Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 3, 2024

County Council members took the oath Monday and Kaʻū's Hunnay Demelo danced for them. Council members followed
 up with their first meeting of the new term. Photo by Julia Neal

Kaʻū is located in County Council District 6, in
light blue, which covers a large chunk of the
 island's 5,086.70 square miles. Its council
 member Michelle Galimba, who covers it all,
was sworn in for a new term on Monday
 and received her committee assignment.
Map from County of Hawai'i

HAWAI'I COUNTY COUNCIL HELD ITS FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM on Monday after swearing in ceremonies at Keauhou. Council members officially took their committee posts.

    Kaʻū council member Michelle Galimba chairs Committee on Communications, Reports, & Council Oversight. Kona council member Rebecca Villegas is Vice Chair.
    Kona council member Holeka Goro chairs the entire council and runs the meetings. Hilo council member Dennis “Fresh” Onishi is Vice Chair.
    Puna council member Matt Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder chairs Committee on Finance. Kohala council member James Hustace is Vice Chair.
    Hilo council member Jenn Kagiwada chairs Committee on Governmental Operations & External Affairs. Council member Kānealiʻi-Kleinfelder is Vice Chair.
    Hilo though Hāmākua council member Heather Kimball chairs Committee on Legislative Approvals & Acquisitions. Hilo council member Fresh Onishi is Vice Chair.
    Puna council member Ashley Kierkiewicz chairs Police Committee on Health, Safety & Well-Being. Council member Heather Kimball is Vice Chair.
   North and South Kohala Council member James Hustace chairs Policy Committee on Public Works & Mass Transit. Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz is Vice Chair.
    Kona and South Kona Council member Rebecca Villegas chairs Policy Committee on Environmental & Natural Resource Management. Council member Jenn Kagiwada is Vice Chair.

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The new administration of Mayor Kimo Alameda shelved admission fees for Pana'ewa Zoo between Hilo and Kaʻū.
Photo from County of Hawai'i

KEEP THE ZOO FREE FOR NOW, SAYS NEW MAYOR KIMO ALAMEDA. The County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks & Recreation announced on Tuesday that it is suspending plans to introduce admission fees for the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens to allow the issue to be further reviewed and studied.

    "The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is one of the County's gems and it is important that we

Tzatziki and Sriracha at Pana'ewa Zoo. Photo from County of Hawai'i

continue to steward this facility and ensure that residents can enjoy it fairly and equitably," said Alameda. "Introducing admission fees is a big step that requires careful consideration from our administration with input from the public and community stakeholders."
Under rule changes proposed by the prior administration, admission fees of $4 per adult and $1 per child for residents and $12 per adult and $5 per child for non-residents would have been implemented on Jan. 2. Currently, admission to the zoo is free.
    "We will study this matter carefully before deciding if any such actions are warranted," Alameda continued. "In the meantime, please continue to enjoy the zoo with free admission."
    The zoo is part of the County-owned Pana'ewa Recreational Complex that also includes the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center. As part of this action, proposed rule changes for the equestrian center are also being suspended for further review.

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A 70 YEAR-OLD BICYCLIST FROM VOLCANO was severely injured in a hit and run accident at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Namakanipaio Campground on Tuesday morning. The location is within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Witnesses and anyone with information are urged to contact Officer Meagan Kubojiri at (808) 985-6170 or email Meagan_Kubojiri@nps.gov. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call the NPS tip line at (888) 653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
    The Park statement says the cyclist "was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident." The National Park Service law enforcement officers have launched an investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward.

    The incident occurred around 9:20 a.m. The vehicle was described by witnesses as gold-colored sedan.

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HPD ARRESTED 13 MOTORISTS FOR DUI between Nov. 18 and 24. Hawai'i Island police made the arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. One driver was involved in a traffic accident. One was under the age of 21.

    So far this year, there have been 873 DUI arrests compared with 848 during the same period last year. This is an increase of 2.95 percent.

    HPD’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 891 major crashes so far this year, compared with 762 during the same time last year. This represents an increase of 17 percent.

    To date, there were 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 28 fatalities (three of which had multiple deaths, one was reclassified as suicide, one reclassified as a medical condition, two died at a later date, and one not counted - did not occur on a public roadway). This compares to 14 fatal crashes, with 15 fatalities (one crash with multiple deaths, one victim died at a later date, and one crash was reclassified as a medical condition) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 85.7 percent for fatal crashes and 86.7 percent for fatalities.
    To date, the non-traffic fatality count so far this year is 1 compared to 0 non-traffic fatalities (not on a public roadway) for the same time last year.
   Police promise that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 2, 2024

Dr. Christian Kimo Alameda becomes new Hawai'i County Mayor on Monday. Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy DeWeese leads the swearing in ceremonies for public officials. Photo by Julia Neal

DR. KIMO ALAMEDA TOOK THE OATH AND BECAME MAYOR OF HAWAI'I COUNTY on Monday, while Kelden Waltjen, JD recommitted to another term as County Prosecuting Attorney and Kaʻū's  Dr. Michelle Galimba was sworn in with eight other County Council members. Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy DeWeese presided.

Hunnay Demello, of Ka'ū, dances at Monday's

ceremony with County Council Chair Dr. Holeko Goro

Inaba at left and Ka'ū Council member Dr. Michelle

 Galimba at right. Photo by Julia Neal

Alameda said the inauguration was held on Kona side in light of his commitment to geographic equity in county government; the venue Kaleiopapa Convention Center at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa. He promised to work for the populace in every district of Hawai'i County.

Guests who quietly attended included Kaʻū's former representative in the U.S. Congress and recently elected Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee Kai Kahele, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Gov. Josh Green.

The opening featured Kumu Hula Keala Ching's Oli, presentation of flags, the U.S. National Anthem, singing the island's national anthem Hawai'i Pono'ī, Kamehameha School Chaplain Brian Boshard's invocation and the emcee throughout, Lorna Lim.

    Alameda talked about being born and raised on this island and the strength drawn from his immediate family, with seven children and his late wife Star. He thanked his many relatives who live on island and hundreds who worked on his campaign. He said he celebrates the diversity of this island's population and talked about the many celebrations from Hawaiian Makahiki and Christmas to Hannukkah, Kawanzaa and special days for Buddhism and Islam.
    He said he is in the mayorship to support the labor force, including the county workers. "We have to love on our County workers." He talked about a caring approach to folks working and living together in Hawai'i County and said, "Nobody cares how much we know until they know how much we care." He said he wants to reduce divisiveness and said it's not about the "left Shaka or the Right Shaka." It's about "the Double Shaka."

County Prosecuting Attorney
Kelden Waltjen, JD

    The mayor said he celebrates protecting the people and also their recreation and mentioned getting the new lighting  up and on at Nāʻālehu ballpark soon.

    Chair of the County Council Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba began his presentation in 'Ōlelo Hawa'i, the Hawaiian language. He called the County Council, mayoral and administrative transition "a new tide." He said the work is grounded in the 'āina - the land. He said the 'aāina is the kupuna - the elder. Aloha is the model.

     County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen noted that he, the new Mayor and County Council Chair are all part Hawaiian and are committed to preserving the way of life here. He quoted IZ, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole singing, "Be strong, know who you are, no be shame, stand up, E Ala E." A good number of the people attending the ceremonies are Hawaiian.

     Waltjen bemoaned the saying of "Our keiki is our greatest export," and talked about a way to keep them home, from moving away for jobs and affordability when they grow up. He said the Big Island is the place that should be seen as "the mainland," where young people work and live. 

Raylene Auli'i Fujikawa Moses
led Alameda's Kaʻū campaign.
She is a leader in establishing
 the first Hawaiian language
immersion school in Kaʻū.

     He said his department is comprised of 108 employees and that their way of work is to "surrender the me for the we."  He said their mission includes the following:

           Accountability - Hold offenders responsible for their actions, crimes.

           Support - Give assistance, help to victims of crime.

           Care - Help heal offenders and reduce recidivism as they work back into the community.

           Prevention - Programs to help deter people from committing crimes.

     Waltjen noted that Hawai'i County has the only Restorative Justice Program in the state and one of the few in the country. Restorative Justice aims to restore the harm done to victims and to help offenders understand harm they cause and assist in providing a chance at redeeming themselves.

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KAʻŪ WON A NAIL-BITER IN GIRLS BASKETBALL Monday evening

at Kaʻū Herkes District Gym. Varsity beat Honoka‘a 44-40. Coach Troy Gacayan said, "It was a very tough and close game but the girls never gave up and kept battling until the end. It was definitely an entire team effort." He said, "I am so proud of these girls for learning early in the season to keep playing hard until the final buzzer. These lessons on grit and tenacity will go a long way not just in basketball but in life as well. Keep up the hard work girls!"

     The next game is at home this Thursday, Dec. 5 with JV at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity to follow. Trojans will host Kamehameha, which is the defending champion of the BIIF D2 Division.

      Trojans are 2-0 for the season, defeating D2 Honoka'a and D1 Kea'au.

Trojan Girls Basketball team wins again. Photo by Gerald Gacayan

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Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 1, 2024

Three fulltime jobs are open at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for this kind of outdoor work.
This fence crew repairs fencing on Mauna Loa Road. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

JOBS CLOSE TO HOME: Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park natural resources team announces three full-time jobs open for wildlife/botanical assistants on the park’s fence and vegetation crew. Among requirements are: Ability to hike and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain under inclement weather conditions for up to five consecutive days. Ability to backpack, lift, and carry up to 40 pounds unassisted. Must be able to use a compass and map, and able to drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Needs drivers license and must have graduated from high school or achieved a GED. Fence building and team leadership skills are valued.
    See all of the qualifications and more at: https://hr.rcuh.com/psp/hcmprd_exapp/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?FOCUS=Applicant. Application period closes Dec. 6 and National Park Service urges persons to apply immediately if interested. The pay is $3,525 per month.
    Go to https://www.rcuh.com/work/careers/ to upload cover letter, resume and three supervisory reference. The posting is ID#224825.
    The job is described as follows: "Inspects, repairs, and constructs feral ungulate control fences. Drives to access field sites and occasionally travels to Hilo to make purchases. Will work in and around helicopters. Controls alien plants manually or with herbicides. Monitors pig activity transects and alien plant transects. Records field data on control and monitoring projects. May assist in native plant restoration and endangered sea turtle, nēnē, or petrel restoration programs, as assigned."

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Pōhue Bay is an endangered Honuea, hawksbill turtle nesting site, with its small white sand beach. Public access is part of the planning with a virtual meeting on Tuesday. NPS photo

THE VIRTUAL MEETING FOR THE SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR KAHUKU unit of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is this Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sign in at https://swca.zoom.us/j/91799290126. The plan covers Upper Kahuku , Lower Kahuku , and Kahuku-Pōhue, which includes the coastline and land around Pōhue Bay.

Two hikers walk on an uncrowded trail through the koa forest in Kahuku.
NPS photo

    The invitation to the public to join in the virtual meeting says, "Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park invites the community to provide input as it develops a plan to manage 132,000-plus acres in the Kahuku ahupuaʻa (traditional land division) in Kaʻū. The meeting format includes a presentation at 6 p.m., followed by time for comments.
"Description: During civic engagement for the site management plan, we will present ideas intended to balance the protection of cultural and natural resources with visitor access and recreation, and to nurture the connection generations of Kaʻū families have to these special places ma uka to ma kai."
In person public meetings were held on Nov. 14 at Pāhala Community Center and on Nov. 16 at Kahuku Visitor Contact Station.
A statement from National Park Service says, "The Site Management Plan (SMP) and the process of civic engagement are essential to define the types of visitor uses and functions for the Kahuku Unit. Called for in the 2016 General Management Plan, the SMP will refine the vision for the unit by assessing the facilities and access needs. The plan will also provide recommendations on implementing additional facilities and improving access."
Comments on the draft plan can be made through Dec. 6, online and at the virtual meeting. See maps, reports and make comments at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b644878ad55a4f75bac61f0098a93782

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Mauna Loa Road is a two-lane paved road, winding through tall koa trees. NPS photo

MAUNA LOA ROAD REOPENED  LAST WEEK after drilling and sampling material below the road. "That means motorists, hikers and cyclists can again enjoy the historic roadway from Kīpukapuaulu to Mauna Loa Lookout seven days a week," says the statement from Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. "Surveyors will continue to work along the road and motorists are urged to drive slowly, safely and to obey all signs."

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KAʻŪ SLAMMED PARKER in Boys Basketball 75-38 on Saturday. The game was held at Kaʻū Herkes District Gym. The next Trojan high school Boys Basketball game will be Hilo at Kaʻū on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Earlier in the season, on Nov. 21, Kaʻū lost to Kohala, 41-61.

    For Girls Trojan Basketball, next two games are at home on Monday, Dec. 2, with varsity only, hosting Honoka‘a at 6 p.m.; and  on Thursday, Dec. 5 with JV at 5:30 p.m. and varsity to follow, hosting Kamehameha.

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