Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016

Last week’s hurricanes had no impact on lava deltas that have formed, and continue to grow, at ocean entries,
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported. Photo from USGS-HVO

OCEAN USERS ARE URGED to use reef-safe sunscreens. A compound commonly found in sunscreens has been shown to cause serious harm to corals, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources is asking people who enter the ocean to avoid using sunscreens that contain oxybenzone. Recent studies have shown that the chemical causes deformities in coral larvae (planulae), making them unable to swim, settle out and form new coral colonies. It also increases the rate at which coral bleaching occurs. This puts coral reef health at risk and reduces resiliency to climate change.

Dr. Bruce Anderson

      “One of the most important things you can do if you plan to get in or near the ocean in Hawai`i is to use a sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone,” said Dr. Bruce Anderson, administrator of DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources. “Sunscreen chemicals wash off swimmers, surfers, paddlers, spearfishers, divers and other ocean users. Even if you’re just sunbathing on the beach, using beach showers will wash chemicals into the ocean. Researchers have found oxybenzone concentrations in some Hawaiian waters at more than 30 times the level considered safe for corals.”

      Sunscreens are important in protecting human skin from the sun’s damaging radiation and are highly recommended for residents and visitors who spend time under the sun. This is especially important in Hawai`i, where tropical latitudes result in direct sunlight that has less atmosphere to travel through than places farther from the equator. As a result, less of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation is filtered out, and it’s easy to burn. Sunscreens contain either minerals or chemicals as active ingredients to filter out UV. Oxybenzone is a chemical filter found in many sunscreens.
      Besides damaging coral, oxybenzone may have negative effects on human health. It and two other sunscreen chemicals, octinoxate and homosalate, have all been shown to cause disruptive reproductive system effects due to their hormone-like activity. Oxybenzone and octinoxate have also been associated with moderate to high rates of skin allergy.

DLNR urges ocean users to avoid sunscreens with chemicals
that damage reefs. Photo from DLNR

      According to Anderson, “the only way you can know whether a sunscreen contains oxybenzone is to read the label. Some sunscreens may claim to be ‘reef safe,’ but there is no agency which regulates that kind of claim. You really have to look at the ingredients.”

      Anderson also recommended using water resistant sunscreens, which are more likely to stay on your skin, and sunscreens that use mineral filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Also, rash guards or wet suits will reduce the area of exposed skin, and thus the amount of sunscreen needed for protection.
      At Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve on Maui, NAR specialist Jeff Bagshaw has made sunscreen outreach a priority. He’s created cards to pass out to visitors who frequent snorkeling spots there. The cards list sunscreen chemicals in addition to oxybenzone that some scientists believe may have negative impacts on corals. He and his volunteers try to talk to everyone who pulls into the parking lot to encourage them to begin only using products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active sunscreens.
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Fumes emanating from the flow field

delineate part of the active tube system.

Photo from USGS-HVO

THERE IS NO EVIDENCE that high surf from last week’s hurricanes had any impact on the lava deltas that have formed, and continue to grow, at the ocean entries, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory reported.

      The 61g lava flow, extending southeast of Pu`u `O`o on Kilauea’s south flank, continues to carry lava to the ocean near Kamokuna, building lava deltas that extend into the ocean. Deltas can collapse at any time and throw material into the air.
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CHIEF JUSTICE MARK E. RECKTENWALD has appointed Dakota K.M. Frenz to the District Family Court of the Third Circuit on Hawai`i Island. Frenz will fill the vacancy created by Judge Lloyd X. Van De Car’s retirement.
      Frenz served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in the County of Hawai`i from 2006-2012 handling cases in district, family and circuit courts and since 2012 has been in private practice, including criminal law, family law and civil litigation/collections.
      Frenz is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Kuikahi Mediation Center and an arbitrator with the Court Annexed Arbitration Program. She also volunteers with Friends of Drug Court and the Self-Help Center in East Hawai`i.
      Frenz is a graduate of Whittier Law School and was admitted to the Hawai`i State Bar in 2006.
      The Chief Justice appoints District Court judges from a list of not fewer than six nominees submitted by the Judicial Selection Commission. If confirmed by the state Senate, Frenz will serve a term of six years.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION will be sending a U.S. Department of Education Federal Survey Card home with Hawai`i’s public school students for parents to complete beginning Wednesday, Sept. 7. Completed Impact Aid Program survey cards allow HIDOE to qualify for a partial reimbursement for educating federally connected students, such as children whose parents work or live on federal property such as low-income housing, military installations/housing, native American lands or national parks.

Impact Aid funds support public schools statewide.
Image from HIDOE

      The program was created to assist school districts that lose tax revenues (e.g. income, sales and property taxes) due to a federal presence. Received funds go to all local school districts, just like local property taxes, and can be used to hire teachers, purchase textbooks and computers, pay for utilities and more. Parents are strongly urged to complete the surveys and return them to their schools as soon as possible.

      “Impact Aid funds are extremely important to support all our public schools statewide and help to improve quality education for our students,” said Kathryn Matayoshi, HIDOE Superintendent. “During the 2015-16 school year, the state accounted for 27,660 federally connected students and received more than $40 million in Impact Aid funding. We ask all parents for their cooperation to complete these important surveys.”
      Completed survey forms will benefit students at all public schools statewide. Federal reimbursements help to offset such costs as student transportation, school utilities, substitute teachers, portable classrooms and many others necessities.
      Without these federal funds, the Hawai`i public school system would have $40 million to $50 million less per year to operate with and would need to reduce support for all schools to pay all its expenses.

      Every public school has a 100-percent return rate goal and asks that parents complete and return the federal survey next week. See the Impact Aid Program webpage for more information and common questions.
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`Alala No. 2 by Reyn Ojiri. Image from VAC

VOLCANO ART CENTER PRESENTS Return of `Alala: Restoring the Voice of Hawai`i’s Native Forests, a statewide multimedia art competition featuring Hawai`i’s endemic crow. The exhibit is on display at VAC Gallery in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park through Oct. 9. Proceeds from the exhibition support reintroduction of this important species to Hawai`i’s native forests to take place this fall. The exhibit is open to the public and free of charge, although park entrance fees apply.

      “The response to this collaborative conservation effort has been terrific,” gallery manager Emily Weiss said. “Hawai`i’s creative community has learned so much about this critically endangered species through outreach from the `Alala Project and the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. To date, VAC has received 47 entries. The artwork submitted reflects the artist’s knowledge of and affinity for this special species.”

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Saturday, Sept. 3, 2016

Ka`u rancher Michelle Galimba asked U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to support preservation of the Ka`u Coast.
See more below. Photo by Julia Neal

A HIGH-SURF WARNING continues through tomorrow afternoon as Hurricane Lester passes north of Hawai`i Island. The National Weather Service expects warning-level surf along all exposed east-facing shores to continue through tonight before quickly trending down on Sunday.

      Expect ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches, creating potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways. Powerful longshore and rip currents will be present at most beaches. Large breaking waves and strong currents may impact harbor entrances and channels, causing challenging boat handling.

Hurricane Lester is passing Hawai`i Island to the north.
Map from NOAA

      Large breaking surf, significant shorebreak and dangerous currents make entering the water very hazardous. Anyone entering the water could face significant injury or death, NWS said.
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HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF LAND & Natural Resources is responding to changing forecasts for Hurricane Lester.

      All forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves and Na Ala Hele hiking trails are re-opened. Department of Forestry & Wildlife campgrounds will remain closed through the weekend.
      All state parks will remain open for Labor Day weekend, unless any changes in storm behavior indicate a need for closure
      Camping and overnight lodging facilities are now re-opened.
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Visitors drive down reopened Chain of Craters Road. NPS Photo

MOST AREAS PREVIOUSLY CLOSED within Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park due to Hurricane Lester are now open.

      Park rangers opened Chain of Craters Road, all backcountry campsites and trails, the coastal lava viewing area and Mauna Loa Road under sunny skies Friday afternoon, much to the delight of visitors eager to explore the park during the long Labor Day weekend.
      “We urge all park visitors to maintain a safe distance from the shoreline, whether viewing lava at the Kamokuna ocean entry, hiking the Puna Coast Trail or camping at any of the coastal campsites,” said Chief Ranger John Broward. “We are anticipating surf up to 25 feet tonight and possibly through the weekend.”
      The Kahuku Unit is open today and tomorrow, with no cancellations to any guided hikes or programs.
      Backcountry campers are reminded that all overnight stays require a backcountry permit. Permits can be obtained up to 24 hours in advance from the backcountry office, located at the Visitor Emergency Operations Center, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard at Ka`u Coffee Mill.
Photo by Ron Johnson

KA`U RANCHER MICHELLE GALIMBA asked U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to support preservation of the Ka`u Coast during the congresswoman’s visit to Ka`u this week.

      “Some people have said that health of the marine environment here is comparable to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands,” Galimba said. President Barack Obama recently expanded Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument there, which is home to more than 7,000 species.
      “The fact that we’re so remote and undeveloped is really a huge asset,” Galimba said. “What’s really important to me is preserving the coastline here. We’ve done a lot, but there’s still a lot more to do. There are still several parcels along that coast that need to get protected.”
      Galimba mentioned efforts underway by Ala Kahakai Trail and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The National Park Service also is working to extend its holdings along the Ka`u Coast.
      Gabbard said she would “absolutely” support such efforts. “I am a supporter of making sure we preserve our natural resources, our home, everything that is special to us.” she said.
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INTERNATIONAL UNION for Conservation of Nature’s World Conservation Congress continues on O`ahu. The congress is a special event attended by heads of state, policymakers and environmentalists from around the world.

U.S. Brian Schatz gave the keynote address
at the World Conservation Congress.

      “I’m very proud that our state was chosen to host the event this year, and I was honored to be invited to give the keynote address,” said U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz.

      “We live in a time of massive ecological disruption, one that cannot be accurately described without sounding downright apocalyptic,” Schatz said in his speech. “But over the last few years, there is growing reason for optimism. Global political will continues to grow. It’s not yet enough but for the first time, it looks like many of the world’s leaders get it. Leaders responsible for infrastructure, for public health, for safety and for prosperity see with their own eyes that economic progress relies on environmental stewardship. …
      “The people who care about birds and butterflies and the people who care about the bottom line are finally in agreement – it just makes sense to take care of the earth. …
      “Progress is being made, and I’m optimistic that this is only the beginning.”
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STATE AGENCIES ARE PARTNERING to help spread conservation messages.

      As the Department of Land and Natural Resources was exploring ways to reach more visitors and kama`aina with information about conserving and protecting natural and cultural resources, Hawai`i Tourism Authority was engaged in developing a five-year strategic plan. “Coincidentally, the stars were in alignment, and what we were thinking turned out to be a perfect fit with HTA’s strategic plan,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case.

HTA President & CEO George Szigeti
Photo from HTA

      DLNR is charged with management and administration of state parks, historical sites, forests, forest reserves, aquatic life, wildlife, wildlife sanctuaries, game management areas, public hunting areas and natural area reserves. HTA is responsible for strategically managing the state’s marketing initiatives to support tourism, the state’s largest industry.
      HTA President & CEO George D. Szigeti said, “Instrumental to our strategic plan is supporting efforts to protect our environment and perpetuate it for generations to come. Travelers come here from around the world to explore the natural beauty of our islands, from the ocean to the mountains. HTA’s vision for preserving the quality of Hawai`i’s environment goes hand-in-hand with the sustainability programs DLNR oversees every day statewide.”
      HTA’s strategic plan reflects the adoption of a goal to “improve the integrity of the destination,” achieved through an objective of being “a better steward of the destination and to increase support for programs that manage, improve and protect Hawai`i’s natural environment and areas frequented by visitors.
      In a programmatic agreement signed between the agencies in June, HTA agreed to provide funding for certain DLNR public communications efforts. In this first year of the agreement, that funding has secured broadcast air time for three DLNR & YOU television specials: Renegades, Risks & Rewards of the Napali Coast; Kaua`i’s Endangered Sea Birds; and Hawai`i’s Endangered Forest Birds. The first special aired on Hawai`i station KFVE-TV (K5) in April and June. The second program on endangered sea birds is being broadcast during the IUCN World Conservation Congress, on K5, tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. The third documentary is currently in production and scheduled to air later this year.

DLNR Chair Suzanne Case
Photo by John DeMello

      Additionally, HTA is funding the design, development and placement of 25 large outdoor signs promoting conservation messages at strategic locations. The signs will include a map, which depicts key natural and cultural resources, along with a series of messages about what visitors and local people alike can do to help protect resources. A sign vendor has been selected, and work on the signs will begin this fall.
      The DLNR & YOU brand, according to Case, “is our effort to include everyone in the kuleana (responsibility) of helping really mālama (to care) for our limited and precious natural and cultural resources. When you think about the reasons so many people come to Hawai`i to experience and share those things that make this place one of the planet’s most diverse ecological and cultural landscapes, it really takes all of us.”
      HTA funding to DLNR in 2016 amounts to $53,600. Szigeti noted, “We are proud to do our part in educating visitors and reinforcing to residents the significance of preserving Hawai`i’s natural and cultural resources. The DLNR & YOU initiatives are vital to reminding everyone that the quality of life we cherish requires a continual commitment to support conservation and protect the ecosystems that makes Hawai`i such a treasured destination for travelers worldwide.”
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LEARN ABOUT THE FORMATION and various uses of Pu`u o Lokuana over time and enjoy a breathtaking view of lower Ka`u. Kahuku Unit of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s free program takes place tomorrow from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

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Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Friday, Sept. 2, 2016

Ka`u's east-facing shores, including Punalu`u, are under a high surf warning until tomorrow at 6 p.m.
See more below. Photo by Peter Anderson

ACTIVITY AT KILAUEA’S summit lava lake was again visible this morning as the lake’s level rose to a depth of 72 feet beneath the adjacent floor. The rise in lava lake level has coincided with continuing, but slowing, inflationary tilt measured on summit tiltmeters. Tilt measures variations in ground levels that occur as lava below the surface increases and decreases.

Lava was visible at Kilauea's summit this morning.
Photo from USGS-HVO

      The 61g lava flow continues to carry lava to the ocean near Kamokuna. Yesterday’s field crew reported that surface breakouts of lava were located primarily in the coastal area of the flow field. The lava entering the ocean is building two obvious deltas and generating noxious plumes. 

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KA`U AND ALL OF HAWAI`I ISLAND are no longer under a Hurricane Watch. At 11 a.m., Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Hurricane Lester was 390 miles east of South Point and moving west-northwest at 15 miles per hour. Lester is forecast to past north of the island tomorrow morning and afternoon.

Hurricane Lester is on a track north of Hawai`i Island.
Map from NOAA

      After passing Hawai`i Island as a hurricane, Lester is expected to gradually weaken to a tropical storm.

      A high surf warning is in effect for Ka`u’s east-facing shores, including Punalu`u, Kawa, Honu`apo and South Point. Residents and visitors should expect strong breaking waves, shore break, and strong longshore and rip currents, making swimming difficult and dangerous. National Weather Service urged beachgoers to heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. The current warning expires tomorrow at 6 p.m.
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High surf surges into Honu`apo. Photo by Peter Anderson

DUE TO UNCERTAINTY over the track of approaching Hurricane Lester, all Hawai`i Island state park camping and lodging areas will be closed to overnight use beginning today and will remain closed at minimum through Monday, Sept. 5, until conditions warrant allowing these activities.

      On Hawai`i Island, Division of Forestry and Wildlife forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, forest campgrounds and game management areas will remain closed until further notice. Camping permits for this weekend are cancelled until further notice.
      People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas due to potential for rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees or high surf as well as ocean water surging and sweeping across beaches and rocky coastal benches and lava flows. High surf may create the potential for impacts to coastal properties and infrastructure, including roadways.
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HAWAI`I ISLAND POLICE are searching for a 36-year-old Ocean View man who is wanted for abuse and failure to appear.

      Ranny Albious is described as 5-foot-4, 160 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.
      Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Officer Sheldon Nakamoto at 326-4646, extension 303.
      Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
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COMMUNITIES AND STEWARDSHIP GROUPS continue to actively restore or have expressed interest in reviving the integrity and productivity of fishpond locations still in existence. Loko i`a, traditional Hawaiian fishponds, are unique aquaculture systems that existed throughout ancient Hawai`i. Although a 1990 statewide survey identified 488 loko `a sites, many were in degraded condition and either completely beyond repair or unrecognizable.

Residents help restore a loko i`a. Photos from DLNR

       Suzanne Case, Department of Land and Natural Resources Chair, said, “In 2012, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations came together to overcome difficulties in obtaining approvals from multiple agencies to maintain and restore Hawaiian fishponds.”
      Fishpond practitioners formed Hui Malama Loko I`a to empower one another and leverage their skills, knowledge and resources, while working to feed and connect communities around the islands. This network currently includes over 38 fishponds and complexes, with over 100 fishpond owners, workers, supporters and stakeholders.
      “Now the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands is releasing a new guidebook on fishpond restoration in time for the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 (taking place now on O`ahu),” Case said. “This guidebook marks the beginning of what we hope will be a new day in Hawaiian fishpond revitalization.”
      The newly published, high-quality, full-color Ho`ala Loko I`a Permit Application Guidebook is intended to help cultural practitioners, landowners and community groups navigate a new streamlined application process for Hawaiian fishpond revitalization.
      Historically, fishponds have been subject to an extensive permitting process that requires large amounts of resources and time to secure. In 2015 the state of Hawai`i completed streamlining the permitting process for the repair, restoration, maintenance and operation of traditional Hawaiian fishponds in Hawai`i.
      DLNR’s Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands and collaborators have developed a master permit for traditional Hawaiian fishponds that encompasses the main permits currently required. This master permitting process and program is called Ho`ala Loko I`a. The program was designed to be in compliance with as many federal and state regulations as possible to make the permitting process easier for fishpond practitioners to navigate.

The state has worked to streamline permitting to restore fishponds.

      Practitioners can now use a simplified conservation district use permit to apply for permits under this programmatic permit.

      A programmatic environmental assessment was also completed to comply with Hawai`i’s Environmental Quality Act. The CDUP and programmatic EA were designed to cover all existing traditional fishponds in the state.
      Another helpful step was the signing of Bill 230 by Gov. David Ige in July 2015, which waived the need to obtain a Department of Health 401 Water Quality Certification for fishpond restoration. This waiver is only available to projects that obtain permits through the OCCL program. While the program vastly reduces government red tape, projects are still required to have water quality monitoring, mitigation and best management practices in place to keep Hawai`i’s waters clean and reefs healthy.
      The Ho`ala Loko I`a Permit Application Guidebook further provides clear guidance on how to meet state water quality standard.
      Although this streamlined permitting program covers many of the authorizations for restoring a loko i`a, in some cases, additional permits or authorizations may still be required, such as a right of entry agreement from DLNR land division for a state-owned pond, stream channel alteration permit from the Commission on Water Resource Management and a special management area county permit for work mauka of the shoreline.
      Applications submitted to OCCL are reviewed and subject to best management practices and monitoring standards that help to protect Hawai`i’s environmental and cultural resources while supporting the need for communities and practitioners to care for
loko i`a.
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KA`U PLANTATION DAYS scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. Organizer Darlyne Vierra said that with Hurricane Lester possibly impacting the weather, it would be best to reschedule, with the new date set for Saturday, Sept. 24.

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See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html
and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.