Saturday, February 18, 2023

Aloha! If you have an event you want to promote on our newsletter, send us an email at [email protected]! Here is your fast and easy news headlines for today:

Kona Low: Storm hits Big Island, Causes Closures

Active flooding and heavy rains continue to affect Kaʻū, prompting two emergency shelters at the Nāʻālehu Community Center and the Robert Herkes Gymnasium in Pāhala to remain open through the evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the County of Hawaiʻi, with flash flooding affecting the Southern and Eastern parts of the island. The State Department of Health has issued a Brown Water Advisory, cautioning the public to stay out of flood waters and stormwater runoff due to potential hazards such as overflowing cesspools, sewers, pesticides, and chemicals. Waipiʻo Valley Access Road is currently closed, and more closures are expected in the coming days, with Kaʻū, Puna, and Hilo being the most severely affected areas. Road crews, utilities, Fire, and Police are prepared to ensure public safety, and the Department of Parks and Recreation may terminate camping permits if necessary. The public can stay informed through the County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Hazard Map or the Kāhea mobile application.

Hawaii Fire Department (HFD) and Hawaii Police Department (HPD) responded to a report of a weather related rescue incident in Wood Valley off of Wood Valley Road in Pāhala, Ka'ū. The incident involved a person who had become trapped in a vehicle due to the weather conditions. HFD and HPD personnel worked together to safely rescue the person from the vehicle. No injuries were reported and the person was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

The Hawai'i Island Districts of Hāmākua, South Hilo, North Hilo, Puna and Ka’ū are under a Flash Flood Warning for Saturday, February 18th, 2023. Residents in these areas should take extra caution and be prepared for potential flooding. Monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local emergency officials. Stay away from streams, drainage ditches and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Be aware of potential flooding even in areas not directly receiving rain.

Kea'au Collision, Pedestrian Identified

Hawai’i Island police are investigating a traffic collision that occurred on the morning of Saturday, January 14, 2023 in Kea’au, resulting in the death of one pedestrian. The victim, John Venrick, was a 58-year-old male from Mountain View. The incident occurred on Highway 130 in the Number 2 lane, where a blue-colored Acura sedan collided with the pedestrian, who was on foot between the Number 1 and Number 2 lane of the Pahoa bound section of the highway. An autopsy has been conducted, and the results are pending. The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit continues its investigation and urges witnesses or anyone with information to come forward or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously for a reward of up to $1,000.

Med-QUEST Eligibility Update

Med-QUEST Division (MQD) under the Department of Human Services will be reaching out to Medicaid members in March to inform them when their eligibility will be redetermined. The process will begin in April and continue throughout the year. MQD assures members that their Medicaid coverage will remain active until their case is up for renewal. Pink letters containing renewal information will be sent to members one month before their renewal month, and plain white letters will be sent in March to every household, letting them know the month of their scheduled redetermination. MQD asks members to update their contact information, respond to all communication in a timely manner, and check if they are eligible for health insurance coverage if they no longer qualify for Med-QUEST.

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.

Weekend Road Closures:

1) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 44 and 46, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PEPEEKEO TO HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 10 and 14, Kulaimano Road to vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

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) KEAAU TO HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 3 and 5, vicinity of the Adopt A Highway sign and between Puakalo Street and Kaloli Drive, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation removal from culverts.

5) KOHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 5 and 9, vicinity of the Koaiʻa Tree to past the Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder stabilization.