The Kaʻū Calendar News Briefs, Hawaiʻi Island

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 7, 2024

Still time to cast ballots, register to vote, online in person

PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOTS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT NĀ'ĀLEHU POLICE STATION

24/7 UNTIL 7 P.M. AUG. 10, which is Election Day. Nāʻālehu Police Station is at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy 11. See voter guides in English, 'Ōlelo Hawaiian, Ilokano, Tagalog and Chinese at https://elections.hawaii.gov/.../2024-primary-election.../

DACTHAL HERBICIDE ALSO KNOWN AS DCPA, WAS BANNED NATIONWIDE on Tuesday by the EPA, the first time the EPA has used its emergency suspension authority to stop the use of a pesticide in more than 40 years. The banned ingredient is dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate. It is used on athletic fields, golf courses and for growing vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions.

State of Hawai'i's Department of Agriculture's pesticide branch launched its notification to licensed retailers to stop selling it. The agency reported on Wednesday that "Preliminary responses from retailers are that there have not been sales of the product in Hawai‘i for several years."

Hawai'i Department of Agricultural sent out notification that Dacthal, DCPA,
is no longer legal nationally.

The risk includes exposure to pregnant women leading to thyroid damage in their babies. All pesticide products sold in the state must be licensed with the Pesticides Branch and one pesticide product containing DCPA as the active ingredient, DACTHAL FLOWABLE HERBICIDE (EPA Reg. No. 5481-487), was licensed in Hawai‘i, but no longer.
“DCPA is so dangerous that it needs to be removed from the market immediately,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Michal Freedhoff.
“It’s EPA’s job to protect people from exposure to dangerous chemicals. In this case, pregnant women who may never even know they were exposed could give birth to babies that experience irreversible lifelong health problems. That’s why for the first time in almost 40 years, EPA is using its emergency suspension authority to stop the use of a pesticide.”

According to the EPA, DCPA is a pesticide registered to control weeds in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings

In May 2023, EPA released its assessment on the risks of occupational and residential exposure to products containing DCPA. The assessment found health risks associated with DCPA use and application, even when personal protective equipment and engineering controls are used. The most serious risks are to the unborn babies of pregnant individuals. EPA estimates that some pregnant individuals handling DCPA products could be subjected to exposures four to 20 times greater than what EPA has estimated is safe for unborn babies.

"This emergency order, while rare, underscores the importance of proper disposal of all pesticides," says the EPA statement.
Questions regarding DCPA products and the proper disposal of pesticides in Hawai‘i may be addressed to the Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402 or hdoa.pested@hawaii.gov.

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

More pelagic false killer whales are being taken by Hawai'i's longline fishing fleet, leading to notifications from Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Center for Biological Diversityand other groups. Photo from Environment Hawai'i

THE HAWAI'I LONGLINE FISHING FLEET is unintentionally killing or injuring more pelagic false killer whales, according to conservation groups that have contacted National Marine Fisheries Service about their concerns. National Marine Fisheries scientists documented the cases of injury and death as part of their oversight of the industry.
Scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service have documented a rise in the number of pelagic false killer whales that are killed or seriously injured as a result of interactions with the Hawaiʻi-based longline fishing fleet.
In July, Hawai'i Wildlife Fund, Center for Biological Diversity, Defenders of Wildlife, and the Natural Resources Defense Council notified NMFS, contending that its failure to issue a rule to amend the Take Reduction Plan for false killer whales violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
The issue is basis for one of the stories in this month's Environment Hawai'i. See https://www.environment-hawaii.org/

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

Keoki Sereno will teach intermediate finger style 'ukulele based on the interpretations of James Hill. Classes start at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Nāʻālehu Methodist Church for three weeks. Photo by Julia Neal

Pastor Woodley White announced
'ukulele and music theory classes
at Nāʻālehu Methodist Church.
Photo by Julia Neal

LUTHIER, GUITARIST AND 'UKULELE INSTRUCTOR WOODLEY WHITE, who is also minister of Nāʻālehu Methodist Church, announces 'ukulele and music theory classes.
A free intermediate level finger style 'ukulele class on Wednesdays begins Aug. 14 at the church at 95-5668 Mamaloha Hwy. Classes are at 3:30 p.m. and will continue for eight weeks. Keoki Sereno will teach from Jumpin' Jim's Ukulele Masters / Duets for One by James Hill. For those with resources, White recommends a copy of this book for personal reference. See James Hill play 'ukulele hip hop and techno at Pahala Plantation House at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1j Gz2Uk mI0.
Beginning Sept. 4, additional weekly classes at 1:30 p.m. will be music theory and at 2:30 p.m. beginning 'ukulele for children and adults taught by Linda Flow.
Tenor 'ukulele that students may borrow are available for the duration of the classes.

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and

Melanie Oldfather will direct Volcano Festival
Chorus. She is shown here with jazz artist
JP Thoma. Photo from Volcano Art Center

archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

VOLCANO FESTIVAL CHORUS will be gathering to review the music for the upcoming holiday season, starting Thursday, Sep. 5 at the New Hope Church in Volcano at 7 pm. The church is located at 11-3019A Volcano Road. This year the chorus will be led by Melanie Oldfather.
The chorus meets each Thursday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., yjr concert tentatively set for Dec.

7. Music will be provided free of charge so there is no financial burden on anyone. All singers interested in joining the choir are encouraged. "There no auditions, just come join us. We are a friendly group of people that enjoy singing, sounding good is a bonus," says a statement from the group.
For more information call 808 982-7344. The Chorus is sponsored by the Kilauea Drama & Entertainment Network.

The Reunion features the screening of a PBS film Ka'u Sugar,
A Town Remembers on the history of the sugar plantation
and the closing of the mill in 1996. It will also feature a film
on history of the local coffee industry.

Tuesday, August 06, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 6, 2024

Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walsh announce his candidacy for Vice. President of U.S.
Photo from Hawai'i Public Radio

THE ENTIRE HAWAI'I DELEGATION TO CONGRESS has endorsed Kamala Harris in her bid for the
presidency. That means Sen. Brian Schatz, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Jill Tokuda and Rep. Ed Case.
Harris nomination to the Democratic Party became official this week and she announced Tuesday that she has chosen Minnesota Gov. and former Congressman Tim Walz to become her running mate and vice president of the United States. Walz is a Democrat in his second term as governor. He is a hunter and marksman, who earned high marks from the National Rifle Association until he initiated gun safety measures in Minnesota.
Walz is a former school teacher and football coach and is married to a school teacher. He is considered a collaborator and peacemaker between divisive groups and a friend to many Republicans, particularly in rural Minnesota where many folks are Republican. He worked for them in Congress on agricultural and other rural initiatives.

Two out of three keiki are not buckled up correctly, according to HPD.

HPD WILL HOLD A FREE CHILD SAFTEY SEAT CLINIC IN PAHALA ON Saturday, Aug. 10 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Robert Herkes Gymnasium and Shelter Parking Lot, 96-1219 Kamani Street.

Certified technicians will be on hand to assist families with the proper installation of child safety seats, check for any factory recalls on seats and vehicles, and answer questions.
“Two out of three keiki are not buckled up correctly,” said Torey Keltner of HPD’s Traffic Services Section. “Sadly, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children nationwide, making it vitally important that parents make sure their child’s safety seat is installed correctly.”
“With school starting up, this is a great free service for parents to check their child’s safety seat and get answers to any questions they may have.”
According to 2022 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the most recent year for available data, an average of three children under the age of 13 were killed and 429 were injured every day in the U.S. while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans. In 2022, 68 percent of the children who were injured in vehicle crashes were unstrained.
Hawai‘i Police Department is sponsoring the car seat clinic in collaboration with Partners for Safe Travel, the East Hawai’i Kiwanis Club, the State Judiciary’s Driver Education program, and Hawai’i Fire Department through a grant funded by State of Hawai’i Department of Transportation.
For more information on Saturday’s child safety seat clinic, contact HPD’s Traffic Services Section at (808) 961-2226.

HPD RENEWED ITS WARNING ABOUT A PHONE SCAM after receiving reports of unknown individuals calling residents and posing as law enforcement officers and attempting to obtain money as payment for outstanding warrants of arrest. According to Hawai'i Police Department:
In recent reports, the suspect contacts the victim by phone, identifying themselves as a law enforcement officer and informs the individual that have an outstanding warrant for their arrest. To avoid arrest they are then told that they will need to transfer money by utilizing Coinstar kiosk machines located in town.
The suspects have been providing fictitious credentials over the phone such as their name, agency, badge number, and telephone number.
The Hawai‘i Police Department does not ask for, nor accept payment through Coinstar machines or Bitcoin Crypto-Currency as any form of payment. The public is reminded to never provide any personal information over the phone or online to anyone whose identity they have not confirmed.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, the Hawai‘i Police Department suggests the following recommendations:

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always request the full name, identification number, and contact information of the caller. Legitimate law enforcement officers will provide this information without hesitation. Verify their credentials by contacting the police department or the agency they claim to represent using publicly available contact information.
• Refrain from sharing personal information: Avoid disclosing personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or any other sensitive data over the phone unless you are absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the caller.
• Be cautious of urgent or coercive tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, coercing victims into immediate action. They may threaten arrest, fines, or legal consequences to pressure you into revealing personal information or making immediate payments. Take a step back, remain calm, and verify the authenticity of the call before making any decisions or taking action.
• Educate yourself and others: Share this information with your friends, family, and vulnerable individuals within your community. By spreading awareness, we can collectively protect ourselves and prevent these scams from succeeding.
Members of the public who receive a phone call of this nature and are unsure of the authenticity of the caller, hang up and call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Monday, August 05, 2024

Kaʻū News Briefs Aug. 5, 2024

See the new DLNR website at outdoor.hawaii.gov.

EXPLORE OUTDOOR HAWAI'I IS A NEW WEBSITE BY DEPT. LAND & NATURAL RESOURCES designed to allow Hawai‘i residents and visitors to easily find recreational services available across the state. See https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/

The website features actor Jason Momoa's 2022 PSA, saying, "We got to malama 'aina. Take care of the land and this beautiful place we call home. Be mindful of all the invasive species that are choking out the 'aina. Help us keep them out of our beloved valleys and favorite hiking trails. It's all about protecting Hawai'i nei, the place we love and call home."

The new website, released July 31, explains that DLNR’s jurisdiction encompasses nearly 1.3 million acres of state lands, beaches and coastal waters as well as 750 miles of coastline (the fourth longest in the country). It includes state parks, historical sites, natural area reserves and forest reserves, aquatic life, bird and wildlife sanctuaries, public fishing areas, boating, ocean recreation, and coastal programs, game management areas and public hunting areas.

“Explore Outdoor Hawai‘i is a one-stop user-friendly website designed to help residents, visitors, and commercial operators find and apply for permits, licenses and reservations,” said DLNR Chair Dawn Chang. “The site is a great way to virtually explore the unique and varied cultural and natural resources of Hawai‘i, including relevant information about respecting our cultural sites, pono fishing practices, and permits that are required for commercial operations,” Chang added.
“Activity-focused navigation and imagery will work in concert with existing DLNR systems and features direct pathways to the many DLNR managed resources,” explained Lila Loos, DLNR’s information technology chief. “This first step of our ambitious multiyear effort provides the foundation for consolidating and modernizing disparate and aging DLNR digital assets.”

The consolidated website development was required by the passage of Act 182 by the Hawai‘i State Legislature on July 3, 2023.

A FULL TIME EDUCATION TECHNICIAN AT HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK is a job waiting to be filled with the sponsorship of Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
The person who fills the position will provide assistance to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park’s Education Specialist for the park's education, outreach, and interpretive programs. The Ed Technician will work closely with local and visiting schools, education staff and other park partners will provide
support and staffing assistance for community outreach.
An announcement about the job says, "Join our team and help inspire visitors to connect with and support the wonders of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park." Pay is $15-22 per hour. The position is funded for up to one year but could be extended if funding allows. See a detailed job and benefits description at http://www.hawaiipacificparks.org/.../employment... Send a resume to jobs@hawaiipacificparks.org

To read comments, add y o ur own, and l ike thi s story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

HAWAI'I ISLAND RESIDENTS WANTING A HORSE STALL AT PANA'EWA, close to rodeo grounds, can apply through the county's lottery. Forty-nine horse stalls with attached paddocks are for rent at Pana'ewa Equestrian Center, which also has a 5/8-mile race track, rodeo arena and wash racks. It is the site of the Pana'ewa Stampede Rodeo, one of the favorite rodeos of Kaʻū paniolo.

The cost of each stall is $500 a year with one horse per stall and one stall limit per person. A deposit of $100 is required. The lottery is conducted annually through Hawai'i County Department of Parks &

There are 49 horses stalls available for rent from the county at
Pana'ewa Equestrian Center where the Pana'ewa Stampede
Rodeo is held each year. Photo from TicketSpice

Recreation.

The lottery drawing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. at Pana'ewa Equestrian Center, Al Cabral Grandstand, 800 Stainback Highway, Hilo, Hawai'i.
Those interested in entering the lottery must submit an application within the 10 business-day period between Aug. 19 - 30 to Department of Parks & Recreation, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 6, Hilo. Applications, available at Department of Parks & Recreation, must be completed and received no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 30 and will not be accepted on the date of the lottery or prior to the 10-day filing period.
For more detailed information about the lottery and rules related to the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center, visit the Pana'ewa Equestrian Center web page on the Parks & Recreation website.
The Pana'ewa Equestrian Center is accessible to persons with disabilities. To request an Auxiliary Aid or language translation, please call Brittany Iyo at 961-8311 by Friday, Aug. 30.

It's Hurricane Season
Neither Carlotta, Daniel, Emilia nor Fabio are expected to reach Hawai'i though they are coming from the place where most of the tropical storms and hurricanes that reach Hawai'i begin. They are a reminder to be prepared. It's hurricane season in Hawai'i and the Central. Pacific through Nov. 30. NOAA map

TO IMPROVE SYSTEM RELIABILITY, Hawaiian Electric says it will conduct quarterly aerial inspections of its major overhead transmission lines from Monday, Aug. 12, to Thursday, Aug. 15.
The islandwide inspections are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter. In some areas, the aircraft may be required to fly low and slow which may cause temporary noise disturbances.
The Hawaiian Electric statement says thanks to the community for patience and understanding. If there are any questions or concerns, call (808) 969-6666.