MEDIA RELEASE

Fire Department crews responded to an 8:41 a.m. alarm Friday (Feb 26) for a missing hunter in the Volcano area.

The hunter had entered a trail off Old Volcano Road near the 24 mile marker Thursday afternoon. The man called his girlfriend via a cellphone later saying he needed help. Fire/rescue crews responded Friday morning with ground crews and a helicopter to search for the man.

The hunter was spotted by Chopper One and airlifted out of a heavily forested area. The man did not need medical attention.

MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island police are investigating a theft this week at the Volcano rubbish dump.

One or more persons removed four galvanized chain-link gates sometime between Monday (February 1) and Wednesday (February 3). The gates are 6 feet high by 11 feet long. Total value of the stolen goods is $4,500.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case call 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.

USGS panoramic composite of Halemaumau Crater taken at Jan 2, 2010 2:24 p.m.

This is a Civil Defense message.

This is an air quality update for Saturday, January 2nd 2010.

Persistent light winds are causing consistent poor air quality in Hawaii Island, especially in the communities surrounding the summit of Kilauea Volcano due to the pooling of emissions. The National Weather Service forecasts light wind conditions to continue until Thursday.

Also, recent flare-ups within the firebreaks at the Hokukano and Kealakekua brush fires are causing smoke problems for Kona residents, especially in the early morning hours. The Hawaii Fire Department continues operations at both fires which are currently under control, but it is undetermined when the fires will be completely extinguished. Because of the fires and the wind forecast the following are issued. Residents affected by smoke and emissions are advised to stay indoors and use an air conditioner if available. Limit physical exertion. Drink plenty of fluids. If you have medications, make sure you have them readily available.

For exposure to emissions, the CDC recommends the use of inhalers before symptoms appear. Dont smoke and avoid second hand smoke. If you are experiencing negative health effects from smoke or emissions it is recommended that you leave the area. Air quality usually improves after a few hours.

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Stage II was all about the weather. The Hawaii 24/7 roving correspondent Paul Aguirre said the Big Island offers up nothing but challenges for these athletes.

“First thing this morning, it was cold and wet. Then it was windy and sunny, then hot and by the time we got up toward Kohala is was cold and windy again,” Aguirre said. “These guys are just amazing.”

By the time the sun set on Saturday, the triathletes had made the Stage II stop in Hawi and hunkered down to prepare for Sunday’s 52.4-mile run back along the Kohala Coast to the finish line at Old Kona Airport.

Ultraman, celebrating its 25th anniversary, starts with a 6.2-mile swim from Kailua Pier to Keauhou and a 261.4-mile bike course that runs from Keauhou to Volcano and then from Volcano to Hawi.

With time cut offs at 5.5 hours for the swim and 12 hours for each of the other legs, Ultraman only invites the best of the best endurance athletes from around the globe.

Because this year is a milestone anniversary, the field sports only the elite. And not all of them are having a good time.

Roland Patzina, a truck driver from Germany is competing in his sixth Ultraman, didn’t even want to talk about his day.

Are you tired? No, he said. How is your race so far? I am a hard man.

Yes, he sure is.

Aguirre is serving on Patzina’s support crew and watched as the 43-year-old suffered jelly fish stings during the swim and was buffeted, like the rest of the field, by some serious head winds around South Point during Stage I.

Stage II presented more obstacles for Patzina, who typically races with the front or middle of the pack.

His bike chain stuck and he was forced to cycle uphill in the toughest gear. Patzina also had to overcome five, yes, you read that right, FIVE flat tires during Saturday’s ride from Volcano, through Hilo up to Hawi.

Some may recall Ironman champion Normann Stadler being stymied by two flat tires and a bee sting. He was reduced to tears and actually flung his bike into the lava fields when his race went horribly wrong.

Patzina, however, insists he is a “hard man from Bavaria” and would never, never quit.

Some helpful bike mechanic work from another team’s crew and Patzina was back on course, finishing well within the 12-hour cut off.

Racers will be raring to go at 6 a.m. Sunday and the first athletes are expected at Old Kona Airport sometime shortly after noon. That mean’s they’ll be running sub-4 hour marathons … both of them.

The first mens’ and womens’ finishers, the first three men and women in each age division, may receive individual recognition Monday evening at the Awards Presentation.

— Find out more:

ultraman.com

For the full roster of the 2009 athletes and their biographies, visit:

ultramanlive.com/2008-ultraman-world-championships/2009-entrant-bios/

Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Triathletes get ready for the start Saturday morning during Stage II of the Ultraman World Championships in Volcano.

Just about ready to start of the bike race in Volcano.

The pack tries to catch the leader as they head down Volcano towards Puna. Highways were slick and rainy in the area.

The leader heads down from Volcano for Puna.

More info: ultramanlive.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Fire/rescue units responded to a 12:46 p.m. alarm Friday (Nov 27) for three missing hikers in the Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve in Volcano. Three Kailua-Kona men, 50, 58 and 64 years-old, were lost in a heavily forested area.

The men started a midmorning hike when it was bright and clear then conditions changed two miles into their hike with cold misty rain and fog making for poor visibility. The hikers were disoriented in the rain forest of large Hapu ferns and old growth Ohia trees and called 911.

Ground crews entered the trail, which leads to the Pu‘u O‘o volcanic vent, while Chopper One performed an aerial search. The hikers later found the main trail and were met by the ground search team hiking in. All men were reported to be in good health with no injuries reported.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (11/24/09)

Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in identifying the person who used a credit card that was stolen in a home invasion robbery in Volcano last week.

The person who used the stolen credit card was captured on a surveillance camera.

Last Thursday, (November 19) Puna Patrol officers were dispatched to a Pukeawe Circle home in the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, where a 77-year-old man reported that two or three males overpowered him and demanded money. They physically beat the victim, bound him and then left the home with an undisclosed amount of cash and other personal belongings, including a credit card.

The suspects wore masks, but were described as being possibly Caucasian and in their teens to early 20s. One was further described as being approximately 6-feet tall and 200 pounds with a slightly slim build.

Fire/rescue personnel treated the victim at the scene but his injuries did not require his being taken to a hospital.

Detectives assigned to the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police urge anyone who recognizes the person in the photo or who has any other information about this case to call 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.

MEDIA RLEASE (11/20/09)

Police are investigating a reported home invasion robbery in Volcano early Thursday evening (Nov. 19).

Puna Patrol officers were dispatched to a Pukeawe Circle home in the Volcano Golf Course subdivision, where a 77-year-old man reported that two or three men overpowered him and demanded money.

They physically beat the victim, bound him and then left the home with an undisclosed amount of cash and other personal belongings.

The suspects wore masks, but were described as being possibly Caucasian and in their teens to early 20s. One was further described as being approximately 6-feet tall and 200 pounds with a slightly slim build.

Fire/rescue personnel treated the victim at the scene but his injuries did not require his being taken to a hospital.

Detectives assigned to the Police Department’s Area I Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police urge anyone with information about this incident or anyone who may be involved to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 or 329-8181.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (11/18/09)

Big Island police have located a pickup truck stolen during a robbery last week at Cooper Center in Volcano.

The truck was found Tuesday morning (November 17) on Alaula Street in the Royal Hawaiian Estates subdivision.

Two men reported that a lone gunman approached them in the parking lot around 9 p.m. on November 9 as they sat in the Ford F-250. He pointed a handgun at the driver, ordered both men out of the truck and told them to lie face down on the pavement. He then took the truck, personal belongings and an undetermined amount of cash. He was last seen heading east on Wright Road with the stolen vehicle.

The suspect is described as being about 6-feet tall with a husky build. During the robbery, he used what appeared to be a T-shirt to cover his face.

Police ask the public not to approach the man, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

They ask that anyone with information about the case call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2255, the Kea’au police station at 966-5835, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

MEDIA RELEASE (11/16/09)

Big Island police are asking for the public’s help in connection with the investigation of an armed robbery last week in Volcano.

On Monday, November 9, Puna police responded to a reported robbery of two men who were sitting in a pickup truck in the Cooper Center parking lot just before 9 p.m.

The victims reported that a lone gunman approached their vehicle and pointed a handgun at the driver, ordered both men out of the truck and told them to lie face down on the pavement. He then took the truck, personal belongings and an undetermined amount of cash. He was last seen heading east on Wright Road with the stolen vehicle.

The pickup is described as a blue 2001 Ford F-250 with a large white fiberglass fish box in its bed. Its license plate number is HBF 152.

The suspect is described as being about 6-feet tall with a husky build. During the robbery, he used what appeared to be a T-shirt to cover his face.

Police ask the public not to approach the man, as he is considered armed and dangerous.

Police ask that anyone with information about the case call Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2255, the Kea’au police station at 966-5835, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Mayor Billy Kenoi answers questions from residents during his talk-story session at Volcano's Cooper Center. Baron Sekiya for Hawaii 24/7.

iPhone version of video
Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

By Baron Sekiya for Hawaii 24/7

Mayor Billy Kenoi and staff members visited Volcano for a ‘talk-story’ session at the Cooper Center on Wednesday (Nov 4).

Lono Tyson, Director of the Department of Environmental Management, said the county intends to proceed with design work and construction of the Volcano transfer station next year but that the work is dependent upon funding.

The Pahoa transfer station has priority over Volcano and Waiohinu transfer stations since a retaining wall has failed. Design work on the Pahoa transfer station should be completed in four to six weeks with construction proceeding in six to eight months.

Tyson also reminded residents of the new hours for county transfer stations taking effect on December 1st.

Clayton Honma, Deputy Directory of Parks and Recreation, said the county is planning to remove the lead paint from the Mountain View gym so it can be re-opened and ballpark improvements are planned.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 to receive public testimony on a proposed extension of the state Natural Area Reserve System.

The meeting is at the Volcano Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road, Volcano, HI 96785.

The proposed extension of Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve would encompass 5,795 acres of state-owned land that is between and adjacent to the existing Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Puna.

The proposed extension is sometimes referred to as “Tract 22.” Inclusion of this area into the Natural Area Reserve System would facilitate management of the native ecosystems found in that region, and strengthen the protection of the areas already protected in the Kahaualea NAR.

The proposed Kahaualea NAR Extension contains a sampling of native ohia-dominated open and closed-canopy plant communities, as well as pioneer vegetation from recent lava flows.

The state created the Natural Area Reserves System, or NARS, to preserve and protect representative samples of Hawaiian biological ecosystems and geological formations.

Three rare and endangered plant species, as well as eight species of native birds are known from the vicinity of the proposed extension of the Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve.

“Many of these are only found in the wet, mauka forests of Hawaii and are perilously close to extinction from the impacts of invasive plants and animals. Because the biological wealth of Hawaii is being depleted so rapidly, the Natural Area Reserves System seeks to protect the best remaining samples of its unique ecosystems,” Thielen said.

Designation of a Natural Area Reserve brings activities in that area under the oversight of the NARS Commission.

Additionally, the redesignation would recognize the area’s extraordinary natural resources, and direct that the area should thus be primarily managed to protect its natural resources.

Any person may testify or present information at the public hearing. Copies of the nomination and a map of the area are available for inspection by contacting Emma Yuen at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife office, Room 325, 1151 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 or via e-mail at Emma.Yuen@hawaii.gov or online at: hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/nars/Kahaualea1.doc.

Persons unable to attend or wishing to present additional comments, may mail written testimony received no later than Nov. 20, to the Chairperson, attn: Emma Yuen, P.O. Box 621 Honolulu, Hawaii 96809, or via e-mail at dlnr@hawaii.gov.

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (10/14/09)

Mayor Billy Kenoi launches his second island-wide series of community Talk Story meetings Wednesday night, 6-8 p.m., at Waimea Elementary School.

Mayor Kenoi and members of his cabinet will be available to discuss community issues and answer questions directly from residents at these meetings.

Everyone is welcome! Find the meeting below that’s closest to you (6-8 p.m. for each one):

Wednesday, Sept. 23 — Waimea Elementary School

Wednesday, Sept. 30 — Pahoa Community Center

Monday, Oct. 5 — Laupahoehoe School (updated date)

Tuesday, Oct. 13 — Imin Center (North Kona)

Wednesday, Oct. 21 — Waiakea High School

Tuesday, Oct. 27 — Honaunau School

Wednesday, Nov. 4 — Cooper Center (Volcano)

Thursday, Nov. 12 — Honokaa Gym

Tuesday, Nov. 24 — Naalehu Community Center

For more information, call Hunter Bishop, 961-8565.

MEDIA RELEASE 

Speaker for the next Puana Ka Ike Lecture is ‘Volcano Jim’ – Dr. James P. Kauahikaua, scientist-in-charge at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Kauahikaua will speak on volcanology, geology, and moolelo:

James Kauahikaua

* KONA: 5:30-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, Keauhou Beach Resort, Ballroom III 

* HILO: noon-1:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 28, UH-Hilo (Eia Hawaii), University Classroom Building #127

Kauahikaua will present his research about Hawaiian moolelo (stories) found in the “Kupuna Journals.” These moolelo offer clues or indicators that can predict when a volcanic eruption is about to occur. 

Prior to assuming the post of scientist-in-charge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory in 2004, Kauahikaua served as the staff geophysicist from 1988.

Although Kauahikaua was born and raised on Oahu, the Big Island has had the pleasure of his company for the last 25 years. He studied geology and geophysics at Pomona, and continued his graduate studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he received his doctorate degree. 

Kauahikaua authored the text of the book “Volcano, Creation in Motion,” which features pictures taken by his friend, the accomplished photographer G. Brad Lewis. 

Kauahikaua lives on an old part of Mauna Loa. His love of all things volcanic is exceeded only by his love for his wife Jeri, and for their dogs, cats, and wonderful life in Hilo.

The Puana Ka Ike (Imparting Knowledge) Lecture Series aims to provide an educational forum for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, history, and tradition.

The series is sponsored by Kamehameha Investment Corporation/Kamehameha Schools, The Kohala Center, University of Hawaii at Hilo Kipuka Native Hawaiian Student Center and their Eia Hawaii Lecture Series, and Keauhou Beach Resort.

— Find out more:

Natalie Deisroth at 808-322-0088 ext. 100, e-mail info@kohalacenter.org, or kohalacenter.org/puanakaike/about.html

MEDIA RELEASE

The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the short closure of Cooper Center and the adjoining Skatepark located on Wright Road in Volcano from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, September 11, due to a scheduled maintenance power outage by HELCO. The department apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.