Sections of Volcanoes National Park will close
to vehicles
Some areas in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park at most risk for wildfire will close to vehicles beginning Sunday, August 6 at 5 p.m., and campfires will be prohibited.
Based on severe fire weather conditions in the forecast and elevated fire danger in some park areas, Mauna Loa Road will close to vehicles past the gate at Kipukapuaulu and Hilina Pali Road will close to vehicles past the gate beyond Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Pedestrians and bicycles are allowed.
In addition, all campfires and open flame cooking fires will be prohibited at Kipukapuaulu day use area, Namakanipaio Campground, and the fire pit near the Kilauea Military Camp ballfield.
“Although rain is common at the summit of Kilauea, other areas in the park are extremely dry with low humidity and the park has entered into a high fire risk index in those areas,” said Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Fire Operations Specialist Matt Desimone. “Safety is always our top priority, as well as the protection of the park’s cherished natural and cultural resources.”
Limiting vehicle access to remote areas with dry vegetation and low humidity is necessary for wildfire prevention. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers are a common cause of wildfires. A hurricane entering the Central Pacific is exacerbating the fire risk.
According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Dora, coupled with high pressure to the north, is expected to bring strong tradewinds and more dry conditions as soon as Monday, August 7 as it passes well to the south of the island of Hawaii.
Check the park website nps.govhavo and social media for updates.
Homelessness solution
grants available
The County of Hawaii, through its Office of Housing and Community Development, is requesting proposals from qualified non-profit organizations, research and educational institutions, and government agencies for a share of $10 million in Homelessness and Housing Support Grants.
The funding may be applied toward projects that provide services, operations, and programs addressing homelessness and housing on Hawaii Island.
“We strongly encourage organizations to look at the ways this funding can support their programs and services that play a vital role in protecting and uplifting some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Housing
Administrator Susan Kunz. “Together, we can make real progress toward ensuring homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring on Hawai’i Island.”
The Request For Proposals (RFP) and related documents are available on the Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) website at htps://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding/homelessness-and-housingfund. Proposals, which must be submitted electronically, are due on Sept. 7, 2023, by 4 p.m. HST. Virtual information sessions are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 2023, and 1 p.m. Aug. 14, 2023. Registration detailscan be found on the website.
The funding was made possible through Ordinance 22-26, which appropriates for five years 75% of tier two propertytax revenues annually to address homelessness and housing in Hawaii County.The first round of Homelessness and Housing Fund grants were awarded in Spring 2023. OHCD received 31applications from 21 different non-profit organizations requesting over $25 million, far exceeding the availablefunding. Following an extensive review process, OHCD awarded over $7.5 million to 13 non-profits for 16 projectsaddressing homelessness and housing on Hawaii Island.For more information on the HHF Program or to be added to our mailing list, please email ohcdengagement@hawaiicounty.gov.
Nareit Hawaii $25,000 grant to Hawaii Literacy funds expansion of adult digital literacy programs in Kona
Nareit Hawaii today presented Hawaii Literacy with a grant of $25,000 that will support the nonprofit organization in expanding the reach of its successful adult digital literacy programs to underprivileged communities on Oahu and to offer new programs on Kauai and in Kona.
According to Hawaii Literacy, one in six adults in Hawaii is considered to be functionally illiterate, which creates challenges in achieving success in life and work and addressing fundamental issues with daily living. Basic literacy is a prerequisite for learning digital skills and utilization of the internet.
This lack of digital skills and access to digital resources contributes to unemployment and the inability of many Hawaii residents to utilize education, workforce, healthcare, and government resources. Residents most affected are ethnic minorities, older adults, women, those experiencing poverty, and those living in rural areas.
Nareit Hawaii’s grant will increase the number of adult digital learning sessions that Hawaii Literacy can offer to residents needing support, and to also purchase digital devices for use by adult learners in new programs being introduced on Kauai and in Kona.
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