Threats to the Hawaiian coffee industry and help from USDA in producing disease and pest resistant varieties is the
subject of a story in The San Francisco Chronicle this week. Photo from Ka'u Coffee Trail Run
THE FUTURE OF HAWAI'I'S COFFEE INDUSTRY AND THREATS THAT PLAGUE IT is the focus of a story in The San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday. It is entitled High-end coffee is facing a reckoning- thanks to one tiny bug. The report by Chase Difeliciantonio goes over threats in coffee growing regions around the world and the effort to produce disease resistant strains in Hawai'i. It features Chifumi Nagai
Hawai'i Coffee researcher Chifumi Nagai. Photo from UH
who worked five decades in Japan and Hawai'i, "splicing together different breeds of coffee, sugar and other botanical wonder plants to make them not only taste better for consumers, but also stand up to the ever-evolving threats of nature." Nagai, now retired, worked with University of Hawai'i and Hawai'i Agricultural Research Center "to develop and cross-breed new types of coffee trees that would be both resistant to blight like leaf rust, and still retain the fruity, spiced and sometimes citrusy flavors." The story focuses on Hawai'i grown "beans that prestige coffee-drinkers crave and that command a price like few other places on Earth."
The story says there has been some success in importing rust resistant coffees and crossing them with Hawaiian varieties, with Nagai working with U.S. Department of Agriculture in Hilo. "But that process takes time, and the 'grandchildren' plants of those experiments are just now being spread out into fields." Nagai told The Chronicle, "Theoretically, 75 percent should be resistant" to rust. The story says, "depending on which grandparent those trees take after, they may express more rust resistance without retaining the prized light, even nutty flavor that keeps consumers coming back despite the hefty price tag."
The Chronicle reports: "In the long term for the Hawaiian coffee market it may become an existential
Image from USDA
struggle. If their beans aren't buttressed against blight, they could die out over time. And Nagai said it doesn't make sense to switch to growing lower-quality Robusta, or Arabica beans without just the right flavor for the finicky human palate." The story quotes Nagai saying, "Why would (customers) keep paying that high price if they could just buy it someplace else?"
The story also quotes Tracie Matsumoto Brower, a USDA research horticulturalist, saying that the agency has "added different types of coffee to its germplasm in Hilo, the repository of plant materials similar to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway, but for subtropical plants like coffee, pineapples, macadamia nuts and lychee." Brower told The Chronicle, "We're like the Noah's Ark of agricultural crops," providing plant material to researchers and breeders to try and create more resistant agricultural strains.
See the whole story at https://www.sfchronicle.com/climate/article/Specialty-coffee-threats-17676000.php
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.
HAWAI'I POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 96TH RECRUIT CLASS RECOGNITION CEREMONY was held on Friday at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. The recruits began training on July 1, starting off as strangers, who had come together from a variety of backgrounds and previous career paths. In the end, after six months of intensive training, they graduated with a class of seven police recruits.
Class Officers are Class PresidentOfficer Kimberly Palea-Springer and Class Vice President Officer
New Hawai'i Police Department Officers: Patrick Manila,
Andrew Padilla, Hunter Rapoza, Tammy Messina,
Kimberly Palea-Springer, Zachary Hale, and Israel Mata.
Photo from HPD
Hunter Rapoza. Other members of the class are Zachary Hale, Patrick Manila, Israel Mata, Tammy Messina, and Andrew Padilla.
Special recognition was given to those recruit officers who achieved outstanding performance during the course of academic training. The Academic Award was awarded to Palea-Springer who attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Mata was presented with the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency in the use of firearms and for attaining the highest rating in firearms training. Recipients of the academic and firearms awards will have their names engraved on a perpetual plaque, which is displayed in the department's training room.
Rapoza was recognized with the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining his level of physical conditioning.
Newly graduated officers begin four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers to become qualified to work alone.
HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS PRESERVATION ACT is one of the last measures introduced into Congress by Rep. Kai Kehele before leaving office in January. It would reduce the blood quantum requirement to 1/32nd Hawaiian, allowing many descendants of current lessees to inherit farms, ranches and home leases on Hawaiian Home Lands. It would allow thousands more applicants and successors to be on the Hawaiian Home Lands Applicant Wait List. "The Act is critical legislation for the preservation, protection, and restoration of the sovereign rights of the native Hawaiian people," said Kahele.
"The Hawaiian Home Lands Preservation Act, H.R. 9614, will fulfill the original objective of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as intended by Hawai'i's Delegate Jonah Kūhiō KalanianaʻoleKuhio. Delegate Kuhio fought for a blood quantum of 1/32nd to qualify for a homestead lease but was rebuffed by powerful sugar, business, and ranching interests. This bill will right the wrong perpetuated against the native Hawaiian people and address the inequity that exists in current law", said Kahele.
The Hawaiian Home Lands Preservation Act would amend mend Section 209 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920. It would allow existing lessees and an applicant on the DHHL Application Wait List to designate a qualified relative who has at least 1/32nd blood quantum as a successor beneficiary.
See Kaheleʻs floor remarks regarding the Hawaiian Home Lands Preservation Act at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lledSOS4G44.
THE RURAL ASCENT AGRICULTURAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR WOMEN OWNED FARMS AND RANCHES is open to applicants through Jan. 15. It is free and available to women producers in
operation for less than five years through U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Space is limited and interested farmers and ranches are required to apply for consideration for this 12-week virtual program. Those selected will join other entrepreneurs from rural areas across the U.S. on an interactive virtual platform packed with resources to set and achieve business goals, consult with subject matter experts and build peer network.
Being located in a rural area is required. See https://hfuuhi.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4f41ad83bf602ec3fb1a06e65&id=cfcecbb533&e=563999cc96.Want to learn more? Join one of these online informational sessions: Thursday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 10. For questions or special accommodations, contact SBA Rural Affairs at Rural@SBA.gov.
Christmas Lights & Icons Show continues to brighten up the corner of Lehua and Palm in Ranchos at Ocean View every evening. See story at www.kaucalendar.com.
Holiday Lighting and Decor dress up the cottages at Kīlauea Military Camp for the public to see. See story at www.kaucalendar.com.
Volcano Swap Meet, fourth Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to noon. Large variety of vendors with numerous products. Tools, clothes, books, toys, local made healing extract and creams, antiques, jewelry, gemstones, crystals, food, music, plants, fruits, and vegetables. Also offered are cakes, coffee, and shave ice. Live music.
Kaʻū News Briefs, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022
Twenty-one of the 26 traffic deaths last year involved impairment with alcohol and/or drugs. Police said they will be out in force over these holidays. Traffic deaths for 2022 are highest in a decade. See more below. Photo from HPD
VOG HAS DETRIMENTAL IMPACTS ON STUDENT TEST STORES, according to a new study from Department of Economics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the UH Economic Research Organization and University College London.
"This finding has great implications for environmental justice," says a blog written by co-lead author Rachel Inafuku, Phd. "Students who are more financially stable face less obstacles in accumulating human capital when air quality is poor, suggesting that pollution contributes to the inequality gaps that we observe here in Hawaiʻi and in the U.S."
Inafuku, who works at UHERO and has a doctorate and masters in economics from UH, continued, "The Hawaiian Islands are particularly advantageous for studying the effects of pollution for several reasons. First, Hawaiʻi is home to pristine baseline levels of air quality with average pollutant levels well
Dr. Rachel Inafuku. Photo from UH
below EPA ambient air quality standards. Most studies have focused on areas with extremely high average pollution levels and are much less comparable to most areas within the U.S. Furthermore, the level of pollutants throughout Hawaiʻi is truly unpredictable and random. Because the bulk of pollution throughout the state is dependent on emissions from Kīlauea volcano and wind direction, air pollution is based lar gely on the forces of nature and not man made sources (e.g., traffic, industrial facilities, etc)."
UH Press reports:
"As Mauna Loa erupted in late November 2022 for the first time since 1984, the emissions produced vog or volcanic smog. Vog—a mixture of ash, sulfur dioxide and other gasses—may cause breathing difficulties, headaches, a sore throat, watery eyes and more to those living near and/or downwind of the vog plume.
The study reports that "These effects are especially pronounced for the poorest pupils who experience impacts that are greater than those for more advantaged pupils. In addition, these effects are greatest in areas with higher baseline levels of pollution such as south Hawaiʻi Island. A key takeaway of the study is that poor air quality can compromise learning outcomes for disadvantaged students and therefore exacerbate economic inequality. Recent work by UH economists Timothy Halliday and John Lynham have also demonstrated that vog causes a large increase in ER visits due to respiratory reasons."
Data sources: The authors utilized the census of test scores from Hawaiʻi public school students on the Smarter Balanced Assessment—a mandatory annual test of math and English literacy skills created to measure college and career readiness for Department of Education students in grades 3 through 8 and 11—from 2015–2018, provided by Hawaiʻi P-20. Within the sample, about half of the students were considered economically disadvantaged and roughly 6% received English language services. In addition, 24% of students identified as Native Hawaiian, 24% Filipino, 18% White, 16% Asian (non-Filipino), 9% Pacific Islander and 8% another ethnicity. In total, the sample consisted of more than 150,000 unique individuals across 260 schools.
Their air quality data was provided by the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health. The authors looked at particulates (specifically PM2.5, which are fine inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller) and sulfur dioxide (toxic gas released naturally by volcanic activity) to measure pollution levels. The DOH data on particulate levels was collected through their pollution monitoring stations, which span across numerous locations throughout the state.
Using wind variation and pollution measurements from the DOH monitoring stations, the authors predicted levels of the particulates and sulfur dioxide at a given school using techniques from the geosciences. The researchers then used these predicted measures of air particulates and the SBA scores, to estimate the effect of particulate pollution on test scores.
Results: The authors discovered that an increase in particulates would lead to a small decrease in student test scores. In addition, the effects are estimated to be substantially larger for students who attend schools with poorer average air quality. Specifically, students at schools with an average of 9 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 or higher, which a majority are located in the south/southwest region of Hawaiʻi Island, would experience roughly seven times the decline in test scores than those with less than 9 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. This equates to a reduction of more than 1% in test scores for every standard deviation increase (standard deviation for the sample is equal to 1.84 micrograms per cubic meter) in PM2.5. Therefore, an increase of 1.84 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5 led to more than a 1% reduction in test scores
The average PM2.5 rate from the Ocean View monitoring station between 2015–2018 was 12.64 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5—the highest of any Hawaiʻi monitoring station in that period. The highest daily average from that same station between the same time frame came on June 4, 2018 at 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter of PM2.5. According to the authors' estimates, if schools with higher baseline levels of pollution (in this case, 9 micrograms per cubic meter or greater) saw an increase in PM2.5 from 12.64 to 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter, test scores would fall by more than 25%.
This effect is evident when also focusing on the south/southwest region of Hawaiʻi Island—which is home to summit and rift zones where Kīlauea and Mauna Loa's vents have been repeatedly active—and has much higher average levels of pollution compared to the rest of the state. In this area, the effect of increases in PM2.5 on student performance is estimated to be roughly five times greater than estimates for the total sample.
Model shows disadvantaged students could be worse: Importantly, says the report, the authors show that the impacts of poor air quality fall more heavily on poor pupils as defined by those who qualify for federal programs such as free and reduced lunch. The effects of PM2.5 are larger by a factor of ten and the effects of sulfur dioxide are larger by a factor of six. The authors demonstrated that the disparate effects of pollution by socioeconomic class occur within schools. Hence, these effects cannot be attributed to poorer schools being located in more polluted areas.
The Department of Economics and UHERO are housed in UH Mānoa's College of Social Sciences.
A NEW POST IN STATE GOVERNMENT CALLED DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF WELLNESS AND RESILIENCE was filled by Gov. Josh Green on Thursday as he announced more appointments to fill administrative offices. Green said, "These exceptional and experienced individuals will work to advance our community's quality of life, sustainably develop our economy, and modernize our systems to increase government efficiency and cross-collaboration. I am confident that today's nominees and appointments will serve the people of Hawaiʻi wholeheartedly and hit the ground running to produce these promised results."
Tia Roberts Hartsock, Director of the Office of Wellness and Resilience previously served as the Project Director of a federal Substance Abuse, Mental Health Services Administrative Initiative,
Data to Wisdom, within the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. In that capacity, she helped develop and provide mental health services for adolescent female trauma survivors involved in the juvenile justice, mental health and/or child welfare systems. Hartsock also had an appointment as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi's School of Social Work since 2017. With over 20 years of experience in mental health and criminal justice systems, she will serve as the state's first Director of Wellness and Resilience.
Mark Glick, State Energy Officer leverages his 17 years of managing energy and economic development projects through his positions as the Chair of the Hawaiʻi Energy Policy Forum, Specialist on Energy Policy and Innovation, Administrator of the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, and the Director of Economic Development at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. With his extensive experience of supporting and facilitating energy transitions and decarbonization efforts in Hawaiʻi, he will continue to make significant progress towards achieving the state's clean energy economy goals.
Doug Murdock, Chief Information Officer returns to a role he has held since 2019. He has overseen some of the state's largest technology initiatives, launching the successful effort to modernize the antiquated payroll and tax systems. As CIO, his priorities include continuing the efforts to modernize the enterprise resource planning system, enterprise portfolio management, and workforce development.
Ryan Yamane, Deputy of Department of Human Resources Development
has a background as state Representative of District 37 and as a Clinical Director at Ho'okūpono. As a Representative from 2004, he chaired committees including the Health, Human Services, & Homelessness, working to address the various labor and training issues each department faced. "With this deep understanding, Yamane will ensure the improvement of the hiring process to expeditiously fill vacancies with dedicated individuals," said Green.
Morris Atta, Deputy to the Chair for the Department of Agriculture continues in his role. Prior to holding this position, Atta served as the agriculture land program manager/administrator.
Jimmy Tokioka, Deputy of the Department of Transportation - Airports Division served as state Representative for District 15 and 16, and on the Kauaʻi County Council for 10 years. Tokioka was a member of the Joint Task Force to conduct reviews of the state Highway Fund and Bureau of Conveyances committee. "Throughout his 20 years in public service, Tokioka gained intimate background knowledge of the workings of the state and will contribute to a strong team that's passionate about producing and maintaining quality infrastructure," said Green.
Meoh-Leng Silliman, Deputy Comptroller for the Department of Accounting & General Services continues in her role. Silliman has over 15 years of state experience, of which over 12 years were in the capacity of Business Management Officer at the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs and DAGS.
Sulphur Cone on the Southwest Rift Zone of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawai'i. Note the volcanologist (in orange) for scale.
A career in volcanology can lead to some spectacular places. USGS image by T. Elias
WHAT IS A VOLCANOLOGIST EXACTLY? That is the question answered in this week's Volcano Watch, written by scientists and affiliates of USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory: The short answer is a volcanologist is a person who studies volcanoes, but that's not the whole story. There are as many different specialties within volcanology and as many paths you can take to get there as there are tools of the trade. What are these tools, you ask? Let's have a look.
Earthquakes are one primary tool used to study volcanoes. A volcano seismologist studies the earthquakes that are generated as magma moves through the Earth's crust. Another technique in the tool kit is measuring the change in a volcano's shape. A volcano geodesist studies the deformation, or change in shape, of a volcano caused by the movement of magma and gases beneath the surface. Tools like these provide clues about the state of the volcano. During an eruption, geologists and geochemists study the composition of lavas and gases to understand the source and style of the eruption. Measuring gas emissions is especially important, as the vog (volcanic air pollution) caused by toxic volcanic gases can contribute to breathing problems, acid rain, and agricultural problems downwind, especially during long-
lived eruptions. Many features of volcanoes can be studied from space, as well, using satellite sensors.
With so many techniques and specialties out there, you may be asking yourself, "How do I choose which path to follow? How do I choose which tool to use?" Don't worry, it's not necessary to pick a discipline right away. In fact, you shouldn't. The first thing to do is work toward a bachelor's degree, preferably in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Traditionally, volcanologists start out with degrees in geology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics, but that is not always the case. Oceanography, computer science, engineering, environmental science are all potential pathways, and the list goes on. Explore different fields to your heart's desire. There's no one way to get to volcanology. Sadly, gone are the days when one could apply to a volcano observatory right after undergraduate studies and hope to learn on the job.
To study volcanoes, it is typically necessary to get a Masters or Doctorate degree. The good news is many advanced degree programs in the sciences are fully funded, meaning tuition is waived, and they typically provide a stipend. Basically, you get paid instead of having to pay the school. This is where a budding volcanologist starts to choose their specialty. Of course, working through four to eight years of a PhD after already spending four or more years getting a bachelor's degree isn't for everyone. While research institutes such as universities and volcano observatories require advanced degrees, there are other pathways available for those who love volcanoes and Earth science but do not have a higher degree.
The National Park Service offers a variety of positions for people with either bachelor's or advanced degrees, such as park geologists, archaeologists, botanists, guides, interpretive rangers, and law enforcement rangers. Science writing and journalism are also excellent ways to explore the excitement of volcanology, natural disasters, and cutting-edge science, while encouraging those passions in others. Similarly, eco- and geo-tourism are great ways to get close to the action and work outdoors, while also meeting, educating, and inspiring people from all over the world.
Humans have been fascinated with volcanoes since humans have been on Earth, many of them taking up the study and some becoming volcanologists. This photo was taken during the December 1919-1920 Maunaiki eruption. The eruption was monitored by the entire staff of two geologists at the then-seven-year-old Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. This rift zone eruption coincided with lava-lake activity in Halema'uma'u and allowed geologists to understand what was happening beneath the surface of Kīlauea volcano. In this picture, a man in a hat stands next to two masses of solidified lava. Visit the park website to learn about the day hike to Maunaiki: https://go.nps.gov/KauWilderness. Photo courtesy of USGS Record Book
The candid truth about careers in volcanology and Earth Science is that they are a labor of love. Volcanology is not the career for those whose priorities are a six-figure salary, a healthy work-life balance, and early retirement. What it lacks in pay, however, is made up in adventure and a deep sense of purpose. International travel and collaboration, creative scientific research, and the knowledge that this work may save lives are the raisons d'être for volcanologists. Collecting unbelievable stories to tell the grandkids is, of course, a bonus. Once a person bears witness to the raw power and beauty of our planet—watching volcanoes erupt first-hand and the new growth that follows—it sticks with them for life. For many volcanologists, it is difficult to imagine doing anything else.
Volcano Activity Updates: Mauna Loa is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert Level is at ADVISORY. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly on Thursdays.
Webcam imagery shows weak, residual incandescence intermittently in the inactive Northeast Rift Zone fissure 3 lava flow at night. Seismicity remains low and ground deformation rates have decreased. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates are at background levels. For Mauna Loa monitoring data, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring-data.
Kīlauea is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at ADVISORY. Kīlauea updates are issued weekly on Tuesdays.
Lava supply to the Halemaʻumaʻu lava lake in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park ceased on December 9. Sulfur dioxide emission rates have decreased to near pre-eruption background levels and were last measured at approximately 200 tonnes per day (t/d) on December 14. Seismicity is elevated but stable, with few earthquakes. Over the past week, summit tiltmeters recorded several deflation-inflation (DI) events. For Kīlauea monitoring data, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/past-week-monitoring-data-kilauea.
There were three earthquakes with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.3 earthquake 14 km (8 mi) S of Fern Forest at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Dec. 27 at 4:33 a.m. HST, a M3.4 earthquake 7 km (4 mi) WSW of Volcano at 2 km (1 mi) depth on Dec. 24 at 8:31 p.m. HST, and a M2.5 earthquake 1 km (0 mi) S of Mountain View at 11 km (7 mi) depth on Dec. 24 at 9:57 a.m. HST.
HVO continues to closely monitor the ongoing eruptions at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
MOST TRAFFIC DEATHS INVOLVE ALCOHOL, DRUGS. DRIVE SAFELY AND SOBER DURING THE NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY WEEKEND, urges Hawai'i Police Department. HPD issued a statement on Thursday to report that Hawai'i Island traffic fatalities at their highest level in a decade. "To date this year, there have been 34 fatalities on Big Island roads, compared to 26 at this time in 2021. The last time there more traffic deaths on island was back in 2012 when there were 38 traffic fatalities. Drug–impaired driving is a problem on our island highways. Of the 26 traffic deaths on island last year, impairment was a factor in 21 of them, with drugs playing a role in 20 of the 21 impaired fatalities. Whether the drug is legally prescribed or an illegal drug, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle pa
ssengers, and other road users."
Hawaiʻi Police Department is reminding all drivers: "If you are impaired by drugs and thinking of driving, pass your keys to a sober driver. Don't be the reason someone doesn't make it home for the holidays. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will be arrested and you and you will go to
jail." Hawai'i Police Department promises to be out in force and on the lookout for impaired drivers this holiday weekend. Earlier this month HPD conducted sign waving events reminding motorists to drive safely. Hawai'i Island police remind the public of these safety tips.
Something as simple as cold medication or an over-the-counter sleep aid can impair driving, which may lead to being arrested for a DUI. Impaired? Do not drive.
Planning 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's affected by drugs or alcohol shouldn't be making decisions about driving; that's why having a plan is key.
DUI violations are not just for drunken driving. Remember, any impairment, including drugs, is illegal when operating a vehicle. Impaired by any substance? Do not drive.
On average, a DUI could set an impaired driver back $10,000 in attorney's fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, and more.
Those caught driving under the influence of any impairing substance, can face jail time. Imagine trying to explain that to friends and family or place of employment.
Drug-impaired driving could cause loss of driver's license and vehicle. This could make it difficult for getting to work, resulting in lost wages and, potentially, job loss.
Plan Before You Party: If choosing to use an impairing substance, do not drive. Passengers should never ride with an impaired driver. If a driver may be impaired, do not get in the car. Have 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. See an impaired driver on the road? Contact police.
https://kindest.com/pg_jVPf6aP8dP-the-alala-project-na-koa-manu-conservation-inc
Kaʻū News Briefs,Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022
Ala Kahakai Trail at Paʻula, Kaunāmano in Ka'ū. Ala Kahakai Trail will receive some funding from the National Trail System
money in the Omnibus Appropriations that just passed Congress. See more below. Photo from Ala Kahakai Trail Association
THE FIRST NATIONAL FOREST LANDS IN HAWAI'I COULD BE ACQUIRED as the result of a campaign by U.S. Rep. Ed Case. His proposal, which just passed through Congress in the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations, will help preserve "our truly unique ecosystem. It directs our federal government to pursue a formal process led by the U.S. Forest Service of engaging with state and community stakeholders toward identification of the most suitable Hawai'i forests for inclusions as national forests," said Case. "The FY 2023 Ominubus Appropriations bill makes substantial federal investments in Hawai'i's efforts to conserve our lands and ocean for future generations and protect endangered species."
Case noted that the bill "will boost efforts to help Hawai'i fight invasive species, which have caused Hawai'i to be recognized as the invasive species capital of the world." The bill includes $36 million for the Agricultural Quarantine Inspections Program to combat invasive species in hawai'i and $437 million for the U.S. Geological Survey Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program. It also creates a pilot program to prioritize the use of native plant species and combat invasive species within the National Park system.
The Omnibus Appropriations also include $64 million for U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Research Program to respond to the needs of critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds and $175 million for protection, research and management of marine mammals, sea turtles and other ocean species. It includes $68 million for the Sanctuaries and Marine Protected Areas Program, including Pahapahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and $34 million for the Coral Reef Conservation Program, $31 million for long-deferred maintenance projects at Hawai'i's national parks and $19 million for the National Trails System, which includes some funding for Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.
OCEAN VIEW RESIDENTS WHOSE POWER WAS KNOCKED OUT during Monday's Kona Loa storm were expected to be back online with electricity by Wednesday or Thursday morning. Hawaiian Electric reported that islandwide 40,000 were initially without power on Monday, down to about 800 on Tuesday. The number in Ocean View was about 100. Hawaiian Electric reported that there could be some new outages as damaged trees could fall onto power lines.
Hawai'i County Civil Defense is asking those affected to fill out the damage assessment survey, to help assess the damage to plan for future storms and to receive any available state or federal assistance for repairs. Civil Defense noted that payment for any damage to homes and properties would come through the owners' insurance policies. See the survey at arcg.is/1b8CS1. Contact Civil Defense at 808- 935-0031 or 808-935-0032.
THE CLOSEST TREECYCLING FOR KAʻŪ'S holiday trees and kadomatsu decorations through Jan. 15 is the Volcano Transfer Station. The other county sponsored locations are at the following Recycling & Transfer Stations: Kealakehe (Kailua-Kona), Ke'ei, Kea'au, Pāhoa, and Waimea from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on regular greenwaste collection days.
Treecycling is also available at East Hawai'i Organics Facility in Hilo from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., closed from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily, and West Hawai'i Organics Facility in Pu'uanahulu, Mondays through Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., closed from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. All Transfer Stations and other Solid Waste Facilities will be closed on New Years Day.
Residential customers with only holiday trees for tree-cycling may proceed directly to the East Hawai'i Organics Facility and tree-cycling area—there is no need to go to the County scale house, as typically required. Residential loads with both greenwaste and holiday trees must go to the County scale house to be weighed. All commercial haulers or holiday tree collectors must proceed to the County scale house before recycling.
See Hawaiizerowaste.org or call the Solid Waste Division at 808-961-8270.
ATLAS RECYCLING at Wai'ōhinu Transfer Station will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 31. Residents may take HI-5 containers to their site at the Ocean View Transfer Station which is open on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 808-329-6868.
SEVENTEEN WERE ARRESTED FOR DUI during the week of Dec. 19 through Dec. 25. Hawai'i Island police arrested them for driving under the influence of an intoxicant. Five of the drivers were involved in a
traffic accident. Four of the drivers were under the age of 21. So far this year, there have been 965 DUI arrests compared with 1,057 during the same period last year, a decrease of 8.7 percent.
There have been 829 major accidents so far this year compared with 801 during the same period last year, an increase of 3.5 percent.
To date, there have been 32 fatal crashes (one fatal crash reclassified on 05/30/22 due to a medical condition) resulting in 34 fatalities (one of which had multiple deaths, and one reclassified due to a medical condition), compared with 26 fatal crashes, resulting in 26 fatalities for the same time last year. This represents an increase of 23.1 percent for fatal crashes, and 30.8 percent for fatalities.
Hawai'i Police Department promises that DUI roadblocks and patrols will continue island wide.
Kaʻū News Briefs, Tuesday Dec. 27, 2022
Hawai'i Life Flight is supported by Hawai'i National Guard as Life Flight begins to come out of its safety stand down following one of its planes and crew gong missing Dec. 16 between Maui and Hawai'i Island. Photo from Hawai'i Life Flight
EMERGENCY MEDICAL AIRLIFTS by Hawai'i National Guard will continue. Gov. Josh Green, M.D. extended the emergency proclamation on Tuesday in response to the recent Hawaiʻi Life Flight accident. A statement from the governor's office says, "Currently, Hawaiʻi Life Flight is in a transition phase as its local crews steadily come back online and the company begins the process of coming out of its 'safety stand down.' The extension of this emergency proclamation allows our state to continue providing staffing resources needed to ensure seamless availability of emergency transportation."
On Friday, Dec. 16, an emergency proclamation was issued in response to the Hawaiʻi Life Flight air
medical aircraft that went missing in ʻAlenuihāhā Channel while en route from Maui to pick up a patient in Kamuela on Hawai'i Island. "This emergency proclamation activated collaborative efforts to add personnel, airframes, and other important resources to care for 52 patients, to date," according to the governor's statement.
"By coordinating efforts between Hawaiʻi Life Flight, the State Department of Health, the Army National Guard, the Coast Guard, the mayors, and medical facilities throughout the state, we helped to ensure that emergency transport was available for critically ill patients, especially those throughout our neighbor island communities. Together, we worked collaboratively and maintained emergency air medical transport," said Green.
"I am so proud of the Hawaiʻi National Guard's professionalism and responsiveness while providing critical patient air transport support over an eight-day period. The operations aligned with the State's priority of saving lives and preventing human suffering," said Major General Kenneth Hara.
The disaster emergency relief period for this emergency proclamation will continue through Friday, Jan. 6, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation, whichever occurs first.
THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY IS ASKING FOR PUBLIC INPUT for a survey ahead of the opening of the 2023 Hawai'i Legislature. Kelden Waltjen, Prosecuting Attorney for Hawai'i County, invites citizens to take the Legislative Initiatives Survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ProsecutorsSurvey2023.
Issues include such matters as seeking harsher penalties and accountability for domestic abuse, fentanyl possession, drug distribution resulting in serious injury or death, felons in possession of firearms, and driving under the influence, the construction of a new correctional facility on Hawai'i Island, increasing funding for substance abuse and mental health treatment providers, and to obtain data for the consideration of future legislative measures that address crime in our community.
The statement from the Prosecuting Attorney says, "Over the past year, our Office has met with community groups, neighborhood watches, community stakeholders, and citizens about their concerns and interests. In an effort to ensure that our community's views are properly represented, our Office intends to share this survey's results to serve as a guide for our Hawai'i Island legislative delegation, and the Hawai'i County Council and Mayor."
Data obtained from the survey last year was used and relied upon in the passing of Act 54, introduced by Rep. Greggor Ilagan) and Ordinance 22-36 (introduced by Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz). Act 54 added theft of a motor vehicle and motorcycle to the offense of Theft in the First
Degree, a class B felony, thereby increasing the penalties associated with motor vehicle and motorcycle theft across the State. Ordinance 22-36, in-part, amended Chapter 4 of the Hawai'i County Code to establish harsher penalties, including felony offenses, for dog owners in relation to dog attacks that resulted in serious or substantial bodily injury or death.
"This simple 13 question, yes/no answer survey includes relevant legal background information for each of the initiatives. We hope to utilize the data collected to encourage our Hawai'i State and County lawmakers to propose legislation that will enact positive changes within our criminal justice system and make our community a safer place," says the Prosecuting Attorney's statement.
POLICE HAVE LOCATED OCEAN VIEW RESIDENT, 42-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, who has been wanted since July 2021 for three outstanding arrest warrants, as well as for questioning in several other criminal investigations.
On Sunday, Dec. 25 at 12:54 p.m. Kona Patrol officers responded to a residence in the 78-6800 block of Mamalahoa Highway in Kailua-Kona regarding the location of a stolen motorcycle. Upon arrival, officers located the stolen motorcycle and Kahihikolo, who was subsequently taken into custody.
OV resident arrested is
Ronald Patrick Keahonui
Personnel from the Area II Criminal Investigation Section continued their investigation into additional criminal investigations that Kahihikolo is suspected to be involved in, including several motor vehicle thefts and an incident involving a discharge of a firearm.
On Monday Dec. 26, after conferring with the County Prosecutor's Office, Kahihikolo was charged with: one count of first-degree bail jumping; one count criminal contempt of court; and one count violation of terms and conditions of release on bail, recognizance, or supervised release. Kahihikolo's bail was set at $7,000 and he was released after posting bail.
The other investigations Kahihikolo is suspected of being involved in will be forwarded to, and reviewed by, the County Prosecutor's Office with charges possibly filed at a later date.
LEX BRODIE'S IS NO LONGER A PLACE TO DROP OFF USED MOTOR OIL. Effective January 1, 2023, Lex Brodie's Tire and Service in Hilo will no longer be participating in the Do-It-Yourself Used
Motor Oil Recycling Program. The County advises: "Please do not abandon used motor oil at this site. Visit http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org for more information on used motor oil collection sites.
This program is made possible by the generous support of local businesses that voluntarily collect used motor oil from do-it-yourselfers. "Continuation of this program will be put at risk if used motor oil is dropped-off at sites after hours," says the statement from the County.
Businesses wanting to participate in the Do-It-Yourself Used Motor Oil Recycling Program can email mailto:diyumo@hawaiicounty.gov for more information.
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