Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, July 6, 2023

Limu Kala became the official State Limu with the Governor signing of a bill passed by the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature.
Photo from Ka Wai Ola

LIMU KALA HAS BEEN NAMED OFFICIAL LIMU FOR THE STATE OF HAWAI'I. Gov. Josh Green recently signed the bill passed by the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature into law. Office of Hawaiian Affairs publication Ka Wai Ola describes this most commonly eaten limu, Sargassi, ecjompcarpum, limu kala:

    "Among the first organisms named in the Kumulipo are varieties of limu, including limu kala. Limu

Limu Kala. Photo from Waimanalo Limu Hui

kala was one of the most commonly utilized types of limu in ceremonies. Kala in Hawaiian means to free, untie, unburden or absolve. People are familiar with using kala when saying, 'E kala mai iaʻut' to apologize.
    "Limu kala symbolically unbound or loosened human beings from offenses committed against one another or against the akua. Due to this particular meaning, limu kala played an essential part in rituals.
    During a purification ceremony, a kahuna pule heiau would mix seawater, limu kala, and sometimes ʻōlena (turmeric) in a bowl and sprinkle the congregation. This ceremony was mainly done when people had been exposed to a corpse or something that made them ritually unclean. Before the start of ʻōpelu season, fishermen would gather at a kūʻula (heiau specific to fishermen), and a kahuna would offer a prayer and then purify them before they went out to sea. This same mixture was also used to purify places that had become ritually unclean.
    "Limu kala played a vital part in traditional forgiveness rituals. When there was a dispute or harsh feelings within a family, the family would conduct a hoʻoponopono. When the issue was resolved, limu kala would then be eaten. If a family or community had wronged their ʻaumakua or the akua, an aha ʻāina kala hala (feast for forgiving offenses) would be prepared. Symbolic foods were eaten including puaʻa, āholehole, moa, kalo, and limu kala."

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"GOVERNOR GREEN ENACTS LAWS TO PROTECT BEACHES, SHORELINES, AND PUBLIC LAND," says the announcement on Thursday from his office. "New laws will provide resources for conservation, enact measures to assist with management and enforcement, and preserve the environment for future generations." One of them allows the state Department of Land & Natural Resources to fly drones over public lands to monitor conservation measures and look for infractions.

A new law allows and requires DLNR to report on its use of drones
 to monitor its territory and record infractions. Photo from DLNR

    HB1200 HD1 SD2 CD1, (Act 237) requires the DLNR to establish an unmanned aircraft systems program. It authorizes Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers to use unmanned aircraft systems. It requires DLNR to submit an annual report of the effectiveness of the unmanned aircraft systems program to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
    "Hawaiʻi is known worldwide for its pristine coastline and beaches, clean air, and blue skies," said the Governor. "It's our responsibility to take care of such valuable resources to preserve our natural environment so it will be available for future generations to experience and enjoy.
    "We also have two million acres of land zoned for conservation in Hawaiʻi that we must serve as excellent stewards of, by putting in place measures to help combat erosion, support climate change mitigation, and give our departments the tools they need to do their jobs in protecting the environment,"  Green said. "These bills are a good start in the right direction."

    Other bills concerning public lands that were recently signed by the Governor include:

SB67 SD1 HD2 CD1, (Act 227), relating to Commercial Activities on Beaches, prohibits commercial vendors from presetting commercial beach equipment on certain beaches under the jurisdiction of the Department of Land & Natural Resources, unless the customer is physically present. Requires commercial vendors to expeditiously remove commercial beach equipment after the customer has finished using it. Allows the Department of Land and Natural Resources to grant exemptions through rules. Establishes administrative fines for violations.
    HB364 SD1, (Act 228), relating to public lands trespass, clarifies that when trespass involves public land, all state and county law enforcement officers may enforce trespass laws, without regard to whether the land is owned by the State or by a county.

Some agriculture, bike paths and other
uses will be allowed under new law
within the Special Management Area.

   

     HB365 HD1 SD2, (Act 229), relating to Special Management Areas, redefines "development" under SMA permits to exclude low impact activities like some agricultural use, invasive species protection and fencing, bikeways, etc.). It expands exclusions from the definition of "development" as it applies to special management areas to reduce the need for special management area permits for certain activities.
    HB1091 HD2 SD2 CD1, (Act 231), relating to Real Property Disclosures Within Shoreline Areas
Seller disclosures for shoreline homes and erosion, requires disclosure of all existing permitted and unpermited erosion control structures on the parcel in real estate transactions when residential real property lies adjacent to the shoreline. Effective 11/1/2023.
    HB1079 HD2 SD2 CD1, (Act 233) Relating to Water Pollution Control, water pollution and water quality, it revises chapter 342D, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, to add definitions that are consistent with federal Clean Water Act regulations. Clarifies the Director of Health's role as a certifying agency, including enforcement of water quality certifications, and increases certain statutory civil penalties.

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Kaʻū Roping & Riding hosts a two day rodeo this Saturday and Sunday at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds.
Photo from Kaʻū Roping & Riding

Rodeo Queen ShaniaLee Silva graduated
and heads to the Air Force.

KAʻŪ ROPING & RIDING NAMES SHANIALEE SILVA RODEO QUEEN, SHEALIA FUERTES PRINCESS. Silva and Freitas will reign over this weekend's Independence Day Rodeo July 8 and 9 at Nā'ālehu Rodeo Grounds. Both will ride in the
opening ceremonies both days.
    Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association's mission is"to preserve and perpetuate the paniolo culture for this generation and future generations; to instill in our youth the Hawaiian Culture; to teach them horsemanship and responsibility so they can become caring and productive citizens.”
    Its saying, by George Jung, is, "Life’s a rodeo and all you have to do is stay in the saddle."
    ShaniaLeeSilva graduated from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary this year  at 17 years of age and plans to join the Air Force when she turns 18. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, serving as Senior Class Secretary and Senior Class Athlete. She completed CTE and was a member of the Health Occupation Student Association.
    Silva, of Hawaiian and Portuguese heritage, is the youngest daughter and second of eight children in the family of Mike and Wendy Silva in Pāhala. She grew up riding horses, competing in rodeo and taking care of the family cattle, goats and hunting dogs. She became a member of Future Farmers of America. Throughout school, she excelled in sports, including basketball and softball.
    Shealia Freitas lives on a coffee and food farm above Pāhala and is eight years of age. Of Hawaiian, Japanese and European heritage, including Portuguese, she is the daughter of Rodney and Marlene Freitas. Shaelia will be in third grade at Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences this coming school year.
     She is the youngest of five children, with three older sisters Jessica, Michaela and Sheri and one brother Ikaika.

Rodeo Princess Shaelia Freitas will  attend Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. Photo by Michaela Morales

Rodeo Princess Shaelia Freitas will 

attend Volcano School of the Arts &

Sciences. Photo by Michaela Morales 

    Shaelia is a born country girl, raised on her 'ohana's Ka'ili Ma'ile Farms. A statement from her family says that Shaelia loves anything outdoors, especially animals. "Her love of animals started at a very young age and has grown as she's gotten older." She has an ardent interest in horses and rodeo. Her wish is to one day have a horse to call her own.
    Rodeo tickets are available from the Queen and Princess and at the gate. They are $8 in advance and $10 at the Rodeo Grounds.
    Kaʻū Roping & Riding Association is a non-profit 501C3 and accepts donations to be used for its mission, including purchasing additional land for parking at the rodeo grounds.

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CALLING ON ALL KAʻŪ HIGH & VOLCANO SCHOOL OF THE ARTS & SCIENCES FOOTBALL PLAYERS. The coaching staff reports that practice begins on Monday, July 24 at Kaʻū High in Pāhala. The coaches will present a preseason potluck at Punalu'u Beach Park on Sunday, July 23 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. With questions and to RSVP, call or text Mark Peters at 510-387-5669.

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences walked through its home village at the annual Fourth of
July Parade on Tuesday. See more photos below. Photo by Sara Espaniola

THE HOIST AT SOUTH POINT, WHERE PEOPLE JUMP OFF THE CLIFF and fisherman moor boats

The Hoist at South Point.
Photo from DHHL

offshore was the scene of a death, a possible drowning. Hawai'i Police Department announced on Wednesday that shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 30, Ka‘ū patrol officers responded to a report of a swimmer in distress near the Kalae Cove Park, commonly known as the “Hoist”, at South Point. Bystanders brought the distressed swimmer to shore and began CPR until Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived on scene, however, attempts to resuscitate the man at the scene were unsuccessful.
   The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

    The victim is alleged to be a 56-year old Ocean View man.

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BILLS PASSED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE to support local agriculture have were signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on July 5. A statement from his office says they are "an effort to strengthen a crucial segment of Hawaiʻi's economy. Three relate to the Kaʻū Coffee industry. 

    SB746 SD1 HD2 CD1, (Act 211) RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING: Expands the coffee labeling and advertising requirements to include ready-to-drink coffee beverages and the inner packages and inner wrapping labels of roasted coffee, instant coffee, and ready-to-drink coffee beverages. Specifies that the coffee labeling and advertising requirements apply if the applicable products are produced in whole or in part from Hawaiʻi-grown and Hawaii-processed green coffee beans. Requires disclosure on the label of coffee blends of the respective geographic and regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees. Prohibits use of the term "All Hawaiian" in labeling or advertising for roasted coffee or instant coffee not produced entirely from green coffee beans grown and processed in Hawaiʻi. Effective 7/1/2024. 

Family strolls in Volcano Fourth of July parade and asks 
that "God Bless America." Photo by Sara Espaniola

        SB743 SD1 HD1 CD1, (Act 216) RELATING TO COFFEE PEST CONTROL; Extends the sunset date for the Coffee Berry Borer and Coffee Leaf Rust Pesticide Subsidy Program to June 30, 2025; and the program manager position, including the position's civil service and collective bargaining laws exemption, to June 30, 2026. Requires the Department of Agriculture to report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds for the operation and implementation of the Pesticide Subsidy Program. (CD1)

    SB1552 SD2 HD1 CD1, (Act 217) RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES: Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to support the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the state. (CD1)
    The Governor said, "Hawaiʻi has more than 1.1 million acres of farmland, with people who do back-breaking work to feed all of us, while trying to earn a living. Despite this work by generations of farm families, we import around 85 percent of the food we eat. I want to bring that percentage down, way down, to improve our food security. To do that, we have to support local agriculture and make farming easier and less costly for the whole industry.
    "The bills being signed today expand the role of agriculture across our islands, which also will enhance farmers' resiliency and ability to fully use their agriculturally zoned lands to produce both food- and non-food commodities, without barriers resulting from expired restrictions.
    "Very importantly, relating to agriculture, public health, the environment, and the safety of present and future generations, we're signing a bill today that supports enforcement of our pesticide laws and increases monetary fines for violations," he said.

Moses Espaniola, Jr. rides for Friends of Hawai'i Volcanoes
National Park in Volcano 4th parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

    Sen. Mike Gabbard said he is encouraged by the impact of the bills signed today on agriculture now and into the future. "Giving funding to the Hawai'i Ant Lab and Hawai'i GroupGap, will provide critical support to prevent further spread of Little Fire Ants, and protect residents and visitors from foodborne illnesses, respectively

     Gabbard, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment noted a precedent being set by the state taking over ownership and responsibility of an irrigation system, dam and reservoir. "SB833 allows the state to take ownership and responsibility of the Wahiawā irrigation system, Wahiawā Dam and Lake Wilson Reservoir, and the associated spillway. Given the many vital uses of these places, it's necessary for the State to take control, because if not, who knows who the buyer would be, and what it would be used for in the future," said Gabbard.

    In addressing pesticides, Rep. Cedroc Gates, Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems said, "We are definitely very excited about making sure that people who are using pesticides are doing it responsibly, and doing it in a safe way that protects our community.

K-Truck carries family and flag through Volcano Village
 Photo by Sara Espaniola

"I worked with the Ag Department very closely to make sure we increased the fines, to go after repeat-offenders who think they can pollute our communities without any consequences. I think that it was a good year for ag and there are a lot of exciting things coming out of the industry. We really want to support our local farmers."
Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Executive Director Brian Miyamoto said the bureau is very pleased with the many positive measures passed to help Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers during thelegislative session, noting the high level of support from Governor Green and his Administration.
    "We applaud Governor Green and the legislature for their leadership and support for Hawaiʻi's farmers and ranchers through the signing of these bills today. The Governor signed bills that will help increase the viability and success of our farmers and ranchers through support for agricultural land use policy, irrigation infrastructure funding, controlling invasive species, food safety regulation, resources for the Department of Agriculture, and protecting one of Hawaiʻi's iconic crops, coffee," Miyamoto said.

    Here are other bills Green signed into law:

USGS Hawai'i Volcano Observatory staff walks the parade route in Volcano. Photo by Sara Espaniola

  SB833 SD2 HD3 CD1, (Act 218) Relating to the Wahiawā Irrigation System: Requires the Office of the Governor to negotiate the state's fee simple acquisition of the Wahiawā Irrigation System on the island of Oʻahu. Authorizes and appropriates funds for the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, and Department of Land and Natural Resources to purchase, repair, and maintain the Wahiawā Irrigation System and the associated spillway. 
    HB615 HD1 SD1, (Act 219) Restrictions on agricultural uses and activities: Clarifies that any provision in a private agreement contained in a conveyance of land recorded on or before July 8, 2003, that has since expired but has not been renewed and recorded in the bureau of conveyances, is prohibited from restricting bona fide agricultural uses and activities on agricultural land. 
    HB692 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 220) Relating to Pesticides; Increases the maximum administrative and criminal penalties for violators of the Hawaiʻi pesticides law. (CD1)

    SB1588 SD2 HD2 CD1, (Act 212) RELATING TO FOOD SAFETY.
Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish and implement a GroupGAP food safety training and certification program. (CD1)

'O Kaʻū Paniolo tales the ride along the route of the Fourth
 of July Parade in Volcano. Photo by Sara Espaniola

HB307 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 213) RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES.Allows the Department of Agriculture to extend the agricultural park lease of any lessee who holds a lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less, if the land covered by the lease is 25 acres or less and located in a county with a population of less than five hundred thousand. (CD1)
    HB695 HD2 SD1 CD1, (Act 214) RELATING TO FENCES.
Allows the use of battery-charged security fences used for non-agricultural purposes, under certain circumstances. (CD1)
    HB972 HD1 SD1 CD1, (Act 215) RELATING TO THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY SPECIAL FUND.
    Adds revenue generated by the State Veterinary Laboratory and Animal Disease Control Branch as sources for the Animal Industry Special Fund and clarifies that the funds from the special fund may be expended to make laboratory improvements. (CD1)

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THIS IS OUR HAWAI'I IS THE NAME OF A NEW PODCAST FROM HAWAI'I PUBLIC RADIO. Its Hawaiian name is ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia. An HPR introduction says, "Hawaiʻi has sustained hundreds of thousands of people for centuries, yet these days, it can feel like there isn't enough for everyone. Who owns the Hawaiian Islands? Who makes the rules? And why do so many local people feel like they're left out? Communities across the islands have been having this discussion for decades."

    Join host Russell Subiono as he digs deep into residents' frustrations with the status quo. In each episode of this limited series podcast, Subiono  visits a different Hawaiʻi community threatened by outside ownership and listens to what longtime locals have to say. Listen to the trailer

    ʻO ko mākou Hawaiʻi kēia: This Is Our Hawaiʻi is HPR debut digital-first limited series podcast. Six episodes will be released every Friday starting July 14 on major podcasting platforms Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora and Stitcher, and hawaiipublicradio.org/ourhawaii.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com, in the mail and on stands.

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Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Todd Marinovich, former USC and LA Raiders quarterback, is assisting with coaching the
Ka'u High Trojans, as well as 'Ohana Flag Football. Photo by Mark Peters

 'OHANA FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAS LAUNCHED for keiki in Kaʻū, led by former University

Luka Monk #5 and Shaizley Martinez #6
play flag football. Photo by Mark Peters

of Southern California quarterback Todd Marinovich, who led the Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory in his freshman year. He also served as Los Angeles Raiders quarterback. Now 54 years of age, Marinovich has made his home here and is also assisting with Kaʻū High School Trojans football.

    Marinovich started 'Ohana Flag Football after seeing many of his friends suffer from CTE, the progressive brain disease that often comes from head injuries in football. He said he is passionate about youth refraining from putting on helmets and pads until they are in high school. Flag Football helps to prevent head injuries because there is no tackling.
    The first session of 'Ohana Flag Football on July 1 drew more than 25 keiki to Pahala Ball Field, where the second session is set for Saturday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The League will move to Na'alehu Ballpark on Saturday, July 15.
    'Ohana Flag Football will continue until Aug. 5 on Saturdays 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A statement from the organizers says, "The emphasis is on kindness and providing a fun and safe environment for youth ages six to 12 to play football. This is free to all."
    For more information, contact Marinovich at 949-981-8268.

Former NFL quarterback Todd Marinovich has moved to Kaʻū and started Ohana Flag Football.
Photo by Mark Peters

VOLCANO VILLAGE HELD ITS ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY PARADE on Tuesday. See photos below and more in the Wednesday Kaʻū News Briefs.

A sign of the time, July 4, the day of the annual Volcano Parade. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Miss Liberty and Uncle Sam show up every year at the Volcano July 4 parade.
Photo by Sara Espaniola

Revelers lined Old Volcano Hwy and Wright Road and greeted The Village Church
Photo by Sara Espaniola

Wheels of Justice appear to hold up the American flag. Photo by Sara Espaniola

A Color Guard brings in the flag. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Tow truck becomes a flag bearer. Photo by Sara Espaniola

Grand Marshal John Verbiske with an affordable ride.
Photo by Sara Espaniola

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