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Volcano Art Center patron Elizabeth Ramsey views the biennial quilt show Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change. See the winner and more below. Photo by Jesse Tunison |
The state is also paying more attention to waivers given to "essential workers." The military and their family members were recently notified to abide by quarantine rules. Migrant farmers who come to Hawaiʻi seasonally during coffee picking time, and those who hire and house them, were warned about following directives. Those include going nowhere but work during their quarantine and to observe face mask and distancing rules during and after quarantine. See story and posters below.
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 MESSAGE TO MIGRANT COFFEE PICKERS AND FARMERS came from the county this week. Glenn Sako, Agriculture Specialist at the county's Department of Research & Development, sent out a message regarding agricultural workers: "State of Hawai‘i is in the midst of a severe outbreak of COVID-19, which threatens to shut down our state again. The County of Hawai‘i has received reports of hired farmworkers traveling to Hawai‘i County and giving incorrect farm addresses and not adhering to the self-quarantine requirements.
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| Warnings for migrant agriculture workers coming onto the island are issued in Spanish, above. See English and Marshallese versions below. |
"These workers are being brought in to harvest coffee and other agricultural crops. They are considered Essential Workers and are allowed to work on the host farm that they are staying at during their self-quarantine period and must follow the face covering and social distancing requirements.
" If the work on the host farm is completed during the self-quarantine period, the worker(s) may break self-quarantine to only work on farms. No other activities are allowed. They must wear face covering and maintain social distancing and return to their self-quarantine location. The host of the guest worker(s) is responsible for the adherence to the self-quarantine requirements."
See information on the rules at left in Spanish and below in Marshallese and English.
" If the work on the host farm is completed during the self-quarantine period, the worker(s) may break self-quarantine to only work on farms. No other activities are allowed. They must wear face covering and maintain social distancing and return to their self-quarantine location. The host of the guest worker(s) is responsible for the adherence to the self-quarantine requirements."
See information on the rules at left in Spanish and below in Marshallese and English.
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.
YOUNG BROTHERS RATES CAN INCREASE BY UP TO 46 PERCENT, according to Monday's emergency ruling from the state Public Utilities Commission. The decision requires the interisland tug and barge shipping company to restore its schedule to two weekly cargo hauls between Hilo and Honolulu, and Kahului and Honolulu, by Tuesday, Sept. 1. No additional rate increases are allowed during the next year; a six-month notice is required, should Young Brothers decide to discontinue interisland service; they must develop and implement a customer service plan; and undergo an audit by an independent entity chosen by the PUC.
Young Brothers asked the state legislature for help to make it through the pandemic, but its appeal was rejected. Hawaiʻi Island legislators have called it a lifeline for local agricultural and other industries to send product to Oʻahu and to receive supplies on this island, as well as food and other goods to distribute during the COVID-19 crisis.
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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REVERSE COURSE AND STRENGTHEN THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE AS A CRITICAL CORE GOVERNMENT SERVICE was the demand from Congressman Ed Case today. He and colleagues called for restoration and improved postal services to weather the COVID-19 crisis and assure a full, fair, and free election. U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy issued a public statement saying that post office reforms would be delayed until after the election to assure ballots arrive in time to comply with the November General Election deadlines.
Case said, "The Administration's various actions to date, though explained as necessary to 'improve' the USPS, can in fact only be viewed a direct and coordinated attack on the USPS. I also consider the Administration's actions as motivated, at least in part, to disrupt and call into question voting by mail in this year's crucial elections, and that is an attack on our democracy itself.
"The USPS is a creature not of statute but of our Constitution because our founders recognized it as critical to a functioning government, democracy, economy, and society. The USPS is not a business; it is a service that we all contribute to as a core function of government. The COVID-19 crisis has only magnified that importance. Now more than ever, the USPS is essential to continuing to address so many goals and needs, from business (especially small businesses) to health care (especially prescription drugs), Social Security, disability, veterans, unemployment and other benefits and assistance, tax returns and refunds, and more.
"Let's take Hawaiʻi's over 110,000 veterans and their ‘ohana as just one of many examples. For those receiving medicines, some 80 perecent do so by mail; delaying these critical prescription deliveries could seriously jeopardize their health. More broadly, a fully functioning USPS was critical to so many Americans receiving desperately needed CARES Act assistance in the initial months of this crisis.
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"But nowhere this year is the USPS more essential than to ensure a full, free and fair general election. In a time of required social distancing, when in-person voting is not a safe option for whole segments of our country, vote-by-mail is the only practical option to ensure the widest possible access to the ballot box for all voting Americans. Any claim that vote-by-mail does not result in higher election accessibility and results in widespread fraud is specious, as we in Hawai‘i just demonstrated to ourselves and the rest of the country with a very smooth all-mail election with virtually no fraud claims or disputed election results and the highest voter turnout in our history."
Case said the Trump Administration's "antipathy to the USPS" predated COVID-19, "but the current crisis has only heightened a series of highly questionable decisions taken under the guise of responding to COVID-19 which taken together are far more than attempts to improve the USPS. For example, the USPS directive eliminating overtime for mail carriers and instructing them to deliver the days' remaining mail the following day is contributing to a slowdown of mail delivery at a critical time when delivery must remain constant and dependable.
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"The USPS Inspector General is examining potential ethics violations within the USPS, and our President has politicized efforts to help the USPS by saying his opposition to emergency funding to the USPS 'means you can't have universal mail-in voting because they're not equipped to have it.' Any President who was committed to a strong USPS through such a critical time would not have undertaken those actions. Instead, she or he would have fought for the $25 billion in assistance urged by the USPS' own bipartisan Board of Governors, and already passed by the U.S. House. She or he would further have long ago convened an emergency committee to assure that the USPS is fully prepared in all of resources, equipment, personnel, and funding to not only handle voting by mail without delay but to achieve the same result nationally as we were able to achieve in partnership with the USPS here in Hawai‘i. This President has done none of that.
"To avoid any claim or excuse by anyone that the $25 billion of emergency funding is entangled in the ongoing larger negotiations over the next COVID-19 emergency assistance package, this Saturday my U.S. House is poised to pass our Delivering for America Act, focused exclusively on implementing the Board of Governors' recommendations on assuring the continued viability and full functioning of the USPS through the 2020 general elections and beyond. Our bill will aim to block any change that would delay mail or increase the volume of undelivered mail. Any refusal by the Senate majority to pass this bill or further opposition from the Administration can only then mean opposition to the critical functioning of the USPS not only for so many in need but to the right of all eligible Americans to vote."
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.
LOCAL NONPROFITS WILL BRING MORTGAGE AND RENT HELP through grants provided to Hawaiʻi County from the federal government. Six organizations will offer the Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Program applications starting Monday, Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
RMAP nonprofit partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents at least 18 years old who lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply.
RMAP is funded by the County of Hawaiʻi with Federal CARES Act dollars and will provide a rent or mortgage payment of up to $1,000 per month for an estimated 1,445 households that income qualify and can prove hardship due to COVID-19 for each month for which they could receive assistance from March 2020 to December 2020.
Funding will be limited to households' primary residence on Hawaiʻi Island. Households will be limited to one grant of up to $1,000 per month.
Applications will be processed by six Hawaiʻi Island-based nonprofit partners and payments will be made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants will also have access to financial counseling services. Hawaiʻi County RMAP nonprofit partners are:
Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union; Neighborhood Place of Puna; Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery and Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see list, right.
Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see
the partners at right.
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.
YOUNG BROTHERS RATES CAN INCREASE BY UP TO 46 PERCENT, according to Monday's emergency ruling from the state Public Utilities Commission. The decision requires the interisland tug and barge shipping company to restore its schedule to two weekly cargo hauls between Hilo and Honolulu, and Kahului and Honolulu, by Tuesday, Sept. 1. No additional rate increases are allowed during the next year; a six-month notice is required, should Young Brothers decide to discontinue interisland service; they must develop and implement a customer service plan; and undergo an audit by an independent entity chosen by the PUC.
Young Brothers asked the state legislature for help to make it through the pandemic, but its appeal was rejected. Hawaiʻi Island legislators have called it a lifeline for local agricultural and other industries to send product to Oʻahu and to receive supplies on this island, as well as food and other goods to distribute during the COVID-19 crisis.
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.
Case said, "The Administration's various actions to date, though explained as necessary to 'improve' the USPS, can in fact only be viewed a direct and coordinated attack on the USPS. I also consider the Administration's actions as motivated, at least in part, to disrupt and call into question voting by mail in this year's crucial elections, and that is an attack on our democracy itself.
"The USPS is a creature not of statute but of our Constitution because our founders recognized it as critical to a functioning government, democracy, economy, and society. The USPS is not a business; it is a service that we all contribute to as a core function of government. The COVID-19 crisis has only magnified that importance. Now more than ever, the USPS is essential to continuing to address so many goals and needs, from business (especially small businesses) to health care (especially prescription drugs), Social Security, disability, veterans, unemployment and other benefits and assistance, tax returns and refunds, and more.
"Let's take Hawaiʻi's over 110,000 veterans and their ‘ohana as just one of many examples. For those receiving medicines, some 80 perecent do so by mail; delaying these critical prescription deliveries could seriously jeopardize their health. More broadly, a fully functioning USPS was critical to so many Americans receiving desperately needed CARES Act assistance in the initial months of this crisis.
Case said the Trump Administration's "antipathy to the USPS" predated COVID-19, "but the current crisis has only heightened a series of highly questionable decisions taken under the guise of responding to COVID-19 which taken together are far more than attempts to improve the USPS. For example, the USPS directive eliminating overtime for mail carriers and instructing them to deliver the days' remaining mail the following day is contributing to a slowdown of mail delivery at a critical time when delivery must remain constant and dependable.
"The USPS Inspector General is examining potential ethics violations within the USPS, and our President has politicized efforts to help the USPS by saying his opposition to emergency funding to the USPS 'means you can't have universal mail-in voting because they're not equipped to have it.' Any President who was committed to a strong USPS through such a critical time would not have undertaken those actions. Instead, she or he would have fought for the $25 billion in assistance urged by the USPS' own bipartisan Board of Governors, and already passed by the U.S. House. She or he would further have long ago convened an emergency committee to assure that the USPS is fully prepared in all of resources, equipment, personnel, and funding to not only handle voting by mail without delay but to achieve the same result nationally as we were able to achieve in partnership with the USPS here in Hawai‘i. This President has done none of that."To avoid any claim or excuse by anyone that the $25 billion of emergency funding is entangled in the ongoing larger negotiations over the next COVID-19 emergency assistance package, this Saturday my U.S. House is poised to pass our Delivering for America Act, focused exclusively on implementing the Board of Governors' recommendations on assuring the continued viability and full functioning of the USPS through the 2020 general elections and beyond. Our bill will aim to block any change that would delay mail or increase the volume of undelivered mail. Any refusal by the Senate majority to pass this bill or further opposition from the Administration can only then mean opposition to the critical functioning of the USPS not only for so many in need but to the right of all eligible Americans to vote."
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.
Go Online or Call Any Nonprofit Partner to Apply Starting August 24th HCA/HCL 808.934.0801 HOPE HFFCU 808.933.6600 NPP HIHR 808.640.4443 808.934.7852 HFHHI 808.450.2118 rmap@habitathawaiiisland.orgRMAP nonprofit partners encourage Hawaii Island residents at least 18 years old who lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply. |
RMAP nonprofit partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents at least 18 years old who lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply.
RMAP is funded by the County of Hawaiʻi with Federal CARES Act dollars and will provide a rent or mortgage payment of up to $1,000 per month for an estimated 1,445 households that income qualify and can prove hardship due to COVID-19 for each month for which they could receive assistance from March 2020 to December 2020.
Funding will be limited to households' primary residence on Hawaiʻi Island. Households will be limited to one grant of up to $1,000 per month.
Applications will be processed by six Hawaiʻi Island-based nonprofit partners and payments will be made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants will also have access to financial counseling services. Hawaiʻi County RMAP nonprofit partners are:
Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union; Neighborhood Place of Puna; Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery and Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see list, right.
Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see
the partners at right.
SAMMI FO WILL PERFORM AT THE WEDNESDAY NĀʻĀLEHU MARKET beginning tomorrow, Aug. 19. Fo will join two top Kaʻū musicians in entertaining customers under the trees at this farmers' market sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou each Wednesday.
Fo, who has been dancing hula since her teens, will join Keoki Sereno and Bobo, who play a large selection of Hawaiian classic and other favorite songs as she dances hula in her inimitable style.
Fo was a featured dancer during the heyday of Waikiki when, as she remembers, Hawai'i abounded with love and romance and Hawaiian hospitality.
She was 19 years old when she danced in the famous Hawaiian Room in the prestigious Lexington Hotel in New York City - a tropical escape where the rich and famous could experience the islands' best entertainment from 1937 to 1966. Hundreds of Hawaiian dancers, singers, and musicians were recruited to share their native Hawaiian culture while guests enjoyed coconut cocktails and a chef-prepared Polynesian luau. Fo also danced in the original cast of the Broadway show, Flower Drum Song.
Perhaps she is best remembered for dancing with Elvis Presley in the Blue Hawaiʻi TV special and for being in three of his movies in the early sixties. She was also in several episodes of the original Hawaiʻi Five O with Jack Lord.
She married Buddy Fo, leader of the legendary group, The Invitations, a big part of the movement to popularize Hawaiian music. She danced with that group for many years. She has also choreographed and performed in big shows for "big" names like Don Ho, Tommy Sands, Martin Denny, Dick Jenson, John Rowles, and others.
Among the favorite and classic Hawaiian songs that will be sung by Keoki and Bobo and danced by Fo, are Blue Hawaiʻi, Lei of Stars, Hanalei Moon, Little Grass Shack, Lovely Hula Hands, Mua Mana, and Ke Aloha.
Keoki's regular gig is at the Punaluʻu Bake Shop, when it is open. He also plays for local events. Bobo, who was once recognized as one of the state's two top surfers, teaches ukulele. The ‘O Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Fo will dance sets on Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m.
Fo, who has been dancing hula since her teens, will join Keoki Sereno and Bobo, who play a large selection of Hawaiian classic and other favorite songs as she dances hula in her inimitable style.
Fo was a featured dancer during the heyday of Waikiki when, as she remembers, Hawai'i abounded with love and romance and Hawaiian hospitality.
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| Sammi Fo joins the musicians with her dance starting tomorrow and each Wednesday at Nāʻālehu Market. Photo by Annie Bosted |
Perhaps she is best remembered for dancing with Elvis Presley in the Blue Hawaiʻi TV special and for being in three of his movies in the early sixties. She was also in several episodes of the original Hawaiʻi Five O with Jack Lord.
She married Buddy Fo, leader of the legendary group, The Invitations, a big part of the movement to popularize Hawaiian music. She danced with that group for many years. She has also choreographed and performed in big shows for "big" names like Don Ho, Tommy Sands, Martin Denny, Dick Jenson, John Rowles, and others.
Among the favorite and classic Hawaiian songs that will be sung by Keoki and Bobo and danced by Fo, are Blue Hawaiʻi, Lei of Stars, Hanalei Moon, Little Grass Shack, Lovely Hula Hands, Mua Mana, and Ke Aloha.
Keoki's regular gig is at the Punaluʻu Bake Shop, when it is open. He also plays for local events. Bobo, who was once recognized as one of the state's two top surfers, teaches ukulele. The ‘O Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Fo will dance sets on Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m.
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.
QUILT ARTIST PHAN NGUYEN BARKER IS THE WINNER OF VOLCANO ART CENTER'S Viewer's Choice Award from its third biennial quilt show, Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change. Barker is well known for her hand-dyed silk and abstract silk paintings which often include stunning textural needlework. Her works range from simple, elegant hand-dyed silk to labor-intensive, complex, three-dimensional works that borrow stitches and techniques from a range of fabric arts.
Gallery Manager, Emily Weiss, says, "It is no wonder that Phan's work was selected, even amongst the other strong quilt entries. Watching people view Phan's work, they often spend a little more time, allowing their thoughts to meander along the complex stitchery. The fact that her works are abstract allows viewers to bring their own experiences to the work and create their own interpretation. This allows her work to become much more personal to the viewer."
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| People's Choice Award-winning Quilt titled Light and Shadow by Phan Nguyen Barker. Photo by Jesse Tunison |
Gallery Manager, Emily Weiss, says, "It is no wonder that Phan's work was selected, even amongst the other strong quilt entries. Watching people view Phan's work, they often spend a little more time, allowing their thoughts to meander along the complex stitchery. The fact that her works are abstract allows viewers to bring their own experiences to the work and create their own interpretation. This allows her work to become much more personal to the viewer."
Barker's artwork is available through the VAC gallery. Beginning in early December, she will open her fourth solo-exhibition at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center/Hawaiʻi Museum of Contemporary Art in Hilo. The work she is creating for the upcoming exhibition will focus on her early life in Vietnam, from 1946 to 1969.
Barker was born in 1946 in Tu Chau, a predominantly Catholic village north of Hanoi, Vietnam. When Vietnam was partitioned in 1954, she fled with her father and siblings to South Vietnam. She grew up with the Vietnam War raging around her and learned English as a clerk/typist at Bien Hoa Air Base. She volunteered as an interpreter for an Air Force chaplain, who encouraged her to come to America to study. After endless paperwork and delays, she arrived in the United States in 1969. Her time in Vietnam has provided inspiration for many powerful works of art.
A statement from Volcano Art Center says it wishes "to thank its supportive members and community who viewed the exhibition," says Weiss. "It was wonderful to see our community out and enjoying the arts. Patrons were patient and respecting of social distancing and the extra safety measures in place to keep the space clean and safe for enjoyment. We were pleased that many people came to see the exhibition in person and for those that didn't, the exhibition was popularly viewed online. The arts are alive and well, and are continuing to play a very important role in our community during these challenging times."
Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi through arts and education. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
District of Columbia spends the most on preschool – $19,710 per child – with a one-percent co-pay. D.C.'s preschool program is rated by WalletHub as the top in the country.
See more at wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-the-best-and-worst-early-education-systems/62668/.
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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.
PREGNANCY INFORMATION for new and experienced mothers is offered through virtual Healthy Hāpai Program. Held by Hui Mālama Nā ʻŌiwi, the free five-session prenatal education program engages and educate mothers throughout their pregnancy and after giving birth. Expecting mothers wanting to learn more about their pregnancy, postpartum, and positive parenting, sign up at hmono.org/services/.
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.
NURSING, SOCIAL WORK, PUBLIC HEALTH, and other health care students are invited to compete in the Sixth Annual Hawaiʻi Journal of Health & Social Work Writing Contest. The prize is $500 and publication in the Journal. The competition is open to research articles relating to health and welfare of the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim. Writers can be students and recent graduates. See more at hawaiijournalhealth.org/contest.htm.
Barker was born in 1946 in Tu Chau, a predominantly Catholic village north of Hanoi, Vietnam. When Vietnam was partitioned in 1954, she fled with her father and siblings to South Vietnam. She grew up with the Vietnam War raging around her and learned English as a clerk/typist at Bien Hoa Air Base. She volunteered as an interpreter for an Air Force chaplain, who encouraged her to come to America to study. After endless paperwork and delays, she arrived in the United States in 1969. Her time in Vietnam has provided inspiration for many powerful works of art.
A statement from Volcano Art Center says it wishes "to thank its supportive members and community who viewed the exhibition," says Weiss. "It was wonderful to see our community out and enjoying the arts. Patrons were patient and respecting of social distancing and the extra safety measures in place to keep the space clean and safe for enjoyment. We were pleased that many people came to see the exhibition in person and for those that didn't, the exhibition was popularly viewed online. The arts are alive and well, and are continuing to play a very important role in our community during these challenging times."
Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi through arts and education. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
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| Interior of exhibition Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus. Photo by Jesse Tunison |
HAWAIʻI OFFERS STATE FUNDED PRE-KINDERGARTEN to families of a broader income range than any other state, according to a WalletHub study released today. Families earning up to $58,380 can qualify. The state providing pre-K to only those with the least income is Minnesota , which pays for those with incomes of $8,455 or less. Hawaiʻi, however, has the highest co-pay rate – up to 17 percent of family income. In comparison, New York and Maryland have a co-payment of one percent.
See more at wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-the-best-and-worst-early-education-systems/62668/.
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.PREGNANCY INFORMATION for new and experienced mothers is offered through virtual Healthy Hāpai Program. Held by Hui Mālama Nā ʻŌiwi, the free five-session prenatal education program engages and educate mothers throughout their pregnancy and after giving birth. Expecting mothers wanting to learn more about their pregnancy, postpartum, and positive parenting, sign up at hmono.org/services/.
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.
NURSING, SOCIAL WORK, PUBLIC HEALTH, and other health care students are invited to compete in the Sixth Annual Hawaiʻi Journal of Health & Social Work Writing Contest. The prize is $500 and publication in the Journal. The competition is open to research articles relating to health and welfare of the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim. Writers can be students and recent graduates. See more at hawaiijournalhealth.org/contest.htm.
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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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.
COVID-19 COMMUNITY SPREAD CLUSTERS in Hawaiʻi "are a result of workplace social interactions," reports Department of Health. "While safe practices have become a part of our new workplace routines, let's not let our guard down whether in the workplace, on a break, or off the clock," says a message from DOH.
Hawaiʻi reports triple-digit new case numbers for the 17th day in a row. State total 1s 5,349 since the pandemic began. Statewide, 134 new cases are reported. Department of Health reports Hawaiʻi Island has three new cases, Maui seven, and Oʻahu 122. One more person, an O‘ahu man, 40-59 years-old, with underlying health conditions, has died from the virus, for a death total of 41. DOH extends its sympathies, along with all of Hawai‘i, to the family and friends of the latest coronavirus victim.
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| A recent outdoor gathering at Ocean View drew many comments and several photos submitted to The Kaʻū Calendar, with reports of no masks nor social distancing at this open space along Hwy 11. |
There are 20 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 152 since the pandemic began. No one is hospitalized from the virus. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū or Volcano zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 4,591 cases, Maui County 226, and Kauaʻi 54. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. A total of 161,948 individuals have been tested in the state. Of 5,349 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi six percent have required hospitalization and 93 percent were residents.
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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 25 cases. Light orange is 26 to 50 cases (not pictured). Dark orange (not pictured) is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
DOH says "We continue to see cases associated with the remaining bars that are still open. It is difficult to wear a mask while drinking and as people become impaired, they naturally stop physically distancing and begin to congregate together.
"We have heard reports that people are still doing rigorous activities in gyms while wearing masks. This may be contributing to spread of infection as the consistency of mask wearing is unclear, specifically if they are worn all the time or correctly. The effectiveness of mask wearing while the mask is wet with sweat or vapor is unclear at this time. Some gyms have done a good job with rigorous protocols for cleaning, spacing, etc., while others are problematic as we’ve seen in, for example, a circuit gym cluster. Lastly and especially, we continue to see COVID-19 clusters involving parties or gatherings in private homes (e.g., birthday party, funeral, religious gather etc.). These gatherings have no masking and no distancing, mostly involving families and friends.
In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Hawaiʻi Island has seen daily increases of positive cases over the past two weeks. Most of these recent cases are not travel related which means the virus is being transmitted within the community. As other islands begin measures to slow the spread of the virus by limiting activities, we ask for your help in maintaining our beautiful lifestyle on Hawaiʻi Island by following the preventive policies. As a reminder, outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people and indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people. Within these groups, please continue practicing the policies of physical distancing, cleanliness, and wearing of face coverings. By following these guidelines, we can continue enjoying our parks, beaches, and time with our family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you for listening, have a safe week and be well. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
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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
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to MiloliʻiBeach Park
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ONGOING
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St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. , with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.
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On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry, Cooper Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. 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, 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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Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.
Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators fromCounty of Hawaiʻi
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Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.
Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in theHonolulu Washington D.C.
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, 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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ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,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. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
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Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi
Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book a reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.
ONGOING
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. 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, 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.
Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.
Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from
Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.
Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher.
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Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f
Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the
Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. , closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center
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Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.
Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.
Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. , on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,
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