MEDIA RELEASE

The Friends of Pohoiki have received a “Healing Our Island” grant for $2,000 to help fund the first annual “Ahahui `O Pohoiki” at the new Isaac Kepookalani Hale Park in Puna.

This alcohol- and drug-free community event will feature Hawaiian-style fun, games, crafts, music, plants and food on Saturday, Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Everyone is invited to kokua with the different activities such as teaching a Hawaiian craft, makahiki games for children, Hawaiian plant exchange, Hawaii music, etc. Individuals or organizations may contact Luana Jones at 938-0021, or log on to Pohoikisurf.com for more information.

The Healing Our Island community grant fund is administered by the Hawaii County Resource Center and has been instrumental in assisting grassroots community efforts to strengthen and nurture community.

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Da 3rd Annual Boogie's Longboard Surf Classic at Pohoiki Beach.

Pohoiki Bay Surfing Classic presents Da 3rd Annual Boogie’s Longboard Surf Classic at Pohoiki Beach Results

Longboard Pro
1 Bonga Perkins 80 points
2 Koa Enriques 75.5 points
3 Kapono Nahinu 71 points
4 Kawehi Whitford 50 points

Longboard Women
1 Kawehi Witford 37 points
2 Chelsea Sky 26 points
3 Lily Nolte 22 points
4 Christina Fear 21 points

Shortboard Junior Men
1 Mikey O’Shaughnessy 34.5 points
2 Shayden Pacarro 29.8 points
3 Ian Bowman 23.3 points
4 Sean Philips 21.25 points

Shortboard Women
1 Chelsea Sky 24 points
2 Kathy Wilson 23.5 points
3 Tara Lani 17.5 points
4 Chloe Childs 11 points

Longboard Junior Men
1 Zach London 39.5 points
2 Ulu Napeahi 31 points
3 Kiko Napeahi 27.8 points
4 Mikey O’Shaughnessy 26.5 points

Longboard Masters
1 Eddie Pieper 32.8 points
2 Steve Hirakami 26.1 points
3 Joe Funaro 23 points
4 Jeff Hunt 19.5 points

Shortboard Boys
1 Ulu Napeahi 39.5 points
2 Hanale Macguire 30.5 points
3 Kumba Green 23.7 points
4 Pono Hirakami 15.4 points

Standup Paddleboard
1 Koa Enriques 44.5 points
2 Justin Labrador 35.2 points
3 Black Abraham 31.8 points
4 Lyle Auld 26.5 points

Longboard Open Men
1 Sheldon Pacarro 35.8 points
2 Wayne Victorino 29.2 points
3 Nohea Masaoka 29 points
4 Iwani Kaiwi 13.3 points

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

The Pohoiki Bay Surfing Classic continues through July 5th in Puna.

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Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Graduation Program

More graduation dates

UPDATED FROM POLICE (5/12/09)

Police traffic investigators have identified a 27-year-old man who died Saturday (May 9) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Route 137 (Kalapana/Kapoho Road), .1 mile south of Pohoiki Road.

The victim was identified as Joshua Glenn Vanhook of a Keaau address.

UPDATED FROM POLICE (5/11/09)

A 27-year-old Keaau man died Saturday (May 9) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Route 137 (Kapoho/Kalapana Road), .1 mile south of Pohiki Road.

Responding to a 4:32 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1985 Yamaha motorcycle and was traveling south on Route 137, when he lost control and ran off the right side of the road.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this crash. The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The victim was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:00 p.m.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police are asking that the anonymous male caller who called “911″ or anyone else with information regarding this crash is asked to call Officer Clarence Davies at 961-8118.

This is the 6th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to eleven at the same time last year.

FROM FIRE/RESCUE REPORTS (5/9/09)

Fire/Rescue crews responded to a 4:25 p.m. call for a motorcycle accident on Highway 130, 300 yards south of the Pohoiki boat ramp four-way stop Saturday afternoon.

The 28 year-old victim was found laying in shrubbery without signs of life by a driver who then called 911. There were no witnesses and the accident is under investigation by police.

View Larger Map

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department Criminal Investigation Section is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in an assault and robbery incident that occurred at Ahalanui Beach Park parking lot in Pohiki, Puna, at around midnight on Saturday, December 13, 2008.

The victim reported being punched by one suspect causing the victim to fall to the ground. The victim was then kicked numerous times to the head and body by both suspects. During the assault, one of the suspects removed the victim’s wallet from the victim’s back pocket. The victim sustained head, facial and rib injuries.

Some of the contents of the victim’s wallet were returned to the victim after the assault by an unidentified person.

Police ask that anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua of the Hawai’i Police Department Criminal Investigation Section at 961-2252 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

View Hwy 137 Accident 5/7/09 in a larger map

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Fire/Rescue crews treat victims of a two vehicle accident on Highway 137 in Puna Thursday afternoon.

Fire/Rescue and police responded to a two vehicle accident on Highway 137 (Kapoho-Kalapana Road) Thursday afternoon. The accident closed the roadway as rescue vehicles were on the scene treating the injured, some of whom went via ambulance to the hospital.

The roadway was later opened as police investigated the scene and awaited tow-trucks to take away the vehicles involved.

The drive of the white minivan said he was headed towards Kapoho on Highway 137 when the accident occurred with a sedan which was headed towards Kalapana.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawai’i Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying suspects of a robbery at Pohoiki Beach Park around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon (April 28).

The victim was operating a moped and was in the parking lot when he was assaulted.

The suspects were operating a black four-door sedan, possibly a Honda. It had large after-market chrome rims (possibly 22-inch) and a red interior.

The first suspect is described as a Caucasian male in his early 20s, about 6-feet-tall and 160 pounds with blond hair. He was wearing a purple shirt and black shorts.

The second suspect is described as a local male in his late teens, about 5-foot-8 and 140 pounds with a thin mustache. He was wearing shorts and a dark shirt.

There may be a third suspect.

Police ask that anyone with information about the suspects’ identities or anyone who may have witnessed this incident call Lieutenant Mitchell Kanehailua at 961-2252 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

The 2009 Hawaii Island championship race was held at Pohoiki in Lower Puna Saturday, March 28. The course race ran from the recently expanded Isaac Hale Beach park to Kehena Beach. With fresh trade winds and favorable currents, conditions were described as “epic” and the best ever at for a race a this venue. Times were fast and the paddlers had a blast. The Paddlers could clearly see the steam from the lava entering the ocean from Kilauea as they approached the finish.

For results in an easier to read PDF format click here

Place First Name Last Name Division Div-Pl Total Time

Long Course -12 miles
1 Hayden OC1-Long-M 20-39 1 1:12:57.4
2 Chris Marlow OC1-Long-M 20-39 2 1:15:52.4
3 OC1-Long-M 50-59 1 1:16:15.0
4 Steve OC1-Long-M 40-49 1 1:16:24.7
5 Chuck Santiago 1 1:16:54.8
6 Eddie Hayward OC1-Long-M 20-39 3 1:18:32.9
7 Kai Robson OC1-Long-M Novice 1 1:18:46.8
8 Gerard OC1-Long-M 20-39 4 1:18:52.4
9 Steve OC1-Long-M 50-59 2 1:19:23.2
10 Kevin OC1-Long-M 40-49 2 1:23:35.5
11 Theron OC1-Long-M 20-39 5 1:24:16.0
12 Mike O’Shaughnessy OC1-Long-M 60-99 1 1:24:16.7
13 Nick OC1-Long-M 20-39 6 1:25:44.4
14 Jasen OC1-Long-M 20-39 7 1:25:54.0
15 Beverly OC1-Long-F 1 1:32:20.9
15 Mark Crawford OC1-Long-M 50-59 3 1:32:47.4
17 Sheila OC1-Long-F 2 1:37:00.5

Short Course – 7 miles
1 Stephen OC1-Short-M 60-64 1 0:54:32.2
2 Rodney OC1-Short-M Novice B 1 0:54:56.4
3 Harrison OC1-Short-M 50-59 1 0:55:00.4
4 Jeremy OC1-Short-M Novice B 2 0:56:03.3
5 Sua OC1-Short-M 19-49 1 0:57:45.8
6 Jonathan Grayson OC1-Short-M 19-49 2 0:57:52.4
7 Grant OC1-Short-M 19-49 3 0:58:29.7
8 Eric OC1-Short-M Novice B 3 0:58:30.4
9 Richard / Bob Everett / Bruce OC2-Short-M 50-99 1 0:59:13.6
11 Jessica / Ian OC2-Short-Mix 18-49 1 1:00:10.0
12 Chris OC1-Short-M 50-59 2 1:01:02.1
13 Gregor Knapp OC1-Short-M 50-59 3 1:02:02.4
14 Michael Sweeney OC1-Short-M Novice B 4 1:02:41.6
15 Leslie / Teri OC2-Short-F 50-99 1 1:04:54.4
16 Danny Bassett OC1-Short-M 50-59 4 1:05:13.6
17 Justin OC1-Short-M Novice B 5 1:05:16.7
18 Jan / Paul OC2-Short-Mix 50-99 1 1:05:19.2
19 Colby Pillars OC1-Short-M 19-49 4 1:05:23.3
20 Vernon / Carolyn OC2-Short-Mix 50-99 2 1:05:55.5
21 Odie 1 1:06:00.3
22 Ned Burns OC1-Short-M 50-59 5 1:06:02.6
23 Kimberlee Rowe OC1-Short-F 40-49 1 1:06:07.3
24 Danielle Ho OC1-Short-F 20-39 1 1:06:12.2
25 Carrie / Lorrin Larson / Ching OC2-Short-Mix 18-49 2 1:06:20.1
26 OC1-Short-F 20-39 2 1:06:25.5
27 Glen OC1-Short-M 50-59 6 1:06:28.3
28 Elise Kerr OC1-Short-F 40-49 2 1:07:03.0
29 David Higgins OC1-Short-M 60-64 2 1:09:36.0
30 Jerry Bess 2 1:09:46.8
31 Kerry Long OC1-Short-M 50-59 7 1:10:10.5
32 Leslie Crawford OC1-Short-F 50-59 1 1:10:25.0
33 Bud Carlson 1 1:10:44.8
34 Nolan Chock OC1-Short-M 50-59 8 1:11:08.0
35 Michael Woodbury OC1-Short-M 60-64 3 1:11:50.5
36 Dee Torres OC1-Short-F 50-59 2 1:14:50.8
37 Ilona Higgins OC1-Short-F 60-99 1 1:15:05.5
38 Rick Sowers 1 1:18:35.4
39 OC1-Short-F 60-99 2 1:24:03.5

HIPA Website

MEDIA RELEASE

The new Pohoiki concrete boat launch ramp, accessible ramp and loading dock for use by Hawaii boaters opened Friday, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

“As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing efforts to upgrade our small boat harbors statewide, we have replaced the old Pohoiki boat ramp and loading dock which had fallen into disrepair,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman. “These improvements will ensure accessibility, safety and comfort for residents and visitors who use this boating facility.”

Still remaining to be completed is construction on a new rock revetment along the north side of the launch ramp and adjacent sloped area, and installation of rubber bumpers and other auxiliary work. Final project completion is expected in May.

The Pohoiki boat ramp and loading dock replacement project was designed by DLNR’s consultant firm Wilson Okamoto Corporation. Project contractor is Kaikor Construction and the project cost is $965,000.

Construction of these improvements began in late December 2008. The Pahoa ramp was closed entirely between Feb. 4 and March 5 for demolition and removal of the old concrete boat ramp, loading dock and access to the loading dock.

MEDIA RELEASE

Firefighters responded at 8:29 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 to a fire at Old Pohoiki Coffee Mill in Pahoa after a generator exploded.

Two engine units extinguished the blaze, which engulfed a 12 foot-by-20 foot wooden generator shed and workshop. A medic unit also responded, but no injuries were reported.

The fire was out by 9:15 a.m. with the damage estimated to be $13,000, according to the Fire Department.

No cause for the blaze was reported by the Fire Department.

MEDIA RELEASE

The public is invited to the opening and blessing of the new Pohoiki bypass road near Isaac Hale Beach Park in Puna at noon, Monday, Dec. 29.

The three-quarters of a mile long county bypass road will allow motorists to avoid the portion of coastal Highway 137 near Isaac Hale Beach Park where it routinely floods during high tides. William C. Loeffler Construction Inc., is the contractor for the $1.8 million project.

Mayor Billy Kenoi and Fifth District Councilwoman Emily Naeole will participate in Monday’s blessing ceremony , which will be at the newly renovated Isaac Hale Beach Park. Dignitaries then will take the first official ride on the new bypass.

The project is one of several ongoing county Department of Public Works projects in Puna. Other projects include:

Sight Distance and Drainage Improvements

• $1.5 million in sight distance improvements completed on Ainaloa Drive at Puhala and Silver Oak drives, including a 2,600-foot pedestrian path
• $2.1 million for drainage improvements on Road 8 in Hawaiian Acres, expected to be completed by October 2009.

Park Improvements, Road Realignment

• The renovation of Isaac Hale Beach Park was completed earlier this year.
• Realignment of Highway 137 between the 14 and 15 mile markers, avoiding a stretch where high surf threatened to collapse the road, also was completed in 2007.

Road Widening and Resurfacing

• Resurfacing of a mile each on S. Puni Mauka, N. Puni Mauka, S. Puni Makai and N. Puni Makai, all in Hawaiian Beaches, was recently completed; resurfacing and widening of 1.5 miles of Pohoiki Road, resurfacing 1.6 miles of road in Nanawale Estates, and 1.6 miles in Hawaiian Beaches, are awaiting scheduling.

Public Safety

• A new $4.8 million Pahoa Fire Station is nearing completion.
• A $4.9 million police station in Pahoa is scheduled to begin construction in 2009.