 |
| Shai Lopez, at Ka`u High and Pahala Elementary, signals the cafeteria to prepare one lunch for the one child in the vehicle. Grab & Go free food service begins at Na`alehu on April 6 and continues in Pahala on Mondays through Fridays during the pandemic. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal |
THE TWO TRILLION DOLLAR COVID-19 RELIEF PACKAGE, passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and signed into law today by Pres. Donald Trump, drew a statement from Kaʻū 's congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. She commented on the pandemic that has most Hawaiʻiand mainland people staying at home, most businesses and public places closed, and a mounting number of deaths across the mainland, as the U.S. becomes the country with the most COVID-19 cases.
Gabbard wrote, "I pray this email finds you and your loved ones safe and well. Never before has it been so starkly undeniable that our fates as individuals, as nations, and as a world are inseparable. It will take all of us working together to defeat this global pandemic, relying on the very best of humanity to shine through and connect and unite us at a time when it would be just as easy to succumb to fear, isolation, and destructive division.
"With that in mind, I want to take a moment now to first and foremost urge you to take — and to encourage your friends, neighbors and family to also take — all the necessary preventative precautions required to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Also, here is some information you can share about new measures Congress just passed that will provide some relief to those who need it most while we continue to address the growing challenges the pandemic poses to our health, safety, and economy.
Gabbard wrote, "I am deeply inspired by and grateful for the countless examples of service above self — the abundance of courage, compassion, and strength — that I see every day as Americans step up to take care of each other despite fear and uncertainty:
Gabbard wrote, "I pray this email finds you and your loved ones safe and well. Never before has it been so starkly undeniable that our fates as individuals, as nations, and as a world are inseparable. It will take all of us working together to defeat this global pandemic, relying on the very best of humanity to shine through and connect and unite us at a time when it would be just as easy to succumb to fear, isolation, and destructive division.
"With that in mind, I want to take a moment now to first and foremost urge you to take — and to encourage your friends, neighbors and family to also take — all the necessary preventative precautions required to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Also, here is some information you can share about new measures Congress just passed that will provide some relief to those who need it most while we continue to address the growing challenges the pandemic poses to our health, safety, and economy.
Gabbard wrote, "I am deeply inspired by and grateful for the countless examples of service above self — the abundance of courage, compassion, and strength — that I see every day as Americans step up to take care of each other despite fear and uncertainty:
"Our heroic front line healthcare workers who are leaving their families behind every day, often self-quarantining from their own spouses and children, to put their lives on the line to test and treat strangers they swore an oath to serve.
"My fellow service members in the National Guard who are activating and serving in their home states across the country to meet this new threat head-on. The essential service workers feeding our nation, delivering and producing essential goods, reinventing their businesses to keep us fit and healthy online.
"My fellow service members in the National Guard who are activating and serving in their home states across the country to meet this new threat head-on. The essential service workers feeding our nation, delivering and producing essential goods, reinventing their businesses to keep us fit and healthy online.
 |
| See the video at tulsi.to/covid-19 |
"Your neighbors and friends who are volunteering online, delivering groceries and picking up prescriptions for vulnerable members of the community who cannot. People giving blood, and those donating money to organizations helping those who have been hit hardest by this crisis. Parents keeping their children safe. The care providers looking after our most at-risk populations. There is no shortage of people demonstrating the spirit of aloha, and the immense ingenuity and strength of our nation and the American people. We need to keep it up.
"Far too much of the existing concern around COVID-19's impact in the media and by our government leaders has been focused on bailing out the big end of town, making the same old tired trickle-down arguments we've seen time and time again. The American people don't have time to wait for relief, they need it now to make ends meet. I am continuing to urge my colleagues to remain focused on what we can do now to serve the American people. Now is not the time for politics; now is the time for leaders to step up and stand together.
"The coming weeks and months will test all of us — but I have great faith that when We, The People, work side-by-side with compassion, love, and strength, we can accomplish anything. We can defeat this virus and come out not only stronger, but more compassionate, empathetic and connected as a nation and a world than ever before." She signs off, "With hope and determination."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ COMMENTED ON THE FEDERAL RESCUE PACKAGE: "The vast majority of the spending in the bill is for small business, unemployment insurance, cash payments, essential services, and front line health care. And the desperate people I hear from back home are happy it passed.
FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION IS SCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY March 28 at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. The drive through will begin at 9 a.m. in the lower church parking lot. According to a message from a church member, celebrity chef Sam Choy will provide vegetables. Oranges will also be distributed. "Please contact those who may be homebound or otherwise unable to drive to this location so arrangements can be made for them to get food they may need," says the message.
St. Jude's put its soup and shower program on hold recently, with health concerns during the
COVID-19 pandemic, but is providing lunch sacks with sandwiches, fruit, cookie and a napkin on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the community that depends on the church for nutrition.
Church services have gone online. See st.judeshawaii.org. The church motto is ,"Where Jesus talk is a Daily Walk." The church is located at 92-8606 Paradise Circle in Ocean View.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEARNING PACKETS and student resources can be picked up at distribution spots throughout Kaʻū on Monday, March 30. They are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
Evening distribution at Kahuku Park: 5 p.m. -5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m.-5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. -6 p.m. for Q-Z.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
GRAB & GO FREE FOOD FOR YOUTH BEGINS AT NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL on Monday, April 6, with a drive-through. Principal Darlene Javar reports that Nāʻālehu Elementary, designated as a Department of Education free feeding site, will give meals to anyone 18 years-old or younger. Breakfast can be picked up at the school between 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch picked up between 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The child must be present on site to receive a meal. Only one breakfast and one lunch will be distributed per child. Participants are asked to observe social distancing rules and
remain six feet apart.
Grab & Go continues at Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary School this Monday with the same schedule. The free food is for anyone 18 years and younger. The meals are hot and fresh. Meals are provided only to those youth who arrive in a vehicle or walk up to the distribution site.
The service, sponsored by the state Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is prepared by the staff of each school cafeteria. The goal is to keep the children well fed while the campuses are closed to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students depend on free breakfasts and lunches for their nutrition when the schools are open.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE FOOD BASKET PLANS TO RETURN TO KAʻŪ in a month, on April 28 at 10 a.m in the parking lot of Kaʻū District Gym. Fresh vegetables, milk, eggs and more were handed out to the first delivery of 14 days of free food on March 24. Families drive through the distribution area where volunteers record the number of family members being served and provide the appropriate amount of food by placing it in each vehicle. A Food Basket distribution is tentatively planned for late April in Volcano.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.co
"Far too much of the existing concern around COVID-19's impact in the media and by our government leaders has been focused on bailing out the big end of town, making the same old tired trickle-down arguments we've seen time and time again. The American people don't have time to wait for relief, they need it now to make ends meet. I am continuing to urge my colleagues to remain focused on what we can do now to serve the American people. Now is not the time for politics; now is the time for leaders to step up and stand together.
"The coming weeks and months will test all of us — but I have great faith that when We, The People, work side-by-side with compassion, love, and strength, we can accomplish anything. We can defeat this virus and come out not only stronger, but more compassionate, empathetic and connected as a nation and a world than ever before." She signs off, "With hope and determination."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
SEN. BRIAN SCHATZ COMMENTED ON THE FEDERAL RESCUE PACKAGE: "The vast majority of the spending in the bill is for small business, unemployment insurance, cash payments, essential services, and front line health care. And the desperate people I hear from back home are happy it passed.
"Good Stuff in the Bill: More than $130 billion for hospitals, nursing homes, health care centers; personal and protective equipment for health care workers; testing supplies; increased workforce, training, and medical research; new construction to house patients. $350 billion in partially forgivable loans to small businesses and non-profits to maintain existing workforce and help pay for other expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities; $10 billion for SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for small business operating costs; and $17 billion for SBA to cover six months of payments for small businesses with existing SBA loans."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| St. Jude's hosts free food distribution Friday in Ocean View. Photo from St. Jude's Episcopal Church |
St. Jude's put its soup and shower program on hold recently, with health concerns during the
COVID-19 pandemic, but is providing lunch sacks with sandwiches, fruit, cookie and a napkin on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the community that depends on the church for nutrition.
Church services have gone online. See st.judeshawaii.org. The church motto is ,"Where Jesus talk is a Daily Walk." The church is located at 92-8606 Paradise Circle in Ocean View.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEARNING PACKETS and student resources can be picked up at distribution spots throughout Kaʻū on Monday, March 30. They are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
Distribution in the Na`alehu area will be at Na`alehu Elementary, Waiohinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center. Distribution in Ocean View will be at the county's Kahuku Park, the area in front of Malama Market, and Ocean View Community Center.
At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. -9:40 a.m. for I-P and 9:40-10 a.m. for Q-Z.
The Waiohinu pick-up: 8 a.m. -8:20 a.m. for A-H; 8:20 a.m. -8:40 a.m. for I-P; and 8:40 a.m. -9 a.m. for Q-Z.
The Discovery Harbour Community Center pick-up: 9:30-9:50 a.m. for A-H; 9:50-10:10 for I-H; and 10:10-10:30 for Q-Z.
Morning distribution at Kahuku Park: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for last names A-H; 8:20 a.m. -8:40 a.m. for last names I-P ; and 8:40 a.m. -9 a.m. for last names Q-Z.
 |
Nāʻālehu Elementary families can pick up a personal bag of school resources and learning packets for each enrolled student on Monday, March 30. See story for designated times and sites. Photo by Sheilah Okimoto |
Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30-9:50 a.m. for A-H; 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-H; and 10:10 a.m. -10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
Times for distribution at Ocean View Community Center are from 5 p.m. -5:20 p.m. for A-H; 5:20 p.m. -5:40 p.m. for I-P; and 5:40 p.m. -6 p.m. for Q-Z.
Learning packets may be picked up from these distribution sites every two weeks. Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up.
See the school website at http://naalehuel.hidoe.us for more information and updates.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
GRAB & GO FREE FOOD FOR YOUTH BEGINS AT NA`ALEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL on Monday, April 6, with a drive-through. Principal Darlene Javar reports that Nāʻālehu Elementary, designated as a Department of Education free feeding site, will give meals to anyone 18 years-old or younger. Breakfast can be picked up at the school between 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch picked up between 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. The child must be present on site to receive a meal. Only one breakfast and one lunch will be distributed per child. Participants are asked to observe social distancing rules and
remain six feet apart.
Grab & Go continues at Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary School this Monday with the same schedule. The free food is for anyone 18 years and younger. The meals are hot and fresh. Meals are provided only to those youth who arrive in a vehicle or walk up to the distribution site.
The service, sponsored by the state Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is prepared by the staff of each school cafeteria. The goal is to keep the children well fed while the campuses are closed to them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students depend on free breakfasts and lunches for their nutrition when the schools are open.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
| The Food Basket plans to return to Ka`u District Gym on Tuesday, April 20 at 10 a.m. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.co
 |
See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com |
DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE: The state Department of Health reports seven cases of COVID-19 confirmed on Hawaiʻi Island as of today, March 27. Two are new since yesterday.
Throughout the state, there are 122 presumptive positive or confirmed cases, with 16 reported today. There have been zero deaths from COVID-19 in the state. There are several possible community spread cases of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi.
Worldwide, more than 598,245 people have become victims of COVID-19. The death toll is 27,762.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of April.
All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled through the end of April.
Spring Break for Public Schools is extended through Monday, April 6 for COVID-19 spread mitigation.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
CANCELLED: Final 2020 Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, Saturday, March 28, 7:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., orientation included. Register at oceancount.org. Locations in Kaʻū are: Kaʻena Point in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Miloli‘i Lookout, Ka Lae Park, and Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park. Participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whale activity from the shoreline.
POSTPONED: Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Nāʻālehu County Park. Event features Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. Drug- and alcohol-free. Live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day. Organized by local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū. Membership $10 per year. Contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
CANCELLED: Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
CANCELLED: Forest Work Day, Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn some native plants, help restore a beautiful rainforest, and get some exercise. Tim Tunison leads. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
ONGOING
POSTPONED: Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa, Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Nāʻālehu County Park. Event features Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. Drug- and alcohol-free. Live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day. Organized by local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū. Membership $10 per year. Contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
CANCELLED: Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited. This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes. Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.
CANCELLED: Forest Work Day, Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Learn some native plants, help restore a beautiful rainforest, and get some exercise. Tim Tunison leads. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840.
![]()
Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register. Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration. Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration. Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo ; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village
See ohialehuahalf.com.
See ohialehuahalf.com.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The visitor center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the center reopens, and is available online for free download.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
![]()
![]()
