Thursday, February 16, 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:

Featured: Small Town Roots, Big Time Win!

The Division II boys basketball championship game at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center on Friday night saw Small town Kohala High School emerge victorious. This marked their second championship win, and they secured it with a game-winning jumper from Layden Kauka with just five seconds remaining. The Cowboys (19-2) defeated the Jr. ‘Bows (23-7), as Trey Ambrozich’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer missed the mark. Kohala's Duke Mobley recorded 14 points and eight rebounds, while Koa Laboy just missed out on a double-double with nine points and 14 rebounds. Landon Kauka led the team with 19 points, while Layden Kauka added 13 points and seven rebounds, including two crucial baskets in the final minute. Following the win, a parade through Hawi town was held in celebration of Kohala High School's victory.

Hawaii County Prepares for Severe Weather Impacts: Residents Urged to Heighten Awareness

Hawaii County officials are advising the public to be on high alert as the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from February 16 through February 18, with rainfall up to 20 inches expected. Residents in flood-prone areas, particularly in Kaʻū, Puna, and Hilo, should be prepared for road closures and possible evacuations. The county's road crews, utilities, fire, and police departments are on standby to address the impacts of the anticipated weather as they occur to ensure public safety. The county has not yet canceled any planned outdoor events, but residents should be aware that closures and cancellations may be necessary. Officials will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.

Waimea man arrested for terroristic threatening at Waimea Elementary

On February 15, 2023, a 55-year-old man was arrested for terroristic threatening in Waimea after reportedly hitting a car with a hand tool at a shopping center. After the man fled on foot, police conducted an investigation and searched his residence, but were unable to locate him. Later, the man's girlfriend reported that he was smashing her car with an axe, and police searched the adjacent areas, resulting in a lockdown of Waimea Elementary School. The lockdown was lifted at 2:28 p.m. after the suspect was taken into custody. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Robert Sakata or Crime Stoppers.

HPD: Community Satisfaction Survey

The Hawai‘i Police Department is encouraging Hawai‘i Island residents to participate in its Community Satisfaction Survey, which is open until February 28, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. The survey is conducted every two years as part of the department’s national accreditation process and is essential to identifying areas for improvement and gauging the department’s success. The anonymous survey is available on the department's website and provides an opportunity for residents to share feedback, including individual comments. By comparing the results of this year’s survey with past surveys, the department can assess its progress and determine its strengths and weaknesses, which will help improve its effectiveness and build trust with the community it serves.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPD2023

Hilo: Officer Cruz Puna Patrol Named Officer of the Month

Puna Patrol Officer Taylor Cruz was named Officer of the Month for October 2022 by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i, for his successful investigation into a burglary in Pāhoa. Officer Cruz responded to the incident and was able to identify the female suspect based on his past interactions with her. He was able to establish a rapport with her and obtain a full confession, including the identity of the masked male suspect. Officer Cruz's diligence led to the quick capture of the male suspect and the resolution of other crimes committed by the pair. The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai‘i honors an officer each month, and Officer Cruz's professionalism and dedication to finding the truth is an example for others to follow.

Senator Schatz: Newsletter in a nutshell

Senator Brian Schatz has announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing Hawaii’s reimbursement rate for federal child nutrition programs by an additional 13%, which is expected to bring in an additional estimated $8m a year to Hawaii. The adjustment follows efforts led by Senator Schatz to boost the federal reimbursement rate to accurately reflect the current cost of providing school meals in Hawaii and the territories. The increased reimbursement rate, which is 30% above the continental US, will be effective beginning 1 July 2023.

The senator has also announced that two Hawaii County organisations will receive $2.9m in new federal funding to build new homes and provide services for homeless individuals. The $2.6m in funding for Hope Services Hawaii will be used to acquire and renovate a single-story eight-unit apartment building that will provide housing for 13 people. The new money will also be used to help the organisation provide more healthcare services to homeless individuals across Hawaii Island. The $286,057 for the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery will fund five units for five single individual households, with a focus on chronically homeless individuals and those with severe mental illnesses.

Additionally, Senator Schatz and Representative Don Beyer have reintroduced the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act, bipartisan legislation to expand federal paid leave to include 12 weeks of family and medical leave. Currently, while the parental leave is paid due to the passage of Senator Schatz’s Federal Employee Paid Leave Act in 2019, family and medical leave continue to be unpaid. The Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act will guarantee 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal employees in all instances covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Department of Health: REPORT FINDS HIGH RATES OF HEPATITIS B AND LIVER CANCER MORTALITY

The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) released a report that highlights higher rates of hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer mortality in Hawaiʻi than in the United States. The report analyzed mortality data from 2000 to 2020 to guide local efforts to improve liver health and reduce preventable deaths. The analysis found that hepatitis B death rates in Hawaiʻi were almost three times the national rate and were higher among Asian and Pacific Islander (API) residents. Liver cancer death rates in Hawaiʻi were consistently higher than the national average, driven by higher rates among male and API residents. The report recommends reducing the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer mortality through increased screening and immunizations, improved data collection and sharing, and additional research and reporting. The report aligns with Hep Free 2030, the statewide strategy to eliminate viral hepatitis in Hawaiʻi by 2030, and aims to reduce health inequities by partnering with the local Asian and Pacific Islander communities most affected.

County Calendar:

• Police Commission Meeting: Date: 02/17/2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Location: Aupuni Center 101 Pauahi St. Hilo, Hawaii 96720

• Merit Appeals Board Date:02/17/2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Location:Hilo Council Chambers-Hawaii County Building25 Aupuni Street, First Floor, Room. 1401Hilo, Hawaii 96720

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.

• In the latest update, the Senate committee has rejected the appointment of Ikaika Anderson as the Department of Hawaiian Homelands' new appointee.

Road Closures:

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

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) NAALEHU

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 Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for mowing and grass cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK

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 Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, 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 Monday, Feb. 13, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO

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 Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for mowing and grass 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

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 13 and 14, vicinity of Kolekole Beach Park, on Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

4) 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

5) 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 Monday, Feb. 13, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAMUELA

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 Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:30 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. 11, and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) 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.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) 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.

2) KOHALA

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 Tuesday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for tree trimming.