Monday, February 20, 2023

Ma ka hana ka ʻike. [In working one learns.]

Author

Big Island Daily Team
February 20, 2023

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Here is your fast and easy news headlines for today:

New Owners Invest in Renovations for Two Kona Hotels

Two buildings in Ali'i Drive are set to reopen under new ownership and branding, with significant improvements planned for the Business Improvement district. Shapery Enterprises bought Uncle Billy's Kona Bay Hotel for $21 million last year and has budgeted approximately $55 million for a complete renovation, including design, engineering, contractor's fees, financing costs, and FF&E. The Kailua Village Design Commission approved the modifications in a unanimous vote, allowing the property to be approved as a Hampton Inn by Hilton, the first of its kind in Kona. Renovation work is set to begin in early 2023 and completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024. For more information, click here.

In addition, Pacific 19 Kona is set to open this spring in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island, occupying one of the two buildings that comprised Kona Seaside Hotel. Investment and development firm Nine Brains acquired the building in 2020 and has focused on renovating the interior and common areas, with a "reimagined" design. The other 30-room building of the Kona Seaside Hotel remains in operation. Pacific 19 is now accepting bookings, click here.

The investment by these new owners signals a renewed interest in commercial tourism properties in the area.

Storm at a slow down, Watch Cancelled

Emergency operations related to heavy rains and flooding across the island of Hawaiʻi were wound down by Hawaiʻi County, according to a recent newsletter sent out on February 19. The County of Hawaiʻi was projected to be out of a Flood Watch by 6:00 pm that evening, and while moisture was still expected over the long weekend, motorists were urged to proceed cautiously. The two emergency shelters in Kaʻū were closed as of 8:30 am that day, with no open shelters at that time. All road closures relating to rain inundation were lifted, including the Waipiʻo Valley Access Road, which reopened to Hawaiʻi residents at 6:00 pm. Road crews, utilities, fire, and police were standing by to address any future impacts caused by severe weather.

Hulihe'e Palace Celebrating 40th Annual Festival

Hulihe‘e Palace in Kailua-Kona is celebrating its 40th Annual Festival on Saturday, February 25th, from 9 am to 2 pm. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of Hawaii and pays tribute to the late royals of Hawaii. Visitors can enjoy traditional Hawaiian music and dance performances, indulge in local cuisine, and take guided tours of the palace. Hulihe‘e Palace is a significant landmark in Hawaii, embodying the unique cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people. The festival promises to be an unforgettable experience highlighting the traditions and customs of the island

Hawai'i Republicans Select Garcia as Interim-Chair

The Republican Party of Hawaii has elected State Rep. Diamond Garcia (R) as its new interim chair following the resignation of former State Rep. Lynn Finnegan. Rep. Garcia currently represents Kapolei and Ewa on O‘ahu. He was elected in a majority vote by the State Central Committee. This will be the fifth Republican Chair within the last 2-years, skeptics have said that the internal turmoil is the reason Republicans are not able to grow their representation in a Democratic-led State. Finnegan was able to secure 8 out of 72 seats in 2022, a +2 from 2020.

Rep. Garcia will lead the party to what he calls "Kuhio Republicans", paying homage to the late Prince Kuhio, who served as Hawai'i's delegate to Washington D.C. 

County Calendar

County Council's Committee Meetings: Date:02/21/2023 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Kailua Village Design Commission Meeting: Date:02/21/2023 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM  Location: Online

Game Management Advisory Commission: Date: 02/21/2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Puna Conference Room, County Building via Zoom & in Person to Mayor's Kona Conference Room, WHCC to Mayor's Kona Conference Room, WHCC West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Legislative Update:

  • An upcoming Town hall hosted by Representative Jeanne Kapela on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30p in Cooper Center, Volcano HI. Those who are interested in attending may contact Community Liaison - Zee Zaidoff at [email protected] for more details.

Road Closures:

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 46 and 50, vicinity of Kapapala Ranch Road on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NAALEHU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 62 and 66, vicinity of Naalehu Driver Licensing Station and Hao Springs Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and grass cutting.

3) OCEAN VIEW

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 70 and 71, vicinity of Kahuku Ranch Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mechanical mowing.

4) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND AND WEELY WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 106 and 109, vicinity of Honaunau Elementary School and Koa Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane closure on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction in the vicinity of mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 11, vicinity of Onohi Loop/Kahalii Place and Old Mamalahoa Road (near Makea Stream), on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass cutting.

2) HAKALAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 12 and 14, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and shoulder work.

3) HAKALAU TO NINOLE (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 14 and 16, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park and Umauma Stream, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting

4) LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, Kapehu Road to vicinity of Stevens Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

5) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between Mud Lane and Iokua Place on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for core sampling in preparation for repaving.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 58 and 60, vicinity of Ko Uka Street and Ohina Street, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for shoulder work.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 0 and 3, Volcano Road and the Adopt A Highway sign, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAMUELA

Roving single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 2 and 12, vicinity of the Waimea Kohala Airport and past Waikoloa Road, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for installation of “animal crossing” signs.

2) WAIKOLOA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 10, Saddle Road to vicinity of Waikoloa Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

3) NORTH KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Mamalahoa Highway Safety Improvements, East and West Puuwaawaa Ranch.

4) NORTH KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 21 and 25, vicinity of Puu Kamanu Loop, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KOHALA (WEEKEND AND WEEKLY WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 7 and 9, vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming.

2) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 13 and 15, vicinity Puuhue Road, on Monday, Feb. 20, through Friday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming and shoulder work