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Friday, November 17, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Friday, Nov. 17, 2023

Kauaha‘ao Congregational Church Bazaar on Saturday
The annual Fall Fundraiser Kauaha‘ao Church will be Saturday, Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with vendors, teriyaki beef plate lunch, rotisserie chicken gravy bowl, baked goods, popcorn, crafts, and rummage sale. Location is on Hwy 11 in Waiʻōhinu. Photo by Debbie Wong Yuen
EXPANDING ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY AFFORDABLE EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS in Hawai‘i will receive over $6.6 million from the federal Department of Health & Human Services. Its Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five program will provide the money to University of Hawai‘i to support existing child care programs in Hawai'i and to fund efforts "to better connect and align child care programs throughout the state," says a statement from Sen. Mazie Hirono.
    “In 2023, federal and state early learning opportunities will serve nearly 9,000 children and families in Hawai‘i,” said Hirono. “These programs provide supportive environments to build a strong foundation for our keiki and set them up to lead successful lives. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable early childhood programs has long been a priority of mine, which is why I am glad to announce this important investment. This funding will help children and families continue to access quality child care and early learning programs.”
        Earlier this year, Hirono and colleagues led 42 Senators who asked the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies for a substantial increase in funding for PDG B-5 and other early childhood programs such as the Child Care & Development Block Grant program, Head Start, and Early Head Start. In 2018, she led a letter of support for the state Department of Human Services to receive an initial grant through PDG B-5. She advocated for funding to assist Hawai‘i’s plans to provide new and improve existing programming and services for children from birth to age five.
     "PDG B-5 helps states improve their child care and early learning programs. The funding is used to provide working families, and their children, with access to high-quality early childhood programs," says the Hirono statement. 


THE ADVANCED LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION AWARD has gone to Hawai‘i Police Department for the fourth consecutive year. Police Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz said, “With only four
percent of police departments nationwide achieving CALEA accreditation, this recognition solidifies Hawai‘i Police Department's position as a leader in public service.” HPD received the Commission on  Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies' Advanced Law Enforcement Accreditation Award during a ceremony on Nov. 11 in Bellevue, Washington.
    A statement from the commission said, "Achieving CALEA accreditation is a challenging process in which the department must continuously demonstrate every year during a four-year cycle that it complies with more than 400 rigid CALEA® standards. It involves a dedicated team of department personnel reviewing and—when necessary—revising the department's General Orders, policies, and procedures to ensure they all meet CALEA® standards."
    Every year of the accreditation process a CALEA Service Manager conducts a web-based assessment, inspecting HPD’s files and interviewing personnel. In the fourth year of the accreditation cycle, a team of certified CALEA® assessors conducts an on-island assessment, visiting district police stations and facilities, examining all aspects of the department while focusing on HPD programs, their outcomes and effectiveness.
Anthony B. Purcell, President CALEA Executive Board, Sgt. Brian Souki, Sgt. Matthew Bartz,
 Lt. Levon Stevens, Clerk III Keahi Armitage, Chief Benjamin Moszkowicz, Deputy Chief
 Reed Mahuna, Craig Hartley, Jr. Executive Director, CALEA. Photo from CALEA
    The national assessment team held its on-island assessment in August and conducted interviews with community leaders to gauge HPD’s accreditation impact on the community. The final step of the accreditation renewal process featured members of the department, including the Police Chief, Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna, and HPD Accreditation Section staff appearing before the national CALEA® review committee to present and answer questions about the department's programs and outcomes.
    During the committee review, Moszkowicz formally recognized the department's Accreditation Section members for their dedication and hard work in achieving this coveted recognition. The HPD Accreditation Section is led by Lt. Levon Stevens and staffed by Sgt. Matthew Bartz, Sgt. Brian Souki, and Clerk III Keahi Armitage.
    The Police Chief said, "Our department’s Accreditation team works daily to ensure our department maintains the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and community service, and I

am immensely proud of their unwavering commitment to help us achieve this prestigious accreditation.”
    Of the roughly 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, only about 793 are CALEA® accredited. HPD first achieved accreditation 11 years ago, on Nov. 17, 2012, and was reaccredited twice on Nov.21, 2015, and Nov. 16, 2019.
    Community members seeking information about CALEA® and the accreditation process can visit the CALEA® website at calea.org. For questions about the Hawai‘i Police Department's accreditation program, please contact Lieutenant Levon Stevens at (808) 961-2260.


Keiki with special needs are invited to a surfing experience at Richardsons in Hilo on Friday, Nov. 24,
 an event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sponsored by Surfers Healing. Photo from Surfers Healing
SURFERS HEALING INVITES KAʻŪ CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo on Friday, Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Supported by Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks, it offers an opportunity to experience the thrill of riding the waves alongside skilled surfers and volunteers. Surfers Healing camps originated in California and are now held around the world, providing the opportunity for more than 6,000 children annually.
    The event aims to create a safe and supportive environment where children with special needs can connect with the ocean and enjoy the transformative power of the ocean waves. It embodies the spirit of inclusivity, compassion, and the healing power of the ocean.
   To participate in this event, interested individuals can sign up at www.surfershealing.org.
   Participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot.
   For more information about the event, visit surfershealing.org or contact Recreation Specialist Kalani Kahalioumi at 808-238-6566.


HIGH SURF ADVISORY FROM the National Weather Service for all east-facing shores of Hawai‘i Island, from Upolu Point in North Kohala through Cape Kumukahi in Puna to South Point in Kaʻū has been extended through Saturday.
    Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials, urges Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency.
    For more information, visit County of Hawaii Hazard Impact Map.




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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023

Growing kalo organically would be a practice that could be supported by a new program through USDA, Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, U.H., and MAO Organic Farms. Dryland kalo was a crop grown in Wood Valley many years ago. Photo from HFUU
A TRANSITION TO ORGANIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM is open for applicants with the aim to support farmers and agricultural businesses in their journey from conventional farming methods to organic practices. The TOPP grant is a nationwide program and is a part of the USDA initiative to support the organic agriculture sector. The USDA is investing $300 million over five years to support the organic sector. USDA chose locally based partners to carry out the program.
    Hawai‘i Farmers Union United will provide mentorship, training, and outreach. The University of Hawai‘i CTAHR will provide Technical Assistance and Resources. MAO Organic Farms on O'ahu will provide Workforce Development and Field days. All three of the Hawai‘i partners are working in collaboration to help promote organic farming in Hawai‘i. "This is monumental since it is the first time that there has been a significant amount of resources for organic farming through the USDA," said a statement from HFUU.
    Program Overview: Farmers will be matched with a mentor to help guide them on the steps to transitioning to a certified organic operation through 90 hours of mentorship over a two-year period. Mentors will be experts in the field and will provide guidance on farming practices, methods of management, record keeping, and the application process. There are available resources to help make the transition (i.e. soil tests and similar) as well as a $500 stipend per farmer. Mentors will need to have a minimum of three years of experience working in a certified organic operation and will be compensated at an hourly rate.
    Who should apply? HFUU is seeking all interested farmers in crop production, livestock, value-added, or wild harvest. Applicants must have a desire to make the transition to certified organic and should be actively farming. New farmers are also encouraged to apply if they are planning on becoming a certified organic operation.
    How to become involved: Those interested in participating as a farmer or becoming a mentor, reach out to Christian Zuckerman at organictransitions@hfuu.org.


A FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM SEEKS APPLICATIONS. USDA Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to help implement farm-to-school programming to increase access to local food in eligible schools, connect children with agriculture for improved health, and inspire youth to consider careers in agriculture. For more information and to apply, visit the program's website. Applications are due by Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. See https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/350548.


HAWAI'I RESIDENTS HAVE THE NINTH HIGHEST AVERAGE CREDIT SCORES in the country, according to a WalletHub study released on Thursday. With household debt on the rise, fueled by inflation and record-high interest rates, the personal finance website WalletHub released its report on the States
with the Highest & Lowest Credit Scores in 2023 to illustrate how people in different parts of the country are holding up financially. 
   The average credit score in Hawai‘i is 715, which ranks ninth highest in the U.S. Cassandra Happe, WalletHub Analyst. said, "It is encouraging to see these positive credit scores, despite the challenges that many consumers are facing with the current economy and inflation. These high scores are a sign that even though many Americans are struggling with financial obstacles, they are still prioritizing their debts."
    Highest credit scores are in Minnesota, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Washington, South Dakota and Hawai‘i. The worst credit score is in Mississippi, followed by Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, Nevada and South Carolina.


KAPAPAHULIAU CLIMATE RESILIENCE PROGRAM will receive $20 million, according to U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and local Hawaiian organizations can apply for funding. The program aims to help strengthen climate resilience in the Native Hawaiian community. The funding will support the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, which manages Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program. The program promises to provide Native Hawaiian organizations with resources to navigate the effects of climate change.
    Hirono said, “Compared to the rest of the country, Hawai‘i is unique in many ways—our food, our communities, our local culture—and the climate challenges we face are no exception. Sea level rise,

higher land and ocean temperatures, and invasive species all present serious challenges to our islands. By making $20 million available specifically for Native Hawaiian Organizations, this new program reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to supporting indigenous communities’ needs, values, and priorities. Environmental stewardship is an important part of Native Hawaiian culture, so I’m glad that this funding will be available to support the community’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change and strengthen climate resilience.”
    The funding is provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, which Hirono helped pass into law in 2022. The funding follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report assessing the science of climate change in the United States, its impacts, and options for reducing present and future risk, including specific impacts on Hawai‘i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands.
    Office of Native Hawaiian Relations will host two 120-minute virtual pre-proposal informational sessions on Nov, 29 and Dec. 13 at 2:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the Kapapahuliau Program and address questions for interested applicants. The deadline to apply for funding is Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.


WATER PREPAREDNESS FOR EXTENDED POWER OUTAGES is the message Thursday from county Department of Water Supply. It requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to move approximately 25 million gallons of water each day and deliver it to more than 45,000 homes, businesses, farms, and community facilities located throughout much of Hawai‘i Island. 
     Hawaiian Electric mentioned in its Nov. 3 statement on its Wildfire Safety Strategy, “If a fault or
disturbance is detected on a circuit, power lines in risk areas shut off automatically until crews visually confirm that it is safe to restore power. This may result in longer outages in some areas, including outages that last overnight” See www.hawaiianelectric.com/hawaiianelectric-advances-wildfire-safety-strategy-expands-grid-resilience-work. 
   Department of Water Supply reminded the public in its own statement Thursday that it utilizes backup generators at key well sites to help maintain a limited amount of water service during temporary power outages. However, an extended power outage could leave portions of DWS’ water systems empty and customers with no water. Should this scenario be anticipated, DWS stated that it "will instruct its affected customers to use their tap water only for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes to preserve the limited amount of available potable water. Irrigation, car washing, and non-essential uses of water would be suspended until power is restored. DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of DWS water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly. Customers should have alternate sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service."
     Ways to safely store drinking water are listed in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide available under the “Community” drop-down menu option on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org. Updated messaging is posted at www.hawaiidws.org and at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/. To reach DWS, call (808) 961-8050.

HAWAI‘I HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST RATES OF SMOKING AND NEW LUNG CANCER CASES. However, the American Lung Association's State of Lung Cancer 2023 report released this week ranks
Hawai‘i worst in the country for early diagnosis and five-year survival and ranks Hawai‘i below average in screening, lack of treatment and surgical treatment. Hawai‘i is sixth lowest in new cases, with least cases occurring in Utah, followed by New Mexico, California, Colorado, Wyoming and Hawai‘i. The most new cases of lung cancer are found in Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi. Tennessee, Maine and Missouri.
    Regarding smoking, in Hawai'i, 10.1 percent of adults smoke, fourth lowest in the country. Least  number of smokers is in Utah, followed by California, District of Columbia, Hawai‘i. Maryland and Massachusetts. Most smokers are found in West Virginia, followed by Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Children watch from a distance during a volcanic eruption demonstration using liquid nitrogen
Trashcano eruption is created with liquid nitrogen during a school visit at UH Hilo.
UH Hilo photo by Meghann Decker.
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF ACTIVE VOLCANOES training, school and community outreach on this island are the subject of this week's Volcano Watch, written by Center staff Darcy Bevens and Meghann Decker and presented by USGS Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory:
    During volcanic crises, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory plays a pivotal role, sharing information on activity and associated hazards with close partners on the Island of Hawai‘i, including the Mayor's Office, Hawai‘i County Civil Defense Agency, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency. However, during non-crisis periods, HVO maintains a range of lesser-known partnerships with state and county agencies.
    One noteworthy outreach comes from the collaborative program between USGS and University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, called Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes. Beyond its contributions to Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes International Training Program (See International Volcano Scientist Training Course Returns to Hawaii July 6 2023 at ), USGS Volcano Hazards Program upholds a cooperative agreement that facilitates UH Hilo students' working alongside HVO scientists and technical teams dedicated to monitoring Hawai‘i's volcanoes. It also supports an active hazards outreach program to educate Hawai‘i's keiki about our natural hazards and the importance of preparedness.
   To fulfill this educational mission, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes launched an array of public outreach programs in the early 1990s, including community seminars, teacher training workshops, and school visits across the Island of Hawaiʻi. The team quickly recognized the eagerness of schoolchildren to learn about natural hazards, particularly enjoying hands-on demonstrations such as the tsunami wave tank and baking soda volcano. The outreach endeavors even extended to preschools, adhering to the adage, "If you plan for a year, plant kalo. If you plan for ten years, plant koa. If you plan for 100 years, teach the children."
CSAV staff Meghann Decker and UH Hilo Geology Alumni Sadie Nguyen
 talk with children at a Science Night. UH Hilo photo by Darcy Bevens.
    One of Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes' goals is to educate the general public on hazards associated with volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis. This education encompasses both scientific aspects of hazards and strategies for mitigating risk. It emphasizes educating children and adolescents of Hawai‘i nei about the importance of emergency kits, evacuation plans, and effective communication during disasters. This cultural shift towards preparedness can save lives and reduce damage during hazardous events.
   The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated suspending face-to-face school visits. However, the Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes' staff is happy to have recently resumed in-person public outreach through classroom visits and community events. Hawaiian Volcano Observatory remains steadfast in its commitment to monitoring volcanoes in Hawai‘i, gathering data, assessing potential hazards, and disseminating information to relevant agencies and the public. Working in tandem emphasizes the importance of educating the younger generation. By engaging and educating youths on volcanic hazards, we can create a more resilient and informed community prepared to respond to and mitigate the impact of these events.
    While teaching natural hazards to schoolchildren, Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes staff noted that students exhibited a strong interest in science and local geology. Consequently, the outreach program expanded to include educational sessions for school groups on rocks and minerals, with a specific focus on Hawaiian volcanic products like pāhoehoe, pumice, and Pele's Hair. Students are encouraged to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) courses, and, at events such as Career Day for high school groups, they are recommended to explore science programs at UH Hilo and Hawai‘i Community College.
     Center for the Study of Active Volcanoes' efforts are supported by the UH Hilo Geology department to facilitate mentorship, and to support science fair participants and visiting schools. Students are exposed to analytical equipment and spectacular demonstrations such as the Trashcano, a simulated volcanic eruption with a 50-gallon trash can and liquid nitrogen.
Double Ānuenue on Kīlauea Volcano
On Kīlauea volcano this morning, down Chain of Craters Road, NPS photographer Janice Wei captured this double ānuenue near Muliwai a Pele overlook. See more on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park at https://www.facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps

    Working together, HVO, CSAV, and UH Hilo educate and inform Island of Hawaiʻi kamaʻāina. We hope to better prepare people of all ages, from keiki to tutu, for the range of natural hazards associated with volcanoes in our backyard that can potentially impact them. Look for CSAV at upcoming community events such as career days, Girl Scouts STEM, West Hawai‘i Exploration Fair, and school science nights.
   To learn more, visit the CSAV outreach page: https://hilo.hawaii.edu/csav/outreach.php.

Volcano Activity Updates:
    Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is ADVISORY.
    The unrest associated with the intrusion that began in early October southwest of Kīlauea's summit continues. An earthquake swarm located immediately south of Kīlauea's caldera. which began Friday, Nov. 10, persists with moderate levels of seismicity and HVO continues to monitor this activity. Unrest may continue to wax and wane with changes to the input of magma into the area and eruptive activity could occur in the near future with little or no warning. The most recent sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rate for the summit—approximately 100 tonnes per day—was measured on Oct. 19.
    Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at NORMAL.
    Webcams show no signs of activity on Mauna Loa. Summit seismicity has increased slightly in the past month, while ground deformation indicates slow inflation as magma replenishes the reservoir system following the 2022 eruption. SO2 emission rates are at background levels.
    No earthquakes were reported in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week.
    HVO promises to continue to closely monitor Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.




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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association played a major role in coordinating COVID vaccinations during the pandemic. The organization invites the public to its 25th anniversary this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center. Founded
by Jessie Marques, it is known for health education, research and health delivery efforts. See more below.
A PUBLIC MEETING ON THE NĀ‘ĀLEHU SEWER PLAN will be held this Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at Nāʻālehu Community Center.
    The county Department of Environmental Management has updated the status of its large capacity cesspool closure projects on its website, https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/environmental-management/pahala-naalehu/. The county encourages those affected to bookmark this site and view updates on Nāʻālehu and Pahala that are posted at least once a month. "The projects have similar milestones but are on separate timelines, so it's important not to get mixed up on which meeting is for what purpose." says the county statement.
    For Nāʻālehu, those who own a property in the affected area have received meeting notices along with wastewater treatment preference survey forms on green paper. The purpose of the Nāʻālehu meeting is to review the Preliminary Engineering Report and also collect input for the Nāʻālehu Draft Environmental Impact Document, which is still under development. The public is invited to bring up questions and engage with the county in a robust discussion. "We will be collecting your surveys at this meeting if you feel you have enough information to make your decision."
    Write comments to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov with the subject line Nāʻālehu EID.”
    A statement on Wednesday from the County says, "In compliance with the federal consent order, the
County is engaging with the public to solicit feedback on the options explored in the Preliminary Engineering Report in preparation for the Draft Environmental Information Document. In late October 2023, public preference surveys to gather input on the four feasible options were mailed out to 194 lot owners in the LCC closure area." The Final Environmental Information Document is due to the EPA on October 22, 2024. The final deadline for the County to close the large-capacity cesspools is Dec. 31, 2027.

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.

FOR PĀHALA, THE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT FOR ITS NEW SEWER system has just been released and public comment is open until December 22. A public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Pāhala Community Center.
    See the draft https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=126647&cr=1. Paper copies are being placed at the Pāhala Public & School Library. Write comments to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov with the subject line "Pāhala EID".”
     The meeting will be held to answer questions, to gather the final surveys (on blue paper) sent to owners and all additional comments on the Draft EID. The Final EID will be released in early 2024.
Recordings of the meetings will be posted to https://www.youtube.com/@cohenvironmentalmanagement within a day or two as technology permits.
    The statement released Wednesday from the county says, "In compliance with the federal consent order, the County has released a Draft Environmental Information Document (Draft EID) for public review and comment. The Draft EID explores environmental impacts for each of the four feasible options. All options remain under consideration. Surveys were mailed out to 174 lot owners in the LCC closure area. The
County urges maximum public input and return of the completed surveys as the Final EID is anticipated to identify a preferred option."
    The Final EID is due to be submitted to EPA by January 27, 2024. The final deadline for the County to close the large-capacity cesspools is July 21, 2026.
      Slides from a meeting in August on Nāʻālehu and Pāhala plans are available at https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/docView.aspx?dbid=1&id=125446&cr=1     
    The next district-wide semi-annual public informational outreach meeting will be scheduled in February 2024.


UTILITY SCAM AWARENESS DAY is the announcement from Hawaiian Electric regarding Wednesday, Nov. 15. The statement says "‘Tis the season for scammers to prey on utility customers" and that Hawaiian Electric wants to remind customers that it doesn’t accept payment via cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, gift cards or money transfer.
    "Utility scams tend to increase over the busy holidays and in the aftermath of disasters. In some recent cases, customers were told they would have their electric service shut off immediately unless they went to a Bitcoin kiosk to make a payment. Last month, a scammer mimicked Hawaiian Electric’s customer service caller ID and contacted an Oʻahu business. The caller told the customer his account was ‘past due,’ and service would be disconnected within two hours unless he paid $1,400 in Bitcoin. The caller directed
the customer to a nearby gas station and gave him step-by-step instructions to ʻpay his bill’ by depositing cash into a Bitcoin machine. The customer fed $500 into the machine and told the caller that was all he had. When the same man called back a half hour later demanding more money, the customer contacted Hawaiian Electric.
     “No one wants to be without electricity, especially over the holidays, and scammers use the threat of disconnection to strike fear in our customers,” said Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service. “If you get a call, text, email or letter demanding immediate payment by Bitcoin, gift cards, money transfer or prepaid debit cards, it’s a scam.”
    For fraud awareness tips, visit hawaiianelectric.com/stopscams. To report suspicious activity, go to hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud. Hawaiian Electric offers the following tips:
• If a caller says your account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
• If someone from ‘Hawaiian Electric’ contacts you and demands immediate payment by methods not listed at hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions, it’s a scam. – more – Hawaiian Electric customers urged to
be on alert for scams during the busy holiday season.
• If the caller asks to meet you in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
• If you receive an email urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment to pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
• If someone shows up at your home or place of business claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric, ensure that the person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle, and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call customer service.


HAWAI‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED ADVICE ON PROTECTION FROM HOLIDAY SCAMS AND FRAUDS in a statement issued Wednesday. "With the holiday shopping season getting underway, Hawai‘i Island police are offering shopping and mail safety tips to prevent Hawai‘i Island residents from being victimized."
Mail Safety Tips:
    Install locked mailboxes at your residence to deter theft of incoming mail.
    Drop off outgoing mail at a secure United States Postal Service drop box, or post office.
    Opt for delivery alerts via text or email from the company you ordered from, so your package won’t be sitting on your doorstep for an extended period.
    If possible, install and use a door camera to help deter thieves and provide video surveillance to police should you fall victim to a porch pirate.
Stay Safe While Shopping
    Keep your purse or handbag with you at all times.
    Leaving handbags or purses unattended in shopping carts, even for only a few seconds, can provide thieves an opportunity to steal your handbag and its contents. Shoppers should maintain their bag on their person, with the strap placed over their shoulder and the bag positioned on the opposing side and with the enclosures zippered or snapped closed.
    Remain vigilant of your surroundings and activities when out shopping. This also applies when shoppers are transferring items from their shopping cart to their vehicle. If you plan to do more shopping, it is a good practice to conceal your purchases in your vehicle so it doesn’t draw the attention of would-be thieves.
    Make sure you always secure your vehicle, do not leave valuables in your vehicle, and whenever possible, park in well-lit areas.
ATM Safety
    While using an ATM to withdraw money or make deposits, make sure you conceal your PIN (personal identification number), as well as use your body to conceal your screen activities.
    When at an ATM machine, immediately place your cash withdrawal in your bag, wallet, or pocket prior to leaving the ATM. Many ATMs have mirrors that allow users to see individuals behind them and it’s suggested that you use them while using the ATM. 
    Always be aware of your surroundings. If you witness suspicious activity or may have been a victim of theft or fraud, report it immediately by calling the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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