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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023

Lisa Louise Adams is one of the artists hosting the studio tour of Volcano Village Artists Hui
this Friday, Saturday and Sunday weekend. See volcanovillageartistshui.com Image by Lisa Louise Adams

A STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF AMERICAN AND ISRAELI HOSTAGES CAME ON Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, from Sen. Mazie Hirono. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Hirono addressed Israel and Hamas agreeing to a four-day humanitarian pause in violence in order to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas and allow for humanitarian aid to help
volcanovillageartistshui.com
Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
    Hirono said, “I welcome this agreement to allow for the release of American and Israeli hostages being cruelly and unjustly held by Hamas. This humanitarian pause will enable the flow of critical aid and supplies into Gaza and I commend President Biden and his team for their determination in facilitating this agreement. My thoughts are with all of the people and families who have endured this horrific violence. We must continue working to reunite all of the hostages with their families, secure humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and determine a way to achieve a two-state solution and facilitate peace in the region. ”
    Last month, Hirono joined a group of her Senate colleagues in calling for humanitarian pauses and hostage releases in the Israel-Hamas war.
    Some 1,200 people were killed and 240 others taken hostage by Hamas during its October 7 attack on a festival and surrounding villages in Israel. According to health officials in Hamas-ruled Gaza, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel's invasion by air and ground.



A VENDING STAND LOCATION IS UP FOR BID AT COOPER CENTER IN VOLCANO VILLAGE. County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks & Recreation invites mobile vending stand operators to submit bids for lease concessions to operate at Cooper Center in Volcano, Onekahakaha Beach Park and Reed's Bay Beach Park in Hilo, Isaac Kepo‘okalani Hale Beach Park in Puna and Kailua Park (Old Airport) in Kailua-Kona. The Volcano location at Cooper Center is just off Wright Road.
    Prospective bidders must file a notice of intent to bid on or before Nov. 27 to the Director of Finance on a form provided by the Director through Public Purchase at www.publicpurchase.com, an e-procurement system.
    Sealed tenders will be received electronically and publicly opened at 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, in the Office of the Purchasing Division, Department of Finance, County of Hawaiʻi, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi.

Chain of Craters Road, Devastation Trail and parking and
coastal backcountry sites have reopened. NPS photo
REOPENING OF CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD, including coastal backcountry sites, Kulanaokuaiki Campground, Keanakākoʻi, and the Devastation Trail and parking was announced by Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Wednesday morning.
USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and park staff closely monitored a flurry of earthquakes that shook the ERZ near Puhimau Crater in the park on Tuesday. The activity, which decreased through the night, prompted park closures that were lifted Wednesday morning as unrest and seismicity returned to normal levels in Kīlauea volcano's upper East Rift Zone (ERZ).
According to USGS, the "brief seismic crisis" in the upper ERZ has subsided, greatly reducing any chance of eruptive activity in that area. There is currently no sign of an imminent eruption in this area, according to USGS.
    Seismic activity has returned to the pattern held since mid-October with the unrest focused in an area south/southwest of the caldera to the Koaʻe fault zone. As a precaution, two trails to the south/southwest of the caldera closed since October remain closed.
    Park visitors should go to the park website for updates and alerts that could impact their visit, said the statement from the Park.


Specialized protective training and equipment, working in teams and careful oversight of missions
go into the safety of geologists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. USGS photo

VOLCANO MONITORING IS RISKY BUSINESS. Volcano Watch, the weekly column by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates, discusses how the work can be done safely:       Active volcanoes are inherently hazardous places to work. Even when a volcano is quiet, volcanic gases, ground cracks, earthquakes, and uneven surfaces can be unsafe. Advanced planning and preparation for fieldwork in these environments is critical to reducing the personal risk of volcanic hazards to field crews.
    At HVO, fieldwork is critical for monitoring and understanding volcanoes. All the time spent in the field exposes staff to many potential hazards, whether or not they are working in areas near active eruptions. Staying safe while performing mission-critical work is our main priority.
    Most of HVO's field sites are more than one hour from definitive medical care, so staff take Wilderness First Aid training which prepares them for a variety of injuries and illnesses. Heat-related illnesses, hypothermia, and altitude sickness are major concerns with the wide range of environments on Hawaiian volcanoes from sea level to over 13,000 ft (3,960 meters) elevation.
   When working in hazardous conditions fieldwork typically includes at least two people for situational awareness, to decrease the amount of time needed to complete a task in potentially dangerous conditions and to help a field partner in case of injury or illness. Each crewmember carries at least two modes of communication just in case there is no service or the device batteries are depleted. Commonly used communication devices include cell phones, radios, satellite messaging devices, and satellite phones.
Color photograph of scientist cleaning solar panel
HVO scientist clears tephra from a solar panel during the September 2021 Kīlauea summit eruption. A glove is used to brush away Pele's hair and other fine volcanic glass fragments to avoid small cuts and splinters. While working within the closed high-hazard area at Kīlauea summit within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, hardhats are used to protect the wearer from falling tephra. Gas masks are worn around the neck for quick protection if volcanic gas concentrations escalate or the wind shifts suddenly, even during non-eruptive periods. HVO access to the closed area is by permission from, and in coordination with, HVNP. USGS photo.
    Before fieldwork starts, the crew will discuss the work that needs to be done, identify any potential hazards that may be encountered, and what can be done to mitigate those hazards. For example, if a crew is dropped off at a remote site by helicopter, they will bring extra food and water along with overnight gear in case weather conditions prevent the helicopter from extracting them.
    Each field crew designates a point of contact (POC). The crew will check in with the POC before beginning fieldwork, and again when they end for the day. The POC will communicate any relevant information to field parties, including significant changes in monitoring data and weather that might warrant an immediate cancellation of fieldwork. In extreme cases, the POC will initiate search and rescue procedures if the crew fails to check out or cannot be reached.
     We avoid working in high-hazard locations whenever possible, but sometimes field crews need to access these areas for mission-critical work. When this is the case, additional safety precautions are taken. Hazardous areas, such as the closed areas of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park are only accessed by essential crews who carry personal protective equipment with them. Common PPE used in the field by HVO staff includes respirators to filter volcanic gases, gas badges to monitor SO2 concentrations, along with helmets and eye protection. When molten lava sampling, each crewmember will carry a face shield, fire-resistant clothing, and gloves to protect the wearer from radiating heat. HVO access to the closed area is by permission from, and in coordination with, HVNP.
Many hazards challenge USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists. USGS photo
    Numerous other hazards can be encountered on volcanoes in Hawai‘i. Earthquakes can occur without warning and increase the hazard of rockfalls, ground cracking, and cliff instability, especially around the rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea.
    Even seemingly benign environments have associated hazards. For example, the surfaces of lava flows, even ones that are decades old, are uneven and sharp. They can be difficult to walk on, with tripping hazards and the possibility of lacerations if you fall. There are many sub-surface void spaces below seemingly solid ground, which can cause injuries such as ankle sprains or cuts if you break through. Volcanic gas levels can also remain hazardous near vents even after an eruption has ceased. When visiting HVNP it's important to stay on marked trails and not enter any closed areas.
Visiting Hawai'i's volcanoes is an awe-inspiring experience, but it can also be a hazardous one if you aren't careful. HVO staff are aware and prepared; you, too, should stay informed and be familiar with volcanic hazards and HVNP safety tips before hitting the trails.


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Tuesday, November 21, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023

Map from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

PART OF CHAIN OF CRATERS ROAD HAS CLOSED DUE TO MORE SEISMIC UNREST in the upper East Rift Zone near Puhimaau Crater. Kīlauea is not erupting. It's an earthquakes spike that prompted closure of Chain of Craters Road at the intersection near the Devastation Trail parking lot and nearby areas.
   Kīlauea summit remains open between Uēkahuna and Puʻupuaʻi, including the Nāhuku lava tube, but Devastation Trail and parking area and the Keanakākoʻi Crater side of Kīlauea caldera are temporarily closed. 
     U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is closely monitoring the seismic increase and change in activity on Kīlauea volcano. According to USGS, "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."
USGS satellite seismicity graphic showing dots on a map that indicate Tuesday's spike in
 the number of earthquakes. USGS image
   USGS summarized the activity in an alert this morning and reports that no unusual activity has been noted along the middle and lower sections of the East Rift Zone.
    "Decisions to temporarily close areas of the park are never easy but are made as a precaution. Kīlauea volcano is very restless right now, and safety is our utmost priority. When USGS notifies us of significant changes, we will re-evaluate area closures," said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Superintendent Rhonda Loh.
    Due to unrest in the area south-southwest of Kīlauea caldera, Mauna Iki Trail and a section of Kaʻū Desert Trail have been closed since October past the Footprints exhibit to the Mauna Iki Trail intersection. The Footprints exhibit remains open and accessible from Highway 11.
    Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has two active volcanoes within its boundaries. A year ago, the park closed the summit of Mauna Loa weeks ahead of its historic summit eruption in November 2023. As a result, no one was evacuated and no search and rescue missions were necessary.
Park visitors are urged to plan ahead and check the park website for any closure or hazard alerts at www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.


A presentation on woodworking was canceled at After Dark in the Park
on Tuesday due to COVID concerns. Photo from HVNP
CANCELLATION OF FILMS AT KĪLAUEA VISITOR CENTER AUDITORIUM AND TUESDAY'S AFTER DARK IN THE PARK was prompted by a “COVID-19 High Hospitalization Admission Level on the island of Hawaiʻi,” according to a notice on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park's web and social media sites:
  "If you plan to visit the park, please wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask before entering the visitor center and other park buildings. If you have any of the CDC-recognized symptoms of COVID-19, please reschedule visit when you are well. Mahalo for your cooperation and understanding. Stay well this holiday season! " says the Park notice.
    A presentation on woodworking at After Dark in the Park has been postponed due to COVID concerns.
    The films are a regular presentation to orient and educate visitors to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park and are being postponed due to COVID until further notice.


ALL WASTE FACILITIES, INCLUDING TRANSFER STATIONS, landfill and organic facilities will be closed on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. County Department of Environmental Management reports it is also closing the Hilo Scale House, East Hawai‘i Organics Facility and Hilo Reload Facility at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. This early closure is necessary to allow fumigation of the Hilo Scale House. Due to the early closure, the Hilo Scale House will remain open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will not be closing during the normal lunch period on Wednesday. All facilities will resume the regular schedule on Friday, November 24.


DRUGS, NOT ALCOHOL, ARE CAUSING THE MOST HIGHWAY DEATHS on this island, according to Hawai‘i Police Department. As Thanksgiving approaches, HPD is teaming up with U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind motorists that drug-impaired driving is dangerous and illegal. HPD recommends, "Before heading out to any holiday event, remember: If You Feel Different, You Drive Different."
    “People are familiar with the phrase ‘don’t drink and drive,’ however, they are less familiar with the impacts of driving impaired by prescription or illegal drugs,” said Torey Keltner, Program Manager for Hawai‘i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section.
    The HPD statement said, "Drivers need to understand that using some cold medications or over-the-counter sleep aids can impair your driving, which may lead to you being arrested for a DUI. Medications have directions on how to properly use them and people should follow them closely."
    “We want our Big Island community members to stay safe on the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday,” added Keltner. “Driving impaired due to drugs is deadly and illegal, and no one should ever take that risk.”
    The HPD statement said "Unfortunately, this year there have been 33 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads, with impairment a factor in 14, or 42 percent, of those deaths." Six of the fatalities were due
to drugs only, an additional six deaths were due to a combination of drugs and alcohol, and two deaths were caused by alcohol only. However, toxicology reports are still pending on the other 19 fatalities and the percentage of fatalities due to impairment is expected to increase.
    In 2021 there were 26 traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island roads. Impairment was a factor in 21 of the 26 fatalities, with drugs playing a role in 20 of the 21 impaired deaths.
    Driving under the influence of a drug played a similar role in 2020 traffic fatalities. Of the 15 traffic deaths in 2020, impairment was a factor in 12 people dying, with drugs playing a role in nine of the 12 impaired traffic fatalities.
    “With so many safe driving options available, there’s no excuse to drive impaired this holiday season,” said Keltner. “We are asking our community members to please make good decisions during the upcoming holidays and commit to sober driving.”
    Hawai‘i Police Department "will be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers throughout the holiday season.If you’re planning to head out to the bar or parties during the Thanksgiving holiday, make sure you plan for a safe ride home."
HPD promises to be out in full force to catch
impaired drivers over Thanksgiving weekend.
HPD photo
    HPD also offered some Safe Driving Tips:
● If you plan on going to a party or event, plan ahead and designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Someone who is affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn’t be making decisions about driving; that’s why having a plan is key.
● If you have used an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If you think a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car.
● If you see a friend who is about to drive while impaired by drugs, take the keys away and arrange to get them home safely. Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.
● If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.


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Monday, November 20, 2023

Kaʻū News Briefs Monday, Nov. 20, 2023


Nexamp's website suggests pasturing pigs and other animals between solar panels. Nexamp held a community meeting in Nāʻālehu on Monday and plans a 20-acre solar farm. Another community meeting will be planned for early 2024. Photo from Nexamp.com
A NĀ‘ĀLEHU SOLAR MEETING drew a small group to Nāʻālehu Community Center on Monday evening, with the gathering also accessible through Zoom. Nexamp representatives, who plan a solar farm near Waiohinu in ahupua‘a of Kahilipali, stressed the importance of solar to help prevent wildfires by displacing flammable invasive grasses, and pointed to solar's global purpose as clean energy. 
    The 180 acres makai of Hwy 11 in Wai‘ōhinu has a quarry and was described as otherwise scrubland. The solar farm is planned for about ten percent of the acreage. A condition of doing the project is that the land would be returned to its current state at the end of its use for solar, which could be for 20 years, with a possible short extension. 
   The Nexamp representative mentioned that the project is not building a golf course or a resort and that local people are not going to be displaced by people who buy land and come here to live. He said solar has a very low impact. It doesn't make noise. "It is only really an upside to your community." He also noted that the solar installation "will not stay forever," like "smokestacks built of concrete."
Nexamp proposes to use some 20 acres on a 180 parcel near Wai‘ōhinu in
ahupua‘a of Kahilipali. Map from Nexamp

   After the Nexamp man referred to Maui with its wildfire and managing land here to prevent a wildfire, a man who identified his own Wai‘ōhinu family as Hawaiian said, "We are talking about Kaʻū, not Maui," and that people care very specifically about what happens to the land here.
    A community member said, "This land is precious" and that the community wants to make sure that the project is good. She suggested inviting community members to the land so they could better understand what the construction would look like on the land. She said to clear a path and show people.
    The Nexamp man said that he would have to get permission from the owner of the land who is planning to lease to Nexamp.
    Nexamp provides solar to those who sign up for it to save on electric bills. It is designed for those would would not install their own solar panels. Roof-top solar generates tax credits and dumps or reduces the electric bill while raising the value of the property, but requires a cash investment or a loan to pay for it.
Nexamp solar has no upfront costs, no long-term contracts and brings instant savings with no work required of the property owner. The savings with Nexamp have been calculated at around ten to 15 percent.
    Nexamp representatives said they will be back for another community meeting in the first quarter of next year, in February or March. and that anyone who wants to be notified by email can send their email address. They also said they are available to answer questions and listen to community concerns. See www.nexamp.com.
   Nexamp is based in Boston and is led by CEO Zaid Ashai, who earned an MBA from Harvard University and Masters of Public Administration from Kennedy School of Government. He is a General Partner at Point Judith Capital and worked at Good Energies, a global Clean Tech venture capital firm; HarbourVest Partners, a global private equity firm; and as a banking analyst in Credit Suisse's Technology Group. See more on Nexamp at www.nexamp.com.

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NEXAMP SUGGESTS PASTURING PIGS AT SOLAR FARMS. Calling the approach Agrivoltaics: A Sustainable Synergy, Nexamp, the company planning a solar farm in ahupua‘a of Kahilipali near Waiohinu, suggests that raising free-ranging pigs between the solar panels could become a successful venture to feed people, provide electricity and take care of the land.

Pasturing pigs to manage land at solar farms is
suggested by Nexamp, which is planning a solar
project near Waiohinu. Photo from Nexamp 
    Its website says, "solar farms, consisting of rows upon rows of photovoltaic panels, can generate a substantial amount of electricity. Still, the land occupied by these solar arrays typically goes unused, leading to questions about its potential....Agrivoltaics involves the dual use of land for both solar energy production and agricultural purposes, allowing for a harmonious coexistence that maximizes the utility of the land.
    "At the heart of Nexamp's agrivoltaic approach lies the introduction of pasture pigs. These animals are not your ordinary farm animals; they play a crucial role in maintaining the solar farm's functionality and ecological balance." Nexamp contends that pigs are good in numerous ways.
    Natural Land Management: Pasture pigs are expert foragers. They graze on the vegetation beneath and around the solar panels, keeping the vegetation in check and preventing it from shading the panels. This natural form of land management reduces the need for heavy machinery and herbicides, making the solar farm more eco-friendly.
    Fertilization: As they graze and root around, pasture pigs also contribute to fertilizing the soil. Their natural behaviors improve soil health, creating a more conducive environment for the growth of cover crops and other vegetation.
    Reducing Maintenance Costs: By enlisting the help of these natural grazers, Nexamp significantly reduces the maintenance costs associated with solar farms. This not only benefits the environment but also makes solar energy more economically viable.

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.

The heaviest Boar came in at 128 lbs., nailed by Team Mauka Ready with Tyrell Mason and crew. The tournament raises money for Kaʻū keiki to travel to play in Hokulele Basketball Club competition, including, in yellow shirts, Kainui and Kalea Kaupu-Manini and Lawai‘ia Kaupu. The islandwide tournament was called You FEED 'em, we EAT 'em.
Team Rumblah with Kalani Vierra and crew.

Team Watusi with Cy Lopez, Jr. and crew.
THE RESULTS ARE IN FOR LAST WEEKEND'S PIG HUNT, which began at midnight on Friday with the weighing in at Pāhala  Hongwanji grounds on Saturday. The hunt, called You FEED em, we EAT em, organized by the Kaupu family and friends, raised money to help youth from Hokulele Basketball Club of Kaʻū to travel for competition.
    For Heaviest Overall, with weigh-in at 151 lbs., winner is Team JB Cowboys with Jere Benevides and crew.
    For Heaviest Boar, with weigh-in at 128 lbs., winner is Team Mauka Ready with Tyrell Mason and crew.
    For Heaviest Sow, with weigh in at 117.8 lbs., winner is Team Quincy, with Quincy Kaawa and crew.
    The other teams that weighed in were Team Sub D Boyz, with Chisum and Cameron Silva, Jaron Garcia and crew; Team No Fck Around with Kawika Santiago and Trieso Pascubillio; Team Rumblah with Kalana Vierra and Crew; and Team Watsui with Cy Lopez, Jr. and crew.
    Other entries were Team Mauka Mafia with Kalei Fernandez and crew; Team Fatson, with Kekoa Ching and crew; Team Sub D BoyZ with Wrangler Silva and Davedon Cabreros; Team Give 'Em Hell with Clinton Navas-Torres and crew; Team Creature, with Derek Nakagawa and crew; Team M.V.B. with Calvin Llanes and crew; Team Go Look See with Chance and Bubu Emmsley and crew; Team Rubbah with Kaikea Kaiao and Kaielana; Team Raunchy with Jeremiah Dacalio and crew; Team Click Clack Boom with Mana Joe Jamal and Darren; Team Malosi with Sage Santiago and crew; Team Try EM with Kama Medeiros and RJ Kahele; Team Big Mike; and Team Bloody Backs with Travis Pama and crew.
    The organizers said they thank all hunters and sponsors, including Pono's Used Cars, Pearls, Tokunaga, Natin2Krazy, Rusty Boar, Pork Fat (Bulla Kaleo) Papa Bull and Mama Donna, Uncle Ots, Aunty Kaeza and Kylie Rae, Darren Kai and family, and Uncle Jojo and family. They also thank Glenn Okumura and Wayne Kawachi for Pāhala Hongwanji for the weigh-in venue.
With the big trophy and prizes, above, JB Cowboys with Jere Benevides and crew hunted down Heaviest Overall, weighing
 in at 151 lbs., below. Photos from the pig hunt tournament.     
  One of the organizers, Sasha Kaupu, said, "This tournament will help relieve any costs for our parents in sending young members of Hokulele Basketball Club of Kaʻū to travel during the season. Each year, we have the privilege and opportunity to travel to other islands to compete with teams from around the world. Our parents try their best to help us excel in the opportunities we are given and to not take them for grant
ed. 
   "Coming from a small town, Pāhala, our dreams are big and often we are told, 'It's just a dream.' As parents, we and our peers want to strive to believe that no dream is ever too big!"


Heaviest Sow weighed in at 117.8 lbs, hunted down by Team Quincy with Quincy Kaawa and crew.

Team No Fck Around with Kawika Santiago and Trieson Pascubillio, along
 with three of the young recipients of the funding for travel to compete for
 Hokulele Basketball Club. Photos from the tournament.
AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PREFERENCE FOR HAWAI‘I ISLAND RESIDENTS was signed into law by Mayor Mitch Roth on Monday. Bill 72 amends provisions of Hawaiʻi County's Affordable Housing Policy (Hawaiʻi County Code Chapter 11) to enhance access to affordable housing for those who live and work on Hawaiʻi Island.
    "Our local kids and their families are our number one priority," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Signing Bill 72 into law solidifies our County's commitment to our people and ensures they will legally have preference in receiving housing under our County's Affordable Housing Policy. We would like to thank the visionary efforts of Council Chair Kimball and Councilman Inaba for seeing this much-needed piece of legislation through from draft to signing. Our County is better off today because of collective leadership grounded in the prosperity of future generations."
    The measure was spearheaded by Council Chair Heather Kimball and Vice Chair Holeka Goro Inaba.
    "The passage of this ordinance signifies the County's commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis and ensuring that its residents have the opportunity to secure suitable housing. These amendments seek to create a more inclusive and flexible framework to meet the diverse needs of Hawai'i County residents seeking affordable housing options," said Kimball.
    "I am excited to see Bill 72 come to life. The production of affordable housing is a necessity; however, we need to ensure that our own residents, workers, and keiki are being prioritized for these units. Bill 72
Team SUB D BOYZ with Chisum and Cameron Silva, Jaron Garcia and crew.

does this and gives hope to the many individuals and families who apply for housing where applications are received and evaluated by the County," added Inaba.
    First, it revises the definition of an "eligible buyer" to mean a person who meets eligibility requirements, including income limitations, as established by the chapter or by rule. This change effectively broadens the eligibility criteria, potentially allowing more residents to qualify for affordable housing.
    Second, the bill adds language defining three types of qualified applicants for affordable housing: a "qualified resident," a "qualified returning student," and a "qualified worker."
These new definitions aim to provide a more comprehensive framework for determining eligibility based on residency and employment within the County.
    The third amendment to Chapter 11 establishes preference criteria for affordable housing applicants. It outlines specific applicant preferences based on the three new definitions listed above. The housing administrator is given the authority to set the order of preferences and the selection process for applicants for any given County-managed affordable housing
project.
    "When we are investing and using public funds on affordable housing projects, we want to make sure that we can give Hawaiʻi residents preference for housing when possible. This law creates the mechanism to do just that for projects overseen by the Office of Housing and Community Development," said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. "The Office thanks the County Council for its work to create this law benefitting Hawaiʻi Island residents."

Mayor Mitch Roth signs Bill 72 on Monday, accompanied by Council Chair Heather Kimball (left) and Housing Administrator Susan Kunz (right). 
Photo from the Mayor's Office

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