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Monday, August 21, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Monday, August 21, 2023

Pres. Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden received ho‘okupo during their six-hour visit to see the devastation and
to meet with people in Lāhainā on Monday. Photo from Hawai‘i News Now

PRES. JOE BIDEN SAID LĀHAINĀ WILL BE REBUILT ACCORDING TO THE WISHES AND PLANS BY LOCAL PEOPLE. During the President's six-hour visit to Lāhainā on Monday he was asked by numerous residents to help make sure that local people will be involved and direct the planning for Lāhainā. During his remarks, he said, "The community will be built on your terms."
    During an interview with Hawai‘i News Now, Alicia Kalepa, a Lāhainā resident whose house was spared and became a hub for people who lost their homes, said she will hold the President to the promise. Kalepa is wife of Polynesian Voyaging Society Captain Archie Kalepa. She said that as far as calling for "building a better community or better homes than what we had, unfortunately I didn't like that because for our kupuna, the Lāhainā family and for a lot of people that have lost what they had lost, there is no replacing that, there is no better, there is no new, there is no better than that.... that didn't sit very well with my heart."
A group representing Archie Kalepa asked Pres. Joe
Biden to make sure Lahaina is planned by its residents.
Photo from Maui Now
   "We would just love to have it built back to its original historical site. This is the original kupa‘aina before the overthrow, and for me personally, I would like to see that, the way we want it to be done," said Kalepa.
      Stacey Curimao said, "This is Lāhainā. It's a very, very loving place. You know we may have lost our homes but we fall under the same roof. So we are in this together and we need our community leaders and we need the people of Lāhainā to have a voice in regards to the rebuilding of our community and keeping our hometown Lāhainā."
   Mish Shishido, Archie Kalepa's assistant, urged anyone who made promises to Lāhainā to keep their word. "There are over 40,000 ancestors standing behind us. We are not alone. By no chance are we alone. Keep your word." 
    Shishido also said, "Discussions that have already begun that it comes to this community of Lāhainā and that the discussion remains in Lāhainā and that not looking out to anyone else, if they are going to reach out for help that it is going to be with the consensus of the people of Lāhainā, not what it's going to do for anyone else, but exactly what the people of Lāhainā want."
    See Pres. Joe Biden's entire speech at Lāhainā Civic Center at
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2023/08/21/remarks-by-president-biden-at-community-engagement-with-residents-impacts-by-wildfires/
    See Pres. Joe Biden's entire speech near the famed banyan tree in Lāhainā at 


GOV. JOSH GREEN SAID DURING PRESIDENT BIDEN'S VISIT, "LĀHAINĀ BELONGS TO ITS
Gov. Josh Green hugs Pres. Joe Biden during
their visit to fire-devastated Lahaina on Monday.
Photo from Gov. Green's Facebook
PEOPLE and we are committed to rebuilding Lāhainā the way the people of Lāhainā want...this land is for the people of Maui and it is reserved as they return and rebuild." Green, who previously talked about fast-tracking the rebuilding of housing to replace what is lost, referred to his request to the state Attorney General "to enhance criminal penalties for predatory purchases of fire-devastated real estate."
    Green also said, "Our hearts are broken and we will heal with the assistance of President Biden; and the federal government, and the love and compassion of resources throughout our state, we know we have the support to lift us up as we find those who are lost to deal with the tragedy. The people of Lāhainā will need time to heal, to recover and to grieve." 
     Green also emphasized that while travel to West Maui is restricted to returning residents and emergency responders, the rest of Maui and the state remains safe and open for visitors. He encouraged visitors to come, "to support our local economy and speed the recovery."
    "The world is watching, and we will show it the true strength of our culture, our people and all that we believe. And as they watch us heal, protect, and nurture one another, the world will be reminded why it loves and embraces Hawai'i and we embrace it." 
    Green accompanied the President on his ground tour of Lahaina and meeting at Lahaina Civic Center.
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A TOWN HALL MEETING WITH MAYOR MITCH ROTH WILL BE IN VOLCANO this Thursday at Cooper Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The gathering is one in a series around the island called Sustainable Horizons: Mayor Roth's Community Impact Check-in. The aim is updating and fostering engagement with communities across Hawaiʻi Island. The Mayor said, "The recent events on Maui have highlighted the
importance of trust and unity between government and the communities in which we serve. These town halls act as platforms for government leaders and the community to come together and share what's working and what isn't. They're meant to bring us all together so that we can find common ground and better inform the way we serve. We're excited to continue our town hall series in Volcano and look forward to hearing from the community of upper Puna."
    The town hall series is set up to establish an open and transparent dialogue where residents can stay informed about local initiatives, express their concerns, and actively contribute to shaping the future of their respective communities.
    The event will begin with the Mayor and key cabinet members providing updates on the county's progress and direction. The remaining hour and a half will be dedicated to a Q&A session, enabling attendees to directly pose questions to department representatives and receive responses from subject matter experts.
    For those unable to attend in person, the town hall will be made available on the Mayor's Facebook page (facebook.com/himayormitch) and Nā Leo TV, Channel 55. We encourage all residents to participate and engage in this critical community dialogue.
    "The upcoming town hall at the Cooper Center on August 24 is an opportunity for residents to connect with local government, voice their concerns, and contribute to the future of their community."

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ANDREW AMON OF OCEAN VIEW HAS BEEN ARRESTED. The 27-year-old was wanted for two outstanding warrants for arrest, as well as for questioning in other criminal investigations.
   On August 18, 2023, after conferring with the County Prosecutors Office, Detectives charged Amon with Robbery 2 and Criminal Contempt. His bail was set at $5,500.00.
   Amon remained in police custody and made his initial court appearance on Monday in Kona District Court.


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Sunday, August 20, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Sunday, August 20, 2023

Darlyne Vierra, who founded Kaʻū Multicultural Society with Liz Kuluwaimaka, pulled from extensive
archives to present photos and other items from Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary at Sunday's Reunion.
Photos by Julia Neal
Reunion promoter and alumni 
archivist Joe Tateyama.

Reunion organizer James Yamaki
ALUMNI FLOODED THE KAʻŪ HIGH & PĀHALA  ELEMENTARY REUNION on Sunday along with friends of the school. The annual potluck event, with local music and Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani dancers, draws alumni to the town from as far away as Boston. 
    A special presentation about the school was presented by Kaʻū Multicultural Society founders Darlyne Vierra and Liz Kuluwaimaka who pulled from their enormous archive on families who immigrated here to work in the sugar industry and paniolo in ranching from Hawaiian and immigrant families. She said she could fill a huge place with just photos and memorabilia from the schools. She noted that Kaʻū Multicultural Society is looking for a permanent home for its archives and displays.
    Reunion organizers and promoters James Yamaki and Joe Tateyama said they were thrilled with the turnout at Pāhala Community Center and the widespread love for the school.

A core group of Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary alumni, some flying in from as far as Boston.
Photos by Julia Neal
Calvin Ponce headed up  entertainment
 for the reunion Sunday.
SOUTH POINT FIRE CONTINUED TO BURN ON SUNDAY. County Civil Defense issued a statement saying, "The Hawai‘i Fire Department reports the brush fire in the Kaʻū District at South Point continues to burn. All road closures are expected to remain in place through Monday."
     The following roads are closed: South Point Road at Ka Lea Road intersection
     The following roads are open for local traffic only: South Point Road below Kamaoa Road
   The area remains closed due to active fires and fire suppression activities. For more information, please visit the County of Hawai‘i Hazard Impact Map.

PALM TRAIL HIKE on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. is a 2.6-mile loop along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruption. At the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, discover relics of the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration). Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coast. This is a 3-hour program.

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Saturday, August 19, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs, Saturday, August 19, 2023

A brush fire at Ka Lae occupied firefighters Saturday and led to the shutdown of the
most southern end of South Point Road. Photo by Alex Barrett

KAʻŪ COUNTY AND VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS continued their work on a fire near South Point Saturday evening. The 6 p.m. update from Civil Defense said, "The Hawai‘i Fire Department continues operations along South Point Road near Ka Lae in the Kaʻū District. Fire operations extend along South Point Road and Ka Lae Road. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire throughout the evening.
    "Due to the brush fire, be advised. the following roads are closed: South Point Road at Ka Lae Road junction/ The following roads are open for local traffic only: South Point Road below Kamaoa Road."
    For more information, visit the County of Hawai‘i Hazard Impact Map.


NATIONAL OCEANIC & ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION is offering funding opportunities for communities to prepare, adapt and build resilience to weather and climate events; and for research on weather, oceans, and climate. Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is accepting proposals for the following:
    The Climate Resilience Regional Challenge is for projects that build the resilience of coastal communities to extreme weather (e.g., hurricanes and storm surges) and other impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and drought. 
    The focus is on collaborative approaches to achieving resilience in coastal regions. Proposed projects should address risk reduction, regional collaboration, and equity, and build enduring capacity for adaptation. This competitive grant program has two distinct tracks for investing in holistic, collaborative approaches to coastal resilience at regional scales. 
     A letter of intent is due Monday, Aug. 21 with full proposal. Tuesday, Feb. 13.  Track One is titled Regional Collaborative Building and Strategy Development. The $25 million grant focuses on laying the groundwork for future resilience efforts and funds will be used to initiate new, regional-scale efforts and advance existing collaboratives. 
    Track Two is titled Implementation of Resilience and Adaptation Actions. The $550 million grant will support the implementation of transformational resilience and adaptation strategies for coastal communities anchored in existing plans. For both, see:
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29hc3Qubm9hYS5nb3YvZnVuZGluZy9pcmEvcmVzaWxpZW5jZS1jaGFsbGVuZ2UvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1Hb3ZEZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MTguODEzMTgwODEifQ.KXINWktLN7iCP8XZrFLlKGOKl2w2yUDEwA8dc-CD7DE/s/712432512/br/224464171434-l.
     The Climate Ready Workforce funds will assist communities in forming partnerships with employers and other entities that train workers with the goal of placing them into jobs that enhance climate resilience.
The grants will be from $ 500,000 to $10 million each. These partnerships will work collaboratively with NOAA to grow regional economies and their associated workforces in climate-related sectors and industries. This competition is jointly run by NOAA's National Sea Grant College Program and Climate Program Office and leverages support from NOAA's Office for Coastal Management. 
    NOAA is seeking state, tribal, territorial and local governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations in coastal states or territories to lead these partnerships and to place workers in quality jobs that enhance climate resilience.
    The due date is Nov. 30 for the letter of intent, with full proposals due Feb. 13, 2024. See
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vY29hc3Qubm9hYS5nb3YvZnVuZGluZy9pcmEvcmVzaWxpZW5jZS1jaGFsbGVuZ2UvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1Hb3ZEZWxpdmVyeSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMzA4MTguODEzMTgwODEifQ.KXINWktLN7iCP8XZrFLlKGOKl2w2yUDEwA8dc-CD7DE/s/712432512/br/224464171434-l.
   The Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerators program provides grants of up to $250,000 to start and up to $10 million to carry on through NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System The aim is to identify and support small businesses across ocean-based climate resilience theme areas to attract capital, mature their technologies, and scale their business models for climate impact and economic prosperity.
    Themes are: Ocean-based renewable energy; Coastal and ocean carbon sequestration monitoring and accounting; Hazard mitigation and coastal resilience; Ecosystems services, including change detection, change analysis, and change adaptation and mitigation; Ocean and coastal-based climate resilience theme areas as determined by the applicant.
     Phase One is the scoping and design phase and it will fund selected projects with up to $250,000 per project for accelerator program design. Phase Two will invite all projects selected in Phase One to apply for funding of up to $10 million each to implement the program designed in Phase One.
     The due date is Sept. 11 for Phase One applications. See
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vaW9vcy5ub2FhLmdvdi9hYm91dC9nb3Zlcm5hbmNlLWFuZC1tYW5hZ2VtZW50L2luZmxhdGlvbi1yZWR1Y3Rpb24tYWN0L2FjY2VsZXJhdG9ycy8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPUdvdkRlbGl2ZXJ5IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgxOC44MTMxODA4MSJ9.go7ZRNhG4_g4fUmAenjQhVlZ63Tlo4NeWOUFolaw148/s/712432512/br/224464171434-l.
The Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience funding is designed to help sustain fisheries, make significant strides in the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and help protect
coastal communities and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change. They support efforts such as reconnecting rivers to their historic floodplains, outplanting corals to rebuild reefs, building living shorelines that protect coasts from erosion and sea level rise, and more.
    The due date is Nov. 17. See


"I AM GRATEFUL TO THE INVESTIGATORS FOR THEIR HARD WORK in solving and charging this case," said Hawai‘i County Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz regarding police officer Mark Kealoha Kaili Jr. being accused of breaking into a Nā‘ālehu home on Tuesday and committing burglary and assault. The Police Chief said, “It is important to remember that while the allegations against Officer Kaili are serious, they do not represent the hard work and dedication of the Hawai‘i Police Department.”
    The HPDA statement says, "On Saturday afternoon, August 19, 2023, after conferral with the Hawai‘i
County Prosecutors Office, the 31-year-old Puna Patrol officer was charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree assault stemming from an incident reported Tuesday morning." Kaili’s bail has been set at $6,000. If he does not post bail, he will appear in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon, Aug. 21.
    On Friday morning, Aug.18 at 10:25 a.m., detectives arrested Kaili at his residence in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
    The charges against Kaili stem from the incident reported early Tuesday morning at a residence in Nā‘ālehu, where two masked men reportedly entered the 20-year-old victim’s residence and assaulted him. During the altercation, the victim’s grandfather intervened, and in the process unmasked one of the suspects, later identified as Kaili, who was off-duty during the alleged incident, and at the time of his arrest.
    The other suspect was immediately identified as 27-year-old Cody Kuaili‘aimoku Kanahele, who is the cousin of the victim. Kanahele was arrested a short time after this incident was reported, and later that same day he was charged with first-degree burglary, and third-degree assault. He was later released from police custody after posting bail, and was given a future court date.
    The Area I Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of Professional Standards (Internal Affairs) are continuing this investigation.
     The Office of Professional Standards has also initiated a standard internal administrative investigation. Officer Kaili has been placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of the separate criminal and internal investigations.

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ALL FRIENDS OF KA‘Ū HIGH SCHOOL ARE INVITED to the Kaʻū High School Alumni & Friends annual Potluck Reunion on Sunday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Live music will be provided by Calvin Ponce. Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Hālau Hula ‘O Leionalani will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share.

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.

PALM TRAIL HIKE on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. is a 2.6-mile loop along an old ranch road that leads to amazing volcanic features from the 1868 eruption. At the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, discover relics of the ranching era and learn about hulihia (catastrophic change) and kūlia (restoration). Enjoy panoramic views of Kahuku and the Kaʻū coast. This is a 3-hour program.

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.



5,000 in the mail, 2,500 on the street.








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