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Mehe's Opens for Sit Down DiningMehe's Bar & Grill reopened on Monday. Assistant manager and head waiter Victor Manongdo welcomes peopleback and hopes to soon offer his karaoke nights again. Hours for Mehe's are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday. The establishment's Facebook message reads: "We will be requiring that all employees and guests wear masks and practice social distancing. The restaurant has been going through a thorough sanitation. We are looking forward to seeing each and every one of you! Take care, Dale, & the Mehe gang." Photo by Julia Neal |
THE LIST OF CANDIDATES IS FINAL FOR THE AUG. 8 PRIMARY ELECTION. The last day to file to be a candidate for County Council, state House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives, islandwide Mayor, and County Prosecutor
County Council: Three-time council member Maile David, of South Kona , is running unopposed for a fourth term, the most allowed in succession. Promising to oppose her were Richard Abbett, of Nāʻālehu, and Marie J. Burns, of Ocean View, who declined to file papers before the deadline. Council District 6 covers East of Mountain View through Volcano and Kaʻū, including Pāhala, Punaluʻu, Nāʻālehu, Green Sands, Discovery Harbour South Kona .
Mayor of Hawaiʻi County: Harry Kim is running for his fourth term. He served the two-term limit from 2000 through 2008, stood down during the Billy Kenoi mayorship 2008-2016, and was re-elected to serve 2017-2020.
Also vying for the mayorship are Neil A. Azevedo, of Hilo; Paul Amaury Bryant, of Laupahoehoe; Bob Fitzgerald, of Kealakekua; Michael "Mikey" Glendon, of Mountain View; Robert Kelly Greenwell, of Kona; Stacy Higa, of Hilo; Wendell J. Kaʻehuʻaeʻa, of Hilo; Yumi T. R. Kawano, of Volcano; Ikaika Marzo, of Pāhoa; Mitch Roth, of Hilo; Mike D. Ruggles, of Mountain View; Ted Toku San Shaneyfelt, of Papaikou; Tanta T. Urban, of Kona; and Lahi Marlin Verschuur, of Pāhoa.
Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee for Hawaiʻi Island: Kauilani Almeida, Noelani Cashman-Aiu, Laura Desoto-McCollough, Louis Lui Hao, Cyd L. Makanui Hoffeld, Pua Ishibashi, Lei Kihoi, Keola Lindsey, Lanakila Mangauil, Louis Kauka Pau, and Kalaniakea Wilson.
At-Large OHA Trustee:Incumbent Keliʻi Akina is vying for the one At-Large seat available. The other candidates are Jackie Kahoʻokele Burke, Kaipo K. Hanakahi, Larry K. Kawaʻauhau, Shane Akoni Palacat-Nelsen, Lenson Kawekiu Sonoda, and Keoni Souza.
Hawaiʻi County Prosecuting Attorney
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PEACEFUL PROTESTORS ARE NOT THUGS NOR TERRORISTS, according to a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley from Sen. Mazie Hirono and 20 of her Democrat and Independent colleagues.
The Senators ask whether DOD would deploy combat designated troops against American people protesting; what the mission, scope, and rules would entail for the use of force; if the troops would be authorized to perform arrests; how these troops would be trained and prepared; and whether DOD would deploy federal troops apart from the use of The Insurrection Act of 1807.
The Senators ask whether DOD would deploy combat designated troops against American people protesting; what the mission, scope, and rules would entail for the use of force; if the troops would be authorized to perform arrests; how these troops would be trained and prepared; and whether DOD would deploy federal troops apart from the use of The Insurrection Act of 1807.
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| Peaceful protests, like this one in Kaʻū by members of Kaʻū Voices, against systemic racism, are being threatened by military response in other parts of the country. Photo from Kaʻū Voices |
"This is a critical moment for our nation. How our institutions respond will determine whether the coming weeks and months lead to healing and unity, or continued derision, discord, and injustice. We urge you to refrain from using the United States military to diminish or suppress the peaceful, free expression of Americans who are exercising their civil liberties in a call to hold government institutions to a higher standard in the fight for racial justice."
Read the letter here.
EARLY SUCCESS OF AN EMERGENCY RESILIENCE LOAN PROGRAM for residents economically impacted by COVID-19 pandemic was reported yesterday by County of Hawaiʻi. Beginning last Wednesday, May 27, financial counseling and loans to ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) Hawaiʻi Island residents was made available to those who lost income due to COVID-19.
Hawaiʻi County processed 121 applications and approved the first $28,700 in funds. Maximum loan amounts are $2,500 for individual workers and $5,000 for self-employed persons.
Apply online for a loan at hawaiiancommunity.net. Those with no or limited access to internet or a computer may call 808-934-0801 for a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. Funds will go to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The county says, "The program targets individuals considered ALICE before COVID-19 and combats the use of high-interest, predatory financial products like payday loans which charge up to 460 percent APR. According to the ALICE: A Study of Financial Hardship in Hawaiʻi report, 45 percent of households on Hawaiʻi Island are considered ALICE – living one paycheck away from financial hardship."
Applicants to the program who have household incomes below ALICE will be referred to social service agencies for emergency grants. Applicants who have household incomes above ALICE will be referred to their local credit unions and banks for personal loans. See chart:
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| ALICE Income Chart |
Other grant and loan options available to Hawaiʻi Island residents include Emergency Grants through Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com; Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, 808-784-4464, kahiau@hawaiiancouncil.org, hawaiiancouncil.org/kahiau; and Liliʻuokalani Trust, 808-466-8102. Emergency Loans can be applied for through Hawaiian Community Assets, Hawaiʻi Community Lending, 808-934-0801, HawaiianCommunity.net. Information on Personal Loans can be obtained through credit unions or banks.
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LIFTING THE LOCKDOWNS WILL SAVE LIVES is the opinion of Joe Kent, Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi executive vice president.
Our leaders need to move quickly to completely lift the state and county COVID-19 lockdowns. Evidence has been mounting for years that prolonged unemployment in a community can result in increased deaths from suicides, substance abuse, and other related problems.
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| Joe Kent |
They also need to increase entrepreneurial opportunity and labor mobility, through lower taxes and regulatory reform, so Hawaiʻi's almost 140,000 unemployed residents can soon get back to work and once again enjoy reasonable levels of prosperity.
According to an estimate by the Well Being Trust and the Robert Graham Center
And that's a conservative estimate. That study was based on a national estimate of 15 percent unemployment, while Hawaiʻi's unemployment rate is closer to 25 percent.
In 2018, at least 492 people died in Hawaiʻi from deaths of despair, and based on the study's methodology, that means this year there could be an additional 63 deaths, a 13 percent increase to 555.
If Hawaiʻi's primary industry, tourism, recovers slowly, as economists are predicting, this could result in even more avoidable deaths.
Concern for Mental Health
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, said at a White House cabinet meeting on May 20: "Containing the effects of coronavirus are critically important, but so, too, is preventing suicide. So, too, is keeping a person from being terrified to ever leave their home. So, too is protecting the mental health of our nation's young people."
Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, said at a White House cabinet meeting on May 20: "Containing the effects of coronavirus are critically important, but so, too, is preventing suicide. So, too, is keeping a person from being terrified to ever leave their home. So, too is protecting the mental health of our nation's young people."
Unemployment has been linked with depression, anxiety, and psychosomatic symptoms. People who are unemployed are more than twice as likely to experience psychological problems than those who are employed. Unemployment is not only correlated with distress, it causes symptoms of mental illness.
McCance-Katz added: "As a psychiatrist, I would argue that a life lost to suicide is just as important as a life lost to coronavirus. A family who loses someone to drug overdose experiences the same grief as a family who loses a loved one to coronavirus."
A related problem is the loss of health insurance, and this, too, could result in additional deaths. Hawaiʻi employers are required to provide health insurance for all their full-time employees, so a high unemployment rate means many Hawaiʻi residents have also lost or will soon lose their health insurance coverage.
A 2017 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine "summarized the findings of multiple studies that compared mortality rates among those who are uninsured versus those who are not," leading one of the researchers to conclude, "Despite the drastically different conclusions… it's impossible to deny that insurance status does influence mortality."
That's because people without health insurance are less likely to receive recommended preventive and screening services that can detect early-stage cancers and other diseases. Uninsured people with cancer are more likely to receive a later stage diagnosis and die prematurely than people who have health insurance.
Lack of health insurance also makes it less likely that people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness will receive appropriate care to manage their health conditions, and they will have worse clinical outcomes.
In addition, domestic abuse may be "exacerbated" due to the damaged economy, according to Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Hawaiʻi nonprofit Domestic Violence Action Center
The state and county lockdowns
In the short run, Hawaiʻi lawmakers should move as quickly as possible to lift the lockdowns completely, including a reasoned approach to eliminating the 14-day quarantines imposed on newly arriving travelers.
But simply reopening the economy won't be enough. In the long run, Hawai ʻi needs a major dose of economic freedom. We need to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs to get Hawai ʻi rolling again, if we hope to ever recover from the extensive economic and social damage caused by the lockdowns.
A new report produced by the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, Road map to Prosperity, offers many specific steps our lawmakers can take to help Hawaiʻi's economy recover and even excel after the coronavirus lockdowns – and save lives.
See grassrootinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Roadmap-to-Prosperity-1.pdf.
See grassrootinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Roadmap-to-Prosperity-1.pdf.
A NEW DASHBOARD SHOWING HEALTH AND ECONOMIC INFORMATION for Hawaiʻi is released by the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness.
Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association President & CEO Dr. Mark Mugiishi helped create the dashboard to provide a clear way to communicate disease activity, health care capacity, and current risk levels, with business and operations allowed at each level. Mugiishi said Hawaiʻi is in the yellow reopening level, "act with care." This reopening status level shows that many businesses can reopen with physical distancing and safe practices in place.
The committee discussed the need for clear communications from state and county leaders to be sure that the business community and residents know exactly what health practices are required and what businesses need to do to reopen.
Alan Oshima, the Governor's Recovery and Resiliency Navigator, said the mayors are responsible for implementing changes to social and business restrictions for their respective counties. There are overall state guidelines, reflected in the dashboard, and each county has its own guideline for activities such as hair salons, restaurants, ocean recreation, and children's sports.
Oshima said if a resident or a business is not sure about how restrictions apply to them, they should look to the counties for guidance on their websites. He will have each counties' rules posted on the state Navigator Website this week to make those guidelines easier to find.
Carl Bonham, Executive Director of University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization
Joseph Lapilio and Nāʻālehu Anthony of the Native Hawaiian group ʻĀina Aloha gave the committee a presentation on developing strategies for economic development. They told the committee about the group's economic futures declaration and call for unity using Native Hawaiian voices, values, and experiences to influence economic recovery. Their guiding principles include being sustained by the ʻāina, leadership that embraces accountability to the community, creativity, and innovation to challenge the status quo, and to be inclusive to the collective during this global challenge. To learn more go to their website at ainaalohafutures.com.
The committee will meet again on Monday, June 15. For more information about the committee and to see related documents go to capitol.hawaii.gov/specialcommittee.aspx?comm=cov&year=2020.
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| Nāʻālehu's Leilani Esperanza began her schooling near home, traveled to Volcano for middle school, traveled further to Maui for high school, and will travel to Oregon for college. Photo from Shawnette Derasin-Esperanza |
NĀʻĀLEHU'S LEILANI ESPERANZA GRADUATED from Lahianaluna High School Maui this year. She grew up in Nāʻālehu, where she attended Nāʻālehu Elementary. She attended middle school at Volcano School Maui for four years to continue her education as a student and boarder.
In Lahaina, Leilani kept a busy schedule for herself, says her mother. "As a boarder, there are a few traditions Leilani looked forward to every year, such as their hike to Puʻu Paʻu Paʻu to lime the "L," and their annual David Malo Day performance. In school, she joined Health Occupational Students of America, Rotary Interact, Book Club, Hawaiiana, Student Community Council, and played tennis. By Leilani's junior year, she became a boarding officer with a position as a lieutenant. She advanced to Vice President her senior year."
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| Nāʻālehu's Leilani Esperanza graduated Class of 2020. Photo from Shawnette Derasin-Esperanza |
Said Derasin-Esperanza, "There have been two things that have shaped Leilani into who she is now. Living as a boarder at Lahaina has taught her how to be independent, hard-working, and earn a lifelong adventure of memories. Her teachers and counselors left a big impact on her high school education; she appreciates the classes she took and the students she studied with. For four years, Leilani took the health services pathway, she struggled and studied very hard. Although she realized that she didn't want to pursue a career in the health pathway, she stayed committed to take part in that class because of her peers and teacher. 'I knew I struggled with certain skills and that was something I didn’t want to run away from,' she told me. Her teacher in the health services pathway, Malia Shimomura, pushed her and her classmates out of their comfort zones to overcome challenges they all faced. 'Without that class, I would probably be too scared to go out into the world,' Leilani said."
Esperanza has been accepted into Pacific University , Oregon
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| There is one reported case of COVID-19 in Kaʻū. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. Red is 21 to 50 cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND . One new case was reported on Oʻahu, and one Hawaiʻi resident who is out-of-state tested positive. All 81 cases on-island since the pandemic began are recovered.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻhua has reported 424 cases, Kauaʻi 20 cases, and Maui County 119 cases. Eleven cases are included in Hawaiʻi's count, residents diagnosed while in other places. Statewide, 655 people have been confirmed positive for the virus since the pandemic began. Seventeen people have died – none on this island, where there was only one overnight hospitalization.
The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "Know that early testing means early detection and early care. By your participation you are also helping develop a comprehensive database of information for health care officials to keep on top of things so they can respond appropriately and timely to protect your community. The good place Hawaiʻi Island and State is in today reflects the importance of continuing to follow the policies of prevention. Thank you for doing your part. Thank you for listening and have a safe day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
In the United States , more than 1.91 million cases have been confirmed. The death toll is over 110,000. Worldwide, more than 6.42 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is over 383,000.
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Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout. 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. |
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ONGOING
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
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Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
The Food Basket's ʻOhana Food Drop is available once a month at four Kaʻū and Volcano locations. People can receive a multi-day supply of shelf-stable and fresh food, depending on supply. Call The Food Basket at 933-6030 for Pāhala and Volcano or at 322-1418 for Nāʻālehu or Ocean View. Food can be picked up from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at: The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wearing masks is required for everyone. Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
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For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wearing masks is required for everyone. Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary on weekdays (no holidays) through Friday, July 17. 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 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered on Wednesdays to students in Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and 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.
Nāʻālehu's Sacred Heart Church 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy was June 1; the July date will be announced later.
Ocean View's Kahuku Park
Volcano's Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, June 30.
On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.
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Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.
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pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"
See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
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Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are Open for Pick-Up Services Only. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.
Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seating limited due to social distancing. Dinner also available to go. The main course is Prime Rib and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake, with side dishes and dessert, for $27.95 per person. Call 967-8356 for dine-in reservations, to-go orders, and current event information. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program that provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.
The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is
See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
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