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Here is your fast news headlines for Big Island today:

Green Nominates Kali Watson to DHHL

Photo Courtesy: Office of the Governor, State of Hawai'i

Governor Josh Green, M.D. has announced the nomination of Kali Watson to serve as Director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) and Chair of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Watson has a wealth of experience in the homesteading communities, having served as DHHL director in the past and established the nonprofit Hawaiian Community Development Board, which has built or refurbished over 1,400 affordable homes for Hawai‘i’s people on O‘ahu and Maui.

In his acceptance speech, Watson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to move the DHHL program forward and work collaboratively with all stakeholders, especially the Hawaiian beneficiaries. He is optimistic about fulfilling the mission of the Hawaiian Homestead Commission Act, which is to get Hawaiians on their land and create a better home for everyone.

Watson’s past achievements include coordinating the development of over 3,100 residential lots on Hawaiian Home Lands and playing an instrumental role in the transfer of more than 900 acres of federal lands into the trust. He also secured legislative funding and approval of the $600 million settlement between the state and DHHL, which included the transfer of some 16,518 acres of state land, making the DHHL trust whole.

His work in Nānākuli Village Center, which he helped build, is a testament to his commitment and compassion towards the Hawaiian homesteading communities. The center includes a 48-unit affordable rental housing project, cultural learning by Kamehameha Schools, medical clinics, and major retail outlets, providing employment for Nānākuli and Wai‘anae kids.

Governor Green is hopeful that the state senators and communities will support Watson's nomination, considering his track record of providing stewardship for the $600 million DHHL appropriation. His nomination, as well as that of Deputy Katie Ducatt, will require the advice and consent of the Hawai‘i State Senate. Until Watson is confirmed and sworn in, or at the end of the current Legislative Session, whichever comes first, Ikaika Anderson, whom the Governor appointed prior to the 2023 Legislative Session, will remain in the seat.

Note: Watson will need to go through a vetting and approval by the Hawai'i State Senate.

Press Release

DOH NEWS RELEASE: DAY AT THE CAPITOL

During the 23rd annual “Day at the Capitol” on March 2, 2023, Governor Josh Green, M.D. will declare March as “Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month” in Hawai‘i, with a theme of “Friendship and Leadership, Forever.” The event, organized by the State Council on Developmental Disabilities in partnership with various organizations, individuals with disabilities, and their families, aims to raise awareness and showcase the strengths of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities to the community. With over 350 attendees expected from across the state, the event seeks to promote inclusion and equality for people with disabilities. The annual event is part of a national campaign to increase awareness about the importance of fully including people with disabilities in the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in public hearings, meet with state legislators, and network with other attendees. The event is sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities, with support from the Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division, to ensure a full life for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Manta Ray Public Hearing in Kona

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) in Hawaii has scheduled a public hearing to discuss the proposed amendments to the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Chapter 13-230 and Chapter 13-256. The amendments aim to regulate Manta Ray viewing activities in Makako Bay and Kaukalaelae Point by adding new sections 13-256-26, 13-256-165, and 13-256-166. The hearing will take place at the West Hawaii Civic Center Community Meeting Hale, Kailua-Kona, HI on February 23, 2023, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The DLNR invites all interested parties to participate and provide testimony, either in writing or verbally in-person. The meeting locations are accessible for individuals with disabilities, and for any special needs, the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) Hawaii District Office should be contacted at least five working days before the hearing. Those who wish to provide verbal testimony must sign in with DLNR staff within 30 minutes after the hearing begins.

Emailed testimony should be sent to [email protected] and must be received before 11:59 pm on the day of the hearing. Mailed testimony should be postmarked by the day of the hearing and sent to the DOBOR Hawaii District Office. The hearing will conclude at the stated end time or when the last verbal testifier finishes. The latest draft of the proposed amendments and the notice of hearing can be viewed on the DLNR website.

Hawai'i County Council Approves Chantel Perrin as New Windward Planning Commissioner

Yesterday, the Hawai'i County Council held a meeting to vote on new commissioners for the Windward Planning Commission. The council committee had previously given a negative recommendation for two-commissioner hopefuls, Myles Miyasato and Chantel Perrin. Miyasato withdrew his nomination from consideration after facing intense scrutiny from the council committee.

During the meeting, Perrin spoke about her life, qualifications, and unique perspective as a woman, a native Hawaiian, a mother, and her ability to take her Kupuna (ancestors) into consideration when making decisions on the board. The council members appeared to be more subdued than in the previous committee hearing, but some still had concerns.

Ultimately, the council approved Perrin's nomination with 6 ayes and 2 noes. Mr. Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder was excused from the vote. Councilmember Kagiwada and Villegas were the two members who voted no, with Villegas expressing concern about Perrin's experience but stating that she was more than qualified for the role. Villegas also expressed feeling gaslighted during the meeting. On the other hand, council members Inaba, Kimball, and Galimba changed their votes to ayes.

The council's decision will now give Perrin the opportunity to serve on the Windward Planning Commission, where she will bring her unique perspective and experience to the board.

Council Approves Waikoloa Library One Step Closer

The County Council has unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the Director of Finance to negotiate a 65-year lease with the State of Hawaii for the development and construction of a public library in Waikoloa, situated in the District of South Kohala. The property, identified as Tax Map Key: 6-8-041-020, is approximately 2.567 acres and located within the County's Kamakoa Nui Subdivision. The lease rental amount is set at $0.00 per year.

This decision brings the development of the public library one step closer. The library will be operated by the Hawaii State Public Library System and will serve the community of Waikoloa.

HSTA: 'Crisis' at Holualoa Elementary (DOE Update)

Photo Courtesy: Hawai'i State Teachers Association

Holualoa Elementary School as reported yesterday on the Big Island Daily newsletter has been accused of being in a "crisis" according to the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) with rodent, mold, and structural damage Big Island Daily requested comment from the Department of Education in response the DOE stated:

"The Department has been working with Holualoa Elementary over the past couple of months to address mold issues in some of the school's classrooms.After receiving reports of poor indoor air quality and mold contamination, HIDOE's Environmental Services Unit conducted a mold assessment on Jan. 5. Samples from four classrooms verified the presence of spores from common species of mold that may affect those who have sensitivity and/or allergies. There was no evidence of black mold. Students and teachers in two classrooms have been temporarily relocated to alternate settings while the mold issue is addressed.The following are actions that have been taken:

• The temperature in the server room has been raised to minimize condensation.

• The school has promoted cross-ventilation in all rooms during school hours by opening windows and exhausting air to the outside on one side of the room using fans to minimize condensation.

• Contracting professional services for deep cleaning of all rooms that have mold issues. After the rooms are cleaned, a cleaning regime and upkeep by the school team and/or additional casual hires will be developed.

• Dehumidifiers for each room have been procured. Dehumidifiers run overnight to lower the relative humidity overnight. Initial sensor monitoring data is encouraging.

• Vector control has been assisting the school with addressing the rodent issue on a bi-monthly basis.

Efforts are in progress to initiate renovation of the first two portables that are currently vacant which entails removing carpets and prepping/painting of classrooms with mold inhibiting paint. Plans are to address classrooms two classrooms at a time. Two parent letters have been sent to families to communicate the issue and explain how the school is addressing it."

Maunakea Silversword Sprouting

Photo Courtesy of Center of Maunakea Stewardship

A partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is underway to revive the highly endangered silversword on Maunakea. After silversword seeds were sown in February 2022 at the CMS greenhouse at the Halepōhaku mid-level facility, more than 100 seedlings have since sprouted, and they are now being cared for by CMS staff. The staff is currently preparing to outplant the silversword in a fenced enclosure within the Maunakea Forest Reserve, with the goal of reintroducing the plant across various successful reintroduction sites on Maunakea.

Justin Yeh, resource manager at CMS, expressed his desire for the partnership to continue, calling it a significant example of how conservation agencies can work together to achieve a common goal. The silversword was severely impacted by the introduction of hooved animals on Maunakea in the late 1700s, resulting in a significant reduction in population. The plant was declared an endangered species in 1986, and DOFAW has been running propagation efforts since the mid-1970s, which expanded significantly in the early 1990s.

In January 2023, CMS sowed more than 7,000 silversword seeds at the greenhouse, and staff will continue to nurture them. The partnership between CMS and DOFAW aims to raise more seedlings in the greenhouse and outplant them at reintroduction sites across Maunakea, where previous plantings have been successful and offer protection from hooved animals.

Patty Heidenfeldt, a native plant restoration specialist at CMS, expressed her joy in seeing the silversword's reintroduction happening, noting that the plant's preservation would benefit future generations. Scientists have stressed the importance of incorporating seedlings from additional wild individuals to increase genetic diversity and give the plants a better chance to adapt to changes in their environment, caused by factors such as invasive species and climate change. Increasing the number of silverswords on Maunakea could also expand food and habitat sources for native insects unique to Hawaiʻi Island.

Community Input Sought for New Library and Transit Hub in Pāhoa Town

The County of Hawai‘i Mass Transit Agency (MTA), Planning Department, and Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPLS) have announced plans to build a new transit hub and library in Pāhoa Town, and are seeking input from the community to inform the final site selection and planning process. The project aims to provide comfort and safety for transit riders, promote multi-modal transportation options, and create amenities and gathering spaces for the community.

To gather community input, a pop-up event and community meeting will be held in February and March 2023. The pop-up event will take place at Maku‘u Farmers Market on February 26, and the first community meeting will be held on March 1 at Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility. The community can also learn about the project and provide comments through the project website.

An environmental assessment will be prepared for the project, with additional community consultation planned for the release of the assessment in the Summer of 2023. Community members needing accommodations due to a disability can contact Melissa May in advance.

The project builds upon previous public outreach efforts by MTA, which identified initial locations for the proposed transit hub through community meetings in 2019. The co-location of the transit hub with a new State Library, which will be constructed in the Pāhoa region, aims to enhance the ability of both facilities to serve the community and advance Transit-Oriented Development principles. The project received $100,000 from State TOD Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Planning funds and $350,000 from HSPLS CIP funds to support the planning study.

Police Ask Public’s Assistance Locating Missing And Endangered Keaau Woman Elissa Karstu

Photo Courtesy: Hawai'i Police Department

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 36-year-old Elissa Karstu of Keaau, who was reported missing. She is considered endangered as she is in need of medication for a medical condition.

Karstu was last seen in the area of 40th Avenue in Orchidland, on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 8:00 p.m.

Karstu is described as being Caucasian, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 130 pounds, with a shaved head and brown eyes and a fair complexion, with a tattoo with writing on her neck. She was last seen wearing a black durag, black shirt, blue and tan flannel jacket and black and blue yoga pants.

Police ask anyone with information on Karstu’s whereabouts to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311, attention Officer Kimberly Palea-Springer.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Instructions:

If located please contact 911 immediately

County Calendar

Fire Commission Meeting : Location: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Hawaiʻi County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) Location: Hawaiʻi County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 (DPW: Kilauea Avenue & Keawe St - Tentative) Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ka'ū wastewater public meeting Location: Pahala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St., Pahala, Hawaii 96777 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

DPW Kilauea Ave Community Feedback Requested Location: Zoom Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Note: This meeting is virtual and can be accessed through Zoom.

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