The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022

GAME BIRD HUNTING SEASON opens Saturday, Nov. 5 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 29. Hunting days, equipment, and bag limits vary by unit. Detailed descriptions of hunting opportunities statewide are available on the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife website. See https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/bird/.
A statement from Division of Forestry & Wildlife says that hunters should keep the following in mind: A valid hunting license and a game bird stamp are required for all game bird hunting on public and private lands. Landowner permission is required when seeking to hunt on private land. Hunters should be familiar with Title 13, Chapter 122, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules. To comply with state and federal regulations, the last day for hunting mourning dove will be Jan. 15, 2023.
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife statement says, "Recreational hunting offers opportunities to engage with nature and practice responsible, sustainable, and safe use of our public and private lands and resources. You can help to protect this activity with support for wildlife conservation by reporting game law violations to the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement by calling 643-DLNR (-3567) or reporting through the DLNRTip app."

The statement also notes that hunting in Hawai‘i requires a hunting license, whether on public or private land. In order to purchase a Hawai‘i Hunting License, one of the following documents is required:

An image of a chestnut-bellied sandgrouse . A Hawai‘i Hunter Education Wallet Card, issued to graduates of the state's basic Hunter Education course; or a on-resident Letter of Exemption for those who an out-of-state hunter education card or a Hawai‘i Hunting License issued prior to July 1, 1990. Request a letter on the Hawai'i hunters license page. With one of these documents, a hunter can purchase a hunting license. A current-year Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation Stamp is also required to hunt. The stamp must be endorsed across the front by the hunter and affixed to the hunting license in the space provided. See more at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/hawaiiisland/

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.html

CELEBRATE ARBOR DAY THIS SATURDAY, Nov. 5 with a free tree giveaway in Ocean View. Ted Bennett, of Bennett Farm & Nursery, will be across the street from the Ocean View swap meet, from 8 a.m. to noon, gifting kukui nut trees, ranging from 2-4 feet in height, to the public while supplies last.
"Rain doesn't bring the trees. Trees bring the rain," shared nursery owner Bennett. Especially in Ocean View, where people depend upon catchment, he said, he wants to encourage tree planting. However, "Anyone from anywhere may have a tree for free. Just plant it!"

The kukui nut holds a special place in Bennett's heart, who credits his knowledge and deep appreciation for the kukui to Uncle Abel Simeona Lui. "Stands of kukui are found over the gulches where the water flows. In its natural environment, the kukui nut tree enriches the soil and purifies the water, because the strong oils found in the leaves work their magic," said Bennett. The kukui is important to Hawaiian culture, as well as extremely versatile with uses of the nut ranging from lei to medicinal benefits such as reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. Bennett recalled watching Lui "separate beige from brown from grey from black of the decaying nut, each color demonstrating a different healing quality."
Bennett said Lui shared with him how the leaves of the kukui reflect the moon and starlight and could serve as a "lighthouse and compass to ancient and current fishermen that know their place in relation to the ahupua'a, a district and system of watershed management from the mountain to the sea."
Sponsoring this event with Bennett are Ka'ū realtor Rollie Litteral and local physician Dr. Patrick Yeakey. Litteral is with Royal Palms Properties and teaches ethics to realtors statewide, while Yeakey is cultivating a farm at South Point and Kamāʻoa, where he plans to sell local produce and products.
Visit with Bennett during Arbor Day at Ocean View or later at his farm to learn more about the kukui nut. Bennett Farm & Nursery, located at 94-6299 Kamāʻoa Rd in Nāʻālehu, will also be open for business on Nov. 5 and every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. At his farm and nursery, Bennett grows and sells sweet white pineapple plants and a variety of citrus trees. Call (808) 333-4573, or see www.bennettfarmandnursery.com for more info.

THE ROLE OF URBAN PLANNING in preventing conflicts is the timely topic at the non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center's free talk on Monday, Nov. 17. It's part of Ku'ikahi's Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. Talks are Third Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
This month’s speaker is Melissa May and she's entitled the talk: Preventing & Resolving Community Conflicts II: The Role of Urban Planning.
She said, "In the ideal planning process, the planner becomes invisible and the community sees themselves clearly in the final outcome. At the end, the community should be stronger, more connected, and better equipped to represent their interests."
In this talk, learn how urban planning projects statewide have incorporated community engagement, built consensus, and overcome conflict and mistrust.
May is SSFM International's Deputy Manager for their Strategic Services Group and a senior

planner with more than a decade of experience in community and environmental planning in Hawai'i. She designs and facilitates inclusive planning processes that bring together community, government, and technical stakeholders to create shared visions and implementable plans for resilient and sustainable communities.
Ku‘ikahi’s Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in “Finding Solutions, Growing Peace.”
To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at (808) 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.
This lunch-and-learn series is made possible in part through funding from the County of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Island United Way.

Ka'u on the left, Kona on the right are set to take on each
other in Kona this Saturday and at Ocean View on Nov. 19

KA'U LITTLE LEAGUE racked up a 6-0 winning streak by the end of October. In the last game, Riley Koch hit two home runs. Caleb Crook slammed one home run. The coaches are Jitian Anos and Josh Crook. The Ka'u team is comprised of players ages 11-16 from Ocean View and Na`alehu.
Kaʻū Little League heads to Kona on Saturday, Nov. 5 for a double header, to play at the Old Kona Airport Simmons Field at 1:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. against Kona Blue and Kona Red.
Kaʻū Little League takes on a double-header at home on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Kahuku County Park in Ocean View. Kaʻū plays two Kona teams, Kona Red and Kona Blue. The first game is at 130 p.m., the second at 3:45 p.m.
If interested in helping or participating in Kaʻū Little League, call 808-345-0511.

DISCOVERY HARBOUR HALLOWEEN drew costumes, pumpkin carvers, music lovers and more.

An enthusiast at Discovery Harbour
Golf Cart Trunk & Treat.

Called Golf Cart Trunk & Treat, last Saturday's event at The Club at Discovery Harbour, hosted more than 300 people. They enjoyed Triple 7 Shave ice, food from Dabomb and candies from all of the members, as well as pumpkin carving and costume contests. Many contributors donated candies and prizes. This weekend, This weekend, The Club at Discovery Harbour hosts a Lu'au & Dinner Show on Saturday, Nov. 5, with tickets at $75 for members and $90 for nonmembers. It runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call for tickets at 808-731-5122. On Saturday Nov. 12, The Club at Discovery Harbour hosts its Ho'ili'ili Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with food, live music and local treasures, including gifts for the holidays. Entrance to Ho'ili'ili Farmers Market is free. To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at wwwkaucalendar.com. See upcoming events at https://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/04/upcoming-events-for-kau-and-volcano.htm

EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE WILL WIND DOWN in November, following millions of dollars in government funding to help people with paying for housing during the pandemic. Hawaiʻi County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program made the announcement regarding the program administered by Hawai'i Island-based nonprofits.
Since launching, "ERAP has disbursed nearly $23 million in rent and utility assistance helping more than 7,800 Hawai'i Island children, and adults prevent eviction, utility shutoffs, and homelessness. Locally and nationally, the program was identified as a best practice in bringing together multiple nonprofit organizations to increase the amount of assistance disbursed to the community," said the county statement.
"As the County waits for additional federal funding, there is a limited amount of funds available for rent and utility assistance. In August 2022, the program administrator stopped accepting new applications as

Non-profit organizations helped to administer the Emergency
Rental Assistance Program during the pandemic.

they processed applications received and not yet approved for financial assistance. All financial assistance approved moving forward will be prioritized, and funds will be disbursed to households facing eviction, utility shutoff, or who have an unemployed adult individual in their household and are at risk of homelessness. Financial assistance will be paid out on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applicants will be directed to available job opportunities, resources, and services, including landlord-tenant mediation, legal services, and other financial assistance programs."
The County also announced that it will be working to develop a new rent and utility assistance program that will include connectivity to housing stability services such as workforce development programs, financial empowerment services, community services, and resources and the development of a sustainable housing plan. The County anticipates that this new program will be available in early 2023.
"Ensuring our local families were able to remain in their homes with the lights on through the Pandemic and beyond was and is an absolute priority of ours, and we were honored to have helped almost 8,000 families do just that," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Injecting nearly $23 million into the community would not have been possible without the amazing nonprofits islandwide that continue to go above and beyond to serve our residents daily. We'd also like to mahalo the staff at our OHCD for their tireless work to attain the funds and coordinate our on-island efforts."
The statement says that "As the island transitions to post-pandemic times, renters across Hawai'i Island are encouraged to develop sustainable plans for paying rent and utilities without ERAP assistance. Residents who need assistance transitioning away from ERAP benefits are encouraged to contact the Coordination Center for referrals to resources and services that can assist at this time. Financial counselors are also available at County Financial Empowerment Centers."
Additional services and job openings currently available can be found on our website at www.HawaiiCountyERAP.org or by calling or texting the Coordination Center at
808-501-1413.

PROPAGATION! SEND IN THE CLONES is the theme of the 32nd Hawai' International Tropical Fruit Festival on Friday, Nov. 4 through Sunday, Nov. 6. The 2022 in-person format with educational offerings, tours and a trade show will be at Royal Kona Resort.
Geared to farmers, educators, orchard managers and proponents of sustainable agriculture, the conference offers a lineup of visiting researchers and agro experts, plus breakout sessions on a variety of fruit-related topics. Ken Love, HTFG executive director, said that with two virtual conferenced during the last two years of COVid, "We we forward to networking, learning and having some fun."
Banana industry expert Gabe Sachter-Smith will discuss propagation for enhanced banana production. Other topics cover shipping malama and finger limes to the US Mainland, controlling avocado lace bugs and fruit flies, passion fruit, understanding the USDA permitting system, increased fruit production via the Mango Loa Project and fertigation—the process of directly applying fertilizer through an irrigation system.
Interactive activities include a fruit tasting and fruit-themed dinner with Chef George Gomes. Featured presenter is plus demonstrations by Dr. John Preece, supervisory research leader at the USDA Agricultural Research Service National Clonal Germplasm Repository, who will share his expertise on propagation techniques for tropical fruit trees.
The conference includes a visit to the South Kona Green Market, and the Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers' Containment Greenhouse & Nursery.
Research updates will be come from Dr. Marisa Wall, director of Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center . State Sen. Mike Gabbard, committee chair on agriculture and environment, will offer a legislative update.
The conference is supported by Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, County of Hawai'i and HTFG members from across the state. Registration forms and fee schedule are still available at www.HTFG.org or by contacting Love at kenlove@hawaiiantel.net or Mark Suiso at mark.suiso@gmail.com.
Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers was incorporated in 1989 to promote tropical fruit grown in Hawaii. It is a statewide association of tropical fruit growers, packers, distributors and hobbyists dedicated to tropical fruit research, education, marketing and promotion; www.HTFG.org.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, Oct. 31, 2022

Costumes on the Beach
Punalu'u Pizza drew keiki for a Halloween costume contest and more on Sunday.
See more from Halloween below. Photo by Jade Cabreros

CLARIFYING THE GHOST GUN RULE IS A TARGET OF U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Hirono and 13 of her Senate colleagues urge the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives to issue enforcement guidance and clarify the recently finalized Ghost Gun Rule. The rule regulates unfinished frames and receivers that are the core components used to construct ghost guns,

Tiny Halloween reveler Lia and dad, Kaʻū
Coffee farmer Delvin Navarro in front
of R&G store Monday. Photo by Julia Neal

untraceable firearms which have become the preferred instruments for criminals and violent extremists and pose a severe threat to the public and law enforcement, said Hirono. She said ghost gun companies have attempted to avoid the rule's restrictions by claiming that they can still legally sell "nearly-complete" frames and receivers as standalone products, without tools and other materials to complete a ghost gun, without running afoul of the new rule.

"These companies have adopted the position that selling nearly-complete frames and receivers without the tools (commonly known as jigs) or instructions to complete them means that their products are not firearms under federal law," the senators wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. "Of the 100 companies previously known to sell unserialized and nearly-complete frames and receivers, dozens remain engaged in that business."

Characters at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
Photo by Julia Neal

In 2020, Hawai'i enacted a law restricting the possession, manufacturing, and sale of ghost gun kits and parts. However, federal agencies have reported a significant increase in the number of ghost guns found throughout the state. Last month, a man on O'ahu was caught with two dozen ghost guns and illegal parts.
The number of ghost guns recovered at potential crime scenes has grown exponentially, jumping from 1,758 in 2016 to 19,344 in 2021 alone. That these firearms are untraceable only makes it more difficult for law enforcement to develop leads and solve crimes. Between January 1, 2016, and March 4, 2021, ATF attempted to trace almost 23,946 recovered ghost guns, but could only complete 151 traces.

In addition to these nearly-complete frames and receivers, the senators noted that many companies have also been selling standalone tools and equipment with directions to help purchasers complete the firearms. With these untraceable, dangerous weapons still accessible to those who wish to cause harm, the senators called for stronger enforcement of the rule.
"The final rule, however, is clear and unambiguous: a nearly-complete frame or receiver is a firearm. The rule does not cover only frames and receivers sold as part of a kit, but also frames and receivers that

Waiting for the keiki at District Gym.
Photo by Julia Neal

can be readily completed. Indeed, enforcing the rule only against sellers of kits would be a colossal loophole," the senators continued.
"The Ghost Gun Rule was promulgated to stop the proliferation of ghost guns, mitigate the threat these firearms pose to our communities, and help law enforcement—at every level—do their jobs... It is now incumbent upon the Department and ATF to see that it is enforced—and enforced strongly," the group concluded.
In addition to Senator Hirono, the letter, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

The full text of the letter is available here.

Trunk or Treat with Parks & Recreation
at Robert N. Herkes Gym parking lot.
Photo by Julia Neal

COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY KELDEN WALTJEN is urging the governor to call a special session of the Hawai'i Legislature. He and other prosecutors around the state ask legislators and Gov. David Ige to convene a special session to address Hawai‘i Supreme Court decision in State v. Obrero.

Waltjen provided the following statement: “I urge our Hawai‘i State lawmakers and Governor Ige to take action now— convene a special session—and either repeal or amend Hawai‘i Revised Statutes § 801-1 to restore prosecutors’ ability to initiate felony prosecution by way of criminal complaint and preliminary hearing as ratified in the Hawai‘i Constitution and supported by the Hawai‘i Rules of Penal Procedure.
"Failure to address this urgent issue now jeopardizes public safety. On Sept. 8, the Hawai‘i Supreme Court released its opinion in State v. Obrero, which determined that § 801-1 precludes prosecutors from initiating felony prosecutions via complaint and preliminary hearing. This decision contradicts established criminal law procedures which have been in place in Hawai‘i for the past 40 years and impacts the most serious offenses including murder, kidnapping, robbery, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. Since the Obrero decision, the four county prosecutors have worked together and proposed several different options that would address this urgent issue. It is now up to the State legislature and Governor’s office to take action.”

A dark Halloween with a smile at Trunk or Treat, sponsored by county Department of
Parks & Recreation and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Photo by Julia Neal

In the mail, on stands and at www.kaucalendar.com

Sunday, October 30, 2022

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

Mom helps keiki with pumpkin painting at Pāhala Center's Aun Tee's to get ready for Halloween.

See Hawai'i County Police Department tips for Halloween festivities below. Monday's Halloween Bash is at

Kaʻū District Gym with Trunk or Treat and more from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal

AN EDIBLE CROPS EXTENSION SERVICE AGENT IS NEEDED FOR or West and South Hawai'i, according to a petition drive shared by University of Hawai'i Extension Agent Andrea Kawabata. The petition was created by Ken Love, President of Hawai'i Tropical Fruit Growers Association. Kawabata said Sunday that 187 have already signed and provided testimony. She explained that the new petition is securing signatures toward the hiring of an Extension Agent working with commercial edible crops producers in West and South Hawai'i Island.
The petition narrative states that "For Hawai'i to improve its position with food security and resilience, we must increase local food production and exports. However, to do this, our farmers need more support. Cooperative extension agents play an extremely critical role in conducting and extending research-based information and technologies to our farming communities and promoting good agricultural practices that directly impact and benefit producers."

A petition is a float to encourage the creation of a position at University of Hawai'i Extension
Service for an Edible Crops Agent to work with commercial farmers. Photos from U.H.

The County of Hawai'i and University of Hawai'i's College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources are creating two extension agent positions within Hawai'i County for livestock and indigenous crops. "While support for native Hawai'i crops is important, we feel this position should also encompass and support other producers in need of extension assistance," says the petition.
It points out that the Big Island boasts the greatest number of farms and largest land mass in the state. "As such, current extension agents are stretched thin and cannot provide the much needed support that commercial farms require for success and sustainability. As such, our recommendation for the COH and UH-CTAHR is to broaden the position to include non-formal outreach (workshops, webinars, field days, presentations, farm visits, etc.) and education to tropical fruit, nut, vegetables, and herb producers in addition to indigenous crops in West and South Hawai'i, where there is a major gap in services. This commercial edible crops extension agent position would then support a greater diversity of farmers and be more efficient and effective use of county, university, federal and state monies."
The narrative urges the Ka'u agricultural community to strongly advocate for the position by signing

and sharing this petition and urging the COH and UH-CTAHR to highly consider this commercial edible crops position that is of critical need.
In addition to signing the petition, supporters can directly contact the Director of county Research & Development, Douglass Shipman Adams, and UH-CTAHR's Assoc. Dean and Director of Extension, Dr. Jeffrey Goodwin, "to further explain why this position is of great importance to you, other farmers, and our community," says the narrative for the petition. The contact information is:
Douglass Shipman Adams, County of Hawaii's Director of Research and Development, 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 130, Hilo, HI 96720; (808) 961-8366, chresdev@hawaiicounty.gov.
Dr. Jeffrey Goodwin, Interim Associate Dean and Director for Cooperative Extension, 3050 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822; (808) 956-8397; extad@hawaii.edu.

HONOKA'A WON THE BIG ISLAND DIVISION 2 CHAMPIONSHIP IN FOOTBALL. Honoka'a took down Kamehameha Schools Hawai'i on Saturday, Oct. 29 in a 19-9 win for the Dragons. Honoka'a finished the BIIF season 10-1, with two wins against Kaʻū Trojans. The Dragons head to O'ahu for the state championship.

According to BIIF statistics, the leader for the season in Kaʻū football Passing was Ocean Nihipali-Sesson. In Rushing it was Nihipali-Sesson, Vladimir Fedoruk and Chaz Kajiwara. The Receiving leaders were Toby Burgos, Tyson Kuaula-Faafia and Colin Henshaw.

LOHI GOODWIN, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT KA'Ū into Kona in the state House of Representatives, released the following statement on Sunday: "I am a conservative who was born and raised in Hawai'i. I am a father, a USAF veteran, a husband, a homeschooler, and a Kanaka. I am running

Lohi Goodwin, of Ocean View, the
House candidate and his family.
Photo from Goodwin campaign

because I see a dark day coming, in which our government does not respect and honor the people (us) but wishes to dictate every facet of our lives. From taking our hard earned money from our wallets in the name of the environment, to physically assaulting our children in school with forced experimental drugs, to sexually grooming our keiki kane and kaikamahine with perverse identity lessons, to removing the rights of parents to parent their children according to the beliefs of the 'ohana. I believe these will destroy the Ohana, turn the keiki against the makua, and wreak havoc on our community.
"We see the very same people who have killed businesses, put us out of work, set our kids back in school, and forced experimental drugs (dangerous vaccines) into 'our ohana asking to be given another opportunity to drive us deeper into misery and uncertainty.
"Do we still remember what normal is? Do our kids? I am running to restore normal, when government did the will of the voters, The People, who pay them. I am still salty about not being able to attend graduation, my kids not able to attend prom, no funerals, etc… These were unnecessary, they knew it, I knew it, yet they are still trying to play the same sick game with the lives of us and our keiki. ‘Nuff Already, vote freedom on November 8th, let’s return to normal. Vote Lohi Goodwin State Representative District 5."

JEANNE KAPELA, DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE TO REPRESENT KA'Ū into Kona in the state House of Representatives, released the following statement on Sunday: "In recent years, housing prices have skyrocketed. In some places the average cost of a single-family home has surpassed a million dollars, leaving working families unable to afford a residence in the islands.
"I'm working to fix that. We need to redefine what 'affordable housing' means in state law. Instead of giving tax breaks to developers, we should build housing for those earning no more than 60 percent of area median income and institute a vacant homes tax to target property speculation by nonresident investors.

Jeanne Kapela says there should be a tax on vacant houses
to help owners participate in solving the housing shortage.
Photo from Kapela campaign

"Additionally, I support creating a social housing model for our islands that views homes as a human right, not a market commodity. I also support strengthening protections for renters by passing a retaliatory eviction ban that prevents predatory landlords from taking advantage of their tenants.
"Finally, we need to empower nonprofit developers to create affordable housing, since they are not driven by shareholder profits. And we should implement rent control programs that limit rent increases to prices that workers can actually afford to pay without being cost burdened.
She asked voters to "Help me establish affordable housing for all who call Hawai'i home.... Our islands belong to working families, not luxury property investors. It's time for us to reclaim our housing policy for the benefit of we, the people."

SEE STATEMENT FROM MICHAEL LAST, LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE FOR KA'Ū into Kona's state House of Representatives seat at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022_10_16_archive.html

All dressed up for Halloween at Aun Tee's at Pāhala Center.
Photo by Julia Neal

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS ARE OFFERED BY HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT. "Being safe is no trick; using a few common-sense tips can help make Halloween enjoyable for everyone. The Hawaiʻi Police Department asks people to follow a few suggestions, especially on Halloween.
For tick-or-treaters: One of the most important safety tips for Halloween trick-or-treating is having adult supervision of children at all times, especially when there is vehicle traffic. Not having an adult looking out or monitoring your children may also be a violation of the law.
Another safety tip for Halloween is making sure that children's costumes are safe. Costumes should fit right to prevent tripping and heat exhaustion, should allow for clear and unobstructed vision, and be highly visible.
Parents, along with children, should have flashlights readily available to illuminate walking surfaces at night, as well as to provide a warning to motorist of your location from a greater distance. Having glow type sticks attached to your child’s costume is another way to increase their visibility at night.
Parents and trick-or-treaters should stick to trick-or-treating in neighborhoods that they are familiar with and stay away from homes with poor lighting to prevent falls and injury. Unfamiliar homes can also be dangerous as there might be dogs on the property which may bite unsuspecting children. Once trick-or-treating is done, parents should examine the candy which their child has received to make sure it was not tampered with and is safe to eat. Parents should also stress to their kids to not eat any candy that has not been checked by them while they are trick-or-treating.
For drivers traveling on Hawai‘i Island roads: For those whodrink alcohol or consume an intoxicating substance, don’t drive. Have a sober driver or call for a ride.

Keiki first responders with their
Ka'u pumpkins painted in Pāhala.
Photo by Julia Neal

Avoid using handheld electronic devices. Using an electronic device while operating a vehicle is a crime and very unsafe.
When seeing a drunk driver or impaired pedestrian on the road, contact Police Dispatch at (808) 935-3311. It’s best to provide a license plate description of the vehicle and direction of travel on the road.
Be on alert for all road users, including pedestrians, at night. Children may come from between vehicles or other unsafe locations.
Slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely to be or where sight distances are limited. Keep your windshield clean.
For pedestrians walking on this island's streets: Walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic, as far to the side as safely possible so you can move quickly out of the road if you feel threatened by traffic. Drivers do not expect to see pedestrians in the roadway or to come out from between parked cars or behind shrubbery. Expect that drivers will not see you and wait for them to pass.
Follow the rules of the road at driveways and intersections. Cross with a traffic signal if there is one, and even when having the right of way, make sure traffic has stopped or passed before stepping into the street. This will be easier to do if electronic devices do not distract from picking up visual and auditory information about traffic.
Before the Halloween festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night. Alcohol affects judgment, balance, and reaction time. Create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely. Walking impaired can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

LAVA JUNKIE IS THE NAME OF THE COSTUME SUGGESTED BY HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK. The Park posted that all that's needed are:
Flashlights. Be savvy and use a red light filter on your headlamp. It helps protect native animals and fellow trick-or-treaters by not disorienting them with bright white light.
Closed-toe shoes and long pants. Whether it’s top-of-the-line hiking boots or well-worn sneakers, wear closed-toe shoes to protect you on rocky, uneven terrain.
Light jacket. Weather conditions change often and quickly at Kīlauea volcano. Be prepared for rain, wind, and low 50 °F night temperatures.
Plan B: If your preferred viewing area is packed to the gills, try another location or come back later. Your park is open 24 hours a day.
For information on eruption viewing, visit https://go.nps.gov/new-eruption.