 |
| Teachers and administrators in Kaʻū are taking toiletries and other necessities to students living remotely, using the school bus and private vehicles. Lane Uyeda (center) is the Homeless Liaison Coordinator for the area and coordinated with Salvation Army to provide such basics as tooth paste and tooth brushes. Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School Principal Sharon Beck (right) also helped. See more below. Photo by Jason Britt |
SEN. MAZIE HIRONO ENDORSED JOE BIDEN FOR U.S. PRESIDENT TODAY. She issued this message: "The American people deserve a president who can bring our divided country together. That's why today, I'm endorsing my friend Joe Biden for President of the United States.
"Joe not only brings years of committed leadership to the presidency, but also empathy and humanity forged by his own personal experiences with tragedy and pain. Empathy and humanity sadly lacking in the current president.
"At a time when the health of Americans is at risk, Joe's fight to enact, sustain, and expand the Affordable Care Act and his leadership on the Cancer Moonshot (which marshaled federal resources to speed up cancer research and trials) demonstrate his commitment to health care as a right and not a privilege.
 |
| Mazie Hirono took the oath before then Vice-President Joe Biden in 2013 to become the first Asian American woman in the U.S Senate. Today, she endorsed him for U.S. President. Photo from Zimbio.com |
"Joe is fighting for a more just, progressive future for our country. He knows where he came from, who he's fighting for, and why. He knows what's at stake in this election and just how hard we're going to need to work. But he can't do it alone. It's up to each of us to get fired up, stay mobilized, and work every day for the next few months to elect Joe Biden the next President of the United States. We're in this together."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
COVID-19 TESTING IN KAʻŪ WILL BE HELD THIS MONDAY, APRIL 20 at Nāʻālehu Clubhouse from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The testing is sponsored by Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi, which has been conducting testing around the state.
 |
| This chart shows COVID-19 cases in the U.S., with Hawaiʻi in pink and average cases in green. The chart shows almost all states flattening the curve, and shows that Hawaiʻi is doing better and has fewer cases overall than almost any other state. Chart from Johns Hopkins |
DECISIONS TO REOPEN THE STATE WILL BE MADE LOCALLY, Gov. David Ige said today in his press conference on the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawaiʻi was named as one of four states that could possibly open up by May 4 in the assessment by University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which projects rise and fall of COVID-19 cases, state by state. The other states named for possible reopening are West Virginia, Vermont, and Montana. The governor also said that the federal guidance for reopening, which recommends possibly easing restrictions after 14 successive days in reduction of new COVID-19 cases, "is just guidance."
Some 20,000 tests have been conducted across the state, with 5,000 positive results for COVID-19 It shows only two percent of those who have been tested were found positive, said Dr. Bruce Anderson, state director of the Department of Health. Hawai`i has one of the lowest test rates in the country.
 |
| Ocean View keiki receive hot meals from Boys & Girls Club. Photo from Boys & Girls Club |
CAMPUSES WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR for all 180,000 students in Hawaiʻi's public and charter schools. Distance learning will continue until May 28, to be followed by summer school - also online. State Superintendent of Schools Christina Kishimoto said today that students can sign up for E Courses. Those needing to catch up to graduate this year will also receive an extended time to study.
She noted that 15 area superintendents will be involved in the planning for reopening over time. They and their teachers and staff will work on improving online learning, with more than 12,000 devices (computers) loaned to students. Also supporting distance education are printed lessons and activities and 24/7 educational programs on television in partnership with Hawaiian Tel and Spectrum.
She said early college courses through University of Hawaiʻi are available for students to get ahead while learning at home, and that teacher training has been expanded online.
The superintendent noted that there will be money issues for the Department of Education and said that everyone needs to be fiscally prudent to be ready for next year. She said the DOE encourages only essential spending in preparation for next year.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
A STATEWIDE REQUIREMENT TO WEAR MASKS in essential business establishments - for both operators and customers - was handed down by Gov. David Ige today. The proclamation sets more stringent requirements for essential businesses that continue to operate. They include requiring customers to wear face coverings while waiting to enter and while inside an essential business or operation; requiring essential business employees who have contact with customers or goods to wear face coverings; requiring personnel to monitor and enforce six-foot distances between customers and employees; and requiring limits to the number of customers in a facility. Violations could result in a misdemeanor with fines up to $5,000 and up to a year in jail. See the new rules.
 |
| Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School staff filled bus seats with Grab & Go bags of food for Ocean View, Green Sands, and Discovery Harbour families. Photo by Jason Britt |
NEW BOATING RESTRICTIONS prohibit no more than two persons from occupying a boat on the water, unless they are from the same household or family with the same address. While people can actively engage in fishing and gathering food in state waters, the emergency rules issued today require all people on any boat to maintain physical distancing of six-feet from one another, as is reasonably possible. All boats are required to stay 20 feet from one another. Violations of the emergency rules are a petty misdemeanor and could result in fines of up to $5,000 and one year in jail, or both. See the new rules.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
GATHERING FOOD, HIKING, AND RUNNING ARE ALLOWED ON STATE LANDS, including along the coast. However, no groups of two or more people can hunt for or gather food on state lands unless they are from the same household or family sharing the same address.
A statement from the Department of Land & Natural Resources says, "If you feel the need to hike, it's recommend that you first check the Na Ala Hele website, hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov, for trail updates, and then the Center of Disease Control, cdc.gov/coronavirus, and Hawaiʻi Department of Health, health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019, for the most up to date guidelines for personal safety and distancing requirements.
 |
| Keiki in Ocean View are delivered hot meals by the Boys & Girls Club. Photo from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island |
"Certain DLNR-managed coastal and trail features are deemed unsuitable for visitation due the inability to achieve the desired social distancing recommendations, remoteness of location exacerbating public safety concerns, and known history of issues such as illegal camping and social gatherings. Please try to stay in or near your own ahupuaʻa of residence for your outdoor exercise." For a complete list of closed state parks visit dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp." See the new rules.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 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 Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
UNOPENED WINE OR BEER WILL BE ALLOWED to be sold with take out and delivered food from restaurants that have liquor licenses. The governor's new Executive Order 20-04 enables the county liquor commissions give the approval and gives the commissions flexibility to deal with deadlines or other administrative procedures. See the new rules.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 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 Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 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 Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HAWAIʻI BUSINESS is the aim of a survey by Chambers of Commerce across Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.
Businesses can click here to take the survey, which measures changes in employment and employee wages, revenue, application rates for U.S. Small Business Administration loans, and business outlook.
"We know that Hawaiʻi businesses are suffering due to COVID-19 impacts. Accurate data on what businesses are experiencing will allow us to shape our continued response and put resources where they are needed," said Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. "This survey will also give us a foundation to plan for economic recovery and identify industries that need more assistance."
UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said, "The information from this survey will help UHERO analyze the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on businesses and households statewide, and to better assess our existing projections. This type of geographic and industrially-detailed information is not available from any traditional data source in real time, and it will be invaluable to our ongoing work."
Previous Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi surveys have informed legislative and learning opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi is updating its COVID-19 resource for businesses page at cochawaii.org.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
The Hawaiian Islands have recorded a total of nine deaths, all on Oʻahu and Maui . No new deaths have occurred in the state since last Saturday. Hawaiʻi reports 553 positive COVID-19 cases, 12 new since yesterday. The number of people out of isolation after testing positive and recovering is 390. Less than 50 people have been hospitalized or are hospitalized for COVID-19.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
Keiki who belong to Boys & Girls Club receive meals each weekday during the pandemic shutdown. Photo from Boys & Girls Club |
A STATEWIDE MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS, preventing any eviction from a residential dwelling for failure to pay "rent, lease, or other related charge" is enacted for the state as of today, through April 30. There is also a moratorium placed on rental price increases. Eviction for failure to pay all or any portion of maintenance fees, utility charges, taxes, or other fees required by the rental agreement or lease is also prohibited.
Any landlord violating these rules shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, the person shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
Tenants who experience a violation of this rule can contact Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs at 808-586-2634, or file a complaint online at cca.hawaii.gov/contact.
See the new rules.
See the new rules.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE ORIGINAL EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION FOR COVID-19 was signed by Gov. David Ige on March 4, 2020, allowing the state to work quickly and efficiently to prevent, contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, and to provide disaster relief if necessary.
Supplementary proclamation of March 16, 2020 : Suspending certain laws hindering state and county responses to COVID-19.
Second supplementary proclamation of March 21, 2020 : Implementing a mandatory self-quarantine for all persons entering the state, effective 12:01 a.m. March 26, 2020 .
Third supplementary proclamation of March 23, 2020 : Mandating and effectuating social distancing measures throughout the state.
Fourth supplementary proclamation of March 31, 2020 : Implementing mandatory self-quarantine for all persons traveling between any islands in the state, effective 12:01 a.m. on April 1, 2020 .
See governor.hawaii.gov/category/newsroom/press-releasesfor more.
 |
Members of the Boys & Girls Club in Ocean View receive free food Mondays through Fridays. Photo from Boys & Girls Club |
ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON HAWAIʻI BUSINESS is the aim of a survey by Chambers of Commerce across Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization.
Businesses can click here to take the survey, which measures changes in employment and employee wages, revenue, application rates for U.S. Small Business Administration loans, and business outlook.
"We know that Hawaiʻi businesses are suffering due to COVID-19 impacts. Accurate data on what businesses are experiencing will allow us to shape our continued response and put resources where they are needed," said Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi. "This survey will also give us a foundation to plan for economic recovery and identify industries that need more assistance."
UHERO Executive Director Carl Bonham said, "The information from this survey will help UHERO analyze the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on businesses and households statewide, and to better assess our existing projections. This type of geographic and industrially-detailed information is not available from any traditional data source in real time, and it will be invaluable to our ongoing work."
Previous Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi surveys have informed legislative and learning opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi is updating its COVID-19 resource for businesses page at cochawaii.org.
 |
Ocean View keiki who are members of the Boys & Girls Club are delivered free food on weekdays. Photo from Boys & Girls Club |
ALMOST A QUARTER OF A MILLION NEW UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS were submitted in Hawaiʻi between March 1 and this week. Department of Labor & Industrial Relations reports 237,048 filings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most claims were filed via a web form made available March 23. All claims will be honored from the date of separation, if eligible, according to the Department of Labor.
Gov. David Ige announced that last week more than $11 million was distributed, with $7.7 million sent out this week. The governor said, "The system was initially unable to handle the increased volume of claims. But it has been upgraded and we are diligently working on increasing and improving the filing and processing of new claims. A step-by-step guide is available to walk individuals through the process of filing, certifying and obtaining unemployment benefits at labor.hawaii.gov/blog/main/covid-19-how-to-obtain-unemployment-ins-benefits.
A web portal went live this week. It gives claimants the ability to check on the status of their claims at huiclaims2020.hawaii.gov/status. In addition, email addresses are available for claimants who are experiencing specific challenges with their claims processed by the Labor offices in Līhuʻe, Kona, and Hilo: ui.backdate@hawaii.govis for those who would like to have their claim backdated; ui.disqualified@hawaii.govis for those who have received an email, letter, or other message that says that they are disqualified from unemployment insurance ; and Dlir.ui.languageassistance@hawaii.govis for those who would like to request language assistance f. For language assistance, individuals are to submit their full name, telephone number (including area code), and the language in which they would like to receive interpretation services.
Nationally, more than 10 million people applied for unemployment benefits in March.
 |
Civil Defense director |
ONE PERSON FROM THE MCDONALD'S CLUSTER OF COVID-19 CASES IN KONA was flown to Oʻahu for hospitalization. Of 42 cumulative cases on Hawaiʻi Island, 29 have recovered and 13 are active, all quarantined at home and monitored by Department of Health, except for the person taken to Oʻahu.
Civil Defense director Talmadge Magno's message today: "This increase of two from yesterday, stems from the fast food establishment cluster. This so clearly demonstrates how important it is to follow the health advisories of: If sick, stay home and seek medical advice; sneezing and coughing etiquette;, physical distancing; gatherings; your good health, and other advisories. To keep Hawaiʻi safe, your help is needed. We expect those that take care of us to always be there, please do your part. Thank you for listening and a healthy Aloha Friday to you. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense." |
| Cases of COVID-19 by zip code. No cases from Kaʻū or Volcano have been reported. |
In the U.S. U.S. records the highest number of deaths in the world from COVID-19. It also records one of the lowest deaths per COVID-19 case. At least 58,400 people have recovered.
Worldwide, there have been more than 2.24 million cases of COVID-19 in over 200 countries. The death toll is almost 155,000. The number who have recovered is almost 570,000.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.
The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
![]()
The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy , under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at96-1149 Kamani Street , distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.
Cooper Center 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is operated by The Food Basket. Call 808-933-6030.
The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. 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. Please note the grade of each child. 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.![]()
The Discovery Harbour Community Center 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.Ocean View Community Center 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.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.
 |
Read online at kaucalendar.com. See Kaʻū events, meetings, entertainment. See Kaʻū exercise, meditation, daily, bi-weekly, and weekly recurring events. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com. |
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.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.
ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through at least the end of April. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.
The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
The Ocean View location for May is to be announced .
The Nāʻālehu location is The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at
The Volcano location is Cooper Center 19-4030 Wright Road Thursday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. Call Kehau at 443-4130.
A Free Dinner for Those in Need is served at Volcano Cooper Center 19-4030 Wright Road every Thursday, by Friends Feeding Friends, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. 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. Please note the grade of each child. 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.
Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center Kahuku Park 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 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.
The Waiʻōhinu 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 Morning distribution at Kahuku Park 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.
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.
Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
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.
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 Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, 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.
