Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 23, 2024

    

Monday's crowd at the crater took in the view of towering lava fountains, some 300 ft. tall. NPS photo by Janice Wei

MADAME PELE'S LAUNCH OF A SUMMIT ERUPTION on Monday morning at Kīlauea volcano was viewable from almost all open areas around the caldera until she paused Monday in the late afternoon. Before midnight, it was mistakenly reported that lava broke out in Nāpau Crater, east of Kīlauea, but the webcam was of Kīlauea.

Lava was reported to have broken out in Nāpau Crater
 before midnight Monday, but this webcam is
actually from Kīlauea.
Image from USGS HVO webcam

    During the eruption, volcanic gases spewed, causing health advisories. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park reported the eruption drawing thousands of visitors eager to see new erupting lava by day and the lava glow after dark.   

    The park notified the public, "Keep in mind you are observing a sacred event. The summit of Kīlauea volcano is a wahi kapu (sacred landscape) surrounded with storied places and a delicate ecosystem."

   With the eruption pausing but possibly starting back up anytime, the park reminded the public that while the park remains open 24 hours a day, some areas may close to protect breeding and nesting nēnē.
    The park issued the following reminders, encouraging all locals and visitors who go there to stay safe and help protect park resources by being aware of the following:
    Volcanic eruptions can be hazardous and change at any time. Stay on marked trails and overlooks and avoid earth cracks and cliff edges.
    Do not enter closed areas.  

    Hazardous volcanic gases can billowing out the crater and present a danger to everyone, especially people with heart or respiratory problems, infants, young children and pregnant women. 

USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory photo Monday morning as a new eruption began, pausing in the evening. USGS photo

    Check the park air alert web page before and during your visit. Slow down and drive safely. Expect long waits for parking spaces at popular vantage points like Uēkahuna (formerly the Jaggar Museum) and Devastation Trail parking area.

    Do your part to help protect nēnē by keeping your distance, at least four car lengths away, and never feed nēnē or wildlife. Handouts make nēnē seek out people and cars, putting them in great danger.
    At 4,000 feet, the summit of Kīlauea can be chilly at any time. Bring a rain jacket, wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring a flashlight if visiting at night.
    So what can park goers expect to see? It depends on when they arrive, and the weather. In the Dark. On Monday early morning, the park reported that "a magnificent reddish orange glow fills the dark sky. Lava flows have covered much of Halemaʻumaʻu crater floor."

Kīlauea caldera on the floor of Halema'uma'u crater with lava fountains Monday before dawn. NPS photo by Janice Wei

    The best eruption viewpoints day or night are along Crater Rim Trail, and include Uēkahuna, Kīlauea Overlook, Wahinekapu (Steaming Bluff), Kūpinaʻi Pali (Waldron Ledge), behind Volcano House, Keanakākoʻi and other overlooks. See
https://www.nps.gov/.../plan.../eruption-viewing-caldera.htm

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DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS IS NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC THAT LOCKED GATES ON ITS LAND are its call, a requirement that it imposes on the ranchers using DHHL pastures in the South Point, Kalae area. Bryan E. Jeremiah, District Supervisor of the East Hawai'i District Office of Hawaiian Home Lands, wrote on Monday, "It is important to remember that we as people have the kuleana to preserve and protect our limited resources for the generations that follow."

Hawaiian ranchers Dean and Tissy Kaniho are required by DHHL to keep 
locked gates but they are being vandalized, threats made.
Photo by Julia Neal

    He reported, however, that locks are cut and government signs removed in Ka Lae where native Hawaiians raise cattle and emergency vehicles use the gated access for emergencies, including fighting wildfires. Preventing the vandalism and protecting the cattle and the emergency access is the focus of his letter to longtime Hawaiian Home Lands ranchers Dean and Jeanette Tissy Kaniho: "It has recently come to the attention of the Dept. that security of DHHL lands and access used for the purpose of emergency and authorized access only have been damaged, locks cut, government signs removed. It has been further reported that you have had to replace and repair at your cost...
    "In recent days, the Dept has received a few calls regarding what is assumed to be public access through Native Hawaiian Lands. Further we understand there have been threats by the community to "Burn you down" assuming that the closure was initiated by your team."

     The letter states that "Effective Immediately, access through Native Hawaiian Lands (DHHL) currently under contract with Dean Kaniho are prohibited. Signs have been posted, and gates secured in an effort to repair and restore gorunds damaged by years of abuse. DHHL is a State agency and as such will prosecute to the furthest extent possible those who would ignore posted signs, locked gates and notifications by management.

      Anyone with questions can contact East Hawai;'i District Office for DHHL at 808-974-4250.

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THE MIGHTY TROJAN WRESTLING TEAM is the name that Coach Ray Mazyzk is giving the students who competed in their first varsity tournament at Rumble on the Rocks on Dec. 21st. It was hosted by Kealakehe and its Coach Ivan Louis, son of local Pāhala resident and former Kaʻū High State Wrestling Champion Andy Louis, and his family. Coach Mazyck said they "put on a wonderful tournament for the athletes, we are grateful for everything they do within the league.”

Zeke Kaawa-Kamimura lifting his opponent off the ground
 in a takedown attempt. Photo from Trojan Wrestling

    Out of the roster of 20 Trojan wrestlers comprised of 14 males and six females, six males and one female were able to compete. The athletes representing Kaʻū over the weekend were: Kona Smith (Jr), Ezekiel “Zeke” Kaawa-Kamimura (Sr), Eli Crook (Soph), Camdon Higbee (Soph), Devin Alpin (Jr), Elliott Grimm (Fr) and Brayshell Hoohuli-Pogtis (Fr). 

    Each wrestler received three matches in the tournament, which for most of the Trojans was their first wrestling matches ever. "Despite that fact, the young wrestlers stoically stepped up to the challenge and wrestled their hearts out, gaining much needed experience to further their budding wrestling careers," said the Coach, noting that “Wrestling is a tough sport that is constantly evolving, wins do not come easy and losses are guaranteed. Numerous live matches are vitally important to an athlete's growth, this tournament provided exactly that. Every wrestler learned from their experience and continued to evolve, getting progressively better each match." 

Trojan Wrestling team before participating in Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade: Robin Javorski-Olson, Russell Santiago-Sanchez, Kamaehu Guerpo-Craft, Kelen Carriaga-Pascual, Desmond Camba, Camdon Higbee, Coach Ray Mazyck, Dreana Vierra-Mukini, Haukea Koprivnikar, Rain Nihipali-Sesson, Elliott Grimm, Waileia Kainoa, Kona Smith, Brayshell Hoohuli-Pogtis. Not pictured: Zion Pascubilo, Dayton Keohuloa, Alazae Forcum, Eli Crook, Devin Alpin, Zeke Kaawa-Kamimura.
Photo from Trojan Wrestling

    Smith, Hoohuli-Pogtis, Alpin, and Grimm were all unable to secure wins, while Crook and Higbee went 1-2 on the day. "Both Eli and Camdon were able to end the day on a high note winning their last matches of the tournament. Senior Zeke Kaawa-Kamimura made his wrestling debut in triumphant fashion going
3-0 and taking first place in the 126lb weight class. Zeke came out and wrestled like a grizzly bear really putting his strength and determination on display. There are very few wrestlers that come out a month and a half deep into the sport and perform like that, let alone win a tournament. Overall I’m extremely proud of each of them and truly blessed to be part of a team with these fantastic young men and women. I am excited to watch them continue to grow on and off the mat,” said the Trojan wrestling coach.

    The "Mighty Trojan Wrestling Team" departs for O’ahu Dec. 26th for two separate tournaments. Trojan boys will be participating in the Moanalua Dual tournament Dec. 27-28th. 

     Coach said, "The format of this particular tournament allows for the unique opportunity to wrestle 3x as many matches as a normal format."

     He also reported that "Trojan Girls have been invited to an incredible event, the 13th annual Pa’ani Challenge!" It is the largest women’s wrestling event in the nation. Check out paanichallenge.com for more detailed information. "

    The event includes guest speakers; a wrestling clinic put on by Clarrisa Chun, head women’s wrestling coach at University of Iowa; and a college career fair, followed by an all women’s wrestling tournament.

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OKK's Market in Nāʻālehu will be Monday next week
due to the holidays.

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 22, 2024

Kaʻū Taro Festival offered presentations on learning to plant taro and opportunities to take plants
and taro roots home to grow. OKK photo by Linda Davis

FIRST KĀNIWALA O KAʻŪ, THE KAʻŪ TARO FESTIVAL, drew growers from around the island to show it and Kaʻū residents to grow it. Organizers of the event held on Dec. 14, with Herkes Kaʻū District Gym as the main showroom, said they plan to make it an annual event. Its major sponsor is 'O Ka'ū Kākou and the organizer is Tim DeLozier, who chairs its scholarship committee. He said all money raised from Kaʻū Taro Festival will fund its 2025 Scholarships for Kaʻū students in secondary and career training.

    DeLozier reported that more than $8,000 was raised for scholarships. In addition about $10,500 was taken in by food, arts, crafts and other vendors. To give additional contributions to the scholarship fund, see www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival.

Several kinds of taro, some good for luau leaf, others for making poi
and other dishes, found new homes with those who attended 
Kaniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, the Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis

   During the festival, Ti Chun emceed. Auntie Paulette Ke and her 'ohana conducted an opening protocol.     County Council member Michelle Galimba inducted Kaʻū youth Ioane Naboa, Alazae Forcum, Lexi Manilla-Louis and Arabella Ortega to become Honorary Festival Ambassadors. They later rode in the  Pāhala Town Lighted Christmas Parade.

    Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko performed and its Youth Taiko Drummers presented their premiere performance.

    Rep. Jeanne Kapela presented a certificate of appreciation to OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi from the state Senate and House of Representatives. It praises OKK for all of its community work and says this about the meaning of taro and kalo:

    "Throughout the history of Hawai'i, kalo has been a staple food for the people of Hawai'i and has served as a symbol of the deep connection between people and the land."

    It says, by organizing the Taro Festival, OKK "brings the community together to celebrate the cultural, economic, and historical significance of kalo, while using this event as a platform to raise funds and awareness for initiatives that directly benefit the people of Kaʻū."

    The commendation says, "The Legislature of the State of Hawai'i hereby recognizes and congratulates 'O Ka'ū Kākou for organizing Kāniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, applauds its commitment to community service and cultural preservation, and extends to the organization a heartfelt mahalo for its dedication to improving the lives of the people of Ka'ū."

Ioane Naboa, Alazae Forcum, Lexi Manilla-Louis and Arabella Ortega, the Youth

Ali'i Court for Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis

    The event also featured the hula of Na'a'ali'i, under the direction of Ulu Makuakane. South Hawai'i Symphony performed. Keoki Sereno sang and played 'ukulele as did Pahala Seniors.
     Taro farmers provided sales, displays and education. Artists and artisans honored taro in many forms from taro themed teddy bears, stained glass, jewelry, tiki and night lights, pottery and paintings to prints, fabrics, quilts, bags, woodworks and clothing to cuisine. Taro foods ranged from poi balls and kulolo and kalo mochi to taro smoothies and taro chips to kalo hummus and freeze dried pa'i'ai. 

Na 'A'ali'i, led by Ulu Makuakane danced for the first Kāniwala Kalo O Kaʻū, Kaʻū Taro Festival.
OKK photo by Linda Davis

Ulu Makuakane, who founded Na A'ali'i.
OKK photo by Linda Davis

    Sponsors included: OKK, Kaʻū Coffee Mill; Olson Trust; 'Ohana Foods in Hilo and Nāʻālehu; Mizuno Superette; CU Hawai'i Federal Credit Union; Luana Hospitality Group with Huggo's, On the Rocks, Lava Lava Beach Club and Kai Eats Drinks; Kaʻū Auto Repair; Punalu'u Bakeshop; Malama Kaʻū Foundation; Gone Fishing, Inc.; Hawai'i Energy; Backyard Monkey LLC Tree & Yard Service and The Club at Discovery Harbour.
    For more, see http://www.okaukakou.org/kau-taro-festival or call Tim DeLozier at 808-582-2342.

Aunty Paulette Ke and her 'ohana give the blessing for opening of the first Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis

Kaʻū Taro Festival organizer Tim DeLozier, a member of sponsoring organization OKK. Photo by Julia Neal

Members of Pāhala Hongwanji Taiko group, both youth and adults, performed
for the Kaʻū Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis

State Rep. Jeanne Kapela gives a commendation to OKK Pres.
Wayne Kawachi. OKK photo by Linda Davis

Ti Chun emcee Taro Festival. OKK photo by Linda Davis

Much art about taro filled the Kaʻū Taro
Fest showroom. OKK photo by Linda Davis

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OKK's Market in Nāʻālehu will be Monday this week and next week
due to the holidays.

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec.21, 2024

Invasive limu is a threat to Hawai'i reefs and not the natural food of local fish desired by local fishers. Photo from DAR

Fishers are urged to take a survey

and give ideas on managing reefs.

Photo from DAR

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF NEARSHORE FISHING in Hawai'i is the call from the state Department of Land & Natural Resources. The local fishing community is encouraged to engage with the Reef Habitat Plan, with its subtitles For Fishers, By Fishers and A lawai'a guided plan by the Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources to improve nearshore fish habitat.
    "The project is focused on habitat restoration without proposing new fishing rules or regulations. The plan will help direct funding and resources toward the goal of improving nearshore fisheries abundance," says the DLNR statement. It says that Division of Aquatic Resources "recognizes that Hawai'i's fishers hold generations of experience and knowledge about our marine resources and this understanding serves as the foundation of the project. An online survey is currently open to gather feedback from the state's nearshore fishing community with two principal questions —how and where can we improve nearshore habitat?
    The survey is available on the Reef Habitat Plan website at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/2e0e1452af2d4b9d81f83444661c6100.
    "For Fishers, By Fishers means that we're working hand-in-hand with the fishing community to create a plan fishermen want," said Tyler Kueffner, DAR Reef Restoration and Fisheries liaison. "Lawaiʻa voices on this project are essential to ensuring government is responding to what fishers already know."
    According to DAR, restoration methods that the fishing community has already identified include

Building Artificial reefs is one DAR program to expand fish habitat.
  Photo from DAR

creating artificial reefs, coral outplanting, invasive limu removal, research into the impacts of invasive roi, ta'ape and to'au, as well as working with other agency partners to address freshwater quality and quantity issues. "Feasibility will be assessed for each site, while considering practicality, cost, existing habitat conditions and interagency collaboration. Funding for the Reef Habitat Plan is provided by federal coral reef restoration grants.
    DAR reports that to date, the project has garnered over 250 survey participants through in-person outreach events on Hawai'i Island, Moloka'i, Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i, as well as virtual engagement on social media. In the coming weeks, DAR invites interested fishers to participate in a series of island-specific meetings which will focus on particular areas of each island where fish habitat should be improved. "These efforts will continue into early 2025, guiding the development of a draft plan with input from fishers, biologists and other agency partners."
    "Nearshore fishers are deeply invested in the future of Hawai'i's marine resources, and DAR encourages them to share their input," says the statement.
    "The best way to get involved," says Kueffner, "is to complete the online survey. It's anonymous and takes three minutes."

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THE RETURN OF THE O KAʻŪ KĀKOU KEIKI FISHING TOURNAMENT after going dark during COVID will be 8 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 25. Pre-registration ends at noon on
Thursday, Jan. 22.
    It's the 13th Catch & Release Keiki Fishing Tournament sponsored by OKK. It's for ages 1-14 and is held at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach where the headquarters are at the pavilion.
    Keiki fish for 90 minutes with hand poles with barbless hooks, using their own or those provided by the tournament. Bait is also provided. No chumming is allowed, A parent or legal guardian must accompany keik at all times.
    Registration is online at okaukakou.org. Printed forms can also be dropped off at The Land Office, LLC in Nāʻālehu Shopping Center or scanned or photographed and emailed to julieenriques1@gmail.com. Early registration is encouraged to reduce the long registration lines on tournament day, said Julie Enriques who is helping to produce the event.

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