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| While the ʻUlua Challenge fishing competition was canceled this summer by S. Tokunaga Store, fishing is more popular than ever and Tokunaga hosts a popular platform for fishing photos and videos. The fishing store in Hilo also won the KITV Best in Show for the video on the history of the enterprise. See more below and check out the postings at the Tokunaga Facebook. Photo from S. Tokunaga Store |
Census count ensures that our communities will be eligible to receive hundreds of millions in federal program dollars that support our communities such as hospitals, fire, and other public safety needs, food assistance, and representation in the U.S. House of Representatives."
Ley said it is estimated that only 47.2 percent of Hawaiʻi Island households have responded. Nearly all rural communities on this island are undercounted, with some self-reporting as low as 26.3 percent. This means that the Census Bureau is required to make door-to-door visits to those who have yet to respond to the 2020 Census.
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| Missy Powell, census taker, works through historic Pāhala village. Photo by Julia Neal |
2020.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020. Those that respond will not need to be visited in person to obtain their census response.
"It is critical that everyone treat official Census workers with respect," said Ley. "Census workers who are visiting neighborhoods are local residents – they are someone's neighbor, co-worker, classmate, or family member. Unfortunately, some workers have been threatened with firearms, which is not necessary or appropriate behavior. Severe escalation of threats will result in police reports being filed."
Census takers arrive wearing official identification badges that contain their photographs, U.S. Department of Commerce watermarks, and expiration dates. With questions, confirm the legitimacy of census workers by calling 844-899-7717 to speak to a Census Bureau representative.
Due to the COVID emergency, Census workers will be wearing masks and maintain social distancing according to the Center for Disease Control guidelines.
For those who need assistance with languages other than English, Census workers may be bilingual. If not, materials will be available to help identify the household's language and the household may request a return visit from a census worker who can assist. Alternatively, 13 language options are available online at https://mycensus2020.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.
For more information, visit www.2020census.gov.
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POSTING FISHING VIDEOS AND PHOTOS from Kaʻū waters and beyond has helped to offset cancellation of this summer's ʻUlua Challenge. The 16-year-old strong fishing event, sponsored by S. Tokunaga Store in Hilo, draws competitors to Kaʻū's long and uninhabited coastline each year, with
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| Addison Enriques, of Punalu`u, (left) with an ono catch shown on the S. Tokunaga facebook. |
The ʻUlua Challenge is a traditional Hawaiian pole fishing event from the shore. ʻUlua, also called trevally and giant kingfish, swim tropical waters around Hawaiʻi, Japan, Australia, South Africa, and in between.
With the ʻUlua Challenge cancellation, fishing continues with a zeal that leads people to post their catch of many kinds of fish on the Tokunaga Facebook. Postings include keiki's first catch of a papio - a baby ʻulua. A "Let 'em go, let 'em grow" video shows an ʻulua launched into a tidepool by giant waves as it is rescued by fishermen who carry the young fish back to the ocean.
The history of S. Tokunaga Store also became a video that won KITV's Best of Hawaiʻi award. See it here. See the Tokunaga Facebook for fishing photos and videos.
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| First catch for Juliana. She holds up a papio, a baby ʻulua, posted on S.Tokunaga Facebook. |
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Let ꞌem go, let ꞌem grow is the title of this video showing fishermen releasing a young ʻulua back in into the ocean. |
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HAWAIʻI IS THE BEST STATE FOR WOMEN'S EQUALITY, according to a study released today from WalletHub. "With Women's Equality Day around the corner and women losing their jobs at a greater rate than men during the COVID-19 pandemic, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020's Best & Worst States for Women's Equality, as well as accompanying videos."
In order to determine where women receive the most equal treatment in American society, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 17 key metrics. The data set ranges from the gap between female and male executives to the disparity in unemployment rates for women and men. Hawaiʻi ranks first in Educational Attainment Gap, meaning that a higher percentage of women in Hawaiʻi have advanced degrees than in any other state. It also has the lowest unemployment rate for women. Hawaiʻi ranks fourth in Work Hours, fourth in working above minimum wage, eighth in having the most entrepreneurs and women with executive positions, twelfth in women with elected positions, and fifteenth in earnings for women.
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| S. Tokunaga Store employee on his day off, landing an ahi. See Tokunaga Store and its Tokunaga facebook |
HPM, THE 100 PERCENT EMPLOYEE OWNED BUILDING SUPPLY, HAS MERGED WITH A MAUI COMPANY, MIYAKE CONCRETE, another long-time family business.
HPM released the following statement:
"Local, fifth-generation, family-founded HPM Building Supply today announced that it is merging with local, longtime, family-owned business, Miyake Concrete Accessories, Inc., which operates four building supply stores and one truss manufacturing plant on Maui. The merger, effective Aug. 24, 2020, expands HPM's presence statewide – augmenting its five locations on Hawaiʻi Island, one on Oʻahu and two on Kauaʻi."
HPM Building Supply plans to renovate and rebrand the Maui stores, which will be called "Miyake – HPM Building Supply." HPM plans to hire additional staff to supplement the current 35 Miyake employees. As HPM is 100 percent employee-owned through its employee stock ownership plan, all Miyake staff members will become HPM owner-employees.
"The name, 'Miyake,' has been synonymous with trust, reliability, and excellent service in the building industry on Maui," said Jason Fujimoto, president and CEO of HPM Building Supply. "As longtime family businesses, "we understand each other, and we are stronger together because of our shared island values, deep local roots, and commitment to serving customers, employees, and our communities. All of us at HPM welcome the Miyake team to our ʻohana and look forward to embarking on this journey together."
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| HPM merges with a Maui family company led by David Miyake. At right is HPM CEO and President Jadon Fujimoto. Photo from HPM |
Miyake Concrete Accessories CEO David Miyake, who founded the company in 1979, said, "I built my business on service and relationships, and I am happy for our customers because HPM shares this same philosophy. Now contractors, builders, and homeowners on Maui will have a wider selection of products and services and more one-stop convenience. I am happy for our staff because they will enjoy more benefits as owner-employees, and HPM will invest in their success. I am also happy for our Maui community because, like us, HPM is a big supporter of the community. I am very proud of what we have built over the last 41 years, and I am excited about this new chapter."
The HPM statement says it anticipates integrating merchandising, systems, and operations at the Maui stores through the end of 2020, expanding service, products, and inventory. "All Maui locations will remain fully operational during the transition period."
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.
U.S.
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.
The HPM statement says it anticipates integrating merchandising, systems, and operations at the Maui stores through the end of 2020, expanding service, products, and inventory. "All Maui locations will remain fully operational during the transition period."
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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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. Dark orange (not pictured) is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
NINE NEW CASES OF COVID-19 are reported on Hawaiʻi Island today. There are 56 active cases, according to Civil Defense, with at least one in Kaʻū zip code 96777 and at least one in Volcano zip code 96785. There are four hospitalizations on-island.
Statewide, 169 new cases are reported, with ten in Maui County
Hawaiʻi Island reported 209 cases since the pandemic began. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 6,181cases, Maui County 300, and Kauaʻi 56. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Forty-nine people have died.
In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Hawaiʻi Island has seen large daily increases of positive cases for the past three weeks. Health data shows the majority of these new cases have been identified as Hilo based gatherings where people were disregarding the policies of prevention. The Police Department will be stepping up their enforcement of the prevention policies.
"A review is underway to see what policy changes need to occur to address the growing spread of this virus. At this time, indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to no more than ten persons. This does not apply to family gatherings of the same household, nor to faith based worship services. For any questions, please call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
"We must all get together, this is a serious situation developing in Hilo and only you can help stop the spread of this virus. We need your help in following the guidance of prevention. Thank you for listening and be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
COVID-19 case count in the  |
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
through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.
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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
through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.
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.
Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt forHawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by Sept. 30. Designs highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters must be entirely the artist's own creation. To ensure the design looks its best when printed, submit as a high definition PDF, .AI, .EPS or PNG with a quality of at least 1500px x 1500px and 300 DPI (dots per inch) with dimensions no greater than 11.5 inches by 14 inches. Top finalists' designs will appear on oceancount.org, the winner's design on the back of the shirt. The winner will also receive $500. Email the design and completed registration form to oceancount@marinesancutary.org.
Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for
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,
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
