Thursday, February 9, 2023

Gov. Green Attends State of the Union

Hawaii Governor Josh Green was invited to attend the State of the Union Address by President Joe Biden on Tuesday. The invitation was extended by Congresswoman Jill Tokuda of Hawai'i's Second Congressional District. Governor Green took the opportunity to meet with various cabinet members and other officials during his time in the nation's capital. During the address, President Biden laid out his plan for the future, which received mixed partisan support. Governor Green's attendance at the State of the Union demonstrates the importance of Hawai'i's presence on the national stage and the opportunities for our state to participate in shaping the future of our country.

National Weather Service: High Wind Warning for Kohala

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for North and South Kohala and a Wind Advisory for all other districts including the summits, which will remain in effect through Friday. Strong winds and downed trees have been reported in the Kohala District and motorists may experience road closures and delays. Residents in areas affected by high winds are encouraged to report wind damage and fallen trees to Civil Defense at 808-935-0031. Additionally, a High Surf Advisory is in effect for all east-facing shores of Hawaii Island through Saturday.

Shared Progress Forward for Pasture Land

The recently appointed leadership teams at the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) are working to resolve a long-standing issue related to the management of pasture lands in Hawaii. DLNR is responsible for leasing or permitting ranching across 100,000 acres and managing other activities on these lands, including forest protection and restoration, hunting, public trails, and traditional gathering practices. In 2003, Act 90 was passed by the legislature, which established a process for transferring lands from DLNR to HDOA based on a review by both departments. Nearly 40,000 acres, mostly plowed crop lands, have been transferred to HDOA and the State's Agribusiness Development Corporation. DLNR and HDOA have made significant progress in their efforts by agreeing to transfer more than 50 leases and permits, representing over 16,000 acres, to HDOA. These transfers will be put before the BLNR and BOA for approval.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Slated for Saturday in Hilo

The Hilo Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is coming up on February 11th, 2023 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Waiākea High School Parking Lot (B) located at 155 West Kāwili St. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of any hazardous household waste you may have. Please note that waste from businesses, farms, non-profits, and government agencies are not allowed by law. Additionally, electronic waste (e-waste) and latex paint are not accepted.

To ensure a smooth and safe experience, please enter the collection area via Po‘okela Parkway (not at the streetlight intersection) at the mauka (west) entrance (across the street from the UH Hilo parking lot). You will then follow the signage and security guards to the drop-off area.

For more information on what materials are and are not accepted, please visit the Household Hazardous Waste page on our website at https://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/events/household-hazardous-waste-collection-event-hilo-2023-02-11/?mc_id=1490.

Hawai'i Tourism Authority: Resident Sentiment Toward Tourism Recovering After Prolonged Downturn

Hawai‘i residents feel that the balance between the economic benefits of tourism and quality of life is being better managed, according to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism's (DBEDT) Fall 2022 Resident Sentiment Survey. The results showed that 44% of residents agreed that tourism is being managed better on their island and 67% said that tax dollars should be used to manage its impacts. The survey also showed that residents who were aware of the Hawaii Tourism Authority's (HTA) Destination Management Action Plans had a more favorable view of tourism management.

"The tide is turning in the right direction due to our destination management efforts in partnership with community stakeholders, government agencies, and industry partners," said John De Fries, HTA's president and CEO. Resident attitudes toward tourism are now shaped by the balance between economic benefits and quality of life, along with tourism management efforts. Sixty-seven percent of residents stated they had a favorable opinion of tourism in Hawaii.

Fifty-five percent of residents said tourism has had a mostly positive impact on the state, while 67% felt that their island is being run for tourists at the expense of local people. Resident satisfaction is one of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of HTA's 2020-2025 Strategic Plan. The Fall 2022 Resident Sentiment Survey was conducted by Omnitrak Group, Inc. and the results are available on HTA's website.

Department of Ag: Specialty Crop Grant

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Market Development Branch is now accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for 2023. This year, the HDOA plans to award around $450,000 in grants for projects that boost the competitiveness of Hawaii's specialty crops. Projects can receive up to $50,000 in funding and must improve the specialty crop industry in either domestic or foreign markets. Specialty crops, as defined by the USDA, include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and more. The application deadline is noon on March 3, 2023 and interested parties can view a recorded informational webinar on the grant program on YouTube. Contact Yukashi Smith at (808) 973-9627 or [email protected] for more information. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is now accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for the 2023 fiscal year. This program offers to reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation, up to 50% of the total cost. The State Legislature has allocated $500,000 for the program, which is open to commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary, and landscaping operations. To be eligible, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer, or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi, and regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program. The deadline for submitting invoices and applications is May 1, 2023.This reimbursement program, which was first established in 2018 and ran through part of 2020, is a great support for the agriculture sector in Hawaiʻi. The cost of compost is a significant expense for many farming operations, and this program helps to offset that cost. To learn more and download the application forms, visit the HDOA website at https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost2023/.

Department of Tax: Tax filing Tips

The Hawaiʻi Department of Taxation has officially announced the start of tax season and is offering guidance to taxpayers. File early by gathering all necessary tax records and filing by April 20, 2023, to prevent cybercriminals from stealing your refund. E-filing is faster and more accurate than paper filing and there are various options available, including Hawaiʻi Tax Online. Direct deposit is the quickest way to receive your refund. Double check your return for accuracy and errors before filing, and use the "Where's My Refund" feature on the Department's website to check the status of your refund. The recent Act 115 constitutional refund does not need to be included on federal or state tax returns and additional information and support is available on the Department's website.

Police Seeking Runaway Cara Miguel

The Hawai'i Island police department is seeking the public's help in finding a 14-year-old named Cara Miguel who has been reported as a runaway. Cara was last seen on Tuesday, February 7th in the Hawaiian Paradise Park area of Kea'au wearing a green shirt, gray shorts, and a black backpack. She is described as having a fair complexion, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 150 pounds, with mid-length brown hair and brown eyes and a scar under her right eye. If you have any information on her whereabouts, please contact the police department's non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Hawai'i Police Department: Child Safety Seat Clinic

The Hawai‘i Police Department, in collaboration with Target, Kona Community Hospital, the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and various community organizations, will host a free child safety seat clinic on Saturday, February 11, 2023. The event will take place at the Kona Target parking lot on 74-5455 Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Certified technicians will be present to help families with the proper installation of child safety seats, check for any seat or vehicle recalls, and answer any questions. Torey Keltner from HPD’s Traffic Services Section emphasizes the importance of correctly installing child safety seats, as car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children across the nation.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data from 2019, an average of two children under 13 years old were killed and 374 were injured daily while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans. Unfortunately, 38% of children who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained.

This clinic offers a valuable opportunity for parents to ensure their child’s safety seat is installed correctly and to have any questions answered. Your child’s safety is worth the effort to check their car seat.

For more information on the child safety seat clinic, please contact Sandy Tomiyama, a volunteer with Partners for Safe Keiki, at (808) 896-1940.

Sister City: La Serena, Chile Arrives

On Thursday, February 9th at 12:30 PM, a dance group from La Serena, Chile, which is the sister city of County Hawaii, will be giving a short demonstration of their performance. The West Hawaii Hispanic/Latino community will also be present to greet the visitors and will perform as well. Attendees are encouraged to show their aloha to the visitors and consider attending the event at 12:30 PM with a packed lunch to enjoy the show.

Additionally, on Friday, February 10th at 6 PM, the dance group will be performing at the Kahilu Theatre. Those looking for something to do on Friday evening are encouraged to consider watching the show. Tickets for the performance can be purchased through the Kahilu Theatre Foundation.

Lane closure

schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.

— VOLCANO ROAD/MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) NORTH OF PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 42 and 44, on Saturday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) NORTH OF PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 44 and 46, on Monday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— 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. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini Drainage Improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) PAPAIKOU TO PEPEEKEO (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 11, vicinity of Hanawi Street and Old Mamalahoa Road (near Makea Stream), on Saturday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

2) PEPEEKEO TO HAKALAU

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 Monday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

3) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

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 Saturday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting.

4) HAKALAU TO NINOLE

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 Monday, Feb. 6, through Thursday, Feb. 9, 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. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for paving.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU

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 Monday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KEAAU TO HAWAIIAN PARADISE PARK

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 Monday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, 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 2 and 9, past the Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, Feb. 4, and Sunday, Feb. 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder work and tree trimming.

2) KOHALA

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 Monday, Feb. 6, through Friday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for shoulder stabilization.