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Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Business Highlight: 3C Goat Grazing

By. Bronsten Kossow

3C Goat Grazing, a local company based on the Big Island, is making a name for itself in the community by utilizing goats and sheep for a variety of purposes. From historical and burial sites to fire prevention and routine maintenance on public open spaces, natural resources, and commission lands, this small business is doing big things. In fact, they have been selected as the focus of this week's small business highlight series.

Founder Mark Crivello is a man of many talents, with a background in agriculture, ranching, and heavy equipment operator. Since moving his herd to Kona from Hilo, he has built a solid reputation.

When the pandemic hit, Crivello shifted his attention to sustainability efforts in Kona, including assisting with the homeless population on County undeveloped lands and fire prevention in both private and public areas. Prior to the pandemic, Crivello and his herd could be seen working on overgrown areas in the Hilo Soccer Field, garnering attention from local and national news outlets, including praise from then-Mayor Harry Kim, while also working with the Department of Army to help them receive the 2016 Secretary of the Army Environmental Award for Sustainability.

One innovative approach that Crivello has implemented is the use of goats in historical areas. This technique reduces human contact, as well as the use of machinery such as weed-wackers that could harm sensitive areas. Additionally, according to Crivello, this method honors the kupuna, or ancestors.

Bobby Command, the Deputy Managing Director for the County of Hawai'i, commends Crivello's efforts, stating "Mark’s service is great as it eliminates the use of poison or heavy machinery to keep the weeds down. This is important as it reduces fire hazards and potential places for the homeless to set up camps. It would be worth researching to see if his “friends,” as he calls them, may provide a solution to some of our range fire issues."

Today, 3C Goat Grazing has grown to employ over 300 goats, continuing to serve the community and honor the kupuna. Crivello has effectively worked with stakeholders and families of historical and sensitive areas, managing them with care and Aloha.

Small businesses such as 3C Goat Grazing are the backbone of the community, inspiring and making a real difference. The weekly series featuring local small businesses is excited to feature 3C Goat Grazing, highlighting their innovative approach and positive impact. If you want to book Mark and his herd, call him at 808-765-7774 or email him at [email protected].

Skunk found in Hilo

A resident of Hilo, Hawaii caught a skunk in a trap while attempting to catch mongoose on his property in the Keaukaha area. The skunk is believed to be the same one that was spotted by stevedores at Hilo Harbor on December 7, 2022. Despite multiple intensive night searches by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plant Quarantine Branch (HDOA-PQB) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services (USDA-WS), the skunk had managed to elude capture until now.

Chris Owens of Laehala St. discovered the skunk in one of his traps yesterday morning and immediately contacted officials. Inspectors from HDOA-PQB were dispatched and retrieved the skunk, which had to be put down in order to test for rabies at a mainland laboratory. Owens had only recently started trapping mongoose and used teriyaki chicken as bait.

The skunk had been spotted by stevedores at Hilo Harbor on December 7, 2022, and subsequent sightings were reported on December 8 near Hilo Airport, on January 28 at Naniloa Golf Course, and on February 1 in Keaukaha. Despite extensive efforts by HDOA-PQB and USDA-WS to capture the skunk, it had managed to avoid detection until Owens' successful trapping.

Skunks are prohibited in Hawaii due to their potential threat to the state's native ground-nesting birds, which they could prey upon as avid egg-eaters. Skunks are recognized as one of the four primary wild carriers of rabies in the U.S. and can transmit the disease through bites to humans and other animals. Hawaii is one of the few places in the world that is free of rabies.

Live skunks have been previously spotted and captured at various locations in Hawaii, including Honolulu Harbor and Kahului Harbor on Maui. However, all previously captured skunks have tested negative for rabies. The Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture has emphasized the importance of everyone working together to protect Hawaii from invasive species and other threats.

AG's Office Formally Charges for DOE official

A former business manager of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) complex area, Karie Luana Klein, was arrested on February 23, 2023, after being charged by the Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) with three felony theft counts. Klein was charged on February 16, 2023, for allegedly stealing over $7,000 from the DOE by falsifying mileage and parking forms, and using DOE purchase orders and a "P-Card." Each count of felony theft is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The creation of SIPD was funded by the Hawaiʻi Legislature in 2022, with a dual mandate to combat public corruption and human trafficking in the state. Attorney General of Hawaiʻi Anne Lopez stated that government officials who abuse public trust will be prosecuted and held accountable for their crimes.

Klein's arraignment is currently scheduled for February 27, 2023, at the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit, Hilo Division. Deputy Attorney General Thomas J. Michener is prosecuting the case. It is important to note that Klein is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Visitor Satisfaction Survey for Q4 2022

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) has announced the results of its Visitor Satisfaction and Activity Survey (VSAT) for the fourth quarter of 2022, which polled visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East, Canada, Japan, Oceania, Korea, and China who traveled to Hawai‘i between October and December 2022. According to the survey, a majority of visitors from all markets expressed a strong likelihood of returning to the Hawaiian Islands in the next five years, despite concerns about inflation.

Over 60 percent of visitors from all markets surveyed indicated that they were “very likely” to return to Hawai‘i in the next five years, with the U.S. West being the largest major market at 80.6 percent, followed by Korea at 77.8 percent, Canada at 67.1 percent, the U.S. East at 64.7 percent, and Oceania at 61.6 percent. Visitors from the U.S. West and U.S. East who traveled in smaller groups and more affluent visitors from the U.S. West were more likely to return, as were repeat visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East, Oceania, and Canada. However, the high cost of vacation in the state remained the biggest barrier to returning for all surveyed markets.

John De Fries, HTA’s President and CEO, said that visitors’ expressed interest in returning to Hawai‘i reflects the quality experience provided by the industry and community partners, as well as individuals who engage with travelers throughout the state. He also emphasized the importance of educating visitors on mindful travel, including supporting local businesses and preserving the natural and cultural resources of the islands.

Visitor satisfaction is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Strategic Plan, along with resident satisfaction, average daily visitor spending, and total visitor spending. Overall satisfaction levels among visitors from all surveyed markets remained consistently high throughout 2022, rivaling pre-pandemic levels. The percentage of visitors rating their most recent trip to Hawai‘i as “excellent” included U.S. West (87.5 percent), U.S. East (88.7 percent), Canada (79.5 percent), Japan (79.5 percent), Oceania (75.2 percent), and Korea (85.5 percent).

A majority of visitors surveyed recalled seeing or hearing information about caring for and respecting Hawai‘i’s culture, people, and environment prior to or during their trip. More than half of visitors from the U.S. West, U.S. East, and Korea recalled seeing or hearing information about safe and responsible travel, ocean and hiking safety, and supporting local or shopping local.

Hawai‘i exceeded expectations among many visitors, with a significant percentage from all surveyed markets indicating that their latest trip “exceeded expectations.” Younger respondents between 18 and 34 years old from the U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan, and Canada were more likely to respond that their trip exceeded expectations compared to visitors from these markets in other age groups.

In the fourth quarter of 2022, a strong majority of visitors from all surveyed markets were “very likely” to recommend the Hawaiian Islands as a vacation destination to their friends and family. Visitors from North American markets were the most likely to recommend Hawai‘i, led by those from the U.S. East (89.1 percent), U.S. West (88.9 percent), and Canada (87.2 percent). More than three in four visitors from Oceania (79.4 percent) and Korea (76.7 percent) also shared the same likelihood to recommend the destination.

The VSAT is an ongoing survey

Free Residential Household Hazardous Waste Slated for March 4 & March 5 in Waimea and Pahoa

Household Hazardous Waste collection events will be held between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:

· Saturday, March 4, at the Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park (Waimea)

· Sunday, March 5, at the Pāhoa Recycling and Transfer Station.

The County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Environmental Management holds these regular collection events at no charge to the public, so households can conveniently dispose of acceptable household hazardous waste in a manner that protects both public health and the environment.

Acceptable household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and pesticides. For a complete list of acceptable or unacceptable household hazardous waste, please visit our website at https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/household-hazardous-waste/. In addition, the website includes other useful information on solid waste diversion and recycling.

These events are for household-generated and self-hauled waste only. Business, government agency, non-profit agency, or farm wastes are prohibited by law. No latex paint, electronic waste, or tires will be accepted.

Social/Physical Distancing Rules for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events:

These rules are for your safety and the safety of the staff conducting these events. Please kōkua, and thank you for doing your part to keep these events safe for all participants.

· Remain in your vehicle unless directed by authorized personnel.

· Prior to arriving at the event, place your HHW items in your trunk or truck bed. Make sure your trunk can be unlocked or opened remotely. If you don’t have a trunk or truck bed, it is preferred that you place your materials in the unlocked and unoccupied backseat area.

· Due to infection transmission hazard, ALL containers brought to the event will not be returned and should be disposable. If you want to keep your container, transfer the material into a safe disposable container prior to the event.

· To minimize interactions, please label your HHW items (if possible) and make sure that your HHW items are easily distinguishable and separate from anything else in your trunk or truck bed.

· 6-foot physical distancing is recommended. In addition, facial masks covering the nose & mouth are recommended.

· If you are under quarantine, feeling ill, or showing symptoms of illness, please consider postponing your participation in our event or designate someone else to drop off your materials.

If you have any questions regarding these HHW collection events, please contact Chris Chin-Chance, Recycling Specialist with the Department of Environmental Management, at (808) 961-8554 or email [email protected]. Mahalo for your kōkua in keeping our island a clean and safe paradise!

Body Found in Hilo Bay - Investigation On-going

The discovery of a body in Hilo Bay is currently under investigation by Hawaii Island police. On Thursday, February 23, 2023, at approximately 4:15 p.m., South Hilo patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to a report of a body floating in the water 200 yards offshore in the Hilo Bayfront area. The victim, tentatively identified as a 59-year-old Big Island man, was immediately located by the fire department chopper and brought ashore. The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was officially pronounced dead at 5:29 p.m.

Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, which is currently classified as a coroner's inquest. Positive identification of the victim is still pending, and police are withholding his identity until next of kin have been notified.

Although the cause of death is unknown at this time, police have not ruled out foul play and have scheduled an autopsy for today to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the police department's non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 or Detective Casey Cabral of the Area I Criminal Investigation Section at (808) 961-2384 or email [email protected]. Anonymous tipsters can also call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300, and all Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Weekend Road Work:

1) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) 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.

5) 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

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) 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