

    USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024 for energy projects in rural places like Kaʻū. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For information on application deadlines and submission details, see page 19239 of the March 31 Federal Register. 

    On other Hawaiian Islands, there is other recent funding through REAP.

    A coffee stand and agricultural building project will receive a $23K grant for Johnny V. Enterprises in Hana, Maui.

    Moloka‘i Sea Farms will get an $80K grant to install a 29.520 kilowatt (kW) solar power system to include 72 solar panels for a shrimp farm in Kaunakakai on Moloka‘i. The system is estimated to generate 49,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and replace energy usage from a utility company to ultimately being off the grid.
    Garden Island Dental LLC will get a $28,511 grant to help Garden Island Dental LLC install a 14.4 kilowatt (kW) renewable energy solar project. The business is in Lihu‘e, Kaua‘i and will generate 20,773 kilowatt hours (kWh) for a cost savings of $9,221 annually.
    Under the current federal administration, USDA has invested more than $1.6 billion through REAP in 5,457 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements throughout the country to help rural business owners lower energy costs, generate new income and strengthen their resiliency of operations.

    Rural Energy for America Program provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. "These innovations help them increase their income, grow their

businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families," says a statement from USDA.
    For additional funding, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is investing $207 million in renewable energy and domestic fertilizer projects to lower energy bills, generate new income, create jobs, and strengthen competition for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. Many of the projects are being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis. 

     Vilsack made the announcement in late January at the 105th annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, and said the investments "will expand access to renewable energy infrastructure and increase domestic fertilizer production, all while creating good-paying jobs and saving people money on their energy costs that they can then invest back into their businesses and communities.”

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The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper, 5,000 in the mail. 2,500 on the streets.

See https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/CUHawaiiMorePossibilities2024