Public Meetings on Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan 2020
The County of Hawaii’s Civil Defense Agency is holding a series of public meetings islandwide in January 2020 to introduce the results of the Risk Assessment conducted for the county’s Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan update to the community. These meetings will provide an opportunity to the public to share their views on risk and suggestions to help fine-tune this important plan.
The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is the county’s hazard and risk assessment for natural disasters. The plan will include proposed projects to mitigate potential loss of life and property.
The Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is required to be eligible for FEMA funds. That plan must be updated every five years. The plan is closely related to and should influence the County’s General Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan. To keep up to date with the project, visit https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense/multi-hazard-mitigation-plan-2020.
The public meetings will be 6-8 p.m., Jan. 23, at the West Hawaii Civil Center in Kailua-Kona; 6-8 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Waimea Community Center; and 6-8 p.m. at the Ocean View Community Center in Ocean View.
Hearings scheduled on changes to rules on crustacean take
The DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has scheduled public hearings this month on the rules regulating the take, possession, and sale of Samoan crab, Kona crab, and lobsters in state waters. Currently, these species are regulated under statutory provisions as well as multiple rule chapters. The proposed consolidation will place all regulations in one rule chapter.
The public hearing in Kona will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Kealakehe High School Cafeteria.
Tutu’s House hosting preschool resource fair
Tutu’s House will be hosting its first preschool resource fair, 4:30-6 p.m. Jan. 10. Educators from nine preschools will be on hand to meet families and provide them with registration information. Participating schools are Cole Academy, Head Start at Waimea Elementary School, Kamehameha Schools, Malama Pokii, Punana Leo, Montessori Education Center of Hawaii, Small World Preschool, and Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool of Kohala and Waimea.
Info: Shawn Saito, shawn@tutushouse.org or 885-6777.
772 acres at Kawala conserved
The Ala Kahakai Trail Association (ATA), Kuahiwi Ranch, The Freeman Foundation, and The Trust Public Land, announced Thursday the voluntary sale and acquisition of a conservation easement over 772 acres located in Kawala ahupuaa, Kau Moku, Hawaii Island, dedicating the land in perpetuity to agricultural and cultural preservation uses. The Freeman Foundation provided financial support toward the purchase of the conservation easement (facilitated by The Trust for Public Land).
2019 a banner year for Friends of the Children of West Hawaii
2019 marked the most successful year ever for the annual Friends of the Children of West Hawaii “Dear Santa” Christmas gift project, providing gifts from Play-Doh to Power Wheels to 207 children.
Each year this program provides Christmas gifts for children in need. These children include those in foster care, victims of abuse or neglect, children of low income or homeless families, and other at-risk populations.
Info: www.fcwh.org, email info@fcwh.org, or call 331-2425.