Weekend Edition: Sunday, February 12, 2023

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Depart. of Health: Announces first influenza death

The Department of Health in Honolulu, HI has reported the death of a child under 18 from influenza. This serves as a reminder that flu is widely circulating in the state. To protect oneself from influenza, it is recommended to get the flu vaccine if you are 6 months of age or older. This is the first death of a child due to flu this season. The DOH is encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and flu. Vaccines provide protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. To find a vaccination location, visit https://www.vaccines.gov/. Consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you are unsure of your vaccine status.

Birth Rate Drops 16% since 2016

Hawaii has experienced a significant decline in birth rates, with a 14% decrease since 2016. This drop ranks as the sixth largest among all states in the nation. The reasons for the decline in birth rates in Hawaii are not yet clear and are the subject of ongoing research and analysis. Some potential factors include changes in the economy, increased access to family planning and contraception, and shifting social and cultural norms. Regardless of the causes, the decline in birth rates has important implications for the state's population growth, workforce, and future economic development. The state and local organizations are working to better understand the factors contributing to the decline and to support families and communities in Hawaii.

High Surf Advisory & Flood Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for all east facing shores of Hawaii Island, which will continue through Monday. This means that large waves can make swimming difficult, potentially causing injury or death. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers are advised to exercise caution and follow all safety advice from ocean safety officials.

A Flood Advisory is also in effect for the east side of Hawaii Island, from North Kohala to the Puna Districts. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to be alert to potential flooding and to avoid crossing flowing water in vehicles or on foot. The Civil Defense Agency is reminding residents to treat malfunctioning intersection traffic lights as 4-way stops. Spencer Beach Park, which was closed due to debris, has been reopened. Report any wind damage to Civil Defense at 808-935-0031.

Police Still Searching for Missing Kona Man Landon Fairbanks

Hawai‘i Island police are renewing their request for the community’s assistance in locating 42-year-old Landon Fairbanks who has been reporting missing. Fairbanks was last seen on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. in the area of “Two-Step” beach in Hōnaunau.

Fairbanks is described as Caucasian, 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, with a mustache and goatee and brown eyes. Fairbanks also has tattoos on his right arm and a half-sleeved, Asian-inspired black tattoo with red flowers on his lower left leg. He is known to frequent the Captain Cook and Kailua-Kona areas.

Police ask anyone with information on Fairbanks’ location to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311. 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.

Police Requesting Assistance Locating 13-year-old

Hawai‘i Island police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating 13-year-old Arieana R.K. Balbin of Kurtistown, who was reported as a runaway.

Balbin was last seen in the 16-2400 block of Ainaloa Drive in Kurtistown, on the afternoon of Saturday, Febuary 4, 2023.

She is described as Polynesian with a fair complexion and a thin build, 4 feet 6 inches tall, 90 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on Balbin’s whereabouts to call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or contact Officer Sean Phelan at [email protected].

County Calendar:

• Committee on the Status of Women: Date: 02/15/2023 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• Board of Ethics: Date:02/15/2023 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location:Hawaii County Building (Council Chambers) 25 Aupuni StreetHilo, Hawaii 96720

• 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

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.