Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, May 9, 2023

EXPANDING THE PACIFIC REMOTE ISLANDS MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT AROUND PALMYRA ATOL, KINGMAN REEF AND BAKER AND HOWLAND ISLANDS goes to a public meeting this Thursday, May 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mokupapapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo.

    The plan is to expand Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current size of 50

nautical square miles to 200 nautical square miles miles. The plan is to expand Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument from its current size of 50 nautical square miles to 200 nautical square miles miles.
    A statement from Conservation Council for Hawai'i says, "This expansion will enable more reefs to regenerate and flourish, protect the ocean floor from mining, and give native wildlife a chance to survive. To the native communities, these islands hold much cultural and historical significance." According to  Conservation Council, the expansion would also honor the memory of the 130 men who occupied the islands during World War II from 1935 - 1942 and "perpetuate the indigenous seafaring knowledge between Pacific Islanders.
    In conjunction with the expansion, in Conservation Council for Hawai'i's statement, the monument would be renamed. and a co-management team knowledgable in traditional and scientific practices would steward the place. NOAA has begun a scoping process for the Pacific Remote Islands with in-person public meetings, including the option of joining virtually for the meeting on Wednesday, May 10 in Honolulu and the meeting May 11 in Hilo.
    The public comment period ends on June 2. Voice opinions at https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/NOAA-NOS-2023-0052-0001 or by mail to PRI-Proposed Sanctuary, NOAA, c/o Hoku Kaaekuahiwi Pousima, 76 Kamehameha Ave Hilo, HI 96720. See https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/pacific-remote-islands/.

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A hole in one was accomplished at 4,000 ft elevation, announced Volcano Golf Course. Photo from Volcano Golf Course

Janelle Akuna, after her Hole in One at Volcano
 Golf Course. Photo from Volcano Golf Course

A HOLE IN ONE AT VOLCANO GOLF COURSE was scored by Janelle Akuna, reports Volcano Golf Course General Manager Dawn Crozier. She said Akuna accomplished the feat on Hole #3 on April 23, using a hybrid club from the forward tees approximately 105 yards to the hole. This was Akuna's first HIO.
    Volcano Golf Course is owned by Kamehameha Schools and operated by Toon, which manages nine courses in the Hawaiian Islands, including Mauna Lani. Toon operates more than 665 courses worldwide.

     Volcanogc.com gives the description: "For over 100 years at Volcano Golf Course, guests have been treated to panoramic views of both Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea while playing alongside endemic ‘ōhi‘a trees that bloom vibrant red, and the nēnē, Hawai‘i’s state bird that nest throughout the property. This 18-hole golf course is set at the rim of the active Kīlauea volcanic crater, 4000 feet above sea, making it a truly unique golfing experience."

     In regard to Kamehameha Schools stewardship, the website says, "KS holds a great kuleana, or responsibility, to sustainably care for, nurture and enhance our lands for communities of today and tomorrow."

    Volcano Golf Course offers an All You Can Play Yearly Membership for $329 per month. Pay $3,290 in advance to receive a $658 discount. A 30-day All You Can Play Pass costs $349. A Ten Round Punch Card costs $359. A Twilight 30-day pass for unlimited play with tee time starting at 1:30 p.m. is $150.00. Driving Range passes are $10 per month. See more at volcanogc.com and on https://www.facebook.com/VolcanoGolfCourse/, with a link to Volcano Golf Courses's new online store.

Volcano Golf Course is owned by Kamehameha Schools and operated by Toon. See volcanogc.com and https://www.facebook.com/VolcanoGolfCourse/, with a link to its new online store. Photo from Volcano Golf Course

Miloli'i- Kaʻū 16s took first in their category at the tournament on Saturday that brought 16 teams to Robert Herkes Kaʻū 
District Gym  from around the island and O'ahu. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball Club

Mauloa Girls took first in 4s category. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū

MILOLI'I KAʻŪ VOLLEYBALL GIRLS WON THE 16s CATEGORY in the tournament held last Saturday at Robert Herkes Kaʻū District Gym. Second went to Keaukaka Boys. In the 14s category. Mauloa Girls won, with second going to AMP. 

     Sixteen teams from eight clubs from as far away as O'ahu came to Kaʻū for the tournament organized by Kaimi Kaupiko and crew. 

    The clubs were Miloli'i-Kaʻū, Keaukaha, Pu'uki, AMP, Maunalani from O'ahu, Ho'opa, Mauloa and Hi Intensity.

     Maunalani's coach, who hosts the club at Kamehameha School gym on Oa'hu with team members from Kapolei and other parts of Honolulu, said she looks forward to the event becoming an annual tournament with students traveling to Kaʻū.   

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This Maunalani Club came from O'ahu with two teams. Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū Volleyball

Miloli'i- Kaʻū 14s at the tournament held last Saturday, with teams from as far away as O'ahu.  Photo from Miloli'i-Kaʻū 

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, May 8, 2023

Volcano Art Center Offers Liko A'e Keiki Summer Day Camp Program

A weeklong summer camp will be held at at VAC’s Niaulani Campus from June 12- June 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The camp is open to Keiki 7-13 years of age. It includes ceramics. Hawaiian rhythms and dance will be an introduction to hula and Hawaiian instruments. There will be drawing, painting, and It’s A Honu World Puppetry with original music and puppetry celebrating life stories of the sea turtles of Hawai'i. Early registration deadline is May 19. Deadline is June 2. Financial scholarships available. See https://volcanoartcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/VAC-LIKO-A%CA%BBE-SCHOLARSHIP-FORM.pdf. Call Volcano Art Center for more info at (808) 967- 8222.

A MAGNITUDE 3.8 EARTHQUAKE 20 miles below sea level, 7 miles east-northeast of Pāhala, was felt

See explanation of Pāhala swarm at https://phys.org/news/2022-12-
hawaii-earthquake-swarm-magma-sills.html. Image from phys.org

islandwide with light shaking just before midnight Sunday, but many people in Pāhala didn't feel it. The quake at 11:58 p.m. followed an M3.3 Sunday morning at 7:35 a.m. Another M2.7 occurred Monday morning at 3:19 a.m.
    USGS reported that the quakes had no apparent impact on either Mauna Loa or Kīlauea volcanoes.
    The M3.8 was described by USGS as "part of the swarm of earthquakes that has been occurring beneath the Pāhala region since 2019. These quakes may be related to deep transport of magma in the hotspot beneath the Island of Hawaiʻi, but pose no volcanic threat to residents." 

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THE MASS MURDER AT A TEXAS SHOPPING MALL on Saturday led to Gov. Josh Green and Pres. Joe Biden on Monday to order U.S. and Hawai'i state flags to be flown at half mast through sunset on Thursday, May 11 at U.S. post offices, the State Capitol and all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai'i National Guard facilities. 

    The eight deceased victims included children and adults. They were multinational, their roots in India, Korea, Latin America and the U.S. The assailant, of Latin descent, who was shot and killed by a police officer, was described as a loaner, a man wearing racist badges and swastika tattoos, having posted messages of hate.
    Hawai'i's Governor said, "We lower the flags in solemn remembrance of the victims of gun violence in Allen, Texas and with healing wishes for all the families and loved ones who are hurting."
    The U.S. President said, "an assailant in tactical gear armed with an AR-15 style assault weapon gunned down innocent people in a shopping mall, and not for the first time. Such an attack is too shocking to be so familiar. And yet, American communities have suffered roughly 200 mass shootings already this year, according to leading counts. More than 14,000 of our fellow citizens have lost their lives, credible estimates show. The leading cause of death for American kids is gun violence.
    "Since I signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law and took two dozen executive actions to stem the tide of gun violence, we have made some progress. States are banning assault weapons, expanding red flag laws and more — but it’s not enough. We need more action, faster to save lives.
    "Too many families have empty chairs at their dinner tables. Republican Members of Congress cannot continue to meet this epidemic with a shrug. Tweeted thoughts and prayers are not enough.
    "Once again I ask Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Enacting universal background checks. Requiring safe storage. Ending immunity for gun manufacturers. I will sign it immediately. We need nothing less to keep our streets safe."

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HAWAII'I POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING FOR THE PUBLIC TO HELP FIGHT FENTANYL. HPD issued a statement on Monday, saying it is committed to fighting drugs on island and apprehending those who distribute and sell illegal narcotics. "In recent years, the use of illicit fentanyl has reached

epidemic proportions on the mainland and Hawai‘i. Criminal drug networks are mixing this dangerous synthetic opioid into illegal counterfeit pills and selling them as legitimate prescription pills, often with deadly consequences."
    HPD launched a monthly public release of fentanyl stats documenting the amount of fentanyl related arrests for possession and distribution in Hawai‘i County and the quantity of fentanyl recovered for the preceding month. The monthly reports are similar to HPD’s weekly DUI stats.
    “By proactively issuing monthly statistics on fentanyl arrests and the amount of fentanyl recovered, Big Island residents can monitor the department’s commitment to eradicating this drug from our communities,” says Chief of Police Benjamin Moszkowicz. “What’s more, people can keep track of accurate data themselves, rather than relying on rumors or potentially misleading claims.”

Area I (East Hawai‘i)					Area II (West Hawai‘i)
Month/2023	Fentanyl Arrests	Fentanyl Recovered: Grams	Fentanyl Recovered: Pills		Month/2023	Fentanyl Arrests	Fentanyl Recovered: Grams	Fentanyl Recovered: Pills
January	2	0	0		January	6	148.45	422
February	0	57.79	0		February	4	91.9	79
March	2	34.61	2		March	4	29.13	15
April	2	1.24	50		April	2	19.9	30
Total	6	93.64	52		Total	16	289.38	546

 For fentanyl safety tips, how to recognize fentanyl poisoning, and more, see HPD’s website: https://www.hawaiipolice.com/services/crime-tips#fentanyl.
     HPD asks for info from the public relating to illicit drug use and distribution, as well as vice issues such as prostitution, gambling, and other related crimes. "Hawai‘i Police Department encourages you to call our East Hawaiʻi and West Hawaiʻi Vice Sections 24-hour anonymous vice/drug tip hotline."
    To share info pertaining to districts of Kaʻū, Kona, South Kohala, and North Kohala, call

(808) 329-ZERO-ICE, (808) 329-0423. To share information pertaining to districts of Puna, South Hilo, North Hilo, and Hāmākua, call (808) 934-VICE, (808) 934-8423
    HPD advises, "When you call, you will be asked to provide information. You do not have to provide your name, address or telephone number. All information is kept confidential and within the Criminal Investigation Division. Information is cross-referenced, allowing detectives to determine if additional information related to the criminal activity about which you are calling has been reported in the past. Even “small” bits of information can at times provide detectives with the missing link that allows them to take action."

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IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM RECIPIENTS IN HAWAI'I.  "When voucher holders are denied an opportunity to rent, it is a barrier to securing housing assistance," says Michael Yee, who heads the county Office of Housing & Community Development Existing Housing Division. 

    Yee's statement follows the Hawai'i Legislature passing and Gov. Josh Green signing Act 310, which became law on May 1. It prohibits discrimination in advertisements for available real property. It prohibits discrimination against prospective or current tenants based on participation in a Permanent Supportive Housing programs or any Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program. The law applies mainly to landlords who own more than four rental properties with some exemptions allowed.

    Yee said, "This law is a needed step in the right direction and will help provide individuals and families greater access to affordable housing."

     The law aims to reduce source-of-income discrimination against people who use these types of rental assistance. It provides Section 8 participants with the same protections afforded to other classes under state and federal Fair Housing laws.

    Nicholas Severson, Legal Aid Society of Hawaii's Housing Managing Attorney, said, "This law is important because it prohibits landlords from turning away prospective tenants because they rely on housing subsidies. Ideally, it should make it easier for low-income individuals to secure housing. It also provides an enforcement mechanism that punishes landlords for advertising that they do not rent to folks with housing subsidies, hopefully curtailing that very common practice."

     Discrimination that is prohibited under the law includes: Advertising a rental property as not accepting vouchers; refusing to engage in a rental transaction with someone based on their participation in a housing assistance program; and requiring rental conditions that are different from those required for a person not participating in a housing assistance program
    The county announced that a  fine up to $2,000 will be issued for initial violations. Each subsequent violation will net a landlord a $2,500 fine.
    Hawai'i County Office of Housing & Community Development is responsible for planning, administration, and operation of all County of Hawai'i housing programs. "Our Mission is to provide for the development of viable communities through decent housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities," says the County statement. See https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/housing-assistance

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, May 7, 2023

Halau Hula O Leionalani performs first and third Saturdays at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

Sami Stanbro and Ed Olson at Keola Pu'uhonua in
 Nā'ālehu Saturday with cultural demonstrations and
 hula on first and third Saturdays, of the month, 10 a.m.
 to 2 p.m. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

HALAU HULA O LEIONALANI HONORED EDMUND C. OLSON AT KE OLA PU'UHONUA Cultural Gardens on Saturday on the grounds of Punalu'u Bakeshop in Nā'ālehu. The event drew family and community members to enjoy hula and presentation of lei to Olson, who founded  Kaʻū Coffee Mill and leases land to farmers and ranchers in the area. They thanked him for his donations toward the halau traveling to Japan and also for Olson's support of other community programs in Kaʻū.
    The halau performs during a regular event at Keola Pu'uhonua, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., first and third Saturdays of the month. Cultural practitioners give demonstrations and teach the public. On Saturday, a group from Puna joined in with a kalo demonstration, pounding poi and inviting the public to join in.
    Halau Hula O Leonalani Kumu Debbie Ryder said, "A lot of community people came out to support the practitioners and enjoy the hula." She called it "A real 'Ohana Day." Halau member Jamie Kailiawa, whose late husband Bull Kailiawa planted the Kaʻū Coffee, now grown by Olson along Hwy 11 by the historic graveyard in Pāhala, came out from Hilo to thank Olson for his donation and to give him a lei. All of the keiki and women dancers who will travel to Japan also presented lei to Olson.

Ed Olson receives lei from young hula dancers for his
donation toward their upcoming visit to Japan to perform
and visit cultural sites. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

    Working at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua are Demetrius Oliveira, Hulali Waltgen Puli and Chelse Kobzi. They are all employed through Alu Like. During the summer, said Ryder, Alu Like will also employ youth to work to help steward and further develop the cultural gardens.
    Halau Hula O Leonalani offers classes from keiki to kupuna at Pāhala Hongwanji in the old Japanese school classrooms. Tuesdays are for beginners from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. minimum age five, followed by advanced hula class from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Wednesday, keiki kāne classes are 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., an advanced opi'o class from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a ladies class from 6 p.m. to 7p.m.
    For more information, contact the Kumu at 808-649-9334.

Keiki of Halau Hula O Leonalani performing Saturday at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Photo by Brenda Iokepa-Moses

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David Fuertes was guest speaker
at the Kaʻū FFA banquet.
Photo from Kahua Pa'a Mua

FUTURE FARMERS OF AMERICA HELD ITS FIRST KAʻŪ BANQUET IN MORE THAN 15 YEARS on Friday and presented awards and certificates to high school student members. The event was staged in the Robert Herkes District Gym Multipurpose Room with families, students and alumni attending.            

    FFA nationwide considers itself "the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture."

    Guest speaker was David Fuertes, the retired agriculture teacher and FFA advisor from Kohala, who operates Kahua Pa'a Mua, a nonprofit that teaches people to farm in order to earn a living and feed their families, with a focus on traditional Hawaiian crops and Korean Natural Farming. He is also a leader in establishing certified kitchens for farmers. 

Kaʻū High Ag teacher and FFA advisor Kaweni Ibarra, 
FFA student member Pomai Kajiwara-Ke, and advisor
 Jessie Denny hold three awards for Ke including Star
Farmer. He also received a scholarship. Photo From FFA

    Fuertes spoke on the innovation and persistence of agriculture in Kaʻū, following the 1996 shut down of one of the first and the the very last sugar plantation on the island. Fuertes highlighted successful careers of many Kaʻū Future Farmers of America alumni.
    During the FFA banquet, Kaʻū High agriculture teacher Kaweni Ibarra, Jessie Denny, Cynthia Emmsley, and Janelle Cardenas, who are all advisors for Kaʻū High's newly relaunched FFA, helped facilitate the event with the chapter officers.
    FFA chapter officers summarized their accomplishments for the. year and members who participated in the the FFA Greenhand Degree program received certificates of recognition. 

    The Chapter Star Greenhand title went to Jacelyn Jara. The Chapter Star Farmer title went to Pomai Kajiwara-Ke. The Spark Plug Award went to to Nicoli Makuakane, and the All the Way Award to Ezekiel Kaawa-Kamimura. Pomai Kajiwara-Ke was also awarded a scholarship from Kaʻu FFA Alumni Marvin Min and his company Hawaiian Earth Products.

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KAʻŪ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN ACTION COMMITTEE will hold its public meeting on Monday, May 8 at Ocean View Community Center from 5:30 p.m.

     On the agenda are reports from the Punalu'u Coastline Access and Resources Investigatory Subcommittee; Mahana Bay (Green Sands Beach) Coastline Access and Resources Investigatory Subcommittee; Pohue Bay Coastline Access and Resources Investigatory Subcommittee; Kupuna Housing Investigatory Subcommittee; Development in Kaʻū Investigatory Subcommittee; Nā'ālehu Theatre Site Investigatory Subcommittee; and Small and Industrial Solar Farm Developments.

     Regarding Small and Industrial Solar Farm Developments, the Action Committee announced that its members "will discuss the topic of these developments and potential actions to be taken following the discussion, if any."

    Also on the agenda is a discussion on the Hawai'i County Code update.

    Members of the Kaʻū Action Committee are:

Jesse Ke, Ka'ohinani Mokuhali'i, Leina'ala Enos, Babette Morrow, Jason Masters, Pernell Hanoa, Catherine Williams and Kaweni Ibarra.

    See the Community Development Plan at

https://www.planning.hawaiicounty.gov/general-plan-community-planning/cdp/kau.

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THE END OF THE 2023 HAWAI'I LEGISLATURE BROUGHT A REVIEW FROM GOV. JOSH GREEN at the end of last week. The physician, who started his career in medicine in Kaʻū, is in his first term as governor, and noted his attachment to Kaʻū when he took office and during his campaign. A statement from his office regarding his working with the 25 state Senators and 51 members of the state House of Representatives says:
    "Gov. Josh Green, M.D. is proud to announce wide legislative successes in the Administration's first legislative session. The Green Administration, through strong collaboration with the legislature, has secured the passage of a diverse portfolio of legislation that embraces the bold vision for the State of Hawai'i outlined by Governor Green during his first State of the State Address."

Gov. Josh Green. Photo from National Governors Assn

    The statement says that the end of the 2023 Legislative Session "marks an important date as a critical first step to lower Hawaiʻi's cost of living, construct truly affordable housing, protect our natural environment, and promote the health and wellness of our residents." It says the Governor "would like to thank the legislature for its collaboration, its willingness to put forth and embrace new, bold ideas, and for sharing values that prioritize the wellbeing of residents." It points to Green's assessment of the following four as "critical areas": Homelessness and housing needs; the Green Affordability Plan proposal; climate change; and a health care crisis.
    The Governor's assessment says "the 2023 legislative session secures critical achievements in all four areas. The Green Administration will build on these achievements over the next year."
    To tackle homelessness and housing needs: The Rental Housing Revolving Fund will receive $280 million over the next two years. $100 million has been appropriated in FY24, while $180 million has been appropriated in FY25.
    For the Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, $50 million is appropriated for each year.
    Kauhale Projects throughout Hawai'i will benefit from an infusion of $15 million in FY24 and $33 million in FY25.
     ʻOhana Zones will benefit from an infusion of $15 million.
      State Rent Supplement Program ($6 million in FY24); our Housing First Program ($3.7 million); our Rapid Re-Housing Program ($3.7 million); and our Homeless Outreach Services ($1.7 million).
     More than $150 million for the Hawai'i Community Development Authority for infrastructure improvements for housing developments.

    To roll out the Green Affordability Plan with tax relief that prioritizes working families, provisions include: Doubling the earned income tax creditDoubling the food tax credit and 
improving the existing child and dependent care tax credit.
    For Climate Change Adaptation, the Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority will receive $100 million to lower the energy burden for more than 4,000 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households in Hawai'i.
    For Hawai'i's Health Care Crisis, "this administration has secured funding to provide loan forgiveness programs for social workers, nurses, and physicians across Hawai'i. These investments will help shrink the state's physician shortage and ensure better health outcomes for communities across the state" with the following:

    Family Assessment Centers will benefit from an infusion of $1.5 million, while nursing facilities in the State of Hawai'i will receive $5.6 million in general funds and $7.1 million in federal funds.
    $30 million for the Hawaiʻi State Loan Repayment Program. "The State of Hawaiʻi is the first state in the country to start and invest in a loan repayment program for medical professionals to recruit, retain and attract doctors, nurses and social workers."
    Reduce health disparities for the 450,000 residents on Medicaid through $30 million dollars per year investment, matched with $43 million in federal support to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates. "Currently, physicians are reimbursed at a higher rate for patients on Medicare than those on Medicaid, discouraging healthcare providers from taking Medicaid patients. This investment ensures parity in reimbursement rates, facilitating access to higher quality care for Medicaid patients."
    Crucial investments in rural and neighbor island hospitals including:$50 million for Hilo Medical Center ICU and Medical Surgery Expansion; $18 million for Kona Community Hospital for Pharmacy and Infrastructure upgrades; $21.2 million for improvements at Samuel Mahelona Hospital in Kapa'a, Kaua'i; and $39 million for Maui Health System for repair and maintenance projects
     The Governor's statement said that collaboration with the Hawai'i State Legislature extended beyond these four priorities and includes the successful negotiation of a new contract with the Hawai'i State Teachers Association.

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