Kaʻū News Briefs Jan. 1, 2025

Aerial fireworks light up the smokey skies each New Years Eve in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

Aerial and many other fireworks are popular throughout
 Hawai'i, including in Kaʻū. Photo by Julia Neal

SEVERE PENALTIES STATEWIDE FOR ILLEGAL AERIAL FIREWORKS is what Gov. Josh Green said he wants following New Years Eve carnage caused by an ignited cache of fireworks at a home on O'ahu. 

    In the wake of at least four deaths and many more critical injuries, Green said he will work with the 2025 Hawai‘i Legislature to toughen laws and penalties for illegal fireworks. 

    He referred to carnage at an 'Āliamanu home on O‘ahu when aerial and other fireworks apparently exploded, killing several and sending more than two dozen to hospitals, many in critical condition. Separate incidents led to one death and severe injuries from fireworks. 

    Green said he wants “very, very severe” penalties to deter the use of illegal aerial fireworks. The Governor called for elevation of possession of over 50 pounds of illegal fireworks to a Class C felony with five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Congresswoman Jill Tokuda

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

KAʻŪ 'S MEMBER IN CONGRESS JILL TOKUDA issued a New Year's Day statement about her plans for representing rural Hawai'i in Washington, D.C. this session. She wrote: "As we welcome this New Year, I am inspired by the resilience, courage, and strength of our community. There will undoubtedly be challenges with our government and the incoming administration this year, but we have faced tough times before, and together, we will rise to meet whatever comes next.
    "This New Year, my resolutions are focused on actions that will: Bring Down the Cost of Living for Local Families; Help Families Secure Affordable and Stable Housing; Keep Our Communities and Keiki Safe; and Protect Consumers from Corporate Greed and Ensure the Ultra-Wealthy Pay Their Fair Share."
   Tokuda concluded her New Year's message by saying, "With determination and aloha, together, we can achieve this and more! I'm grateful for you, our community, and the opportunity to fight for you in Congress."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

Hokulele 12U at Hilo Civic. Photo from Hokulele Basketball Club

HOKULELE BASKETBALL CLUB kicked off its season as The Grind Session, an International Elite Prep Basketball Circuit, took over Hilo at the end of December to showcase some of the top high school players in the nation.
    On Dec. 26, more than 20 youth from Hokulele Basketball Club attended Utah Prep’s Keiki Camp in Pana‘ewa - an event sponsored by the Jr. 

    Hokulele teams attended aTraining & Tournament where they skill trained with Utah Prep’s High School Team. During the event, Hawai‘i’s JJ Mandaquit, Layden Kauka and 5 Star Recruit AJ Dybansta. Dybansta, the only male high school athlete currently signed with Nike, gifted each child with gear.

Hokulele 14U takes First Place at DNA Winter
 Classic in Waimea. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    On Dec. 28 and 29, Hokulele entered multiple teams from 6U - 8th Grade for DNA Basketball Club’s Winter Classic. Hokulele’s 14U dominated the division and captured the championship. Hokulele's 12U lost in the championship game 27-28. Hokulele’s 10U came in 3rd.          On Monday, Dec. 30, Hokulele's 6th and 8th grade teams played in the Hilo Civic Auditorium, the same court where The Grind Session Invitational was hosted. Hokulele Head Coach and President Ravel Kaupu, Jr. said, “This experience is a true blessing for the children of our club. Hokulele Basketball would like to thank Jay Mandaquit, JJ Manadquit & Family for giving them an opportunity to meet with athletes at a level they aspire to be & more!”

More than 20 Hokulele players participated Keiki Camp
 sponsored by Jr. NBA. Photo from Hokulele Basketball

    Hokulele will host a Super Saturday at Robert Herkes District Gymnasium in Pāhala to welcome 14 teams on Jan. 11. Proceeds of this event will go towards their 6th grade travel team as they head to Kaua‘i to play in Westside Basketball's President’s Day Tournament.
Hokulele, based in Kaʻū, is run by President and Head Coach Ravel Kaupu, Jr., Vice President Jan Kaeza Penera and Coaches Chrysa Dacalio, Jaron Garcia and Richard Estabilio. To find out how to donate to Hokulele Basketball Club, email Kaeza at Hokulele@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 31, 2024

A USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologist uses a laser rangefinder to collect fountain height measurements from the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea volcano. Fountain heights reached approximately 30–35 m (100–115 ft) on the morning of December 30. The S2cam webcam on the south rim of Halema‘uma‘u crater, is visible in the bottom left corner of the photo. USGS photo by H. Winslow

VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS AND LAVA FOUNTAINS are heralding the arrival of 2025 with January as Volcano Awareness Month. USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory hosts events in Kaʻū and beyond throughout January for the public to learn about volcanic activity in Hawai‘i and to submit art and poetry recognizing Hawai‘i’s volcanic history.
    Programs in Kaʻū include a talk story opportunity with HVO staff at Nāʻālehu Public Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8; a talk summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year at Cooper Center in Volcano village on Friday, Jan. 10; a coffee talk at Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 9:30 .am. regarding the 2019–2020 water lake at Kīlauea summit; an opportunity to learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at Volcano Art Center in Volcano village on Thursday, Jan. 16; and a talk in Pāhala at Kaʻū District Gym Recreation Room on Monday, Jan. 27 at 5:30 p.m. about earthquakes happening deep beneath that region 
since 2019.
    As part of Volcano Awareness Month 2025, USGS invites the public to enter a new art and poetry contest, open Jan. 1–20. Submit a haiku poem or art in any medium, no larger than Lava Fountains Welcome Volcano Awareness Month 16x24 inches in size, related to volcanic landscapes or eruptions in Hawai‘i. Winners in several categories will be announced in a Volcano Watch article at the end of January article at the end of January, and a selection of entries will be on display at a scientific conference 
on caldera-forming eruptions, such as Kīlauea's in 2018, set for Hilo in February 2025.
   USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitors six active volcanoes in Hawai‘i, noting that past eruptions have shaped all of the Hawaiian Islands. From the unique sands of Papakolea Green Sand Beach to lava flows across the landscape, this island is shaped by volcanic processes and events.
    USGS reports that 2024 was a year of dynamic volcanic activity on the Island of Hawaiʻi, with Kīlauea eruptions occurring outside of the summit caldera of Kaluapele for the first time since 2018. Multiple intrusions into the upper portions of the Southwest Rift Zone and East Rift Zone culminated in a one day eruption southwest of the caldera on June 3, and an eruption in and near Nāpau Crater on the middle East Rift Zone, Sept. 15-20.

An Aerial view of two eruptive cones in the southwest corner of Halema‘uma‘u crater at Kīlauea's summit on the morning of December 30. The fissure fountains reached heights of approximately 30 meters (100 ft) and lava flows continue to cover a portion of the crater floor.
USGS photo by H. Winslow

   Throughout January 2025, HVO scientists will also offer walks with talks on Tuesdays in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join HVO staff as they discuss the network of instruments monitoring Hawai'i's volcanoes on Jan. 7; describe Kīlauea's ever-evolving summit caldera on Jan. 14; walk on Jan. 21 into the Whitney Vault, built in 1912 to host volcano monitoring equipment; and explain Kīlauea's explosive past

during a guided walk on Jan. 28.
    Additional guided hikes will take place on Saturdays in January. Learn about the 1868 Mauna Loa eruption while walking the Puʻu o Lokuana trail in the Kahuku Unit of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Jan. 4. On Jan. 18, hike to Maunaiki in the Kaʻū Desert of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park— Maunaiki erupted in 1919–1920. On Jan. 25, trek the slopes of Hualālai in Kona to learn about unique trachyte deposits in Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Reserve.
    Talks summarizing eruptive activity and earthquakes over the past year will also take place at Pāhoa Public Library on Monday, Jan. 13, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and Kailua-Kona Public Library on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Learn the art and science of geologic mapping in Hawai‘i during a talk at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo campus on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
   Other programs include a talk on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau about the devastating events in 1868, and a Geology Department open house at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Friday, Jan. 24.
    For details on the Hawaiʻi Volcano Awareness Month programs throughout January, see https://www.usgs.gov/ observatories/hvo/news/island-hawaiivolcano-awareness-month-programsjanuary-2025, with a full calendar and event descriptions, as well information about the art and poetry contest. Questions? Email askHVO@usgs.gov.

Aerial view looking to the southwest of the active and inactive parts of the eruption within Halema‘uma‘u crater at the summit of Kīlauea. The dark black lava in the foreground covered most of the crater floor on the first day of the eruption, starting around 2:20 a.m. on December 23. The current activity is concentrated near the lava fountains in the western quarter of the crater floor. Photo by U.S. Geological Survey geologist D. Downs

Kaʻū News Briefs Dec. 30, 2024

At the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ocean View, the Houvener family continues to light up the
holiday nights with their Christmas display, ongoing for two decades. Photo by Victoria Buneta

A detail of the Houvener family's
Christmas display, ongoing for
two decades during the holidays.
Photo by Victoria Buneta

THE HOUVENER FAMILY CHRISTMAS DISPLAY REMAINS LIT UP THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR. Kaida Houvener and his family have built a vast Christmas Wonderland in Ocean View for two decades. They keep the lights on night after night at the corner of Lehua and Palm. This is the 20th year for the display and the fourth that featured gift giving from Santa.
    Michelle Houvenir creates new cutouts and the family regularly adds new blowups.
    Houvener says he saves all year to buy gifts for the children and materials to make new displays.

   

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

HAWAI'I INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS in January to Pāhala, Ocean View, Hilo and Kona. An internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso, Metropolitan Opera singers, vocal coaches, pianists, violist and a Broadway star come to Pāhala in January to teach and perform in collaboration with local musical groups, teachers and students from around the world. The outreach spans into the broader community.
    Hawai'i International Music Festival, a Hawaii state 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in its eighth year, hosts its third annual Vocal Workshop, The García School, Jan. 4 - 13 at Pāhala Plantation House. A free master class will be held for classical and musical theater singers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo. The Festival will present its annual concert on Saturday, Jan. 11 at Pāhala Plantation House at 7 p.m. The evening event is preceded by a concert at Ocean View Community Center on the same Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in collaboration with South Hawai'i Symphony. A working session with Chamber Orchestra of Kona will be Monday, Jan. 13 at Kona United Methodist Church from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and is open to the public.

    Leaders and founders of the Festival are Violin Virtuoso Eric Silberger, who travels the world performing; internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, of New York and Pāhala; and esteemed pianist Carlin Ma, of Washington State. Their statement says, "García School is committed to carrying on the great bel canto singing tradition made famous by legendary voice teacher Manuel García in the 1800's." Additionally, international artists will connect with the culture of Hawai'i by exchanging talents and ideas with local artists.
    Faculty members for the García School are Silberger and Shoremount-Obra, along with renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash. In addition are star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, Carlton Moe, and Professor of Voice, Associate Vocal Department Chair of University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Maya Sypert, who is an acclaimed mezzo-oprano. Joining them are Metropolitan Opera star, soprano Audrey Luna, acclaimed Kaua'i-based pianist Monica Chung, and Hawai'i-based violist/violinist, educator and chef Duane Padilla. Participating in the workshop, master classes and concerts are 13 local and international singers from U.S. Mainland, Mexico, England and China.
    Here are details on the Public Events:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8 IN HILO - The free public masterclass is in Hilo on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 5 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 595 Kapiolani Street will be for classical and musical theater singers of all ages and feature internationally acclaimed Broadway star Carlton Moe with Maika'i Nash at the piano. The workshop is accepting solo local classical and musical theater singers to participate. Email himusicfestival@gmail.com no later than Jan. 4. Participating singers must sing an aria or song from the classical vocal or American musical theater repertoire from memory. All musical theater performers, classical singers including choral singers, and anyone who has an interest in the process of singing and performing are invited and encouraged to attend. Singers must provide PDF copies of their music to HIMF once accepted.
    SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 IN OCEAN VIEW - The concert in collaboration with South Hawai'i Symphony on Saturday Jan. 11 at 12:30 p.m. will be at Ocean View Community Center, 92-8924 Leilani Mauka Cir. It will feature star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera Carlton Moe, internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist Eric Silberger, internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra, acclaimed pianist and Kaua'i resident Monica Chung, and renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash. Opera stars of the future from The García School Vocal Workshop will also perform. They are Zoe Gao, a soprano from China; Kirsten Ann Blair, a soprano from Alaska; Alexis Merry, a soprano from Kansas; Karmina Guzmán, a soprano from Mexico; Andrew Fellows, a baritone from California; and Ian McMillan, a tenor from Hawai'i, with Anastassiya Neznanova from New York, who will dance on pointe. Suggested donations at the door: $30
    SATURDAY, JANUARY 11 IN PĀHALA - Hawai'i International Music Festival will present A Celebration of Music! on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at the historic Pāhala Plantation House, 96-3209 Maile Street. The concert features classical and musical theater music performed by internationally acclaimed virtuoso violinist Eric Silberger; internationally acclaimed Metropolitan Opera soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra; acclaimed pianist and Kaua'i resident Monica Chung; renowned pianist, music director, coach and Hawai'i Island resident Maika'i Nash; tenor and star of Broadway's Phantom of the Opera Carlton Moe, Ocean View's own trumpet virtuoso Farley Sangels, and all full-time participating singers already mentioned from The García School vocal workshop in addition to Amy Taba, a soprano and Tyler Shimabukuro, a baritone- both from Hawai'i. Reservations can be made at www.himusicfestival.org.

Eric Silberger, co-founder of the music school, which will
reach out to communities in Ocean View, Pāhala and beyond.
Photo by Carlin Ma

    MONDAY, JANUARY 13 IN KONA - A collaboration of Garcia School students and teachers with Chamber Orchestra of Kona will be Monday, Jan. 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Kona United Methodist Church, 74-4960 Palani Rd. The free session will be open to the public and features seven young professional singers: Yiqi Laura Yin, a soprano from China; Mahtab Ghamsari, a soprano from England; Alexis Merry, a soprano from Kansas; Kirsten Ann Blair, a soprano from Alaska; Karmina Guzman, a soprano from Mexico; Andrew Fellows, a baritone from California; and Sarah Stevenson, a mezzo-soprano from New York. In addition are internationally acclaimed soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra; virtuoso violinist and conductor Eric Silberger; as well as conductor Yuxin Dai and orchestra and guest players from O'ahu and California.

    See more and make reservations at www.himusicfestival.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.

HAWAI'I ISLAND POLICE REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE RISKS OF ILLEGAL AERIAL FIREWORKS. HPD sent out a message on Dec. 30 concerning rules governing the use of fireworks "so they may enjoy a safe New Year’s holiday."

     Hawaiʻi state law dictates that anyone purchasing, possessing, storing, setting off, igniting or discharging aerial devices, display fireworks or articles pyrotechnic without a valid pyrotechnic permit may face Class C felony charges resulting in a five-year term of imprisonment if convicted. 

     The HPD statement says, "Please remember that anyone igniting aerial pyrotechnic displays risk not only their life but also the lives of loved ones nearby and potentially neighbors as well."

     WHEN AND WHAT IS ALLOWED: The use of fireworks is permitted from 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1.

    Residents who want to set off fireworks must pay a permit fee of $25, available from the Hawai‘i Fire Department, which allows an adult to purchase 5,000 individual firecrackers.

    Common fireworks allowed without a permit include: cylindrical fountains; cone fountains; wheels; illuminating torches and colored fire; dipped sticks; sparklers and salutes.

    WHAT'S NOT ALLOWED: It’s illegal to set off fireworks at any time outside the specified time period on New Year’s Eve; in any school building or on any school grounds without authorization from school officials; within 1,000 feet of any hospital, convalescent home, care home for the elderly, church where services are held, zoo, animal hospital or shelter.

    Prohibited fireworks include: jumping jacks; flying pigs; rockets; helicopters; satellites; roman candles; mines; shells and aerial luminary devices, also known as sky lanterns.

   Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that it’s also illegal to:

   Extract the explosive or pyrotechnic contents from any fireworks.

   Throw ignited fireworks at, into, or from a moving vehicle.

   Have anyone under the age of 18 purchase, possess or ignite any fireworks unless they are under the immediate supervision and control of their parents or an authorized adult.

 

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com.