Kaloko-Honokohau |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-2024. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
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Friday, August 9, 1991 A tropical storm which had been downgraded from hurricane status passed about 400 miles south of the island of Hawaii on August 7th. Wind speeds as high as 65 mph were recorded in the park; off shore wind gusts reached 85 mph. The park was closed to the public at noon on Wednesday, and was expected to reopen sometime on Thursday. Cleanup activities were underway at the time of the report. The total estimated cost for cleanup work and repairs to damage has been placed at about $4,500. No injuries were reported. A single structure, occupied by a person residing there under permit, was damaged and evacuated, but it's expected that the resident will be able to return to the house. [Francis Kuailani, Superintendent, KAHO, via CompuServe message from Carl Christensen, RAD/WRO, 8/8]
Four families residing in the Ai-O-Pio area of the park under special use permits were evacuated in the early hours of December 20th because of high tides and high surf. Three of the four families became isolated when the bridge connecting their island to the mainland collapsed; rangers and residents had to cross between waves, walking in four feet of water. One resident, an 80-year-old man, refused to leave, but the park superintendent was prepared to order his evacuation if necessary. At the time of the report, the storm was not yet over, and the park was preparing to meet with residents to review the park emergency plan. County civil defense authorities had been notified that shelter might be required for these families. [Francis Kuailani, Superintendent, KAHO, via telefax from RAD/WRO, 12/20]
On July 22nd, archeologists working on the north side of 'Aimakapa Pond discovered nine marijuana plants growing under the cover of a kiawe tree. The plants ranged in size from two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half feet and had an estimated street value of $9,000. The plants were removed and turned over to county police for destruction. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO, 7/29]
Since the direct effects of Hurricane Iniki were confined primarily to the island of Kauai, which is well away from any NPS areas, Hawaiian parks reported little serious damage: * Kaloko Honokohau (Island of Hawaii) - Heavy surf caused damage to roads, trails, visitor facilities, and both natural and cultural resources. The park will be closed indefinitely while repair work takes place. [Geri Bell, Pacific Area Office; Jerry Shimoda, Superintendent, PUHO/PUHE; 9/16]
On March 6th, Hawaii County EMS dispatch called the park for assistance with a man who had collapsed at Honokohau Harbor. Ranger Tom Crockett found that the victim, D.A., had a pulse but was not breathing. Crockett opened D.A.'s airway, restoring his breathing, and continued to monitor his vital signs until relieved by county paramedics. County police located a substance believed to be heroin in D.A.'s possession. According to witnesses, he apparently injected a drug to help him sleep following his return from a long commercial fishing trip. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO]
Francis Kuailani, superintendent of Kaloko-Honokohau, suffered a heart attack early on the morning of May 15th and has been hospitalized at the Straub Hospital in Honolulu. No details regarding the severity of the attack or his condition were available at the time of the report yesterday afternoon. Inquiries concerning him should be directed to Bryan Harry, superintendent of Pacific Island SSO. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO]
Francis Kuailani, superintendent of Kaloko-Honokohau, is recovering from the heart attack which he experienced early on the morning of May 15th. He was moved out of intensive care on May 16th, and may be released this week. Notes can be sent to him at the hospital (Straub Clinic and Hospital, 888 S. King Street, Room 336, Honolulu, HI 96813) or at home (Kona Pacific Condominium, 75-5865 Walua Road, Apt. E-531, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO]
An interagency task force comprised of about 50 rangers and law enforcement officers evicted the Pai family and several sympathizers from the park and adjacent state land at dawn on the morning of Friday, February 14th. The family had been illegally occupying park lands since they refused to sign a continuing special use permit in 1993 and claimed native rights to the area. Participating along with park rangers were officers from the U.S. Park Police, U.S. Marshal Service, Hawaii Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Hawaii Police Department. The operation was supported by a DEA helicopter and a Coast Guard C-130 which flew the arrest van, vehicles and marshals to the park from Honolulu during the early morning hours. The action resulted in one federal arrest and eight state arrests for interfering with an officer. The U.S. Attorney's Office and the Service spent the last year planning the removal. A district court judge signed a federal eviction notice on February 10th, thereby setting the eviction process in motion. The cleanup of the property has been underway since Friday; DLNR and NPS staff have removed and stored personal property and have hauled seven, 40-foot dumpsters of debris from the land. Several hazardous materials sites have been identified where paint, acid and other wastes were dumped. NPS efforts were managed by the Pacific West regional all-risk management team. [Dwayne Collier, IC, IMT, 2/18]
An interagency task force comprised of about 50 rangers and law enforcement officers evicted the Pai family and several sympathizers from the park and adjacent state land at dawn on the morning of Friday, February 14th. The family had been illegally occupying park lands since they refused to sign a continuing special use permit in 1993 and claimed native rights to the area. One of the occupants, K.N., also known as H.N., Jr., refused to leave the area and was accordingly arrested. He was in federal custody for five days after the eviction because he refused to identify himself. On March 7th, K.N. was found guilty of interfering with an agency function in magistrate's court, but found not guilty on a second charge of failing to obey the command of a law enforcement officer. He was sentenced to a day in jail, with credit for time served, and ordered to pay a $10 special assessment fee. K.N. has protested similar evictions before and is known as a member of the sovereignty movement in Hawaii. [Paul Ducasse, SA, PWR, 3/12]
On July 24th, R.C. and L.B. were cited for violating a temporary regulation which closed Honokohau beach to nude sunbathing. Both men entered guilty pleas in court in October and were fined. Congress established the park in 1978 as a center for the preservation, interpretation and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture. It's been determined that nude sunbathing is in derogation of traditional values of native Hawaiians and therefore in conflict with the park's enabling legislation. A proposed regulation prohibiting nude sunbathing is currently being reviewed in the solicitor's office. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO, 10/28]
In October, 1997, four individuals were cited for nude sunbathing in the park under a temporary closure through authority established in 36 CFR 1.5(f). The case eventually went to court. The defense argued that the superintendent's order banning nudity was adopted in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act. On September 9th, a federal magistrate filed an order supporting the park's authority to make the closure and denying the defense's motion to dismiss the violations. The park was established in 1978 to "provide a center for the preservation, interpretation and perpetuation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture." Through public input, it was determined that nude bathing was an inappropriate activity within the park, and efforts to discourage such activity were begun in the mid-1990s. In December, 1996, the superintendent published an order prohibiting nude sunbathing and drafted permanent regulations. The proposed permanent rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on April 20th. Comments have been received and compiled and are awaiting final publication in the Federal Register. [Jerry Case, CR, KAHO, 9/16]
Ranger Steve Jarrel was shot and killed while on duty in the park yesterday morning. His duty weapon is missing. No further details are available at this hour. An FBI investigative team from Honolulu is on scene; two criminal investigators and part of a SET team from Pacific West Region are en route to the park. A CISD team will be dispatched today. Steve's spouse, J.M.M.-J., is a protection ranger at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP, located just down the coast of Hawaii from Kaloko-Honokohau NHP. Additional information will be transmitted as soon as it is received. [Dennis Burnett, RAD/WASO, 12/13]
The intensive investigation into the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, 47, continues (a digital photo of Steve is attached to this edition of the Morning Report). He was last seen patrolling the park around 10 a.m. on Sunday morning. A visitor walking the beach about 90 minutes later saw drag marks across the sand; she followed them to the point where they passed behind a beach berm, found his body, and called 911. A multi-agency investigation is underway which includes about 20 FBI agents, many local police, and NPS criminal investigators Greg Jablonski, Scott Hinson and Jeff Sullivan. The FBI has released the description of a primary suspect, based on information received from a citizen who believes he saw the man late yesterday afternoon. The description provided to the press was as follows: "The suspect is Caucasian, possibly homeless, about six feet tall with curly blonde hair and a tan complexion, and is frequently in the company of three dogs. . . The man is considered armed and dangerous." The FBI has also offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer. No additional information is yet available about the incidents leading up to Steve's death. They will be provided as soon as they are available. A six-person SET team under Dale Antonich is on scene, as are rangers from Hawaii Volcanoes NP. They will be joined by a five-person all-risk incident management team under Glen Rothell. A doctor from Hawaii who specializes in critical incident care is at the park to assist employees. He will be joined today by a stress debriefing team and CISD counselors. Counseling will also be provided to Steve's friends and co-workers at other area parks. Steve worked as a seasonal interpretive ranger at the USS Arizona Memorial and at Hawaii Volcanoes NP from 1988 to 1992, then took a permanent position in resource and visitor protection at Kaloko Honokohau. He was a FLETC graduate. Steve is survived by his wife J.M.M.-J., a protection ranger at nearby Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP. Condolences may be sent to her at 73-4598-A Old Mamalahoa Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. The date and time for the funeral have not yet been determined, but it will be at the Episcopal church in Hilo. The park will be establishing a donation account in Steve's name; information on how to donate will appear in a future Morning Report. [Jim Martin, HAVO, 12/13; Jerry McCarthy, PWRO, 12/13; Rod Thompson, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12/13]
According to today's edition of the Honolulu Advertiser, an unnamed man was arrested last night in connection with the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. A police spokesman in Kona said that the man was arrested around 7 p.m. and was being questioned by FBI agents. Neither the police nor the FBI offered any elaboration. The FBI and National Park Service yesterday offered a reward of $41,000 (up from $10,000) for information leading to an arrest, but there's no indication that there was a linkage between the two in last night's arrest. Additional details will be provided as soon as they are received. Services for Steve will be held tomorrow at the Church of the Holy Apostles at 1407 Kapiolani Street in Hilo. Steve's wife, JoniMae, has asked that NPS employees wear Class A summer uniforms. The exact time of the service has not yet been determined. There may also be another service at Dodo Mortuary in Hilo on Saturday. Final details will be transmitted as soon as they are received. An account has been set up to receive donations for Steve's family. Checks should be made out to J.M.M.-J. and sent to Hawaii Natural History Association, PO Box 74, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718. Previous editions of the Morning Report erroneously reported that J.M.M.-J. worked at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP; she's a ranger at Puukohola Heiau NHS, which is on the coast of Hawaii north of Kaloko-Honokohau. [The Honolulu Advertiser, 12/15; Jim Martin, HAVO, 12/14; Lorna Akima, PUHE, 12/14]
On the evening of December 14th, E.B., 30, was arrested by the FBI on federal charges for the shooting death of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. E.B. was arrested by agents after a brief foot chase about 20 miles north of the park. The incident evidently began when Makuakane-Jarrell responded to a visitor complaint about E.B.'s three unleashed and vicious dogs. E.B. has said that Makuakane- Jarrell used pepper spray on his dogs; the ranger's partially expended pepper spray canister was found a short distance from his body on December 12th. E.B. said he then shot and killed Makuakane-Jarrell. He led NPS investigators and FBI agents to the spot where he'd hidden the ranger's duty weapon among some lava rocks in the park. Makuakane-Jarrell was shot once through the arm and torso and once in the head. E.B. admitted to shooting him while he lay wounded on the ground. Ballistic tests are still incomplete on the sequence of shots and on whether the rounds that killed Makuakane-Jarrell came from his weapon. E.B. was arraigned yesterday in federal court in Honolulu on charges of assaulting and murdering a United States park ranger (18 USC 1111 and 1114) and is being held without bail. Additional details will be released as they become available. The arrest was the result of concerted cooperative efforts among NPS investigators, FBI agents, Hawaii County police, and Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources officers. The public also provided numerous tips about sightings of the suspect, based on a witness description. Makuakane-Jarrell leaves his wife, J.M.M-J., his three children, J.M-S. (Hau'oli), K.G., and B.G., his father, E.J., and his brothers R. (M.) and T.J. Makuakane-Jarrell served as a ranger for 15 years. Seven of those were at Kaloko- Honokohau, where he shared his passion for communicating the importance of preserving the coastal park's biological resources and perpetuating its unique cultural heritage. He also worked as a ranger at the USS Arizona Memorial on Oahu and at Andersonville and Jimmy Carter National Historic Sites in Georgia. Prior to his employment by the NPS, Makuakane-Jarrell, a native of Athens, Georgia, worked for the Georgia state park system. Makuakane-Jarrell and his wife met while attending a ranger training class at Grand Canyon National Park in 1986. Their long-distance relationship - he was in Georgia, she was in Hawaii - became a permanent union when he moved to Hawaii. They soon married and he embraced the Hawaiian way, taking on her name along with his own. He was dedicated to resource and visitor protection, laboring to safeguard oral histories, archeological sites, geological formations, and rare and endangered plants, birds and sea animals. His enthusiasm about the NPS mission was contagious and he readily shared it with friends, family, visitors and school children. The Pacific West regional all-risk management team (Glen Rothell, IC) is coordinating the NPS response to this tragedy and is being assisted by a SET team under Dale Antonich, a CISD team headed by Gus Martinez, and staff from Hawaii Volcanoes NP. Memorial services will include a wake at Dod Mortuary in Hilo on Friday, December 17th; they will begin at 5 p.m., with a service at 7 p.m. There will be a funeral at Church of the Holy Apostles (Episcopal) in Hilo on Saturday, December 18th, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and a service at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Mauna Kea Memorial Park. The family has asked that NPS personnel wear their summer uniforms at the memorial services. The family has also asked that law enforcement personnel wear their defensive equipment to the services. Each NPS region has been asked to send one official uniformed field representative to the memorial services. The designated regional representatives will need to contact the all-risk management team by faxing their travel authorizations and itinerary to the team at 808-329-2597. Many rangers from Hawaiian parks and a U.S. Park Police color guard and bugler will also be present. A trust fund has been set up for the family by the Hawaii Natural History Association. Checks made payable to J.M.M-J. may be sent to the Hawaii Natural History Association, PO Box 74, Hawaii Natoinal Park, HI 96718. [Frank Dean and Mardie Lane, IO's, 12/15]
According an affidavit filled in federal court, cited in yesterday's Honolulu Star-Bulletin, E.B. has claimed that he shot ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell in self-defense. E.B., described as an unemployed transient, said that he turned the ranger's 9mm pistol against him during the struggle, "which resulted in the ranger shooting himself." FBI special agent in charge Myron Fuller said that evidence so far does not support E.B.'s claim, but declined further comment. The affidavit also quotes E.B. as saying that he continued to shoot Makuakane-Jarell once he was wounded and fell to the ground. Memorial services will take place at 7 p.m. today at Dodo Mortuary in Hilo (flowers may be sent to the mortuary at 199 Wainaku Street, Hilo, HI 96720; phone 808-935-5751). The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon. Director Bob Stanton, who will be attending the funeral, has sent the following letter to J.M.M.-J. and her family: "On behalf of the National Park Service family, I want to extend my deepest sympathy for the recent loss of your husband, Steve, in the line of duty. I feel a profound sense of sorrow and outrage over his death. I know words seem inadequate, but it is my sincere hope that the condolences of the National Park Service will be a source of comfort as time passes. Steve was an exemplary park ranger and a credit to the profession and art of 'rangering.' Most Americans know firsthand the dedication and professionalism of National Park Service Rangers. Few consider the courage and commitment it takes to put your life on the line to protect the National Parks and our visitors. I have been told that Steve was one of the first rangers at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park and helped the Park through many of its early growing pains. Throughout his career with the National Park Service, Steve made countless contributions to the Service and the public. I promise they will be remembered. He was without a doubt, a very highly skilled park ranger who believed strongly in the mission of the National Park Service. I am told that he was devoted to his family, loved people and was dedicated to protecting park resources for the enjoyment of others. Steve will be greatly missed by our National Park Service family. He deserves our everlasting gratitude and respect. I hope that time will be kind to you and your children and help get you through this very difficult period." [Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 12/16; Kathy Clark, PWRO, 12/16; Dave Barna, 12/16]
Memorial and funeral services for ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell were held this past Friday and Saturday. Digital photos are attached to the cc:Mail edition of the Morning Report and appear at the bottom of the web page edition. On Thursday, December 16th, Steve's body was driven from Kona to Hilo, Hawaii, in preparation for the services. The route passed through several NPS areas; entire park staffs and local police departments were lined up along the road and saluted as the procession passed. Memorial services were held in Hilo on December 17th and 18th. The Friday evening service at the mortuary began with a ranger honor guard on each side of the casket during the viewing by family and NPS staff. Members of the Park Police honor guard stood by the casket during the public viewing. The formal service began with a procession of law enforcement rangers and the Park Police honor guard's presentation of colors. Local Hawaiian singing and music greeted those attending the service as they entered the mortuary. Kaloko-Honokohau superintendent Geri Bell then introduced the speakers. Scot McElveen, chief ranger at John Day Fossil Beds NM, gave a moving tribute to his colleague from their Ranger Skills course. Mardie Lane, a park ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes NP and family friend, then reminisced eloquently and with humor on how Steve had met wife Joni Mae at Ranger Skills and had subsequently adjusted to his new lifestyle in Hawaii. Pacific West regional director John Reynolds expressed his sympathy to both of the families and to the National Park Service family. He offered this observation: "Steve was everything that the NPS looks for in a ranger. Steve dedicated his work life to America's most important heritage, its national parks, and equally to protecting and preserving native Hawaiian culture". Director Robert Stanton then eloquently conveyed his condolences to the families on behalf of the secretary and the National Park Service. Director Stanton also read letters of condolence from the president, senator Daniel Inouye, and the governor of Hawaii. Approximately 100 uniformed NPS personnel were on hand; over 500 people attended the ceremony, including numerous representatives from local and federal law enforcement organizations. At the end of the service, the NPS rangers marched out in a processional line behind the family and the honor guard. The family then hosted local food and refreshments for all the guests. A funeral service was held on December 18th; details will appear tomorrow or Wednesday in the Morning Report. [Frank Dean, IO, 12/19; digital photos from Jim Martin, HAVO, 12/19]
The funeral service for ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell was held on Saturday, December 18th, at the Edith Kanakaole Stadium in Hilo. A ranger honor guard lined the driveway as the hearse arrived; the Park Police honor guard then presented the colors, and the rangers saluted as the casket was moved to the center of the stadium. Three Episcopal ministers presented prayers, readings and a homily, and were followed by several speakers. At the end of the service, rangers saluted again as the casket was loaded into the hearse. Steve's widow, J.M.M.-J., rode in Steve's marked patrol car behind the hearse. These two vehicles were followed by many marked NPS patrol vehicles and the rest of the funeral procession. Police from the Hilo area stood along the road in the pouring rain and saluted as the procession passed on its way to Mauna Kea Memorial Park. A member of the Park Police honor guard played taps at the cemetery. Director Stanton then gave the flag to Joni Mae, and Steve's remains were interred. A Hawaiian feast and native music were provided at the stadium after the funeral. Total attendance was estimated at about 400 people, including over 100 uniformed staff from the NPS and other agencies. E.B. remains in custody without bail. A detention hearing was held yesterday in federal district court in Honolulu. NPS and FBI investigators continue to process information and prepare the case for trial. Pacific West Region SET team members staffed many of the parks on the island of Hawaii during the weekend while park staff attended the services. Some all-risk management team members demobed on Sunday. A few SET team members will remain at Kaloko-Honokohau NHP through the Christmas period to assist the park's small staff with visitor and resource protection. J.M.M.-J. has been approved as a participant in the leave donation program. If you'd like to donate leave to assist her and her family during this difficult period, please forward your donation forms to Pacific Islands SO personnel officer Lea Scow (phone: 808-541-2693; fax: 808-541-3696). The park extends its thanks to everyone in the NPS for the "overwhelming support and kind words of sympathy which have been conveyed to us over the past few days." [Frank Dean, IO, IMT, 12/20; Daniel Kawaiaea, Superintendent, PUHE, 12/20]
On December 21st, E.F.B. III, the suspect in the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, was indicted on one count of first degree murder of an officer of the United States (18 USC 1114). E.F.B. is scheduled to be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on December 30th, and is being held without bail following a detention hearing held on December 23rd. Previously scheduled detention hearings were rescheduled after E.F.B. told the court that he did not wish to be represented by the federal public defender. The United States Attorney's Office won it's motion to have E.F.B. evaluated for competency. NPS special agents and rangers continue to work closely on the investigation with the United States attorney, FBI agents, and Hawaii County police. (Scott Hinson, SA, 12/23)
For those of you who may have missed the original announcement in December, two funds have been established for donations made in memory of slain ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. It's important that checks be made payable to one fund or the other, not to J.-M.M.-J. Donations for J.-M.M.-J. and her family may be sent to the Steve Makuakane-Jarrell Trust Fund; donations to offset incidental costs associated with the funeral should be sent to the Steve Makuakane-Jarrell Memorial Fund. The address for both is: The Hawaiian Natural History Association, PO Box 74, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718. Meanwhile, the park has moved forward and posted an announcement for Steve's position (see "Parks and People" below). [Claudette Moreno, HAVO, 1/6; Jerry Case, CR, KAHO, 1/7]
Following his arrest on December 14, 1999 for the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, E.F.B. III was evaluated for competency at a federal hospital facility on the U.S. mainland. On April 12th, E.F.B. appeared in federal district court in Honolulu for a hearing on the findings of that evaluation. E.F.B. was found to be incompetent to stand trial at this time, as he is not competent to understand the proceedings and assist with his defense. The court ordered E.F.B. back to a federal Bureau of Prisons hospital for treatment. He will again be evaluated after a period of treatment. (Scott Hinson, SA, YOSE; Neil Akana, PR, HAVO; 4/13]
On Thursday, April 13th, seventeen citizens of Hawaii County received various amounts of reward money for information leading to the apprehension and arrest of E.F.B. for the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. The reward money was paid and presented by local FBI agents and NPS representatives Neil Akana, Talmadge Magno, and Paul Ducasse, all from Hawaii Volcanoes, and by ranger Cindy Galieto from Kaloko-Honokohau. (Scott Hinson, SA, YOSE; Neil Akana, PR, HAVO; 4/13]
Today marks the first anniversary of the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell. Makuakane-Jarrell's assailant, F.B., remains in custody and is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation. Prosecution of F.B. is on hold awaiting completion of the evaluation. [Scott Hinson, SA, YOSE, 12/11]
F.B., the suspect in the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, was found competent to stand trail during a hearing in federal court in Honolulu on January 17th. F.B., who has been in custody since two days after the December 12, 1999, murder, will be arraigned today. [Scott Hinson, SA, YOSE, 1/18]
F.B., the suspect in the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, was arraigned in federal court in Honolulu on January 19th. He entered a plea of not guily. The trial is set to begin on October 16th. [Scott Hinson, SA, YOSE, 1/20]
A number of people have asked for an update on this case. This is how it stands at present: F.E.B. III, the suspect in the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, was found competent to stand trial during a hearing in federal court in Honolulu on January 17th. F.E.B. was arraigned the following day and ordered to stand trial on October 16th. Pre-trial preparation and investigation is on-going by NPS rangers, special agents, the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI. [Scott Hinson, SA, LAME, 7/5]
Director Fran Mainella and Senator Daniel Akaka (HI) visited the parks on August 21st. They received orientations to the area and its issues and had an opportunity to get acquainted with park staff while being served refreshments at the beach adjacent to Kaloko Fishpond. Secretary Gayle Norton joined them in the evening for the traditional Hawaiian ceremonies during sunset at Pu'uhonua o Honaunau. They were then treated to a feast of traditional Hawaiian and local dishes at a luau organized by the staff. Entertainment was provided by dancers and musicians from the community. Towards the end of the evening, the party toured the luau grounds and spoke to employees and their families and staff from other DOI agencies based on Oahu and Hawaii. [Les Inafuku, CR, KAHO, 8/27]
The trial of F.E.B. III, the suspect in the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell, has been continued until January 30th. The federal grand jury in the District of Hawaii returned a true bill on a superseding indictment against F.E.B. which charged him with two firearms crimes related to the murder of Makuakane-Jarrell. Pre-trial preparation and investigation is on-going by NPS rangers and special agents, the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI. [Scott Hinson, SSA, LAME, 9/5]
On February 5, F.E.B. III was found competent to
stand trail for the murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell in
December, 1999. A July 15 trial date has been set in the District of
Hawaii. F.E.B. is charged with first degree murder, murder of a U.S.
government employee, use of a firearm to commit an act of violence, and
being a prohibited possessor of a firearm.
Today marks the fourth anniversary of the murder of ranger Steve R.
Makuakane-Jarrell. Makuakane-Jarrell was shot while he was on patrol on
December 12, 1999, at Kaloko-Honokohau NHP. His widow, J.M.M.-J.,
is a park ranger at Hawaii Volcanoes NP.
Makaukane-Jarrell's assailant - F.B. - remains in
federal custody while he is evaluated for competency. No new trial date
has yet been set. Additional updates will appear as warranted.
On March 18th, U.S. District Judge Susan Mollway found that F.E.B. F.E.B.III is competent to stand trail and is able to assist in his defense. F.E.B. is charged in the December 12, 1999, murder of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park A trial date of August 3, 2004 has been set.
E.F.B., III, 37, was found not guilty by reason of insanity last week after a trial in federal court. E.F.B. had been hospitalized at various Bureau of Prison hospital facilities since he shot and killed ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell on December 12, 1999. The insanity verdict applies to all three charges against E.F.B., namely, murder of an employee of the federal government while engaged in the performance of his official duties, using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The evidence at trial showed that Makuakane-Jarrell approached E.F.B. after his dogs aggressively barked and snapped at a visitor. At some point during their encounter, a struggle ensued and E.F.B. gained control over the ranger's semi-automatic handgun, shooting him twice at close range. E.F.B., who was declared incompetent to proceed to trial on several occasions since the murder, was declared competent to proceed to trial late last year. At trial, the government's own psychologist testified that E.F.B. suffered from a severe form of paranoia and schizophrenia, and testified that E.F.B., who was homeless at the time, believed that the ranger was attempting to kill him and his dogs at the time of their encounter. He also said that, due to his severe mental disease, E.F.B. was insane at the time he shot the ranger. The defense psychiatrist also testified that E.F.B. was insane at the time of the shooting due to severe paranoia and schizophrenia. E.F.B. will be remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons for a study to be conducted by mental health experts on whether he presents a risk of danger to persons or property. A hearing will be conducted by the court on November 20th regarding the issue of dangerousness. E.F.B. has a long history of mental illness and a history of violent acts and threats, which culminated in the shooting death of the ranger. "Based on this dangerous history, we will aggressively fight to keep Mr. Boyce in custody forever, because he poses such a substantial threat to the safety and welfare of our citizens," said U.S. attorney Ed Kubo. At any future hearing, Boyce will bear the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that he is not a substantial danger to other persons or property. Assistant U.S. attorney Ken Sorenson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI, NPS, and the Hawaii County Police Department. [United States Attorney, District of Hawaii]
A 6.6 magnitude earthquake centered about a mile west-southwest of Waikoloa on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii rocked the entire island chain just after 7 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, October 15th. Shortly thereafter, the islands were shaken by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake. These two big quakes were followed by more than 20 aftershocks, mostly in the 3.0 to 4.5 range. The first quake caused severe damage to the Kona, Kohala and Hamakua areas of the Big Island. Power was out throughout much of the state. All major airports were shut down temporarily until power was restored. All the national parks in Hawaii immediately began damage assessments. The Pacific Area Communication Center, which serves as the central dispatching center for all the Hawaii parks, remained open and functional throughout the disaster. Radio communication and the phone system remained intact. The following is a roundup of reports from affected parks: Kaloko-Honokohau NHP - The park, located on the Kona side of the Big Island, was closed on Sunday but reopened on Monday. FEMA has assembled a U.S. Forest Service team to document damage to federal areas. The team is scheduled to arrive on the Big Island sometime this week. [Sharon Ringsven, Park Ranger, HALE; Gail Minami-Judd, Incident Commander, HAVO; Kaiini Kaloi, Department of the Interior]
A 6.6 magnitude earthquake on the Kona side of the Big Island of Hawaii rocked the entire island chain on the morning of Sunday, October 15th. Between Sunday morning and late Tuesday, the islands were hit by more than 60 aftershocks, the biggest being near 4.0. The governor has issued a disaster declaration, and the state has been designated a federal disaster area. The following report summarizes the status of affected parks as of Tuesday afternoon: Kaloko Honokōhau National Historic Site (Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i) - Historic and modern rock walls collapsed in places. Downed vegetation affected one archeological site. The quake had only minor impacts on park facilities. A few staff members report significant structural damage to their residences.
On September 18th, the state of Hawaii's domestic cannabis eradication/suppression program (DCE/SP) task force conducted its annual statewide marijuana eradication/suppression "super mission." The operation continued for ten consecutive days and included Pacific Area law enforcement personnel from the National Park Service. The operation included all NPS lands within the state - Hawaii Volcanoes NP, Pu'uhonua O Honaunau NHP, Puukohola Heiau NHS, Kaloko-Honokohau NHP, Haleakala NP, Kalaupapa NHP and the USS Arizona Memorial. Statewide, team members eradicated 15,505 plants, seized 17 pounds of processed marijuana, $8,380 in cash and two firearms, and made ten arrests. Statistics in each of these categories have trended steadily downward over past years due to the relentless efforts of the participating agencies, which conduct bimonthly eradication operations year-round. These operations, coupled with aggressive prosecutions of cases on federal lands and heavy media coverage, have collectively become known as the "Hawaii Model" for the so-called "M7" states of the DCE/SP program - Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The result has been that most marijuana is now being found outside park boundaries and on adjacent state and private property. Without this intensive focus on park lands, marijuana growers would undoubtedly return to the seclusion and isolation of NPS areas within the state. [Scott Hinson, Special Agent in Charge]
A 37-year-old man being held at a federal medical facility after his insanity acquittal in the 1999 fatal shooting of ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell will probably spend the rest of his life in custody. On Monday, a federal district court judge ruled that E.F.B. III is dangerous and ordered him to a secured medical facility to be chosen by the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, who argued that E.F.B. should not be released, said that he will remain in custody until he demonstrates that he is not a danger. "The government believes quite firmly that his mental disease renders him a substantial danger, and we'll be fighting to keep him in custody for as long as we possibly can," preferably the rest of his life, Sorenson said. Makuakane-Jarrell was shot after responding to a complaint about E.F.B.'s dogs. E.F.B., who was homeless at the time, grabbed the ranger's gun during a struggle and shot him. E.F.B.'s case was delayed several times because he was not ruled competent to face trial until this year. At the trial, mental-health experts testified that E.F.B. suffered from severe paranoia and schizophrenia. Les Inafuku, chief ranger at Kaloko-Honokohau, said that rangers were pleased because the decision was the best possible outcome, given the circumstances of the case. "We have to look at the big picture and not just think of park rangers," he said. "If somebody is a danger to a park ranger, obviously that person is probably a danger to everybody." [Ken Kobayashi, Honolulu Advertiser]
Due to the potential severe weather hazard posed by Hurricane, Flossie most of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park closed at 10:00 a.m. yesterday morning. The following remain open: As of 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning (local time), the center of Hurricane Flossie, a Category Two hurricane, was located about 190 miles southeast of the park, moving west-northwest at about 11 mph. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch for the island of Hawai'i. Flossie packs sustained winds near 110 mph with higher gusts. Some weakening is forecast during the next 24 hours. The main effects from the hurricane were expected by mid-morning on Tuesday as Flossie passed south of the island. Tropical storm force winds of 40 to 50 mph with higher gusts were expected. The park was also looking at the prospect of Flossie dropping 10 inches or more of rainfall in the island's Ka'u District through Tuesday night. Twenty to twenty-five foot surf was forecast for the island's south facing shores. Park employees not essential to emergency operations were released from work yesterday morning. Three national parks on the west side of the island - Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Kaloko-Honokohau, and Pu'ukohola Heiau - also closed yesterday. For updates on Hurricane Flossie, go to HYPERLINK "http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc/" http://www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/cphc/. [Mardie Lane, Public Affairs Officer]
A strong storm passing to the north of the Hawaiian Islands yesterday brought gale force winds, high surf and flash floods. Winds were clocked at from 40 to 80 mph (with higher gusts) and waves reached heights of 18 to 22 feet on north shores. Parks throughout the islands reported associated problems. Here's how they stood as of yesterday morning (local time): Kaloko-Honokohau - The road to the fishpond was closed, as was the visitor center. The park reported "hard hat" conditions. [Karen Newton, with reports from Hawaiian parks]
A strong storm passing to the north of the Hawaiian Islands this week brought gale force winds, high surf and heavy rain to parks throughout the islands. A current status report follows: Kaloko-Honokohau - The park is open. [Sharon Ringsven, HALE, and Karen Newton, PWRO, with reports from Hawaiian parks]
Parks throughout the Hawaiian Islands have provided current reports on their status following last week's severe storm: Kaloko-Honokohau - Operations are normal. [Teri Murphy, Manager, Pacific Area Communications Center]
The 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan last Friday - the fifth largest quake in the world since 1900 and nearly 8,000 times stronger than the one that recently devastated Christchurch, New Zealand - produced a tsunami that crossed the open and came up on the shores of park beaches from Guam to the West Coast. No visitor or employee injuries have been reported. The following summarizes reports submitted from all affected areas: Pu`uhonua o Honaunau and Kaloko Honkohau - The parks continue to assess tsunami-related damage. The tsunami overtopped walls and surged inland hundreds of feet at both parks. At Kaloko Honokohaum the unimproved road to Kaloko Fishpond remains closed as the coastal trail and parking area at the pond have been damaged and debris covers the parking area and picnic areas. Pu`uhonua o Honaunau will remain closed indefinitely as resource crews assess damage to the park and begin clearing debris. The tsunami surges entered the palace grounds and shore fishponds throughout the day, scattering marine debris and coastal vegetation throughout park grounds. Damage to park features has yet to be determined and significant debris is blocking safe access into the park. [Dean Ross, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, WASO; Karen Gatewood, Acting Regional Chief Ranger, PWRO; Steve Chaney, Superintendent, REDW; Kim Coast, Acting Chief Ranger, GOGA; John Quinley, Public Affairs, ARO]
Park staff at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau and Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Parks continue to assess damage to park resources, trails, and coastal areas caused by Friday's tsunami, which entered into the parks' near coastal regions, overtopping walls and surging inland hundreds of feet. Kaloko Honkohau - The unimproved road to Kaloko Fishpond remains closed as the coastal trail, picnic and parking area at the pond have been damaged and debris cover the ground far inland. The Hale Ho`okipa visitor contact station along Queen Ka`ahumanu Highway remains open daily to provide visitors information about the park and safe access paths to the coastal regions. [Eric Anderson]
Damage assessments are still underway at the two parks in Hawaii most impacted by the March 11th tsunami - Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP and Kaloko Honokōhau NHP. Parts of both parks remain closed. Here's a status report: Kaloko Honokōhau NHP - The majority of the park has been reopened to public access. The coastal trail remains closed with approximately 5150 cubic feet of damage at two separate sections along the trail. Damage to these sections includes collapse of retaining walls, disturbance of masonry walls, and complete removal of the tread to surrounding areas. The Kaloko Fishpond wall sustained damage from the tsunami at seven separate points, including damage to the capping on top of the wall, collapse of the edge of the wall, and severe erosion of the sand bank on the pond side of the wall. Approximately 2,310 cubic feet of the wall was damaged and about 6,300 cubic feet of the sand bank was disturbed. The Kaloko picnic area sustained damage in at least four different areas with approximately 525 cubic feet of damage to portions of the west wall of the main enclosure and removal of sand in approximately 19,425 square feet of area within and west of the main enclosure. The Kaloko road and picnic area have been assessed, cleaned of debris and opened to the public. [Kathy Billings, Superintendent]
On the morning of May 24th, the mason wall crew responded to calls for help from a scuba diver just offshore of the Kaloko Fishpond picnic area. Two men from Kailua-Kona were scuba diving when one of the divers suffered a stroke. His partner swam him to a rocky outcrop and called for help. Crew members responded and helped pull the injured diver to safety, while another worker called for an ambulance through the Pacific Area Dispatch Center. Park rangers responded with a litter and park staff assisted the Hawaii Fire Department in carrying the diver through tide pools and across the beach to a waiting ambulance. The diver is recovering at Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. The mason wall crew and rangers have participated in water rescue training and rescue scenarios to prepare for emergencies at the site. [Janette Chiron Gillespie, Acting Chief Ranger]
In mid-August, a panel of Bureau of Prisons mental health professionals again rendered the opinion that E.F.B. III, who shot and killed Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell on December 12, 1999, remains a threat to others and will accordingly remain in prison. This review is conducted annually. Makuakane-Jarrell was investigating complaints against E.F.B.'s three dogs on the day he was killed. After a struggle, E.F.B. gained control of the ranger's semiautomatic handgun and shot him twice, once in the forehead and once in the right arm. In 2006, E.F.B. was found not guilty of the murder by reason of insanity. A Bureau of Prisons psychologist testified for the defense that E.F.B. suffered from paranoia and schizophrenia and could not appreciate the wrongfulness of his acts due to his psychotic state. E.F.B. was ordered imprisoned until it was determined that he was no longer a danger to others. [Investigative Services Branch] | |