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DLNR Meets with Feral Cat Advocates

Governor Josh Green M.D. has directed DLNR Chair Dawn Chang to meet with ABayKitties, a cat food provider at Queens’ Marketplace in Waikoloa, Hawai‘i. The property owner, Alexander & Baldwin, had removed the feeding stations last week after it was discovered that nēnē, an endangered species under state law and a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act, were also eating cat food. Chair Chang reiterated that DLNR is required by law to protect nēnē and that feeding them cat food can make them sick and even kill them. Feral cats are also among the most prolific predators of near-extinct native forest birds. DLNR received dozens of emails and phone calls supporting the stopping of feeding feral cats. DLNR will be ramping up education efforts to protect native species and find a long-term solution for giving cats appropriate, safe, and loving indoor homes. On April 11, during a protest by feral cat advocates, two women were cited for the illegal take of an endangered or threatened species. The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is preparing informational flyers to educate people about how to avoid harming nēnē. The department is also arranging meetings with Hawai‘i County and humane societies to work collaboratively. Chair Chang emphasized that protecting native threatened and endangered species is DLNR's mission, and while they have compassion for all living creatures, their singular mission is to protect native wildlife from all threats.

Heat is on: Prince Kuhio Plaza

Legendary Native Hawaiian singer and dancer Melveen Leed and Iwalani Tseu were giving an impromptu concert during the 60th Anniversary Merrie Monarch event across Hawaii Island. However, at the Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo, they were stopped by the General Manager, Daniel Kea, when a crowd started forming. According to Leed and Tseu in a Hawaii News Now interview, they were walking out with tears in their eyes, looking at each other. This had never happened to them before. Leed is 73 and Tseu will be 80.

The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action from the Native Hawaiian community. Kumu Hina Wong-Kalu, the CEO of the Council Native Hawaiian Advancement, and State Senator Kurt Fevella of Ewa Beach have called for Kea’s resignation, firing, and protest over the incident.

Big Island Daily requested for comment from GM Daniel Kea, but has declined to comment. The Real Estate Agency issued a statement on Tuesday, apologizing for the incident, and also balanced it with an issue of safety, because it was in an exit.

This comes as the Department of Hawaiian Homelands is still in negotiations with Brookfield Properties on extending their 40-year lease, while DHHL discuss lease extensions with the United States Department of Interior.

Police Request Public Assistance

Hawaii Island police are once again appealing for information related to a traffic incident that resulted in the death of 62-year-old Allen Y.L. Kealoha of Pahoa on Puainako Street in Hilo on August 24, 2022. Responding officers determined that Kealoha had stopped his commercial flatbed delivery truck on the side of the roadway, and it's believed that he was securing his cargo when he was struck by his own vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing another vehicle with two male occupants in the area around the same time, but police have not been able to identify and interview these individuals. The investigation remains classified as a coroner's inquest, and police continue to seek answers to provide closure for Kealoha's family. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department's non-emergency number, Detective Blaine Morishita, or Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Police Request Public Assistance Searching for Justina Alves

Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Justina Alves of Ocean View who is wanted for an outstanding bench warrant and for questioning in other criminal investigations. She is known to frequent the South Kona and Ocean View areas.

Alves is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, 125 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She has a tattoo on her left neck area that reads “Ronald”.

A previous media release requesting assistance in locating Alves also included two other Ocean View residents, 42-year-old Ronald Patrick Keahonui Kahihikolo, and 38-year old Hubert Kekahuna-Kekona. Both men have since been located.

Hawai‘i Police Department would like to remind the public that harboring or concealing a wanted person could result in criminal charges being filed against the person who harbors or conceals the wanted person.

Anyone with information on Alves’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118, or via email at [email protected]. They may also contact the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Citizens who wish to remain anonymous can submit a tip through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to caller ID.

Congresswoman Tokuda Announce Kona Town hall

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 22 – APRIL 28

PLEASE NOTE:

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

— KANOELEHUA AVENUE (ROUTE 11) — 

1) HILO

Single lane closure on Kanoelehua Avenue (Route 11) will shift over either direction between mile markers 1.7 and 2, between Makaala Street and East Puainako Street, on Monday, April 24, though Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for installation of traffic signal loop detectors.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) — 

1) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 55 and 57, near Ninole Loop Road on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHALA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 57 and 59, in the vicinity of Kuhua Bay and Kawa Bay on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 89 and 90, near Papalani Road on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tree cutting and mulching.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) HONALO

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 

1) NINOLE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 20 and 22, in the vicinity of Kaihuiki Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, between Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.

3) LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in either direction between mile markers 26 and 28, in the vicinity of Laupahoehoe Point Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

4) PAAUILO

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in either direction between mile markers 37 and 38, in the vicinity of Hauola Road and Kalopa Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Hawaiian Electric Company replacing poles and restringing overhead lines.

— KAWAIHAE ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 52 and 54, between Puumanu Place and Kekehau Street, on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kawaihae Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 60 and 63, between Ohina Street and Waiula Drive, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) — 

1) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 10, in the vicinity of Niaulani Street on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHOA

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 12, in the vicinity of Niaulani Street and Homestead Road on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 9.5 and 10.5, in the vicinity of Niaulani Street Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for concrete work in the median.

— PAHOA KALAPANA ROAD (ROUTE 130) — 

1) PAHOA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Pahoa Kalapana Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 18, in the vicinity of Kamaili Road on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— QUEEN KAHUMANU HIGHWAY (ROUTE 19) —

1) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 97 and 99, in the vicinity Makala Boulevard, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 30 and 32, in the vicinity Makalei Drive, on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KOHALA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Monday, April 24, through Friday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for reconstructing and resurfacing shoulder work.