State and County Team-Up to Tackle Hazardous Albizia Trees

The State’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the County of Hawai’i’s Department of Public Works are teaming up February 26-28 to remove invasive albizia trees along Upper Puna Road.

State and County crews are working in coordination with the Big Island Invasive Species Committee’s (BIISC) Albizia Demonstration Project in Keau’ohana State Forest Reserve and Black Sands Subdivision, of lower Puna. Albizia trees within 100 ft. of the road, endangering motorists, will be cut down, then chipped and returned to the forest or, for larger trees, removed. BIISC will follow-up by applying herbicide to stumps and nonhazardous trees using methods developed with the University of Hawai’i extension program and the US Forest Service.

By teaming up, crews will be able to cover both County and State right-of-ways and synchronize their efforts. “This project demonstrates how all stakeholders, government, private sector, and residents, can work together to manage the albizia problem in more cost effective ways,” said BIISC Manager Springer Kaye.

The State and County tree work will be done from 8:00am-2:00pm, starting from the intersection of Upper Puna Road and Highway 130, extending 0.3 miles along Upper Puna Road. Motorists are advised to expect intermittent delays on Upper Puna Road during these times and to take the alternate route of One`Ele`Ele Road to access Black Sands Subdivision.

According to Ecologist Flint Hughes, with the U.S. Forest Service, ”Albizia, or Falcataria moluccana, is a statewide ecological and public safety problem. Albizia’s rapid and pervasive growth destroys native forests by shading out native plants and improving conditions other invasive flora, such as strawberry guava. On top of that, the tree’s brittle branches and shallow roots easily break in wind or rain, then fall on homes, roads, and power lines.”

The 500-acre Albizia Demonstration Project area in Puna includes trees overhanging homes and roads, as well as in native lowland forest. Kaye explains “Stakeholders identified this area of Puna as a case study to showcase the wide range of issues in albizia control, develop best management practices, and empower communities to limit the spread of these menacing trees in their own neighborhoods.”

Since December, BIISC has held three Community Training Workshops, where the public learned how to safely and effectively use herbicide to kill albizia trees not threatening infrastructure. The next Community Training Workshops will be held during the Hawai’i Invasive Species Awareness Week, from 9:00am-2:00pm, at various locations in East Hawai’i.

For more information on Community Training Workshops, please contact BIISC at 933-3340.

 

Mahalo to Ho’omana Tree Service for Going Above and Beyond the Duty of Call

If you live in Puna… you will constantly deal with trees and a jungle living near you.  For the last five years I’ve been so busy with things that my yard has gotten kind of crazy and a bit out of control!

Mahalo to Ho’omana Tree Service for hooking my yard up!  It looks killer!
I wasn’t even around for the final day and they did everything to specifications…. AND did even more!

Best tree service company I have ever dealt with here on the Big Island.

Maps of Old Puna Surface Courtesy of Ho’okuleana

The following maps were posted on my Facebook site by Peter Young of  Ho’okuleana LLC after I raised a question about the Old Government Rd. that follows the coastline from Puna into Hilo.

This is a map of 1902 Puna:

Click to Enlarge

This is a map of the Puna District of Hawaii from 1875:

Click on image to enlarge

Wordless Wednesday: Invasion – Little Fire Ants in Hawaii (The Movie)

Invasive species introductions to Hawaii often end in regret and a list of should-haves.

This film, produced by the Maui Invasive Species Committee, aims to change the result of the arrival of little fire ants in Hawaii.

Featuring videography from award-winning film makers Masako Cordray and Chris Reickert, this half-hour film examines the biology, impacts, and potential solutions to the spread of little fire ants through interviews with scientists, farmers, and community on the Big Island reeling from the impacts of this minuscule, but devastating, ant.

Little Fire Ant – Queen and worker ant

Viewers will learn how to identify and report new infestations, helping to protect Hawaii from this small stinging ant.

More info here: http://www.lfa-hawaii.org/

Big Island Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man Following Robbery in Pahoa on Wednesday

A 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with several offenses following a robbery in Pāhoa on Wednesday night (January 29).

Puna Patrol officers responded to a 9:09 p.m. report that a 59-year-old Pāhoa man had been walking in Pāhoa around 8:30 p.m. when an unknown man kicked him, knocked him to the ground and stole his backpack. The suspect fled on foot.

Fred I. Silva

A short time later, police found the suspect in the vicinity. Fred I. Silva, 23, who has no permanent address, was arrested and charged with four counts of contempt of court and taken to the Hilo police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation into the robbery.

At 10:50 a.m. Thursday (January 30), detectives charged him with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault and fourth-degree theft. His bail was set at $27,000. He remained in the cellblock pending his initial court appearance on Friday (January 31).

Photography Is Not a Crime – Lawyer Threatens Me Over Today’s #WordlessWednesday Picture

Well once again I’m getting threatened by an attorney for something that seems ridiculous and I will ask this question now… Is taking photographs of cars and the signs that are on them illegal?

Earlier today, as I do on many Wednesdays, I posted a post entitled: “Wordless Wednesday – I Lost My Implants…” where I simply stated:  “I saw this truck parked at Island Naturals in Pahoa on the Big Island yesterday:” and then posted a picture of a truck that I saw parked at Island Naturals in Pahoa.

This afternoon I received an email from Honolulu Law firm WILLIAM J. NAGLE III, ESQ., Roeca Luria & Hiraoka LLP stating:

Mr. Tucker:

This firm represents Dr. ***********  in the matter of the photograph of the sign displayed on your blog dated 1/29/14.  We request that the photograph be removed from your blog (damontucker.com) as the contents of the sign are offensive to our client.  Because your blog is widely read on the Big Island, the photograph of the sign has disappointed and upset Dr. *********.
Mahalo for your kokua in this matter.

Well I don’t know what I should do really and feel that I have every right to post pictures I take in public.  I was just posting an observation I saw and really wasn’t making any statement other then it was “Wordless” in a sense.

I’ve left the blog post up… but have now removed the Doctors name from the picture.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY A CRIME?  Here is the incriminating photograph… minus the doctors name:

Dr. Who?

Wordless Wednesday – “I Lost My Implants…”

I saw this truck parked at Island Naturals in Pahoa on the Big Island yesterday:

 

Big Island Police Searching for Missing 77-Year-Old Puna Man

1/27/14 UPDATE: Hawaiʻi Island police have located 77-year-old Johannen Poche of Pāhoa, who was reported missing.   He returned home Friday afternoon.

Hawaiʻi Island police are searching for a 77-year-old Puna man who was reported missing.

Johannen Poche

Johannen Poche of Hawaiian Beaches was last seen in Pāhoa town at 8 a.m. Friday (January 24).

He is described as 5-foot-9, 150 pounds with white-silver hair and brown eyes. He walks hunched over and was last seen wearing a red long-sleeved sweater, dark blue sweat pants and a hat.

Police ask anyone with information on his whereabouts 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.

Neighborhood Place of Puna Receives $5,811.19 From Ohana Fuels

Ohana Fuels, a TOP TIER brand of Hawaii Petroleum Inc., recently donated $5,811.19 to Neighborhood Place of Puna.

Ohana Fuels’ generous donation will help Neighborhood Place of Puna provide free weekly home visits to some of the 150 families we serve each year. Neighborhood Place of Puna will work directly with these families, in their homes, to connect them to essential services and resources. We will also teach and model the skills necessary to raise safe and healthy children, simple things like: basic hygiene, money management, effective communication, developmentally appropriate parenting, and the importance of a structured family life, said Paul Normann, Executive Director of Neighborhood Place of Puna.

Ohana Fuels is proud to support Neighborhood Place of Puna, and we know that our donation will be used wisely. Ohana Fuels and Hawaii Petroleum are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and the goal of our Ohana Fuels giving program is to partner with organization that provide services to those in need. We are honored to be able to do this, said Kimo Haynes, President of Hawaii Petroleum Inc.

Ohana Fuels’, a TOP TIER™ brand of Hawaii Petroleum Inc., first priority is “family” and everyone who lives in the neighborhoods they serve. Ohana Fuels is proud to support the organizations and missions important to island families.

Results of the 2013 Pahoa Holiday Parade

The winners for the Pahoa holiday parade are as follows:

Best Keiki Group

1. Montessori Country School
2. Head Start

Best Student Group

1. Malamalama Waldorf
2. Boys and Girls Club

Best Kupuna

1. VWF Motorcycles
2. (TIE) Puka Ukulele and Red Hat

Best Club

1. Kalani Honua
2. Spa Paradissimo

Best True To Theme

1. Black Sands
2. Pahoa High School Float

Best Community Spirit

1. Malama Market
2. (TIE) Boys and Girls Club and Savio Realty

Pictures From the 2013 Pahoa Holiday Parade

Today was the 2013 Pahoa Holiday Parade.  Montessori Country School in Pahoa served as the Grand Marshall of this years parade.

You can click on the pictures below for the full size image:

Public Invited to Community Town Hall Meeting With Sen. Russell Ruderman

The public is invited to join Senator Russell Ruderman as he hosts a Community Talk Story Session in Kea‘au to discuss state legislation, community priorities, and how the public can participate in the legislative process with a look towards the upcoming 2014 Legislative Session.

The talk story will be held at the Kea‘au Community Center on Thursday, December 12th at 6pm.  Please join your senator for a lively session to provide your feedback in this democratic process.

For more information, please call Senator Ruderman’s office in Honolulu at (808) 586-6890 or toll free at 974-4000 (then enter 66890) or by email: senruderman@capitol.hawaii.gov.

This event is open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

Highlights of the 2013 Hilo Christmas Parade – Pahoa Holiday Parade Next Weekend

Highlights of the 2013 Hilo Christmas Parade on the Big Island of Hawaii sponsored by the Hilo Jaycees:

Just a reminder that the Pahoa Holiday Parade will be happening next Saturday, December 7th.

Pahoa Girl Qualifies for National NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition

On November 2^nd, 12-year-old Pahoa Intermediate 7^th Grade student Staysia Hoomana won her age group bracket (12-13) of the regional NFL Punt, Pass and Kick that was held at Pana’ewa field.  This has made her eligible for the NATIONAL NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition that will be held on San Diego on December 2^nd, 2013.

Staysia Hoomana of the Puna Panthers has qualified for the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick contest that will be held in California next month.

Her family, teammates and friends will be doing fundraisers to support her and her father’s effort in being able to attend.

On Wednesday, November 27^th from 8am – 4pm they will be having a car wash for $5.00 at Pahoa Auto Parts across from Longs where they will also be accepting donations and distributing smoked meat that was purchased on a presale basis.

Smoked meat will be sold for 2lbs for $25.00 and folks can pre-order and pick up at the car wash. You can pre-order smoked meat through email from Christoher Hoomana at Christopherhoomana @ gmail.com or Malia Kaawaloa at rkaawaloa @ yahoo.com (no spaces).

There is an account set up for her at Bank of Hawaii.  Donations can be made at any Bank of Hawaii under the “Staysia Hoomana Fund” and all the help is very appreciated.

I asked her father Christopher Hoomana, “How does it feel as a parent to have your daughter get so far in the competition” and he said “I’m ecstatic. ..very proud of her…she’s grown to be a tuff cookie…what I’m really proud of she can be an inspiration for other girls…GO GIRL POWER.!!  #23 puna panthers popwarner coach Like Kaipo and coach Donald La’a. I’d like to give them a much mahalo for being great coaches that instill pride dedication and discipline to our keiki and all their time. Mahalo”

2013 Pahoa Holiday Parade Information

Mainstreet Pahoa Association, celebrating 20 years in operation, will host the Pahoa Holiday Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Pahoa Village Road will be closed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Montessori Country School, which celebrates 30 years in Pahoa this year, will be honored as the parade’s grand marshal. The parade’s theme will be “Passport to Pahoa.”

Get parade applications at Pahoa Puna Buy and Sell, Puna Style or Jeff Hunt Surfboards.

Since Pahoa High and Intermediate School won’t be hosting a ho’olaulea his year following the parade, food and arts and crafts vendors may rent a booth at the farmers market in Pahoa Village.

Contact Mainstreet Pahoa Association holiay parade co-chairs Tiffany Edwards Hunt at (808) 938-8592 and Madie Greene at (808)965-7296 for more information.

 

Big Island Police File Additional Charges Against 22-Year-Old Pahoa Man

Hawaiʻi Island police have filed additional charges against a 22-year-old Pāhoa man who is being featured this month on “Hawaiʻi Island’s Most Wanted.”

Airiel Rhodes Jost

On Thursday, police arrested Airiel Rhodes Jost on bench warrants for violating terms and conditions of his probation. He was also a suspect in other crimes.

On November 2, a 49-year-old man returned to his home on Uliana Drive in Pāhoa and found an unknown man in his house. The stranger exited the house and threatened the victim with a knife before leaving.

On November 8, a Mercedez Benz automobile was removed from the garage of a house on Kapoho Beach Road.

On November 14, a Mazda Miata sports car was stolen from a home on Luana Street in the Leilani Estates subdivision and later crashed.

Police investigation linked all three incidents to Jost. Friday afternoon, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section charged him with first-degree burglary, first-degree terroristic threatening, two counts of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and driving without a license. His bail was set at $57,000.

Jost is being featured this month on the cable access program “Hawaiʻi Island’s Most Wanted,” which was pre-recorded before his arrest.

The program airs on Na Leo O Hawaiʻi Community Television Channel 54 on Sundays at 5 p.m. and Fridays at 5:30 p.m. It also airs intermittently on Channel 53

Related articles

• New Episode of “Hawaii Island’s Most Wanted” Begins Airing Tonight (damontucker.com)

 

Pahoa Man and Woman Arrested in Connection with Puna Burglary

A Pāhoa man and woman have been arrested in connection with a burglary Tuesday (November 12) in Puna.

The pair is accused of entering a house on Ono Street in the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision shortly before noon Tuesday and removing the entry door and an air conditioning unit. The items were valued at $468.

Nicole Kruse

About an hour later, police arrested 19-year-old Nicole Kruse and 34-year-old Micah Lopez in Pāhoa. They were taken to the Hilo police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation.

Micah Lopez

At 8:30 a.m. Thursday (November 14), detectives charged Kruse with first-degree burglary and second-degree theft. Her bail was set at $7,000, and she was scheduled to appear in court Thursday afternoon.

At 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Lopez was charged with first-degree burglary and second-degree theft with bail set at $35,000. He was also charged with violating parole. His court appearance is scheduled for Friday.

Second Hearing Set for Puna Agriculture Initiative at Pahoa Community Center

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management (CAFNRM) holds a second public meeting to gather input on an agricultural action plan for the region. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, November 25, at the Pahoa Community Center.

The Pahoa Community Center is also known as the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility

CAFNRM is currently conducting a preliminary needs assessment for a community-based rural outreach program and establishment of a Higher Education Learning Network as called for under the recently adopted Hawaiʻi State Senate Resolution (SR)150.

Click to read full bill

The goal of the initiative is to create jobs in the district and provide a business incubator to encourage greater food crop production.

The College is seeking input on various issues, including training and information, assisting existing farmers and food processors, and resources needed to attract new farmers to grow and process food for local markets.

For more information, contact CAFNRM at 932-7691.

 

Luquin’s Waitress in Pahoa Receives Surprise $500.00 Tip from “Aaron’s Last Wish”

A waitress at Luquin’s restaurant in Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii was blessed with a huge $500.00  tip from “Aaron’s Last Wish“.

Winner of Aaron’s tip

Aaron was born June 15, 1982.  He was a computer technician for Computers Plus in Lexington, KY and held a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management.  Aaron lived his life quickly, not holding on to many things and always with a vigor to have experiences not possessions.

He was incredibly sentimental, though he always tried to hide it.  The small things people did for him are what touched him the most.  He was generous with the limited means he had, and his last wishes were that any money he had be given freely in ways that would impact those who received it.

See more at: http://aaroncollins.org/?page_id=2#sthash.08BkDodw.dpuf

Aaron states:

I finally made my way out to Hawaii. Thanks to William (from the Spokane video) I had a wonderful family to stay with on the big island. Wednesday we all went out to eat at Luquin’s and surprised Pepper with a $500 tip. Check it out and stick around at the end for cupcakes!

Here is video of the surprise:

Wrestling Clinic & Take Down Event at Pahoa High School

Wrestling Clinic & Take Down Event at Pahoa High School Gym on Saturday, November 16, 2013.