Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 12, 2024

Hawai'i Police Department launched its new website on Tuesday. All photos from www.hawaiipolice.gov

A NEW HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE went live on Tuesday. It offers access to a Crime Map, the Booking Log, and sections on Unsolved Homicides, K9's of HPD, HPD History, and much more about the police department staff bios, community resources and other info. 

Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna

Chief Ben Moskowicz

    Denise Laitinen, Public Relations Specialist for HPD, noted that during the annual HPD-Media meeting last April, Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz told attendees that he is committed to providing a digitized copy of the booking log and to making it accessible on the new website. The new booking log will be updated daily around 6:30 a.m, said Laitinen.

    See the new website at www.hawaiipolice.gov. 

    Laitinen said, "One of the most exciting new features on the updated website is a Crime Map, provided by City Protect. At any time, members of the public can use the map to see what crimes have occurred in their neighborhood during a time frame of their choosing."
    She also noted that the website is a year in the making, the first time updated since 2011. The website is mobile-responsive, meaning it is easy to use on smartphone, tablet and laptop.
    “We are extremely excited to launch this new website and provide an easy-to-use and helpful resource to community members,” said the Police Chief.

Members of the HPD K9 Team.

Kaʻū Patrol Captain
Edwin Buyten

   The new website features:  An events page of police outreach efforts; FAQ page featuring frequently asked questions; History of Hawai‘i Police Department; K9s of Hawai‘i Police Department; HPD’s Police Memorial Wall and bios of HPD fallen officers.
    People can also easily find out how to obtain a police report, background check, request an active shooter presentation or station tour, as well as how to request a special duty officer.   Those seeking a career in law enforcement, will find detailed information on civilian and sworn positions, as well as current positions available in the department.
    The new website provides a wealth of safety tips for keiki, business owners, and kupuna. Teens and families can find info and resources on how to combat cyberbullying and sextortion. There are scam prevention tips for the elderly.
   Laitinen said the department’s old website domain, hawaiipolice.com, will go down for maintenance once the new website goes live and will come back online a few days later as an archived media release site featuring the department’s media releases dating back to when the website first launched in March 1999.
    "We encourage you to spend a few minutes to take a look at the many new features offered on hawaiipolice.gov," said Laitinen.

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Hawai'i farmers and ranchers gathered at Hawai'i Convention Center last weekend for Hawai'i Ag Conference. Photo from Agricultural Leadership Foundation. See www.agleaderhi.org

DURING THE HAWAI'I AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE, PASSING THE FEDERAL FARM BILL before the end of the year with initiatives to help Hawai'i farmers and ranchers was a main topic of Congresswoman Jill Tokuda who represents Kaʻū and all of rural Hawai'i. Tokuda holds a seat on the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee. See https://tokuda.house.gov/farm-bill.

    She spoke at last weekend's Hawai'i Agriculture Conference at Hawai'i Convention Center on O'ahu with its theme, "Building CommUNITY through Hawai'i Agriculture."

Rep. Jill Tokuda encouraged farmers to fight
for the federal Farm Bill when she spoke at the
Hawai'i Ag Conference. Photo from Tokuda

    Tokuda said, "It’s critical that we have a long-term Farm Bill to help small and family farmers meet the challenges we face today. Only five weeks left to get this done—we must keep pushing for Hawaiʻi’s ag community!" 

    Also attending the Hawai'i Agriculture Conference was Kaʻū's County Council member Michelle Galimba who said she encourages local farmers to attend in the future. The next one is scheduled for 2026. "The Hawai'i Ag Conference is a great event to learn and network with farmers and other people working in agriculture. Congratulations to the Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawai'i on the best Hawai'i Ag Conference that I have been to yet," said Galimba.

    In his message, Gov. Josh Green said, "Agriculture is a vital economic engine for our islands and a cornerstone of our cultural heritage and identity. Your work in promoting food security, advancing sustainable. practices, and preserving our natural resources is commendable.... Building a vibrant agricultural industry requires the collective effort of producers, neighbors, landowners, lenders, decision-makers and consumers alike."

    Agricultural Leadership Foundation sponsors the Ag Convention and also the Agricultural Leadership Program for promising leaders from Hawai‘i’s agricultural, natural resource management, and rural community sectors. Since its inception in 1982, Agricultural Leadership Foundation has graduated 191 leaders to positively impact Hawai‘i agriculture and their communities.
    Agricultural Leadership Foundation also works with youth through Future Farmers of America and other organizations. See the programs at www.agleaderhi.org.

    

Hawai'i Agricultural Leadership Foundation sponsored last weekend's statewide Hawai'i Agriculture Conference and also programs to develop agricultural adult and youth leaders. See www.agleaderhi.org.

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Kaʻū Taro Festival will be Saturday, Dec. 14 at Kaʻū Herkes Gym Complex in Pāhala. Vendors
 can sign up until Nov. 26. Sign up for a booth online at www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival.
 The event is free and open to the public.

  

Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 11, 2024

Jobs for wildland firefighters are open at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. This is at Keauhou in 2018, as a firefighter
 pushes the flames and smoke away from native vegetation in a forest within the Park. NPS photo

EXPERIENCED WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS and entry level applicants are invited to apply for positions at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park by end of day this Tuesday, Nov. 12. A statement from the Park says, "This role supports crucial fire management efforts, where wildfire prevention and control are essential for preserving native forests."
    Duties include building fire lines and conducting backfires; using specialized equipment for wildfire suppression and monitoring fire conditions in diverse terrains. The positions are:
     Wildland Firefighter (GS-03) to become an entry level member on a wildland fire crew. Performs assignments such as developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology; may assist in more specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.
    Wildland Firefighter (GS-04) to work as a trained wildland firefighter. May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree felling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildfires. May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s.
    A Wildland Firefighter (GS-05) to work as a trained and experienced wildland firefighter performing all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding and mop-up. Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents. May be required to operate light vehicles and 4X4s. 

    See https://www.usajobs.gov/job/815018700. The beginning pay is $17.01 to $19.77 per hour plus a cost of living allowance.

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A wildfire in Eucalyptus tree farm in 2021. Photo from DLNR

WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY are touted in a statement from Hawaiian Electric released this weekend. The utility states that while it is too expensive to put all powerlines underground, which would make them safest, it continues to advance wildfire safety efforts with operational changes, new technology and Public Safety Power Shutoff, leading to estimated 60 percent reduction in wildfire risk from utility equipment.
    Hawaiian Electric launched its expanded wildfire safety strategy one year ago, Hawaiian Electric has made significant improvements that have reduced the wildfire risk from its equipment. In addition to the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, it has been replacing and testing thousands of utility poles, upgrading miles of overhead power lines, clearing instrusive vegetation near electrical equipment, and installing weather stations and AI-assisted high definition video cameras.
    "There is no question that wildfires remain a persistent threat to our communities and we are taking that threat seriously. We continue to invest in new technology and upgrades to our infrastructure to make the grid more resilient, improve reliability and address growing risks from wildfires and other hazards," said Jim Alberts, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president and chief operations officer.
    He said that the upgrades are part of Hawaiian Electricʻs multi-year grid resilience program to harden against wildfires, hurricanes, tsunami and flooding, and to adapt to impacts of climate change.
    Hawaiian Electric has been working with Filsinger Energy Partners, a nationally recognized independent energy advisory firm that specializes in wildfire mitigation strategies and risk modeling, since early 2024. Filsinger estimates that the various wildfire risk mitigation actions and programs implemented by Hawaiian Electric have reduced the risk of wildfire from the utility's equipment by approximately 60%. 

Fires that burned near utility lines in 2012 around Pāhala. It threatened the hospital and homes, burning macadamia orchards, some coffee lands and pasture. Other fires have skirted the town and marched into the community requiring helicopter water drops on land and buildings. Photo by Julia Neal

      Hawaiian Electric is spending about $120 million in 2024 to make wildfire safety improvements in four key areas:
Foundational Work:

    Developed wildfire risk maps based on the potential of ignition by utility equipment.
    Conducted inspections of circuits in high-risk areas to prioritize hardening work.
    Continued ongoing vegetation management efforts in areas adjacent to power lines on all islands, spending $100 million in the last four years.
    Installing 3,534 fire-safe fuses to reduce the risk of ignition.
    Installing 1,071 new lightning arrestors to further protect equipment from lightning strikes.
Operational Changes:

    Launched a Public Safety Power Shutoff program. Under this program, Hawaiian Electric may preemp­tively shut off power in areas that are at high risk of wildfires during periods of forecast high winds and dry conditions.
    Started deployment of spotters in risk areas during hazardous weather conditions.

Hawaiian Electric hardens the grid by replacing utility poles and adds camera and communications networks to detect wildfires.
  Photo from Hawaiian Electric

    Set circuit breakers to automatically shut off power in risk areas when a disturbance is detected on a circuit.
Situational Awareness:

    Installed a network of 53 weather stations in wildfire-prone areas on four islands to provide key information about wind, temperature and humidity to help the company better predict and respond to fire weather conditions. The weather stations, mounted on utility poles, provide meteorological data that will help the company decide whether to activate and deactivate a PSPS.
    Started installation of a network of 78 artificial intelligence-assisted high-definition video cameras to help quickly detect wildfires.
Grid Hardening:

    Replaced and upgraded 2,202 utility poles.
    Replaced more than 16 miles of older overhead lines with new, more resilient lines.
    Installed 4,514 single-phase fault current indicators, which allow crews to more quickly locate disturbances on lines in high-risk areas.
     In addition, Hawaiian Electric is working with community partners on wildfire safety projects, such as the construction of firebreaks around schools and in communities. 
    A statement from Hawaiian Electric says that it "continues to adapt its Wildfire Safety Strategy to address the elevated risks in Hawaiʻi. The company continues to seek grants and federal funding for safety and resilience programs and is developing a longer-term wildfire safety plan, which will be filed with the Public Utilities Commission in January 2025."

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Taro growing in Pāhala ahead of the Kaʻū Taro Festival coming up on Saturday, Dec. 14. Photo by Julia Neal

SIGNING UP FOR THE FIRST KAʻŪ TARO FESTIVAL, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Kaʻū Herkes Gym Complex in Pāhala, is extended until Nov. 26. Vendors can sign up for a booth online at www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival. The event is free and open to the public.

      Participants who have already registered, plan to present the following: Taro fabric crafts; Taro print crocks, jewelry and apparel; Taro hummus; Freeze dried pa'i'ai; Taro mochi; Kulolo; Taro glass sun catchers and nightlights; Green salad with taro chips; Taro theme stuffed teddy bears; Freeze dried poi; LauLau; Taro smoothies; Taro watercolor images; Taro popsicles; Taro bobo drinks; Poi balls; and Taro print bags, towels & coasters.
    Also on the menu of food and crafts are: Chicken laulau stew; Taro themed key fobs, pouches & bags; Taro carved wood tiki lights and magnets; Taro stained glass; Taro wood carvings & boxes; Ahi poi poke bowls; Taro print cards, portraits & images; and Live taro plants.
      Taro categories that remain open and available for vendors are: Squid luau; Laulau stew; Taro corms; Laulau leaf; and anything else taro related not listed above.

  

Kaʻū News Briefs Nov. 10, 2024

Kaʻū Pickleball Tournament coordinator Elijah Navarro; Anasoune Jensen, silver medalist; Andy Meyers, bronze medalist;
Otis Salmo, gold medalist. Photo from Otis Salmo

KAʻŪ'S FIRST-EVER ROUND-ROBIN PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT filled the Robert Herkes Distrit Gymnasium in Pāhala on Saturday.
    Friday was a sleepless night for Nāʻālehu Parks & Recreation Director Elijah Navarro who works for the County of Hawai'i as he anticipated his pickleball tournament. He noted that the versatility of Pāhala's gym accommodates three indoor courts perfect for Kaʻū's well known windy weather. Navarro's round-robin tournament made a lasting impression on his participants, said one of the lead competitors Otis Salmo.

Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. is pickleball time at Kaʻū Gym.
Photo from Otis Salmo

    Nearly 30 participants from across the island played this Saturday. "We had participants come out to play in our tournament from Ocean View, Nāʻālehu, Punalu'u, Pāhala, Volcano, Hilo, and one as far as Pepeekeo," said Navarro. "My goal for this tournament was to get as many individuals from the Kaʻū community together for a great day of pickleball, social networking, and promoting healthy living. Word about this tournament spread so fast we ended up having interest from members around the island–not just Kaʻū!"
    The tournament started promptly at 9 a.m. Players straggled into the gym at 8:15 a.m. to check in, sign waivers, and receive some goodies from the host. Many players knew each other, some were introduced for the first time. The first half of the tournament was the 3.0-3.5 division. Twelve players selected numbers at random to be paired with a partner. With six rounds to play, each player switched partners after 

Safe from the Kaʻū wind on the indoor
 court for the first pickleball tournament.
Photo from Otis Salmo

each round. At the end of the sixth round, each player added up the total points they earned. By the end of the 3.0-3.5 division round-robin, Julie Enriques of Punalu'u took first place, winning the gold medal. Donna Shibuya of Nāʻālehu won second place, earning the silver medal. Third place winner went to Guy Enriques of Punalu'u with a bronze medal.
    The 4.0 and above division had a similar play structure. A round-robin consisting of 16 players drew random numbers. Each player was paired with a partner that rotated after each round. However, this division consisted of 8 rounds of play. In this division, the first place gold medalist went to Otis Salmo of Pāhala; second place silver medalist, Anasoune Jensen of Discovery Harbor; and third place medalist, Andy Meyer of Ocean View.
    In celebration of this successful tournament, a potluck was held where participants, volunteers, and supporters shared in food and fellowship. Participants shared wonderful dishes– some made fresh from their farms, others shared food of their culture. "Most importantly, all of the participants mingled, reconnected with old friends, or even made new friends through pickleball. Meanwhile, as everyone enjoyed fellowship and a delicious meal, a raffle took place to further celebrate an amazing event," said Salmo.

    Navarro was able to secure donations from a few local businesses, including the Edmund C. Olson Trust and Kaʻū Coffee Mill, 'Ohana Foods, Punalu'u Bake Shop, KTA, and Big Island Delights. Navarro said, "We even had a pickleball company from Australia, Six Zero Pickleball, donate a paddle! Every participant was able to go home with a prize. Whether it was gear from Kaʻū Coffee Mill or gift certificates raffled from our local businesses, every player went home happy! We were also blessed with participants donating hand crafted items to be raffled for all who came to the event."

    

The 4.0 Division at the first Pickleball Tournament at Kaʻū Gym. Photo from Otis Salmo

   One player donated a handmade art peice that can be used for a shoe rack or plant stand crafted and designed with sea shells collected locally, sporting a beach theme. "One lucky winner went home with the gift, exclaiming with glee when her name was called. Another winner jumped for joy when she won the grand prize pickleball paddle," said Salmo.
    "In the spirit of promoting a healthier lifestyle, building community with people of all ages, and improving mental health through exercise and healthy socialization, pickleball is an excellent vehicle to meet this goal," said Navarro.  "My goal is not to just host a pickleball tournament or clinics at my facility, but also to build capacity in our own community. Pickleball is such a growing sport, it's nice to see it in Kaʻū. I love seeing people of all ages socializing with each other and engaging in friendly competition–and bringing people from Kaʻū and around the island together."
    Navarro, himself a product of Kaʻū, holds free weekly pickleball classes at his Nāʻālehu Parks & Recreation facility in hopes of growing the sport in the area. Additionally, a growing group of players gets together in Pāhala on Sundays for open recreation play when the gym is available from 1 p,m, to 5 p.m. A member of the Pāhala group, Salmo said, "The Pāhala gym is a perfect venue for pickleball as we can consistently play without worrying about the weather in Kaʻū. We're spoiled to have this location. Being from a rural area, we have limited resources like they do in urban areas. It's nice to have a group of people of all ages and skill levels get together for social doubles and deepening friendships."
    Members of the community interested in learning about pickleball can contact Navarro at the Nāʻālehu Parks & Recreation facility. A huge mahalo was expressed by Navarro to the tournament participants, volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and the Pahala district gym staff for helping make this tournament a huge success.

The 3.0 Division at the first Pickleball Tournament at Kaʻū Gym.

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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP WILL HOST VETERANS DAY observance and celebration with ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. Keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Christopher Marquez, Commander of Pōhakuloa Training Area. Lunch will be at Crater Rim Cafe from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a Veterans Expo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The lunch costs $38 per person for adults and $19 for Keiki ten years and under. Reservations can be made and paid for by calling 808-967-8333.

KAʻŪ MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY WILL CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY, on Monday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a display of Kaʻū veterans photos and other memorabilia at Nāʻālehu Park next to the World War II Veterans Memorial.

OKK WILL CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY ON MONDAY, NOV. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free lunch for veterans and their families, with music by Keoki Soriano. Venue is the 'O Ka'ū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu.