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Here is your fast and easy news headlines for Big Island today:

Mysterious White Balloon Spotted 500 Miles off O'ahu Raises Concerns Amid Recent Incidents

A mysterious white balloon was recently spotted over 500 miles off the coast of O'ahu, according to reports from pilots on transpacific routes from Honolulu to the mainland. While the balloon's elevation is unknown, Oakland Air Traffic Control (ATC) received a message about the sighting. The owner or controller of the balloon remains unidentified.

This sighting comes in the wake of recent events where the US military shot down a Chinese balloon near South Carolina, along with three other unidentifiable objects in Alaska, Yukon (Canada), and Lake Huron. The sighting also brings to light a previous incident that occurred a year ago, where residents of Kaua'i spotted a similar white balloon which was ultimately shot down by the Air Force. At the time, no follow-up was made, but just this month the Pentagon confirmed that it was a Chinese Surveillance Balloon.

Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency Provides Update on Flood Advisory and Road Closures

On Monday, February 20th, a brief Flood Advisory was put into effect by the National Weather Service (NWS) due to thunderstorms in Kona and Kohala, as well as heavy rainfall in Hamakua, Hilo, Puna, and Ka'u. The NWS maintained the advisory until 7:30 pm as the storm passed through the region.

In an update message issued by the Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency at 7 pm on Monday, the NWS Flood Advisory for the Island of Hawaii was cancelled. However, heavy showers were still occurring and motorists were urged to drive with caution.

As a result of the flooding, some roads were closed including Highway 11 between mile 59-60, Kawa Flats in Kau, and Highway 19-mile 13 near Honomu due to a landslide in North Hilo. Highway crews were actively working to clear both sites and anticipated reopening later that night. In the meantime, due to the closure in Kau, shelters were opened at the Pahala Gym and the Naalehu Community Center for those unable to reach their intended destination.

UPDATE: 2-21-23, 4AM. Flood Advisory for Puna and Kau Districts. Hwy 11 mile 60, Kawa Flats is open to one lane. All other major roads are currently open.

Fire at Community Center in Kurtistown Draws Swift Response from Hawaiʻi County Fire Department

On Sunday afternoon, the Hawaiʻi County Fire Department swiftly responded to a fire that broke out at a community center located in Kurtistown on 16-1325 Moho Road. Fortunately, no one was present in the building during the time of the incident. Upon their arrival, firefighters discovered flames venting from a single window and wall, and smoke billowing out of multiple windows. They immediately gained entry through the double doors, and were able to confine most of the damage to the office area. Despite the intensity of the fire, the skilled firefighters were able to extinguish it quickly, averting any major structural damage. The building, however, suffered smoke and heat damage throughout its 20- by 50-foot area. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, and an investigation is underway to determine the extent of the damage and its impact on the community. Officials are working diligently to resolve the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Wildlife Experts to Present on Conservation Efforts to Hawai'i County Game Management Advisory Commission

In an upcoming presentation, two wildlife experts will be sharing their insights and expertise on important conservation topics. Kanalu Sproat, a wildlife biologist at West Hawai'i, will be discussing the latest Rule Changes made by the DLNR Rule Change Committee for Pohakuloa Hunting Unit E. Sproat's presentation will shed light on the potential impact of these new rules on local wildlife and will outline the latest updates to hunting regulations and protocols within the unit.

Additionally, Derek Risch, a Conservation and Wildlife Planner and the Ungulate Program Coordinator for the University of Hawaii, will be presenting on the University's Ungulate Program for Hawaii Island. Risch's presentation will highlight the University's initiatives to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem in Hawaii, with a particular focus on the management of ungulate populations. He will share the various strategies and approaches the University is employing to achieve this goal, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local communities and organizations in this regard.

This informative meeting will be held on Zoom today from 2pm to 4pm.

County Calendar

County Council's Committee Meetings: Date:02/21/2023 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Location: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

• 9:00 a.m. Governmental Operations and External Affairs Committee

• 10:00 a.m. Legislative Approvals and Acquisitions Committee

• 11:00 a.m. Finance Committee

• 1:00 p.m. Communications, reports, and Council Oversight Committee

Kailua Village Design Commission Meeting: Date:02/21/2023 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Location: Online

Game Management Advisory Commission: Date: 02/21/2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: Puna Conference Room, County Building via Zoom & in Person to Mayor's Kona Conference Room, WHCC to Mayor's Kona Conference Room, WHCC West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

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