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| The Kwai, with two Kaʻū sailors on board, headed for Honolulu to drop off ghost nets collected in the Pacific Gyre in a mission sponsored by Ocean Voyages Institute. The crew plans to head back out to sea to collect more plastics and nets during another month-long voyage. See more below. Photo from Ocean Voyage Institute |
See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.
A 120-FOOT COMMUNICATIONS TOWER IS GOING UP IN PĀHALA, just off Maile Street. The location is near the old radio station, and close to a much smaller communications tower and the site planned for the village sewage treatment plant. Verizon is apparently the exclusive cell phone company that will use the tower, which will also support other lessors.
The tower is hidden from view along Hwy 11 as it passes Pāhala and is painted a light grey that blends with the clouds and sky in the view from Maile Street.
Building the communications tower is Pacific Com Systems.
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| A communications tower planned for Verizon is going up near Maile St. in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
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THE COUNTY EMERGENCY RESILIENCE LOAN PROGRAM has expanded. In addition to offering financial counseling and zero-interest loans to ALICE (asset limited, income constrained, employed) residents who reside on Hawaiʻi Island and have lost income due to COVID-19, the program is now open to those with incomes below ALICE levels.
For a household of one, the maximum annual income is $33,296. For two it is $49,548; for three $65,800;, four $82,052; five $95,267; six $108,482; seven $121,697; and eight $134,911. For each additional family members, add $13,215 to determine maximum allowable income.
So far, over $123,000 in emergency zero-interest loans have been approved for workers and entrepreneurs. Maximum loan amounts are $2,500 for individual workers and $5,000 for self-employed persons. Funding is provided by the County of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
Local community development nonprofits Hawaiian Community Assets and Hawaiʻi Community Lending administer the program on behalf of the County. HCL provides the loans, while HCA delivers financial counseling to every borrower.
Mayor Harry Kim said, "The County is pleased to expand this program to help even more working families and self-employed during this difficult time. Working with the community, and our partners at the State and Federal government and non-profits, we will get through this and thrive again."
County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, who introduced measures to establish and fund the program, said, "The Resilience Loan Program saw a steady stream of applicants from day one because the financial impact of this pandemic has been extraordinary. We reviewed the data and pivoted the program’s approach so we can help more families and entrepreneurs get access to important capital and financial empowerment to weather this crisis."
For more information about qualifications, call 808-934-0801. To apply for a Hawaiʻi County Emergency Resilience Loan, visit HawaiianCommunity.net. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call 808-934-0801 to complete an application over the phone.
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| The Kwai sailing vessel on its way from Hilo to Honolulu to unload more than three tons of plastics and ghost nets from the Northern Pacific Gyrre. Photo by James Akau |
Kiko Kitazawa-Johnson, a canoe and boatbuilder from Honuʻapo, made the 48-day trip to the Gyre. On its way back, the 140-foot Kwai stopped
in Hilo and took on apprentice engineer James Akau, of Pāhala. He joins Kitazawa-Johnson on the next month-long search for stray nets and plastics adrift, which pose a hazard to marine life and marine travel.
Ocean Voyages Institute founder and Executive Director Mary Crowley said Kwai and crew "exceeded our goal of capturing 100 tons of toxic consumer plastics and derelict 'ghost' nets, and in these challenging times, we are continuing to help restore the health of our ocean, which influences our own health and the health of the planet."
She said, "The oceans can't wait for these nets and debris to break down into microplastics which impair the ocean's ability to store carbon and toxify the fragile ocean food web."
Known as the Ghost Net Buster, Crowley develops methods to remove significant amounts of plastics out of the ocean, including 48 tons (96,000 lbs.) of toxic plastics during two ocean clean-ups in 2019, one from the Gyre and one from the waters surrounding the Hawaiian islands.
GPS satellite trackers tagged onto drifting nets have been used by Ocean Voyages Institute since 2018. They are proving Crowley's theory that one tracker can lead to many nets. The ocean frequently sorts debris so that a tagged fishing net can lead to other nets and a density of debris within a 15-mile radius, she said.
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| James Akau, of Pāhala, working in the Kwai engine room. Photo from Kwai |
"We are utilizing proven nautical equipment to effectively clean-up the oceans while innovating with new technologies," says Crowley. "Ocean Voyages Institute has been a leader in researching and accomplishing ocean clean-up for over a decade, granted with less fanfare and attention than others, but with passion and commitment and making meaningful impacts."
Crowley thanked Honolulu-based Matson, for help with upcycling and proper disposal of the nets and plastics. Matt Cox, Chair and CEO of Matson, said, "In keeping with our commitment to environmental stewardship, Matson has been searching for a way to get involved in cleaning up the Pacific Gyre. We've been impressed with the groundbreaking efforts of Ocean Voyages Institute and the progress they've made with such a small organization, and we hope our support will help them continue this important work."
See more and donate at oceanvoyagesinstitute.org.
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A MARINERS WARNING FOR SHIPPING CONTAINERS ADRIFT remains for waters near Hilo. The Coast Guard gave an update today on the 21 containers that went overboard from a Young Brothers barge Monday morning. The Cates Marine salvage team hired by the shipping company continues to search for and locate missing containers.
Two containers were towed and secured in Hilo Harbor. Another two are located and marked. Cates Marine will continue retrieving other known containers from the original cluster of nine, about eight miles north of Hilo. A 250-ton crane is contracted to lift containers out of the water in Hilo, with plans to remove recovered containers from the water in Hilo Harbor on Wednesday morning.
A salvage plan to offload the barge must be reviewed and approved by Coast Guard Sector Honolulu personnel before offloading, which could take several days.
A salvage plan to offload the barge must be reviewed and approved by Coast Guard Sector Honolulu personnel before offloading, which could take several days.
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| The Hoku Loa was pulling the Young Bros. barge when 21 containers went overboard. A dozen remained adrift or sank by this afternoon. Photo by William J. Cooke |
The Coast Guard reported that only one container has been found to contain hazardous materials in the form of small household cleaners and usage materials. This container is on the barge and not in the water. Twelve containers remain unaccounted for; aerial overflights were conducted today with no additional sightings.
Coast Guard personnel are working with Young Brothers to investigate the incident. The event has been deemed a reportable marine casualty, meeting the criteria for such designation under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The National Transportation Safety Board has been advised and is acting in a supporting role. Young Brothers is also conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
A Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners remains in effect for the waters off Hilo to advise mariners to use extra caution while transiting the area and keep a sharp lookout for any signs of containers that may present a hazard to navigation.
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SUPPORTING KAʻŪ POST OFFICES, four members of Kaʻū Voices, a local group affiliated with Indivisibles, waved signs and talked to residents this morning in front of Nāʻālehu P.O. Kaʻū Voices issued a statement saying the group supports the U.S. Postal Service and opposes "the push by the current White House to privatize the postal service.
Coast Guard personnel are working with Young Brothers to investigate the incident. The event has been deemed a reportable marine casualty, meeting the criteria for such designation under the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The National Transportation Safety Board has been advised and is acting in a supporting role. Young Brothers is also conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
A Coast Guard broadcast notice to mariners remains in effect for the waters off Hilo to advise mariners to use extra caution while transiting the area and keep a sharp lookout for any signs of containers that may present a hazard to navigation.
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Members of Kaʻū Voices stood with signs in front of Nāʻālehu Post Office today to support the U.S. Postal Service. Photo from Kaʻū Voices |
"The USPS is predicted to run out of funds this September, due to legislation that requires it to pre-fund 75 years of pensions in ten years, costing billions of dollars a year. The demonstrators advocate the inclusion of funding to preserve the USPS in another Covid-19 pandemic relief bill.
"If private corporations take over the USPS, not only would consumers most likely be hurt by higher prices, but voting by mail in the November election could be jeopardized. Voting by mail, which allows voters to avoid exposure to Covid-19 at the polls, is essential. Citizens should not have to choose between voting and preserving their health," says the Kaʻū Voices statement.
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HAWAIʻI COFFEE ASSOCIATION REMINDS MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS WEBINAR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. HCAA Pres. Chris Manfredi said the HCA Webinar Series is provided as a free resource for our association members and the broader community. "We have designed each session to provide important updates on the effects of the pandemic on the Hawaiʻi coffee industry and on the coffee industry at large, as well as addressing other useful topics to inform our coffee professionals of changing trends and regulations."
HAWAIʻI COFFEE ASSOCIATION REMINDS MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT ITS WEBINAR WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY. HCAA Pres. Chris Manfredi said the HCA Webinar Series is provided as a free resource for our association members and the broader community. "We have designed each session to provide important updates on the effects of the pandemic on the Hawaiʻi coffee industry and on the coffee industry at large, as well as addressing other useful topics to inform our coffee professionals of changing trends and regulations."
From 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. will be the Message from HCA President Chris Manfredi. From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be the session on The Impact of Time, Temperature, and Extraction on the Sensory Quality of Drip Brew Coffee by Mackenzie Batali of UC Davis Coffee Center. From 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be the presentation by a Coffee Scoring Systems Pane, with Kim Westerman of Coffee Review, Shawn Steiman of Coffea Consulting, and Brittany Horn and Madeleine Longoria Garcia of Pacific Coffee Research.
From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be a 2019-2020 CTAHR Research and Extension Update with Andrea Kawabata and Shannon Sand. From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will be a Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council Update with Suzanne Shriner and Ralph Gaston.
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On Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a presentation called Hawaiʻi in a Global Market with Joan Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian and Marcus Young of Boot Coffee. From noon to 1 p.m. will be a Specialty Coffee Association U.S. Chapter Update with Marcus Boni, Nathanael May, and Madeleine Longoria Garcia. From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be a Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Update with Chairperson, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser. From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will be a presentation on USDA Rural Development Programs with Brenda Iokepa-Moses.
Manfredi advised to check the schedule and register for each session individually at hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/page-1771697.
From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be a 2019-2020 CTAHR Research and Extension Update with Andrea Kawabata and Shannon Sand. From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will be a Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council Update with Suzanne Shriner and Ralph Gaston.
On Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. will be a presentation called Hawaiʻi in a Global Market with Joan Obra of Rusty's Hawaiian and Marcus Young of Boot Coffee. From noon to 1 p.m. will be a Specialty Coffee Association U.S. Chapter Update with Marcus Boni, Nathanael May, and Madeleine Longoria Garcia. From 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. will be a Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture Update with Chairperson, Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser. From 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. will be a presentation on USDA Rural Development Programs with Brenda Iokepa-Moses.
Manfredi advised to check the schedule and register for each session individually at hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/page-1771697.
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As both parties left the business establishment the 60-year-old male approached the wrong truck and attempted to get in. After realizing that he was at the wrong truck, he walked into the driveway area, waved in apology, and waited for his acquaintance to turn his vehicle around and pick him up before leaving the area.
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A PĀHOA WOMAN DIED IN KAʻŪ, in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection ofCoral Parkway and Ginger Blossom Lane, in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates on Sunday, June 21. The 31-year-old is identified as Angel Nohelani Leialoha Ano, reports Hawaiʻi Police Department.
A SUSPECTED CHILD ABDUCTION IS A CASE OF MISTAKEN VEHICLE IDENTITY, according to the Hawaiʻi Island Police. HPD completed an investigation into a reported attempted Unauthorized Entry into Motor Vehicle incident at a business establishment in Nāʻālehu on June 15.
HPD reports a male party was reported to have approached a vehicle and attempted to gain entry into the vehicle. Within the vehicle were two unattended minors. This incident was reported on Social Media as an attempted child abduction.
Although the event did occur, the circumstances were determined to be of a non-criminal nature.
A detective reviewed a video and interviewed all parties involved to determine that a 60-year-old male was at a store in Nāʻālehu when he met with an acquaintance, a 53-year-old male. During conversation, the 53-year-old male offered the 60-year-old male a ride to his home.
A detective reviewed a video and interviewed all parties involved to determine that a 60-year-old male was at a store in Nāʻālehu when he met with an acquaintance, a 53-year-old male. During conversation, the 53-year-old male offered the 60-year-old male a ride to his home.
As both parties left the business establishment the 60-year-old male approached the wrong truck and attempted to get in. After realizing that he was at the wrong truck, he walked into the driveway area, waved in apology, and waited for his acquaintance to turn his vehicle around and pick him up before leaving the area.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 PĀHOA WOMAN DIED IN KAʻŪ, in a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of
Responding to a 4:36 a.m. call, police report that a gold 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser heading west failed to stop at the intersection, then drove into a lava field and overturned. The 31-year-old female passenger was transported to the Kona Community Hospital 1:45 p.m. The driver of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, a 38-year-old male from Kailua-Kona was taken to Kona Community Hospital Kona Community Hospital
Neither the driver nor passenger of the vehicle were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
This is the 10th traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.
HPD has initiated a Manslaughter investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Kelsey Kobayashi at 326-4646, ext. 229, via email at kelsey.kobayashi@hawaiicounty.gov, or at the HPD non-emergency number, (808) 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.
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PICKLEBALL LESSONS & CERAMIC CLASSES are the offerings for this summer from the county's Elderly Recreation Services. The classes run from July 6 to Sept. 11. Pickleball will be offered at Cooper Center in Volcano on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon , with instructor D. Esser.
Ceramics will be offered on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with instructor C. Hall.
Class sizes are limited to nine. Each individual shall be responsible for self and safe practices of wearing face masks, six-feet social distancing, and hand sanitation, according to the announcement from the county. Registration is drive-through from 8 a.m. to noon at Keaʻau Community Center this Thursday, June 25.
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CANCELLATION OF THE ʻOHANA SHORELINE FISHING TOURNAMENT AND THE ʻOHANA SHORELINE FISHING TOURNAMENT was announced today by County of Hawai‘i, "in the interest of protecting the health and wellbeing of participants, supporters, and staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and state and local emergency rules, and policies currently in place, these popular activities present numerous uncertainties and planning challenges."
The Richardson Rough Water Swim is a 1-mile open ocean race held annually that starts and ends at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. Last year's event, the 32nd annual, included nearly 150 competitors.
The ‘Ohana Fishing Tournament is a popular annual island-wide fishing tournament held over Statehood Day weekend that attracted upwards of 350 anglers of all ages and from all over the island. Weigh-ins regularly drew almost 800 people. "This event was consistently and generously supported by many of the island's fishing supply stores, travel industry operations, and local businesses. These events are an expression of our island culture and a point of pride in our community. The Department of Parks and Recreation anticipates resuming both annual events in 2021."
For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Aquatics Division at 961-8740.
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LEARN ABOUT HAWAIʻI'S HISTORY AND CULTURE through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center
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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.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail &Sculpture Garden
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Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 24 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 July 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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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.
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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.
The Food Basket provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. The ʻOhana Food Drop program is being phased out. Nāʻālehu's final date is tentatively Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, June 24 or July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Go to Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, June 30, 10 a.m. until pau. There will be no July date.
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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.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. 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.
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PICKLEBALL LESSONS & CERAMIC CLASSES are the offerings for this summer from the county's Elderly Recreation Services. The classes run from July 6 to Sept. 11. Pickleball will be offered at Cooper Center in Volcano on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon , with instructor D. Esser.
Ceramics will be offered on Wednesdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with instructor C. Hall.
Class sizes are limited to nine. Each individual shall be responsible for self and safe practices of wearing face masks, six-feet social distancing, and hand sanitation, according to the announcement from the county. Registration is drive-through from 8 a.m. to noon at Keaʻau Community Center this Thursday, June 25.
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.
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| ʻOhana Shoreline Fishing Tournament, a popular annual event sponsored by Hawaiʻi County has been canceled for this summer due to the pandemic. Photo from Hawaiʻi County |
The Richardson Rough Water Swim is a 1-mile open ocean race held annually that starts and ends at Richardson Ocean Park in Hilo. Last year's event, the 32nd annual, included nearly 150 competitors.
The ‘Ohana Fishing Tournament is a popular annual island-wide fishing tournament held over Statehood Day weekend that attracted upwards of 350 anglers of all ages and from all over the island. Weigh-ins regularly drew almost 800 people. "This event was consistently and generously supported by many of the island's fishing supply stores, travel industry operations, and local businesses. These events are an expression of our island culture and a point of pride in our community. The Department of Parks and Recreation anticipates resuming both annual events in 2021."
For more information contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Aquatics Division at 961-8740.
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.
BEGIN LEARNING BASICS OF ORGANIC FARMING from two free modules of a virtual training program, urges The Kohala Center. Accessible online, additional modules will be added in the coming weeks. The course is presented by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo .
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange (not pictured) is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND are reported today. There are two active cases on this island: Ocean View and Kealakekua. The patients are being monitored by Department of Health.
Oʻahu reported three new cases today. The state's new case total is 181 in 18 days.
Oʻahu reported three new cases today. The state's new case total is 181 in 18 days.
Hawaiʻi Island recorded its two active cases in the last week. All other 83 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were two hospitalizations on-island; both patients have been released.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 571 cases, Kauaʻi 29, and Maui County 122. Twelve victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 819 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Seventeen people died.
The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "The State and Island of Hawaiʻi
In the United States , more than 2,341,632 cases have been confirmed – an increase of over 35,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 121,157. Worldwide, more than 9.18 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is more than 474,572.
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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. |
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
EVENTS
Attend a Wildfire Risk for Farms Webinar Wednesday, June 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Farm Fire Management Webinar, presented by University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension, offers "Assessing and reducing wildfire risk on your farm! Dry season is here and wildfire risk is ramping up. Are you prepared? Join us for an online webinar about how to assess and reduce wildfire risk on your farm." Clay Trauernicht, UH Extension Specialist in Wildfire Science and Management, will speak on planning for fire preparedness, identifying fire-related hazards on the land, and methods to manage vegetation to reduce fire risk. Q&A facilitated by Josh Silva, Extension Agent in Edible Crops. RSVP at eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-farm-fire-management-webinar-tickets-109038286450.
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Register for Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Webinar Series. The virtual event will be held Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. Each session is designed to provide important updates on the effects of the pandemic on the Hawaiʻi coffee industry and on the coffee industry at large, as well as addressing other useful topics to inform coffee professionals of changing trends and regulations. Each session must be registered for individually – go to hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/page-1771697. The sessions will be recorded and later published on the HCA website. To become a sponsor for the webinar, click here.
Attend a Wildfire Risk for Farms Webinar Wednesday, June 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Farm Fire Management Webinar, presented by University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension, offers "Assessing and reducing wildfire risk on your farm! Dry season is here and wildfire risk is ramping up. Are you prepared? Join us for an online webinar about how to assess and reduce wildfire risk on your farm." Clay Trauernicht, UH Extension Specialist in Wildfire Science and Management, will speak on planning for fire preparedness, identifying fire-related hazards on the land, and methods to manage vegetation to reduce fire risk. Q&A facilitated by Josh Silva, Extension Agent in Edible Crops. RSVP at eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-farm-fire-management-webinar-tickets-109038286450.
Feedback from Parents and Guardians of Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Students is requested by Principal Sharon Beck: "As we plan for the opening of the 2020-21 school year, we would like to gather feedback from our parents/guardians about what that might look like for our students." Deadline is June 30 : KHPES Parent Survey: Planning for the 2020-21 School Year.
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Enter the RevʻULUtion Student Art Contest by Tuesday, June 30. Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative invites all students residing in Hawaiʻi in PreK through 12th grades to create and submit original artwork that will be featured in an upcoming traveling art exhibit, a 13-month calendar, and across the internet on the cooperative's partners websites and social media. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness of ʻulu as a "resilient cultural and agricultural resource" that is a "viable option for increasing food security and self-sufficiency across the Hawaiian Islands .
Enter the RevʻULUtion Student Art Contest by Tuesday, June 30. Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative invites all students residing in Hawaiʻi in PreK through 12th grades to create and submit original artwork that will be featured in an upcoming traveling art exhibit, a 13-month calendar, and across the internet on the cooperative's partners websites and social media. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness of ʻulu as a "resilient cultural and agricultural resource" that is a "viable option for increasing food security and self-sufficiency across the Each student may submit as many pieces as they wish on 8.5 by 11 paper, in the landscape (horizontal) orientation. Any art medium, except computer graphics and photographs, may be used as long as the artwork is flat and can be scanned. Each entry must be accompanied by a short – 75 words or less – explanation of ʻUlu's Place in Hawaiʻi: Past, Present, and Future, and an entry form.
Visit eatbreadfruit.com/pages/artcontest for more information and to submit an entry.
Apply for Energy Assistance through June 30 for help to pay energy bills. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Credit Assistance Program assists eligible people with a one-time payment towards their electric or gas bill. See humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap.
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Cold Wax Painting Class by Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Visit eatbreadfruit.com/pages/artcontest for more information and to submit an entry.
Apply for Energy Assistance through June 30 for help to pay energy bills. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Credit Assistance Program assists eligible people with a one-time payment towards their electric or gas bill. See humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap.
Cold Wax Painting Class by Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 27, ONGOING
Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail &
Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 24 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 July 1 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.
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.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.
On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is opeEnroll 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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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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. 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.
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