The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 10, 2024

Kaʻū Trojan cheerleaders, l-r, Ashlyne Bivings, Kyra-ann Jacobson-Ebanez, Talia Wirtz, Joslynn Eder, Baylee Roberts, Shanea Lei Calumpit, Rojelin Capueta, Krystal Eder, Kalia Grace, Kaydence Ebanez-Alcosiba, Chazzlyn Mukini, Jasmin Sanchez, Kayla Demler, Tia Smith, Laci Ah Yee, Hokulani Carriaga-Pascual, Vivienne Robben, Lina Kolosova and Patricia Robben.
Photo by Lilyana Haina

Head Coach Karma Hanshew (center) with Shanea Lei Calumpit and Lina
Kolosova on her left and Joslynn Eder and Krystal Eder on her right.
Photo by Sunshine Calumpit

KAʻŪ TROJAN CHEERLEADERS CAME OUT IN BIG NUMBERS THIS YEAR. Head Coach is Karma Hanshew. Assistant Coach is Jaime Kaluau. Cheer volunteer is Lilyana Haina.

The squad is comprised of Ashlyne Bivings, Kyra-ann Jacobson-Ebanez, Talia Wirtz, Joslynn Eder, Baylee Roberts, Shanea Lei Calumpit, Rojelin Capueta, Krystal Eder, Kalia Grace, Kaydence Ebanez-Alcosiba, Chazzlyn Mukini, Jasmin Sanchez, Kayla Demler, Tia Smith, Laci Ah Yee, Hokulani Carriaga-Pascual, Vivienne Robben, Lina Kolosova and Patricia Robben.

The cheerleaders will be at the next home football game on Saturday, Oct. 5, when Trojans host Kohala Cowboys at 1 p.m.

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.co m. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

FOR TROJANS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL, Pāhoa comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Sept. 11, start time 5 p.m. with JV, with varsity to follow.

Trojans take on Pāhoa on Wednesday.
Photo by Kamamalu Kauwe

Trojans go on the road to Waiākea on Friday, Sept. 13 and again to Kamehameha on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Hilo comes to Kaʻū on Thursday, Sept. 19. All start times are 5 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

Kea'au comes to Kaʻū on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Kaʻū travels to Christian Liberty on Saturday, Sept. 28 and again to LCPCS/SIS on Monday, Sept. 30. Ka Umeke comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Kaʻū travels to Hilo on Saturday, Oct. 12 and again to Pahoa on Monday, Oct. 13. Kamehameha comes to Kaʻū on Wednesday, Oct. 16, followed by Big Island Interscholastic Federation playoffs.

KAʻŪ'S PLANNING COMMISSIONER LOUIS DANIELE joined all but one commissioner last Thursday voting to turn down Special Management Area permits for two developments in a neighborhood near the ocean that is known for its tidepools, springs and recreational areas for the community. Daniele, who is Vice Chair of the Windward Planning Commission, moved to reject the projects in the Keaukaha neighborhood in Hilo.
SMA permits are required for development on many parcels near the ocean around the island. One project was planned by Tieli Wang, of Honolulu, who proposes to build a three-story, five-bedroom, 12-bath house totaling 6,008 square feet. He plans two additional houses, each 4,500 square feet with five bedrooms and eight bathrooms each.
The owner said he would move his family members from Honolulu and would use the houses for them and also for short-term and long-term rentals. The houses would be near a beach park in a low income neighborhood with a charter school in Keaukaha.

Windward Planning Commission voted to reject two developments
in a Special Management Area next to the ocean last week.

. Opposition included concern about sewage leaching into the ocean and tidepools from septic systems, as well as concerns about traffic and impact on lifestyle of the community. Some compared the proposed houses to monster homes on O'ahu. Among the opponents were members of the Keaukaha Community Association.
Daniele talked about the traffic situation in the area and said the project could be "a big mess for the community." He moved to reject the SMA after commissioner Matthyias Kusch proposed to allow it if it the houses were hooked up to the county sewer. The commission rejected the SMA permit unanimously, with one commissioner absent.
Regarding the other Keaukaha project, most of the testimony concerning a 17-unit apartment building totaling 41,600 square feet, was also negative. The plan was to hook it up to the county sewer and build "workforce" apartments with rents for two and three-bedroom units set at $2,250 to $3,000 month.
Planning Commission Chair Dennis Lin said the rent prices would be unaffordable to the community.
Daniele called for the vote to deny the SMA on the basis of traffic and wastewater concerns. The SMA permit was denied with one commissioner voting for it.

HPD ARRESTED 21 FOR DUI during the week of Sept. 2 through Sept. 8. Hawai`i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Three of the drivers were involved in a traffic accident. None of the drivers were under the age of 21.

So far this year, there have been 676 DUI arrests compared with 667 during the same period last year.

This is an increase of 1.35 percent.

Hawai'i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 684 major crashes so far this year, compared with 573 during the same time last year. This represents an increase of 19.4 percent.

To date, there were 20 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities (two of which had multiple deaths, one was reclassified as suicide, one reclassified as a medical condition, and two died at a later date), compared with 11 fatal crashes, resulting in 12 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one died at a later date) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 81.8 percent for fatal crashes and 83.3 percent for fatalities.

To date, the non-traffic fatality count so far this year is 0 compared to 0 non-traffic fatalities (not on a public roadway) for the same time last year.

HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

A FREE TIRE DISPOSAL EVENT will be held between 8 a.m. and 1p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at

Kea'au Middle School parking lot at 16-565 Kea'au-Pāhoa Rd.
County of Hawai'i Department of Environmental Management, in collaboration with the state Department of Health, Council members Matt Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder and Sue Lee Loy, and Lex Brodie's Tires, will sponsor the free residential tire collection event. "This initiative provides residents with a no-cost way to safely dispose of old tires, helping protect public health and the environment,"
Eligible tires are limited to passenger car and light truck tires or smaller. Commercial vehicle and large truck tires will not be accepted. Tires must be free of water, dirt, and other debris. Tires with rims and wheels attached will be accepted.
This event is for household-generated and self-hauled tires only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, or farm wastes are prohibited by law.
"Take advantage of this opportunity to respect and care for our ʻāina by responsibly disposing of your old tires," says the statement from the County.
Questions can be addressed to Alex White, Recycling Specialist with Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8942, or email alexander.white@hawaiicounty.gov.

September 2024, 5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the streets.

Monday, September 09, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 9, 2024

Volunteers count seabirds and can sign up for six month stints on remote Pacific atolls. USFW photo

KAʻŪ RESIDENTS VOLUNTEERED ON KUAIHELANI - MIDWAY ATOLL - IN THE PAST AND NEW volunteer applications are being accepted. The biological positions are at Midway Atoll

National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial for six-month tours of duty, usually spanning October through April and April through October. Months may vary pending flight schedule. Midway is out in the Pacific about 1,500 miles northwest of Kaʻū.
There is also the opportunity to donate funds to support the volunteers. Friends of Midway Atoll, over the last 15 years, has contributed over $80,000 in support of the annual census. These funds have purchased equipment needed for the counts, covered meal costs for all of the counters (12 to 18 people a year), plus costs for team leaders—on occasion.

This year, Friends of Midway Atoll has committed $9,000 to bird counter meals and $6,500 to be paid to offset new flight costs. Friends of Midway invites help to raise the first $3,000 by the end of September.

To volunteer, donate and learn more, see https://www.fws.gov/refuge/midway-atoll/get-involved and https://friendsofmidway.org/

Caren Loebel-Fried, of Volcano, sketches an albatross with egg on Midway. Volcano Art Center Photo by Dan Clark

The red line is the place where a road is planned within the 61,641 Kaʻū Forest Reserve to access fencing for maintenance and for firefighting. Comments are due by Oct. 8. DLNR map

CREATING ROADS IN THE KAʻŪ FOREST RESERVE AND MANUKĀ NATURAL AREA RESERVE to maintain fencing and fight wildfires is planned by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. Draft Environmental Assessments were published Sept. 8 in The Environmental Notice, posted by the state Department of Health. Public input is due on Oct. 8. The projects seek Conservation District Use Permits.

Existing fencing along forestlines protects native ecosystems. Both EA's describe the wildlife, archaeology and geography of the areas.

The red line is the place where a road is planned within the 25,550 acre
Manukā Natural Area Reserve for fenceline maintenance and firefighting.
DLNR map

Regarding the 61,641 acre, state owned Kaʻū Forest Reserve, the Draft EA says: "To gain access for the maintenance of a hooved-animal-proof fence, the Division proposes creating a road with a bulldozer. The Division is avoiding impact to sensitive ecosystems by locating the proposed activities on an area primarily composed of lava from the 1950 flow. The proposed road corridor is approximately 1.3 miles long. The road will be installed in a remote area of the Kaʻū Forest Reserve that borders Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Lengths are approximate and subject to change.
"In addition to saving time for conducting natural resource management such as invasive species control and tree planting, this road will reduce the amount of time needed to respond to emergencies like wildfires in this area."

See Kaʻū Forest Reserve EA at https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2024-09-08-HA-DEA-Kau-Forest-Reserve-Fenceline-Access-Project.pdf

Regarding the 25,550 acre, state owned Manukā Natural Area Reserve, the Draft EA says: "To gain access and clear for the construction of a hooved-animal-proof fence, the Division proposes creating a road using a bulldozer to improve access to a proposed fenceline and also serve as a firebreak. The Division is avoiding impact to sensitive ecosystems by primarily locating the proposed activities on disturbed areas or areas with low biodiversity.

"An existing bulldozed road exists for approximately 1 mile, and this project proposes to widen that existing road from 8’ to 16’ and extend that road an additional approximately 1.1 miles. The road is proposed to be situated to avoid kipuka of native vegetation as much as possible, and portions will be sited on barren lava or pioneer vegetation from relatively recent lava flows. The fenceline is approximately 2.9 miles. Lengths are approximate and subject to change."

See Manukā Natural Area Reserve EA at https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2024-09-08-HA-DEA-Manuka-Reserve-Fenceline-Clearing-and-Access-Project.pdf

https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2024-09-08- HA-DEA-Naalehu-Large-Capacity-Cesspool-Closure.pdf

A PUBLIC MEETING ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT FOR NĀ’ĀLEHU will be held on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center. The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Nāʻālehu Large Capacity Cesspool (LCC) Closure project was published in the Sept. 8 issue of the state Environmental Review Program’s The Environmental Notice. Public comments are due on the Oct.10 meeting date.
The County of Hawai'i is obligated to replace the old sugar plantation gang cesspool sewer system in Nāʻālehu. Its preferred action is a new collection system and new package wastewater treatment plant for which the County will be taking public input.

Consulting firm Wilson Okamoto Corp, which drafted the plan, reports that oral comments at the meeting and written comments received in response to this Draft EA will be considered in the preparation of the Final EA.

The DEA is available for review on the ERP Website at the following URL address:
https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2024-09-08-HA-DEA-Naalehu-Large-Capacity-Cesspool-Closure.pdf

Submit comments via email to publiccomment@wilsonokamoto.com, or written comments via mail to: Wilson Okamoto Corporation, 1907 South Beretania Street, Suite 400, Honolulu, HI 96826, Attention: Keola Cheng. With questions and requests for additional information, call Keola Cheng and Harlee Meyers at (808) 946-2277.

THE STATEWIDE HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION has announced its new board members, some of them with Kaʻū connections. HCA sponsors coffee cupping, education, legislative action, a conference and other support for Hawai'i grown Coffee.

Ala Kostenko, of A Coffee Farm, and one of the organizers of Kaʻū Coffee

Festival, is Secretary. Lora Botanova, of Big Island Coffee Roasters and formerly of Kaʻū Coffee Mill, is on the board. Roger Kaiwi, the new manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill, is on the board.

Other Kaʻū related HCA members include Lorie Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian Coffee; Genaro Martinez of MTZ Kaʻū Coffee Farms; Armando and Karina Rodrigues of Casablanca Farms LLC/Aloha Star Coffee Hawai'i LLC; and Chris Manfredi of Kaʻū Farm & Ranch.

President of Hawai'i Coffee Association is Bill Dwyer of Kona Mountain Coffee. Vice President is Fred Cowell of Kona Hills. Treasurer is Abby Munoz of Monarch Coffee in Kona. Also on the Board are Sam Schjamk of Hawai'i Coffee Co., Kimo Falconer of Hawa'i Coffee Growers Association, Dave Bateman of Heavenly Hawaiian Farms in Kona, Ryson Nakamasu of Honoulu Coffee Co., Donna Woodley of Island Sun in Kona, Bronson Yadao of Kaua'i Coffee Co., LLC, Suzanne Shriner of Kona Coffee Farmers Association, Chris Speere of Maui Coffee Association and Scott Snyder of Royal Aloha Coffee Co, based in Colorado, which franchises Bad Ass Coffee of Hawai'i shops throughout the country.

Learn about Education, News and Membership at HCA at https://hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/.

September 2024, 5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the streets.

Sunday, September 08, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Sept. 8, 2024

Families gathered in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday to move forward on establishing a Hawaiian language immersion school as Ka'ili DeLeon blows the pū during the ceremonial opening in front of Kehau Lee Hong-Mauga and Nohea Ka'awa. Photo by Julia Neal

SUPPORTERS OF A HAWAIIAN IMMERSION SCHOOL met in Wai‘ōhinu on Saturday, with almost 70 parents, educators, children and community supporters gathering outdoors on the grounds of the Shirakawa Hotel. Nohea Ka'awa and Kehau Lee Hong-Mauga led protocol and blessings with lei. Ka'ili DeLeon,

Keiki checked out Hawaiian language books and
games with Wai'ala Ahn at immersion school
event on Saturday. Photo by Cadence Feeley

who attends third grade at Ke Kula 'O Nāwahīokalani'ōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School, blew the pū for the ceremony. The group also gathered within the former Lori Lei Shirakawa Hula Studio, which is slated for the indoor venue for the program.

Many attending the event said that an Hawaiian immersion school is long overdue in Kaʻū. Leader of the mission to establish the school, called Ke Kula Nā ʻAʻaliʻi Kū Makani o Kaʻū, is Raylene A'uli Fujikawa Moses. She said the group signed a lease with the Stice 'Ohana Foundation, which owns the property and supports the mission. The next step is fundraising to support a kumu to lead the program. "As soon as we have kumu, we will start," said Moses.

The plan is to first open the place for families with newborns to five years of age to come together during the days. While the organizers are building capacity, including curriculum, licensing and staff, a Family Children Integrated Learning program can start at Wai‘ōhinu and other places.

Parents and children can come together to learn the language, 'Olelo Hawai'i. In addition to weekdays, the Wai‘ōhinu campus can be open in the evenings and weekends for outdoor and indoor education. "We want to make sure we use the place for the community," she said. "The longterm goal is to build at pre-K through 12th grade campus." Organizers are looking to eventually establish a Charter School or other entity for the Hawaiian immersion school.

Almost 70 supporters of a Hawaiian immersion school for Ka'u
made a circle Saturday on the grounds of Shirakawa Hotel, the
campus for the start of the project. Photo by Julia Neal

Moses said that the vision also includes growing kumu - teachers from within the community. "People who have some education can go back to school and we will help them so they can become kumu. Kupuna and others with Hawaiian language skills are invited to support the vision. People with other skills wanting to learn 'olelo Hawai' can join us," said Moses.

Many wanting to volunteer and work at the new immersion school came to the meeting, a number of them talking to each other in Hawaiian. One of them already providing enormous help, said Moses, is Louisa Lee, director of operations of Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo – Ke Kula Hoʻāmana ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian immersion Charter School in Keaukaha. The school donated tables and chairs to the Wai‘ōhinu effort and Lee is providing guidance in developing the program and seeking funding.

Nohea Ka'awa explains the role of the nonprofit ‘Iewe Hānau o ka ‘Āina
in starting the Hawaiian immersion school. Photo by Cadence Feeley

The Wai‘ōhinu immersion school group is looking for $60,000 to $100,000 for initial funding. A funding committee is meeting every Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Kula - the place - and interested donors, fundraisers and volunteers are welcome to stop in. ‘Iewe Hānau o ka ‘Āina is the non-profit entity for donations. Another umbrella is ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.

The group is planning an online auction in October. The old Ice House on the Shirakawa grounds may become a store to sell what is grown on the land and made by the students. Initially it will be used for yard sales and items for the auction. Community members are invited to donate items and volunteer at the store. Call Raylene A'uli Fujikawa Moses at

Leaders of the school project are Alaka'i: Raylene Auli'i Fujikawa Moses, Berkely Yoshida and Nohea Ka'awa. Advisors are Kehau Mauga and Louisa Lee. Parent Advocates are Wai'ala Ahn, Cadence Feeley and Miki Moses.

Pricilla Presley at the Hawai'i Theatre with Ginny Tiu, who starred with Elvis Presley in the film Girls!Girls! Girls! Tiu is
accompanied by family. Photo by Tim Wright

Tim Wright and Pricilla Presley

PRICILLA PRESLEY MET UP WITH TIM WRIGHT, the Ka'u High graduate '77 and news photographer, to cover for People Magazine the 102nd Celebration of Hawai'i Theatre in Honolulu. Wright said guests at the 102nd celebration on Sept. 6 were treated to a delightful surprise as Presley made her way around the stage event, greeting attendees and posing for photos under the theatre's soft, glowing lights.
After the festivities, she took the stage for her presentation, An Evening with Priscilla Presley.
Actress Ginny Tiu, who starred alongside Elvis Presley in the 1962 film Girls! Girls! Girls!, also made a special appearance. The Hawai'i Theatre, which opened its doors on Sept. 6, 1922, was further honored by an outdoor performance by the ladies from Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre.

Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre honors 102 years of the Hawai'i Theatre. Photo by Tim Wright

Adahdiyah Ellis-Reyes runs for a touchdown against Kohala to help lead Trojans to a 23-8 victory. Photo by Mark Peters

Trojan defender JJ Amaral chases Kohala ball
carrier. Photo by Mark Peters

MORE DETAILS ARE IN FROM KA'U'S WIN OVER KOHALA in Saturday's 23-8 football game on the road. Assistant Coach Mark Peters reports that quarterback Adahdiya Ellis-Reyes led the offense with 18 rushes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also passed for a touchdown.
The defense played a solid game adding three interceptions by (Zeke) Ezekiel Kaʻawa, Ian Beck and Zeyden Gallano. The defense was led by Triton Blanco and Vlad Fedoruk with six tackles each. The defense also scored a safety when Ka'awa and Blanco tackled the Cowboy runner behind the goal line.
After the game, Kau Trojans celebrated the win and Cy Zeah "Oli" Silva-Kamae's birthday.
Next up, Trojans will travel to Kamehameha School - Hawai'i for a Friday the 13th night game under the lights.
Kaʻū heads to Honoka'a at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. Kaʻū travels to Pahoa on Thursday, Sept. 26. Kohala comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 5. Kaʻū goes to Hawai'i Preparatory Academy on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Kamehameha comes to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 19. Honoka'a travels to Kaʻū on Saturday, Oct. 26, followed by BIIF Division Championships.
Athletic Director is Jaime Guerpo. Head coach is Connor Norton. Assistant Coach is Mark Peters. Coaching staff includes Greg Rush, Ray Mayzack, Duane Pua, Time Drafaul, Ted Blanco and Walter Parada. Athletic Trainer is Moses Whitcomb.