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Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Aaron Hammer's show reopens at Volcano Art Center on Thursday after a day of being closed, following Tropical Storm Calvin.
 He offers a demonstration on Saturday, July 29 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m., featuring live wood turning on a lathe. Photo from VAC

VOLCANO ART GALLERY REOPENS THURSDAY with the Wondrous Works in Wood show, featuring Aaron Hammer. His lathe-turned works of art will be on display through Aug. 20. The gallery, which opened the exhibition on July 15, shut down Wednesday in the wake of Tropical Storm Calvin. It reopens 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The exhibition is free and park entrance fees apply.
    Hammer has scheduled a woodturning demonstration from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 to allow viewers to witness live woodturning on a lathe. Hammer states that while working on the lathe “one must work from the center both physically and spiritually…starting with a raw log and transforming it into a finely finished and cherished object is the joy of my creation.”
    Wondrous Works in Wood showcases Hammer's newly-finished turned wood made from trees grown in Hawai'i. The works include natural-edged bark lipped bowls, traditional calabash shaped bowls, and large-scale platters. The scale of the pieces range from 8 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Hammer chooses to use previously-fallen Hawaiʻi grown trees in an effort to protect Hawai'i’s cherished forest resources. He states, “In the pieces I create, I attempt to honor these sacred trees by creating heirloom-quality work that is loved by families for generations. The fallen trees or urban-salvaged trees that I work with are often full of flaws, imperfections and defects. I endeavor to embrace these challenges and turn these flaws into unique features.”

An Aaron Hammer creation in the Wondrous Works in Wood exhibition.
Photo from VAC

    Originally from Kansas City, Hammer traveled extensively after high school to destinations including Israel, India, and Nepal and then made the island of Oʻahu his home in 1993. Mentored by  master wood turners Jerry Kermode and Ron Kent, Hammer began operating his own wood turning studio in 2000.
   Hammer now produces a full line of HammerCraft, lathe-turned art and gift items from his studio in Papaikou, which he established in 2014.In addition to running his business,                Hammer has served on the Board of Directors of The Pacific Handcrafters Guild holding the titles of Vice President and President. He is active now on the Board of Directors for the Hawai'i Forest Industry Association and in the local Hawai'i art and wood shows, winning awards at the HFIA wood shows of 2011 and 2022. He said he also loves teaching and has offered wood turning classes in Laupahoehoe. As an instructor he has been invited to teach wood turning workshops at Pratt Art Center in Seattle and was recently invited to teach a third workshop at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
 Park staff urges motorists and hikers
 to be alert for post-Calvin downed branches
 and other possible damage. This large
 branch was on Mauna Loa Road in the Park.
NPS photo
    Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org for more information, or call VAC Gallery at (808) 967-7565. Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi through arts and education.


HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK REOPENED WEDNESDAY at 11 a.m. as impacts waned from Tropical Storm Calvin. Kīlauea Visitor Center, park roads and most trails are open the to public.
Ranger programs are suspended Wednesday. Park staff are busy clearing trails, roads and other public facilities following the storm. Visitors should expect that some areas could remain closed while being evaluated or cleared.
    The Kulanaokuaiki Campground, backcountry areas and backcountry office also reopened at 11 a.m.
Nāmakanipaio Campground, managed by the Volcano House, is expected to reopen at 3 p.m. The A-frame cabins remain open. Call (808) 756-9625 for more information.
    While little damage occurred in the park, visitors are advised to remain alert for hazards which include fallen branches and road debris. Be extra cautious in forested areas and on trails. Expect continued wet weather and drive carefully.
     Continue to check the park website at https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htmand
and social media for updates.


Brown Water Advisory after Calvin. Image from Hawai'i Pacific Health   

A BROWN WATER ADVISORY FROM SOUTH POINT UP THE EAST COAST OF THE ISLAND was issued by the state Department of Health on Wednesday in reaction to runoff from the rains of Calvin.
   DOH Clean Water Branch issued the following statement: Heavy rain has resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Not all coastal areas may be impacted by runoff, however, if the water is brown stay out. Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow-up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns."

THE TROPICAL STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED for Hawai'i Island along with a Flood Watch and High Surf and Wind Advisory in the wake of Tropical Storm Calvin. County Civil Defense still urges: "Please exercise caution while the conditions remain unsettled." The storm left some fallen trees and branches but little damage across the island. 

    HPD ARRESTED TWENTY-SEVEN FOR DUI during the week of July 10 through July 16. Hawai'i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eight were involved in a traffic collision. Three arrested were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 536 DUI arrests compared with 561 during the same period last year, a decrease of 4.5 percent.
    Hawai’i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 458 major collisions so far this year compared with 424 during the same period last year, an increase of 8 percent.
    To date, there have been nine fatal crashes, resulting in 10 fatalities, (one of which had multiple deaths); compared with 20 fatal crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents a decrease of 55 percent for fatal crashes, and 54.5 percent for fatalities. HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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MORE SCREENING AND TREATMENT FOR SYPHILIS IS NEEDED, warns state Department of Health. DOH issued a statement Wednesday, cautioning that the rate of syphilis is increasing in women and newborns. "The continuing rise of cases in women and congenital syphilis is alarming and requires immediate attention."
    Dr. Diana Felton, chief of the Department of Health Communicable Disease and Public Health Nursing Division, said, All sexually active people with risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should be regularly tested for syphilis and other STIs. For pregnant persons, we now recommend syphilis screening three times: as early as possible during the first trimester, at 28 to 32 weeks of gestation and at the time of delivery. It is important that sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection.
    DOH noted that most cases of congenital syphilis in Hawai'i have been reported in people who received late or no prenatal care. This has led to the health department to urge enhanced screening in health care interactions other than prenatal care.
    "Visits to emergency rooms, urgent care and primary care clinics present critical opportunities to identify and treat syphilis and prevent recurrence of congenital syphilis."
    DOH strongly recommends that women begin receiving prenatal care as soon as they learn they are pregnant, ideally in the first trimester.
    Syphilis can have severe health impacts, especially for developing babies, including increased risk of stillbirth or death shortly after birth, Felton said. The devastating effects of untreated syphilis are preventable if infections are detected early and treatment is initiated promptly.
    In Hawai'i, the number of babies born with syphilis , known as congenital syphilis, ranged from zero to four cases per year from 2000 to 2019, 12 cases in 2020, and 20 cases in 2021. Preliminary data indicates at least 22 cases in 2022. This dramatic increase in congenital syphilis cases is associated with increasing infections in adults.
    The health department is alerting health care providers to be vigilant in screening for cases of syphilis in people who may become pregnant and during pregnancy, and is emphasizing recommendations for diagnosing and treating cases. The department also stresses the importance of treatment of partners to prevent reinfection and follow-up appointments with patients and infants.
    For more information on syphilis infections in Hawai'i as well as screening and treatment recommendations, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/learn-about-diseases/sexually-transmitted-infections/syphilis/.
    Information on syphilis and pregnancy is available at https://health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/syphilis-pregnancy/.

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Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 18, 2023

 
TROPICAL STORM CALVIN IS PASSING SOUTH OF HAWAI'I ISLAND, according to the National Weather Service 11 p.m. update on Tuesday. The key message is that "Calvin has begun to pass south of Hawaii County. Expect periods of flash flooding, dangerous surf and damaging winds. Calvin will weaken as it moves westward to the south of the other Hawaiian Islands Wednesday and Wednesday night, bringing the potential for some peripheral impacts."
    The 11 p.m. advisory says, "Deep convection has decreased considerably near the center of Calvin since late this afternoon, but has begun to increase farther to the north along windward shores and slopes of the
Big Island of Hawai'i. The low level circulation center is rapidly becoming unveiled again.
"Instruments aboard the US Air Force Reserve's Hurricane Hunter aircraft showed maximum flight level winds of 50 kt, reduced to about 45 kt at the surface. Objective Dvorak satellite analyses from PHFO and JTWC gave current intensity numbers of 2.5 or 35 kt. Based on these data, the initial intensity
for this advisory has been decreased to 45 kt. The initial motion for this advisory is 275/17 kt as Calvin
continues to move south of a large subtropical ridge. No significant change in this steering is expected over the next several days.After passing south of the Big Island tonight, the forecast is
essentially the same as the previous forecast track but slightly to the south to account for a small adjustment in initial position, thanks to the newly revealed LLCC. The forecast track lies within,
but on the southern side, of the guidance envelope due to the initial point adjustment. Although the center of Calvin is passing south of the Big Island, most of the island is well within the 34
kt radius, and impacts from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf are imminent or occurring.
    "The forecast calls for Calvin to pass south of the Big Island, then southwest of the rest of the main island chain, as a weakening tropical storm. Vertical shear affecting the tropical cyclone is expected to be moderate through tonight and into Wednesday, then strong by Wednesday night. The strong shear should result in a weakening to post-tropical/remnant low status on Friday."


SHELTERS OPENED in Nāʻālehu and Pāhala on Tuesday afternoon, courtesy of County Parks & Recreation, Civil Defense and the Red Cross. The Hele On Bus was cancelled until reassessment at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. All county parks were shut down until reassessment, as well. Many state and county offices and facilities were set to be closed on Wednesday.


THOUSANDS OF NEW HOMES AND APARTMENTS WILL SOON BE BUILT IN HAWAI'I, according to Gov. Josh Green who signed an Emergency Proclamation on Tuesday to help make it happen. A statement from Green's office stated that the Emergency Proclamation "will speed the safe construction of thousands of critically needed, public, low-income, affordable, workforce, and market-rate for-sale and rental units for Hawaiʻi residents across the state, while ensuring careful stewardship of the land and all it holds." 
Gov. Josh Green with his Emergency Proclamation to speed up construction
of many thousands of homes in Hawai'i. Photo from the Governor
    Green said the Emergency Proclamation will "streamline processes for housing development, while ensuring respect for our iwi kūpuna and environment." The statement from his office said, "The historic proclamation also will provide flexibility to direct resources to our state and county agencies to accelerate plan reviews."
    The Governor's Emergency Proclamation "directs all state agencies to prioritize housing reviews, plans, approvals, and permit processing. It also means additional state resources will be directed to address the affordable housing crisis," says the statement from his office.
        Hakim Ouansafi, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority, said, "I applaud the Governor and his team for crafting this, one-of-a-kind in the nation EP, that is a proactive and concrete action that I know will greatly help our agency to promptly deliver the more than 12,000 new units that the Governor announced on July 3, as well as help other agencies and private developers to expeditiously deliver housing to our citizens."
    Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Director Kali Watson said, "In line with the Governor's
Kali Watson, new Director of Department of Hawaiian Home Lands,
 has built thousands of single and multifamily housing units as CEO
 of Hawaiian Community Development Board and promises to help the 
Governor solve the housing shortage among Hawaiians. Photo from PBN
 proclamation, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands will swiftly adapt its strategies and plans to accelerate the provision of affordable housing opportunities for our beneficiaries. Our commitment to providing affordable, decent, and safe homes for native Hawaiians remains steadfast in the face of this crisis. We understand the urgent need for housing, and we will use every tool at our disposal to expedite processes, while ensuring the integrity of our program and the well-being of our beneficiaries."
    Dean Minakami, interim executive director of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corp., said, "The Housing Emergency Proclamation will expedite necessary affordable housing projects across the state by reducing regulatory barriers."  
Dean Minakami, who worked for A&B
 Properties, Castle & Cooke Homes and
Wilson Okamoto, will help to build homes
as Development Branch Chief of Hawai'i
 Housing Finance & Development Corp.
    State Senate Housing Chair Stanley Chang called the Emergency Proclamation "one of the largest state-level housing actions anywhere in the country in years, if not decades. It will remove many significant barriers private developers face in building the housing Hawaiʻi's people so desperately need. It also enables state and county agencies to develop low-cost housing for Hawaiʻi residents on government-owned land."
   The statement from the Governor's office noted that "several officials spoke on the importance of this significant milepost in Hawai'i history." It provides quotes from all of the Mayors in the state who participated in a news conference on Tuesday.
    Hawai'i County Mayor Mitch Roth said, "Housing our local families is our administration's top priority as we strive to forge a sustainable Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can raise their keiki for generations. We're honored to work alongside Governor Green, his team, and my fellow mayors to create a tool that will catalyze our efforts to alleviate the housing shortage and bring truly affordable housing to the market."
    Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami said, "Addressing homelessness and our housing crisis takes a whole-community approach, one that cannot be solved by government alone. Every step toward a resolution, is a step forward in the right direction. That's why we are grateful to Governor Green, his team, our fellow
Hakim Ouansafi, Executive Director of Hawai'i Housing Authority,
 vows to help deliver 12,000 affordable housing units.
 Photo from HPR
mayors and counties, and our communities statewide, for making this unified commitment which seeks to ensure that our residents are cared for, and offers our families hope for the future."
    Maui County Mayor who serves Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaho'olawe and Maui islands, said, "I'd like to thank Governor Green for his leadership on a critical need affecting our islands. The housing crisis has caused our people a degree of hardship unseen in our contemporary history. When we make more homes available for our kamaʻāina, we're offering a sense of belonging, security, and dignity our people rightfully deserve. We're building more than homes - we're building communities."
    O'ahu Mayor Rick Blagiardi said, "As Mayor, I fully support the Governor's emergency proclamation for housing. It is a necessary step to address the urgent crisis facing our community. Our goal is to provide access to safe, affordable housing for every resident, and this emergency proclamation will allow us to mobilize needed resources and implement the necessary measures. This proclamation sends a clear message that we are committed to finding solutions and taking action to alleviate the housing challenges our city is experiencing."

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Monday, July 17, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, July 17, 2023

NOAA's water vapor image Monday evening, of East and Central Pacific, showing Calvin to the right of the Hawaiian Islands.

THE COUNTY'S PROACTIVE PREPARATIONS FOR TROPICAL STORM CALVIN were announced today by Mayor Mitch Roth. The statement says that Calvin is expected to make landfall on Tuesday, July 18, in the late afternoon. As the storm approaches, the County is taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents and visitors.
    In response to the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Calvin, the County has made the following decisions:
    County Camping Permits Cancellation: In the interest of public safety, all County camping permits islandwide will be cancelled from Tuesday, July 18, through Wednesday, July 19. This measure aims to protect individuals from the potential risks associated with camping during adverse weather conditions.
 
  Emergency Shelters Prepared: Two emergency shelters are being readied in the Kaʻū district to provide refuge for those in need. The Robert Herkes Gymnasium and the Nāʻālehu Community Center will serve as safe locations for residents seeking shelter during the storm. These shelters will be staffed with trained personnel and will be equipped with essential supplies to accommodate residents. The shelters are pet friendly, requiring owners to be responsible for providing a carrier, food, and other supplies for their animals.
    Waipiʻo Valley Access Road Restrictions: Starting tomorrow, July 18, the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road will only be accessible to residents and farmers. This restriction is necessary to facilitate swift and safe evacuations if required and to prevent any unnecessary congestion on the roadways.
    Advisory Updates: The County's emergency management team is continuously monitoring the situation and will be providing regular updates on Tropical Storm Calvin's progress. Residents are advised to stay tuned to official sources of information for the latest developments and safety guidelines.
    The Mayor urged all residents and visitors to take this storm seriously and to make the necessary
preparations for potential impacts. He stated, "While we hope for the best, it's crucial that we plan for the worst. The safety of our community is our top priority, and we are taking all necessary measures to ensure that everyone remains safe and well-prepared throughout the duration of the storm."
    Residents are reminded to prepare emergency kits, secure loose outdoor items, and stay informed about weather conditions through official channels. Evacuation orders, if necessary, should be followed promptly and diligently, said the County statement.
    To ensure timely and critical alerts, the County encourages residents to sign up for Everbridge messages from Civil Defense. By doing so, residents will receive important notifications directly to their preferred communication channels, allowing them to stay informed and make informed decisions. To sign up, visit: https://member.everbridge.net/371914103062563/login
    The public is also encouraged to visit the official website of the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency at https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygi.... This website serves as a valuable resource for residents and visitors seeking the latest storm advisories, evacuation orders, emergency shelter locations and hours of operation, and other essential information related to the storm.

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CALVIN IS MARCHING QUICKLY TOWARD HAWAI'I ISLAND, at 21 mph, 33 km/h, according to the Monday 8 p.m. National Weather Service advisory. Calvin was located 17.3N, 146.5W, about 570 mi., ESE of Hilo and 615 mi. ESE of South Point. Maximum sustained winds were 45 mph, 75 km/h.
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for all of Hawai'i County, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.
    Calvin 's rapid motion toward the west is expected to continue over the next several days. On the forecast track, tropical storm conditions are expected to start spreading over Hawai'i County starting Tuesday night.
    In addition to maximum sustained winds near 45 mph (75 km/h), there are higher gusts. Calvin is forecast to gradually weaken during the next several days.
    Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km) from the center.
    The estimated minimum central pressure is 1004 mb (29.65 inches).
    See hurricanes.gov/text/HFOTCDCP1.shtmlTropical for storm conditions expected within the warning area starting Tuesday night.
    RAINFALL: From Tuesday night into Thursday, storm total rainfall amounts of 4-8 inches, with maximum amounts of 10 inches are possible, mainly along the windward areas of the Big Island of
Hawai'i. Storm total rainfall amounts of 1-4 inches are expected elsewhere in the state. This rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding and mudslides.
    SURF: Swells generated by Calvin are expected to begin spreading across the main Hawaiian Islands tomorrow. A rapid increase in surf is expected along east facing shorelines exposed to these swells Tuesday and Wednesday. This elevated surf will likely cause life-threatening conditions along exposed shorelines.

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LIBRARIES ARE OPEN FIVE DAYS A WEEK Kaʻū, with their internet service, computer availability, books, publications, live events, air-conditioning and restrooms.
    The new schedule began Monday and the first talk is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. with a presentation on autism and ADHD in America by Kaʻū resident, Dr. Renee Du Fault. Her focus is Nutritional Epigenetics, which she researched as a scientist with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. She will talk about the effects of nutrition on autism and ADHD. The session will be held at Pāhala School & Public Library.
    Branch Manager Sara Kamibayashi reports that Pāhala will be open Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays noon to 4p.m.
    Nā'ālehu Public Library will be open Mondays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays 10 am. to noon and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays noon to 4 p.m.


Dr. Jace Koholokula Saplan comes to
Kauaha'ao Church Aug. 6 with Nā Wai
 Chamber Choir for a free concert.
NĀ WAI CHAMBER CHOIR, under the direction of Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan, will perform the works of Lorenzo Lyons and Mele of Ka Moku O Keawe. Admission is free at Kauaha'ao Church in Wai'ohinu on Sunday Aug. 6 at noon. The address is 95-1642 Pinao St.
    The Nā Wai choral director is also Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Arizona State University. He is former Choral Director and taught at University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
    Saplan's research has focused on performance practice of Queen Lili’uokalani’s choral compositions; multicultural perspectives in the choral rehearsal; intersections of choral pedagogy, gender, and sexuality in communities of color; and Native Hawaiian agency in music.
    Nā Wai Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Hawaiian choral music. Under Saplan's direction, Nā Wai has commissioned and mentored emerging Native Hawaiian composers and conductors, toured throughout rural Hawaiian communities, and led workshops on the performance of Hawaiian choral music at schools and universities throughout the country.
    Saplan was an Obama Asia-Pacific leader through the Obama Foundation for the 2022-23 school year. Saplan is a 2008 alumnus of Kamehameha School, received a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Music from University of Hawai'i, Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from University of Oregon and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting with cognates in Music Education and Enthnomusicology from University of Miami Frost School of Music.

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