Kaʻū News Briefs March 27, 2024

‘Ahi, giclée by Dietrich Varez, the artist honored with March 28 declared as Dietrich Varez Day and a special presentation at Volcano Art Center on April 7.

DIETRICH VAREZ DAY IS MARCH 28. In honor of the late artist's birthday, Mayor Mitch Roth signed a proclamation and Volcano Art Center extends an invitation to a free program in April to share life, art and legacy of the renowned printmaker, painter and author. The Varez Legacy program will be a movie screening and talk-story event on Sunday, April 7 at Volcano Art Center's Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd. in Volcano Village.
        The free event highlighting Varez's connections to Hawaiʻi's people, stories, and places will begin
with a Spectrum Documentary filmed in 1983 that focuses on the Volcano Art Center and features Varez

1801 eruption with Pele and Kamehameha.
Art by Dietrich Varez

and his wife Linda and volcano artist Chiu Leong. The 25 minute film looks back in time when Dietrich was prolifically producing new prints year after year, signing each image by hand. The film is available through VAC's Heritage and Archive Program which catalogues an extensive collection of archive material including photographs, imagery, audio and films.
    After the film screening, a panel discussion will reveal the man behind the iconic images. It will include leader Desiree Moana Cruz and participants who worked closely with artist. Volcano Art Center encourages all those who have been touched by his story to attend the event which will be held in Dietrich Varez Hall at VAC's Niaulani Campus.
    The Varez Legacy Program also invites participants to visit the free exhibition titled Dietrich Varez Legacy: The Expanded Collection, at VAC Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Featuring unpublished works recently made available through the Varez Family Estate, the exhibit runs through May 26, 9 a.m -5 p.m., daily. For more information call (808) 967-7565 or visit the exhibition online at https://volcanoartcenter.org/product-category/featured-exhibit/the-dietrich-varez-legacy-expanded-collection/
    A statement from VAC says, "A true artist for the people, Varez carved a deep understanding and appreciation of Hawaiian values and lifestyle that can be learned and perpetuated through his art. The event is funded by a grant from the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Visit www.volcanoartcenter.org."

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DR. KIMO ALAMEDA, CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF HAWAI'I COUNTY, will talk story with Kaʻū residents at Pāhala  Community Center this Thursday, March 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. He will also provide dinner. He said he asks the public to ask the tough questions and "hear for yourself why Dr. Kimo for Mayor." 

    Alameda is former administrator of Bay Clinic and worked in the Mayor Billy Kenoi administration. He had this to say on Wednesday evening ahead of his Talk Story on Thursday in Pāhala:

    "I'd like to ask that the people in Pāhala and surrounding areas come out to hear my story. I'm not your traditional politician. I've never ran for office before but I did run a major county department, several state departments, and the largest health center on the island. I come to Pāhala  humbled with an open heart, hearing what I can do for the community and for you.

    "As an extension of our gratitude, my wife and I will be preparing dinner for attendees and we will also have a few prize giveaways.

    "For those who already know me and my track record in serving this island, please come and let's sign wave together right up the street from the event at 5 p.m. I'll bring the signs and the shirts. You just bring yourself and a double shaka."

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2024 SUMMER FUN IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION IN KAʻŪ. Venues will be Nā'ālehu Community Center and Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala. For more on the Pāhala program, call Nona Makuakane at 808-928-3102. For Nā'ālehu, call Elijah Navarro at 808-939-2510.

    County of Hawai'i Department of Parks & Recreation announces its 2024 Summer Fun Programs will provide recreational opportunities for teens and youth at locations island-wide during summer break.

   "We take pride in offering our keiki a safe and enjoyable environment for play and learning during their summer break," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "These programs are a lifeline for many working parents who would otherwise face challenges in finding appropriate care for their children. By providing these opportunities, we are not only enhancing the lives of our young ones but also bolstering the overall health of our families and communities."

    The offerings include 16 Summer Fun Programs for elementary-aged children who have completed Kindergarten to 6th grade, five teen enrichment programs, and two specialized enrichment programs. All summer programs will be in operation from June 12 to July 19.
    "It is so important for keiki and teens to engage in healthy, safe, and fun activities during the summer months," said Maurice Messina, Director of Parks & recreation. "With our 2024 Summer Fun Programs, we are proud to offer a range of affordable recreational opportunities to support Hawai'i County youth and their families."
    The programs include arts and crafts projects, indoor and outdoor games, sports, music, dance, special events, and excursions.

    Detailed information about program hours, registration dates, cost, and age groups can be found online at https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.gov/facilities-parks/recreation. For more information, please contact the respective Hawai'i County Recreation Division facilities listed in the program flyers.
    Other locations for Summer Fun around the island are: 

    Hilo District Sites: Kawānanakoa Gym, Pana'ewa Park, Andrews Gym,  Hilo Armory, Waiākea Uka Gym and Pi'ihonua Gym
    Hāmākua District Sites: Pāpa'ikou Gym and Honoka'a Sports Complex
    North & South Kohala District Sites: Spencer "Kalani" Schutte District Park in Waimea, Hisaoka Gym in Kohala, Pu'u Nui Park in Waikōloa
   North & South Kona District Sites: Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona
   Puna & Ka'ū District Sites: Nā'ālehu Community Center, Rep. Robert N. Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala, Kea'au Armory, William "Billy" Kenoi Park in Pāhoa,

    TEEN PROGRAMS:Programs for teenagers will be offered at the Pu'u'eo Community Center in Wainaku; Pāpa'ikou Gym; Shipman Park in Kea'au; Hale Hālāwai in Kona; and Spencer "Kalani" Schutte District Park in Waimea.
    SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS:The 'Ike Kai program will engage children, ages 8-12, in lessons about the ocean. This specialized program will be held at the Richardson Ocean Center with three two-week sessions available. The 'Ike Pono-Hāmākua program will host children Kindergarten to 6th Grade with one 3-week session at Kula'imano Community Center and one at Pāpaʻaloa Annex.

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DORSON "BUDDY" BEHRENDT OF OCEAN VIEW was arrested in Ka‘ū on Saturday, March 23. The Hawai‘i Police Department previously issued a media release requesting the public’s assistance locating Behrendt after he was indicted for the shooting of a 53-year-old Ocean View man last October. Behrendt was also wanted on a warrant issued by the Kona District Court in December 2023 for violating his terms and conditions of release on bail.

Buddy Behrendt arrested. HPD photo

    Behrendt was taken into custody after Ka‘ū patrol officers conducting area checks observed him crouched down behind a parked vehicle on a public roadway near the intersection of Paradise Parkway and Luau Drive. When police tried to contact Behrendt, he attempted to flee and was taken into custody after a brief foot chase.
    Upon being taken into custody, Behrendt was found to be in possession of 1.4 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
    He was subsequently charged with one count of violating his terms and conditions of release on bail, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, and possessing drug paraphernalia. His bail for those offenses was set at $6,000.
    Behrendt’s bail was set at an additional $500,000 after he was indicted for one count each of: second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted robbery,
two counts of carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a felony. His total bail is set at $506,000.
    The indictment was obtained after Behrendt was arrested on October 30, 2023, for a shooting that occurred on October 15, 2023, in Ocean View and he was subsequently released on his own recognizance.
    Behrendt was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Monday, March 25, 2024, in both District and Circuit courts in Kona.

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HPD ARRESTED 19 FOR DUI, during the week of March 18, through March 24. Hawai‘i Island police arrested the motorists for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Eleven were involved in a traffic

accident. Two of the drivers were under the age of 21.
    So far this year, there have been 216 DUI arrests compared with 245 during the same period last year, a decrease of 11.8 percent.
    Hawai'i Police Department’s Traffic Services Section reviewed all updated crashes and found 224 major crashes so far this year, compared with 217 during the same time last year, an increase of 3.2 percent.
    To date, there have been 10 fatal crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths), compared with four fatal crashes, resulting in five fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths) for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 150 percent for fatal crashes and 120 percent for fatalities.
  In 2024, the non-traffic fatality count (not on a public roadway) is zero compared to zero non-traffic fatalities for the same time last year.
    HPD promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 26, 2024

 Kaʻū Coffee growers will be represented along with other Hawai'i Coffees by Hawai'i Coffee Association at the Specialty 
Coffee Association Expo April 12-14 in Chicago. Image from HCA

Ralph Gaston invites Kaʻū Coffee growers to promote
 their coffee at the SCA Expo in Chicago in April.
Here he is shown with Rusty's Hawai'i Kaʻū Coffee
Grower  Lorie Obra. Photo by Julia Neal

KAʻŪ COFFEE AND ITS LOCAL GROWERS ARE HEADED TO CHICAGO for the Specialty Coffee Association Expo from April 12-14. Kaʻū Coffee has been represented at HCA's Expo for many years and has taken top awards in the past. 

    In preparation for the event, Kaʻū Coffee grower Ralph Gaston, who chairs Hawai'i Coffee Association's SCA Planning Committee, sent out this message: "HCA team is attending the 2024 SCA Expo in Chicago next month where we will be promoting Hawaii coffee. If you produce green 100% Hawaii coffee and have any of it available for sale, please fill out this survey, so we can give out your contact info to any interested buyers. Please submit this survey no later than April 5." The survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024_SCA_Expo;

    Among coffee local representatives attending the Expo are two from Kaʻū Coffee Mill, Andrea Johnson and Tyler Hess, and Jeff Clark, of Olston Trust.

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GENERATIONAL ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY FOR HAWAI'I AGRICULTURE is the subject of a survey by the Hawai'i Department of Agriculture. Its leader and Chair of Hawai'i Board of Agriculture Sharon Hurd is "requesting your input to identify the underlying issues impacting your achieving success as an agriculturist in Hawaiʻi. HDOA needs to understand the obstacles you are confronting and develop strategies, investments, and legislative priorities to support a vibrant agriculture industry in Hawaiʻi. Your input on these issues is necessary for HDOA to put together programs and provide the

resources you identify as important to achieve Generational Economic Profitability." The survey can be taken at 

https://qualtricsxmntvc3cpf3.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dgPkAFacWR7bfts.

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HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC IS ASKING ALL HAWAI'I ISLAND CUSTOMERS to reduce or shift their electricity use over the next month. "This is an unusual situation, driven mainly by the unavailability of several large generators that have experienced mechanical problems, are at reduced output, or are undergoing maintenance," says the statement from the utility. 

    "The largest generator, an independent power producer that sells electricity to Hawaiian Electric, is offline with significant mechanical issues. The plant generates 60 megawatts or nearly one-third of the typical peak demand of 180 megawatts on the island."
   The company reports that Hawaiian Electric is using companywide resources and working with its independent power producers to return units to full service as soon as possible. "At least through the middle of April, when one of the company's larger generators is scheduled to return from an overhaul on the mainland, generation margin will be extremely tight, especially when wind, solar and hydroelectric output is lower than forecast.

    "Customers may see alerts asking them to conserve energy, especially on days when there isn't much wind, which can generate up to 15% of the electricity on the grid. When the alerts are issued, customers are asked to take immediate action to minimize the use of electricity.
   "Even without an alert, customers – including hotels and large retailers – are urged to reduce their electricity use as much as possible, especially between 5 and 9 p.m. weekdays. Suggestions include turning off air conditioners and unneeded lighting, shutting off water heaters and pumps, and shifting activities like cooking, showering, laundry, and dishwashing. Shifting large appliance use to the daytime, when solar is abundant, is also recommended.
    Without enough supply to meet electricity demand, the company may initiate rolling outages of up to an hour around the island. The impacted areas and the timing will be based on the amount of demand that needs to be reduced. Hawaiian Electric will post alerts on its X (formerly Twitter) @HIElectricLight and Facebook account. Customers also are encouraged to subscribe to Hawai'i County Civil Defense's emergency notification system, Everbridge, to receive alerts.
    "Customers may experience delays or busy signals on the Trouble Line (808) 969-6666 due to high call volume. Other options are calling Customer Care (808) 969-6999 or direct messaging on X or Facebook.?     For more information, visit hawaiianelectric.com/HawaiiIslandUpdate.

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A PHONE SCAM IS THE TARGET OF Hawai‘i Police Department, which is warning the public, after

receiving an uptick in reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as Hawai‘i Police Department officers or court officials.
    According to HPD, scammers are calling with altered caller ID numbers displaying Hawai‘i Police Department phone numbers, posing as police officers telling victims that they have outstanding warrants. The individuals then ask the victims to divulge personal information or make payments.
    "While Hawai‘i Island police officers have called individuals with outstanding warrants as a courtesy in hopes that they may turn themselves in, they will never ask for personal information or payment of any kind over the phone, says the statement from HPD.

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Kaʻū Little League registration deadline is April 2.
Photo by Elizabeth Crook

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR KAʻŪ LITTLE LEAGUE IS APPROACHING. Last day to register is Tuesday, April 2. Children ages 8-14 can register for either Ocean View or Nāʻālehu teams. 

     Practices for both locations are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Practice for the Minors team (ages 8-10) is from 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Practice for the 50/70 team (ages 11-14) is from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
    Kaʻū Little League is also looking for coaches and umpires. Information can be found for parents and players on the Kaʻū Little League Facebook page. Information about games for the community can be found on the Kaʻū Little League Hawai'i Facebook page. Registration is $100, but scholarships for registration are also available. For more information on scholarships or Kaʻū Little League contact Elizabeth Crook at 808-345-0511

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Kaʻū News Briefs March 25, 2024

Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder and her Halau O Leonalani recently hosted Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman, of Kea'au at the Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Ryder and halau also danced and are getting ready for Merrie
Monarch week performances. See more below. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses.

MATCHING GRANTS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS BENEFICIARIES OF UP TO $5,000 each to help them build or buy homes was announced Monday by Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. DHHL has partnered with homestead nonprofit, Hawaiian Lending & Investments, to provide direct assistance to

KipuKai Kuali'i, Chair of the Sovereign Council
 of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, which
founded the org that will give grants for building
or buying homes on Hawaiian Lands.

beneficiaries looking to construct, or purchase, a home on Hawaiian Home Lands.
    DHHL Act 279 Down Payment Assistance Program will match Hawai'i Lending & Investments grants of up to $5,000 that are awarded to eligible DHHL beneficiaries on any of DHHL's Application Waiting Lists and those holding undivided interest homestead leases.
    "Getting our families into homes is at the forefront of our mission," said DHHL Director Kali Watson. "Through our collaboration with HLI, we are able to make a direct and immediate difference for our beneficiaries by providing financial support and eliminating obstacles to home ownership."
    DHHL's memorandum of agreement with HLI dedicates $250,000 of the department's general revenues appropriated by Act 279 to fund the program.
    "Our HLI team, and our board members from every island region, appreciate the purposes of this MOA," said Rolina Faagai, HLI executive director. "HLI will facilitate a matching grant from DHHL to waitlist families that receive funding support from any number of agencies that specialize in down payment assistance."
    Founded by the Sovereign Council of Hawaiian Homestead Associations, HLI will be responsible for determining a beneficiary's eligibility and administering the match awards. Sovereign Council chair KipuKai Kuali'i said, "This initial investment is a great start; it won't resolve 29,000 on the Waitlist, but it supports those DHHL has or will be awarding lots to. As a coalition of Homestead Beneficiary Associations across the state this partnership is exactly the kind of work we want HLI to be doing with the DHHL." For more information contact HLI@hawaiianhomesteads.org.

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Halau Hula O Leionalani hosted halau from Kea'au recently with free performances at  Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu and heads
 to Merrie Monarch week to share hula. Photo by Brenda Iokepa Moses

HALAU HULA O LEONALANI has a full Merrie Monarch schedule coming up, with a performance on Sunday, March 31 at the Hilo Civic at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, April 3 at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel at 1 p.m., and on Saturday, April 6 at noon at Hilo Hawaiian. 

    The halau, under the direction of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder, also performed on Saturday, March 16, hosting a halau from Kea'au at Ke Ola Pu'uhonua in Nā'ālehu. Halau I Ka Leo Ola Nā Mamo is under the direction of Kumu Hula Pele Harman.

     Halau Hula O Leionalani is fundraising for a visit to Mexico and leaves April 23, flying to Honolulu to Houston and Cancoon for a six day stay. The halau will perform at Riviera Maya Splash resort and also participate in workshops with the kumu's students from Mexico and Japan. The Mexican and Japanese halau will compete in Cancoon. Hawaiian musician Lorna Lim will teach in the workshops with Ryder.

    

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Mayor Mitch Roth and Executive Assistant Pōmaikaʻi
 Bartolome with statue of Kūhiō in  Mayor's Office in Hilo
Photo by Cyrus Johnasen

PRINCE KUHIO DAY IS TUESDAY AND A STATE A HOLIDAY. A bronze sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole "in reverent tribute to his leadership and his profound impact on the Hawaiian 

people" is on loan to the Mayor's office, says a statement from the county.
   The sculpture, crafted by Allen Ipo Auwae, son of the late Henry Auwae, a respected Hawaiian Kahuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau, "stands as a tribute to Prince Kūhiō's commitment to enhancing the lives of Native Hawaiians. Prince Kūhiō's legacy includes his work in enacting the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act while serving as the second Native Hawaiian elected as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. This Act has since granted thousands of Native Hawaiians homesteads and continues to be a pivotal part of Hawaiian land policy today," says the statement.
    "We are honored to have this beautiful sculpture of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole in our office," said Mayor Mitch Roth. "Prince Kūhiō's leadership and advocacy for the Hawaiian people continues to inspire us today, and we are proud to pay tribute to his legacy."
    The sculpture will be held in the Mayor's Office until the Auwae ʻOhana decides on a final resting place.

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Junson Heckerz, wanted by HPD

TWO OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS ARE BEING SOUGHT BY POLICE. Hawai'i Island police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 27-year-old Junson Heckerz and 34-year-old Justina Alves, both wanted for outstanding bench warrants and for questioning in other criminal investigations.
Heckerz has two outstanding warrants for his arrest that were issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in five separate theft investigations.
Heckerz, who also goes by “Jay” or “Noel”, is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has the tattoo of his last name on his left arm.
Alves has an outstanding warrant for her arrest which was issued in 2022 and is wanted for questioning in four different criminal investigations, including theft and narcotics investigations. She is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 125 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo on her left neck area that reads "Ronald" and has tattoos on both thighs.

Justina Alves, wanted by HPD

    Hawai‘i Police Department would like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either Heckerz or Alves is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can make a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

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MATTHEW KOI, OF NĀ'ĀLEHU, is sought by Hawai‘i Island police who are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the 20-year-old. He is  wanted for an outstanding bench warrant, as well as for questioning in two investigations regarding an auto theft and a separate unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.
    Koi is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Matthew Koi, wanted by HPD

He is known to frequent the Nā‘ālehu town area.
    Hawai‘i Police Department would also like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.
    Persons with information on Koi’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.
    Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can report a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record any calls or subscribe to caller ID.

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