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| The bitmoji banner for the virtual classroom of fourth-grade teacher Mrs. Pablo at Nāʻālehu Elementary School. Image courtesy of Nāʻālehu Elementary |
Martin, tech coordinator for the school, said that teachers are enjoying a high rate of virtual attendance to classes this week and that every student who needs an instrument has been issued a Chromebook or other way to learn and connect with teachers. He talked about a slew of programs in use, from Google Classroom to Prodigy, Wonders, and Epic. For those without internet at home, the school is providing Mifi, a Verizon portable wifi hotspot at no cost to students.
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| School Safety Attendant Rolland Alcoran delivered Chromebooks and iPad to Nāʻālehu Preschoolers through sixth graders today, for distance learning. Photo by Bob Martin/Nāʻālehu Elementary |
He said many families are kind, deferring to receiving Chromebooks if they already have a computer, in favor of giving them to families without any. The school is connecting with those families to see if their older computers will work with the educational software, said Martin.
Also important, said Martin, is the free food program for breakfast and lunch for all children who are enrolled. Family members can pick up the food from the Nāʻālehu campus.
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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| Kaʻū Voices, in front of Nāʻālehu's U.S. Post Office this morning, urges full funding for the public service. Photo from Kaʻū Voices |
"Slower, unreliable delivery of ballots could interfere with the Nov. 3 election. In Hawaiʻi, this presidential election will be 100 percent mail-in ballots," noted Kaʻū Voices in a statement this evening.
"Meanwhile, many people are hurt by the poor mail service in many ways. Medications are coming as much as seven to ten days late, putting people at great risk. Bills and payment delays are resulting in penalties and late fees, in some cases evictions. Gifts and cards aren't arriving in time for celebrations. The time to receive items ordered online is longer, often doubled."
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.
AN OKK FISH GIVEAWAY ON MONDAY took place at Pāhala Fire Station with first responders receiving the catch. Fisherman and ʻO Kaʻū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi and Vice President Nadine Ebert gave away 130 lbs of yellowfin tuna steaks. This was the second of Kawaichi's giveaways to first responders in Kaʻū. The first tuna giveaway was to local Kaʻū police. Another gift of fish will be to the staff at Kaʻū Hospital at a date to be determined.
KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL has announced an upcoming virtual Kaʻū Coffee Festival. It also announced that the latest crop of Kaʻū coffee was released nationwide today in Starbucks US Roasteries, Reserve Bars ad Clover
stores. Chris Manfredi, one of the long time organizers of the festival, buys from farmers and sells to Starbucks through his Kaʻū Local Products brokerage. The statement from the Festival says, "Starbucks has been a fantastic partner to the Kaʻū coffee community and is a major contributor to a new water distribution system to help growers improve efficiency, reduce cost and combat climate change." He said, "Kaʻū coffee farmers are so proud to be part of Starbucks Reserve!"
The release from Kaʻū Coffee Festival notes that "Starbucks has also released a new digital traceability tool where customers can enter or scan the production code on the back of the coffee bag to learn about the origins of the coffee they are drinking. Users can trace Kaʻū coffee origins and meet some of the farmers. Find details about the just-released mobile web app at https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/new-starbucks-traceability-tool-explores-bean-to-cup-journey/. Using a smartphone, visit traceability.starbucks.com to start the app."
The statement wraps up with, "Stay tuned as the Kaʻū coffee community plans the first-ever Kaʻū Coffee Virtual Festival. Watch for updates at www.kaucoffeefestival.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.
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UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS statewide have dropped to 4,000 new applications a week, according to the new acting head of the state Department of Labor Anne E. Perreira-Eustaquio. She said this morning that up until two weeks ago, new claims were coming in at a rate of 7,000 to 8,000 weekly.
She said that more workers are processing cases at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu
The Department of Labor has also decentralized call centers for queries from those who have submitted unemployment claims. Eight offices throughout the state are answering phones. The call center at the Convention Center is closed in order for the team there to concentrate on processing claims. To date, the unemployment system has received 167,000 claims during the pandemic, cleared 94,000, and are working to catch up on the remainder, said Perreira-Eustaquio. She also explained that unemployment benefits are authorized for 23 weeks, which can be extended with a new application for 13 weeks.
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.
SELF-AWARENESS IN PROTECTING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FROM COVID is the main message from county, state, and health systems leaders. Wear a mask. Distance from one another. Avoid gatherings of more than ten people who are not already living in the same household. Mask up and stay apart in those gatherings. These are the sounds of the constant drumbeat that grows louder.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno sounded off yesterday as news of surging COVID-19 grew. He said that police will be stepping up enforcement and transition from a predominance of warnings and education to citations.
On Hilo's busiest corner, the 24-hour-a-day Ken's House of Pancakes shut down yesterday, many of its 45 employees sidelined after one employee came up with COVID.
Restaurant Leung's Chop Suey House in Hilo closed last week with cases.
In Hilo, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home reported its first ten cases. HMC spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said three employees and seven residents tested positive this week, reported Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald today. Cabatu said a testing strategy is still being worked out, but "We're communicating, supporting, and working closely with the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home to ensure the residents' safety. Avalon has provided excellent care over the years, and we're confident that we will successfully resolve this COVID outbreak."
Yesterday, vehicles packed the road to Kawananakoa Gym for free COVID-19 testing in Keaukaha, conducted by Premier Medical Group, the county, and Keaukaha Community Association.
One of the sources of the recent Hilo outbreak is suspected to be the life celebration of Manaʻo Company's singer Kaulana Pakele. More free testing in Keaukaha is planned for Thursday.
Magno said some people rebel against measures that have been established to keep their friends and family safe. He told Tribune writer John Burnett, "They're taking off their face masks, and they're not wanting to (social distance) anymore... But this is the worst numbers that we've had, and this is when we need people to come together, to be responsible for themselves, their families, their neighbors."
Mayor Harry Kim today set out a statement on approval by Gov. David Ige of updates to Rule 11, which covers requirements in Hawaiʻi County to help reduce the spread of COVID-a9. See updated Rule 11, below.
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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.
A STAY AT HOME, WORK AT HOME order will go into effect on Thursday on Oʻahu to tamp down COVID-19. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD said, "Crush this virus and be good in two weeks." The second Stay at Home order since the pandemic began, initiated by Honolulu's mayor and approved by the governor, follows last week's scalpel approach of shutting down beaches and parks, which public officials say are not enough.
With the state COVID-19 count nearing 5,000 active cases, the new order means most retail stores will shut down again, with the exception of grocers, pharmacies, and take-out restaurants. The shutdown comes with a plan to test some 70,000 people on Oʻahu in the next week and a plan to place many of those in quarantine into a hotel in Waikiki.
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In the meantime, hospitalizations across the state have shot up since Aug. 1, with some 270 COVID-19 patients hospitalized, ten on Hawaiʻi Island. Some Emergency Rooms on Oʻahu have gone on "Ambulance Divert" status which directs patients to other facilities.
The Lt. Governor said that the high number of cases now means trouble, with too many hospitalizations in a few weeks.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE RATE OF POSITIVE COVID TESTING ACROSS THE STATE OF HAWAIʻI, according to Johns Hopkins University, is the fifteenth highest in the country, at 9.2 percent. The highest is Mississippi and the lowest is Maine. New York is also one of the lowest in current positive testing, following a period of some of the highest numbers of cases and deaths in the country.
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.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
"Meanwhile, many people are hurt by the poor mail service in many ways. Medications are coming as much as seven to ten days late, putting people at great risk. Bills and payment delays are resulting in penalties and late fees, in some cases evictions. Gifts and cards aren't arriving in time for celebrations. The time to receive items ordered online is longer, often doubled."
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| Wayne Kawachi and Nadine Ebert, of ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, gave out fresh fish to first responders on Monday at Pāhala Fire Station. Kawachi, a fisherman who lives at Punaluʻu, uses his own boat to bring in fish to give away in the community during the pandemic. He is President of OKK. At left is Vice President Nadine Ebert. Photo from OKK |
KAʻŪ COFFEE FESTIVAL has announced an upcoming virtual Kaʻū Coffee Festival. It also announced that the latest crop of Kaʻū coffee was released nationwide today in Starbucks US Roasteries, Reserve Bars ad Clover
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| Chris Manfredi |
The release from Kaʻū Coffee Festival notes that "Starbucks has also released a new digital traceability tool where customers can enter or scan the production code on the back of the coffee bag to learn about the origins of the coffee they are drinking. Users can trace Kaʻū coffee origins and meet some of the farmers. Find details about the just-released mobile web app at https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/new-starbucks-traceability-tool-explores-bean-to-cup-journey/. Using a smartphone, visit traceability.starbucks.com to start the app."
The statement wraps up with, "Stay tuned as the Kaʻū coffee community plans the first-ever Kaʻū Coffee Virtual Festival. Watch for updates at www.kaucoffeefestival.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.
She said that more workers are processing cases at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu
The Department of Labor has also decentralized call centers for queries from those who have submitted unemployment claims. Eight offices throughout the state are answering phones. The call center at the Convention Center is closed in order for the team there to concentrate on processing claims. To date, the unemployment system has received 167,000 claims during the pandemic, cleared 94,000, and are working to catch up on the remainder, said Perreira-Eustaquio. She also explained that unemployment benefits are authorized for 23 weeks, which can be extended with a new application for 13 weeks.
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.
SELF-AWARENESS IN PROTECTING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FROM COVID is the main message from county, state, and health systems leaders. Wear a mask. Distance from one another. Avoid gatherings of more than ten people who are not already living in the same household. Mask up and stay apart in those gatherings. These are the sounds of the constant drumbeat that grows louder.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno sounded off yesterday as news of surging COVID-19 grew. He said that police will be stepping up enforcement and transition from a predominance of warnings and education to citations.
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| Civil Defense Director Talmage Magno |
Restaurant Leung's Chop Suey House in Hilo closed last week with cases.
In Hilo, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home reported its first ten cases. HMC spokeswoman Elena Cabatu said three employees and seven residents tested positive this week, reported Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald today. Cabatu said a testing strategy is still being worked out, but "We're communicating, supporting, and working closely with the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home to ensure the residents' safety. Avalon has provided excellent care over the years, and we're confident that we will successfully resolve this COVID outbreak."
Yesterday, vehicles packed the road to Kawananakoa Gym for free COVID-19 testing in Keaukaha, conducted by Premier Medical Group, the county, and Keaukaha Community Association.
One of the sources of the recent Hilo outbreak is suspected to be the life celebration of Manaʻo Company's singer Kaulana Pakele. More free testing in Keaukaha is planned for Thursday.
Magno said some people rebel against measures that have been established to keep their friends and family safe. He told Tribune writer John Burnett, "They're taking off their face masks, and they're not wanting to (social distance) anymore... But this is the worst numbers that we've had, and this is when we need people to come together, to be responsible for themselves, their families, their neighbors."
Mayor Harry Kim today set out a statement on approval by Gov. David Ige of updates to Rule 11, which covers requirements in Hawaiʻi County to help reduce the spread of COVID-a9. See updated Rule 11, 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 STAY AT HOME, WORK AT HOME order will go into effect on Thursday on Oʻahu to tamp down COVID-19. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD said, "Crush this virus and be good in two weeks." The second Stay at Home order since the pandemic began, initiated by Honolulu's mayor and approved by the governor, follows last week's scalpel approach of shutting down beaches and parks, which public officials say are not enough.
With the state COVID-19 count nearing 5,000 active cases, the new order means most retail stores will shut down again, with the exception of grocers, pharmacies, and take-out restaurants. The shutdown comes with a plan to test some 70,000 people on Oʻahu in the next week and a plan to place many of those in quarantine into a hotel in Waikiki.
The Lt. Governor said that the high number of cases now means trouble, with too many hospitalizations in a few weeks.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE RATE OF POSITIVE COVID TESTING ACROSS THE STATE OF HAWAIʻI, according to Johns Hopkins University, is the fifteenth highest in the country, at 9.2 percent. The highest is Mississippi and the lowest is Maine. New York is also one of the lowest in current positive testing, following a period of some of the highest numbers of cases and deaths in the country.
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.
ELEVEN NEW CASES OF COVID-19 are reported on Hawaiʻi Island today. There are 65 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 ten hospitalizations on-island.
Statewide, 215 new cases are reported, with three in Maui County
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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 (not pictured) is 26 to 50 cases. Dark orange is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map |
Hawaiʻi Island reported 220 cases since the pandemic began. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 6,382 cases, Maui County 303, and Kauaʻi 56. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Forty-nine people have died. Statewide, 419 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,236 have been released from isolation.
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 are disregarding the policies of prevention.
"The situation in Hilo is a very serious one and we must all do our part to stop the spread of the virus. This is a serious situation we have in Hilo and only you can help stop the spread of this virus. We need your help in following the guidance of prevention. This is a community issue and community involvement and support is needed to protect our family, friends, kūpuna, and neighbors. With your help, we will control the spread and stop the virus and make Hawaiʻi a safe place. Thank you for listening and take care. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,773,220 – about 24 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 178,326 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 23.74 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 815,745.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI'S RULE 11, with the force and effect of law, to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus was updated by Mayor Harry Kim and Gov. David Ige applies through at lease Sept. 30. It includes the following:
The rule notes that "COVID-19 continues to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this State and County. Because COVID-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and gatherings accelerate transmission of the disease, a response requires the continued effort and sacrifice of the community to avert strains on our healthcare system and other disastrous impacts. The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that close interaction lasts, the higher the individual's potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and then spreading COVID-19 to others.
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"The higher the level of community transmission in the area where the gathering is held, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading at the gathering. This rule is based upon evidence of COVID-19 within this State and County and seeks to address the essential objective of slowing its spread."
Work in Businesses or Operations: All businesses, operations, and activities are permitted to remain open except those businesses, operations, and activities (that are prohibited.)
Safe Practices All persons shall implement the following physical distancing and sanitation requirements to the fullest extent possible: Face Coverings Required. All persons within the County shall wear non-medical grade face coverings, over their nose and mouth, while in public settings. Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances, unless specifically indicated otherwise in this rule: persons five years of age or younger; persons with health or medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering; persons actively communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; persons obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face-covering is necessary to perform the service; persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines; persons actively engaged in work-related activities and able to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others; persons actively engaged in exercise activity so long as physical distancing requirements are maintained; persons who are engaged in outdoor activities when alone, with members of their household, or when able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. A business or organization may refuse to allow entry or service to a worker, customer, or patron that refuses to wear a face covering.
High-risk populations. Elderly and others at high risk for COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residences to the extent possible, except as necessary to seek medical care. Persons who are sick or are exhibiting symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or any other symptoms of COVID-19... shall stay at their residences, except as necessary to seek medical care.
Physical distancing requirements. All persons shall maintain a minimum of six feet of physical separation from all other persons to the fullest extent possible.
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Businesses or operations shall designate lanes for patrons' entry and checkout with appropriate signage, tape, or other means to establish the minimum six-foot spacing for customers waiting in line. Checkout operations shall be modified to provide the minimum physical distancing or to provide a shield or barrier separating the interactions between customers and checkout clerks. Businesses and operations shall monitor and enforce, on their premises, the physical distancing requirements set forth in this rule.
Limited customer occupancy. Each business and operation shall determine the maximum number of customers that its respective facility may reasonably accommodate while maintaining the specified physical distancing requirements. The business or operation shall post and maintain this maximum number at its primary entrance. The business or operation shall limit and enforce the number of customers in its facility or at its operation to not exceed that maximum number at all times. It is strongly recommended that a maximum of one customer per one hundred fifteen square feet of retail floor area be allowed into a facility or operation to maintain the minimum physical distancing requirement.
Hand sanitizing products. Businesses and operations shall provide hand sanitizer or equivalent hand sanitizing products for all employees and customers. All customers/patrons shall sanitize hands before entry. Hand sanitizing stations shall be available at each entrance. Employees handling items from customers, such as cash or credit cards, shall frequently utilize hand sanitizers.
Disinfection. Businesses and operations shall regularly disinfect all high-touch surfaces. Businesses and operations shall assign, train, and schedule employees/staff to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other high -touch surfaces.
Safeguards for high-risk populations. Businesses and operations are urged to implement processes to safeguard the elderly and any person identified by the CDC that are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Persons at increased risk are encouraged to stay in their residence to the extent possible, except as necessary to seek medical care.
Online and remote access. Businesses and operations shall post online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely. Businesses or operations shall encourage their customers to do their business remotely by phone or online to the extent possible.
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Pick-up at store or delivery. Businesses or operations shall provide for, if feasible, online ordering and purchase of goods and customer pickup of orders at a location outside the facility or shall provide for delivery to customer locations.
Signage. Businesses or operations shall post a sign at the entrance of the facility informing all employees and customers that they shall, at a minimum: wear face coverings while at the business or operation; avoid entering the business or operation if they have a cough or fever or otherwise do not feel well; maintain the required physical distancing from all others; and not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact.
Gatherings indoors or outdoor social gatherings of groups up to ten persons are permitted. Face coverings are required and physical distancing of at least six feet between separate groups must be maintained. Members of a single residential or family unit who share the same address are not restricted. A social gathering is defined as a planned or spontaneous event, assembly, or meeting that brings together multiple people from separate households in a single space or area, indoors or outdoors, at the same time and in a coordinated fashion. A social gathering includes, but is not limited to, such get-togethers as a banquet, barbecue, concert, fair, festival, funeral, luau, parade, party, picnic, or wedding. A social gathering does not include, and this definition does not apply to, federal, state, and county government operations and functions; educational, adult and childcare facilities with adequate and active supervision and monitoring, enforcement capabilities, and established emergency response protocols; businesses, operations, and activities operating under Section A of this Rule.
Travel to the County of Hawaiʻi Pursuant to the 12th Proclamation, all persons traveling to the County of Hawaiʻi from out of state or from interisland, are subject to mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. The period of self-quarantine shall begin from the date of entry onto Hawaiʻi Island and shall last 14 days or the duration of the person's presence on the island, whichever is shorter. Persons traveling to Hawaiʻi Island from interisland and seeking a modified self-quarantine or exemption from the self-quarantine requirements must request and receive approval for such modification or exemption from the County. Persons requiring paid or commercial lodging while subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine shall designate a hotel or motel as their quarantine location.
Short-term vacation rentals (STVR), bed and breakfast (B&B) homes, or other types of transient vacation rentals (TVR) shall not be designated as a quarantine location except for visiting essential and critical infrastructure workers, provided quarantine restrictions are followed. A STVR, B&B, or TVR may not be designated as a quarantine location for a new or "intended" Hawaiʻi County resident.
Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Section 127A-29, any person violating this Rule shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, fined not more than $ 5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
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.
PETFIX SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS will be held Sunday, Aug. 30 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.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.
THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI'S RULE 11, with the force and effect of law, to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus was updated by Mayor Harry Kim and Gov. David Ige applies through at lease Sept. 30. It includes the following:
The rule notes that "COVID-19 continues to endanger the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this State and County. Because COVID-19 is easily transmitted, especially in group settings, and gatherings accelerate transmission of the disease, a response requires the continued effort and sacrifice of the community to avert strains on our healthcare system and other disastrous impacts. The more people an individual interacts with at a gathering and the longer that close interaction lasts, the higher the individual's potential risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and then spreading COVID-19 to others.
Work in Businesses or Operations: All businesses, operations, and activities are permitted to remain open except those businesses, operations, and activities (that are prohibited.)
Safe Practices All persons shall implement the following physical distancing and sanitation requirements to the fullest extent possible: Face Coverings Required. All persons within the County shall wear non-medical grade face coverings, over their nose and mouth, while in public settings. Face coverings are not required in the following circumstances, unless specifically indicated otherwise in this rule: persons five years of age or younger; persons with health or medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering; persons actively communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; persons obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face-covering is necessary to perform the service; persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines; persons actively engaged in work-related activities and able to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from others; persons actively engaged in exercise activity so long as physical distancing requirements are maintained; persons who are engaged in outdoor activities when alone, with members of their household, or when able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others. A business or organization may refuse to allow entry or service to a worker, customer, or patron that refuses to wear a face covering.
High-risk populations. Elderly and others at high risk for COVID-19 are urged to stay in their residences to the extent possible, except as necessary to seek medical care. Persons who are sick or are exhibiting symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or any other symptoms of COVID-19... shall stay at their residences, except as necessary to seek medical care.
Physical distancing requirements. All persons shall maintain a minimum of six feet of physical separation from all other persons to the fullest extent possible.
Limited customer occupancy. Each business and operation shall determine the maximum number of customers that its respective facility may reasonably accommodate while maintaining the specified physical distancing requirements. The business or operation shall post and maintain this maximum number at its primary entrance. The business or operation shall limit and enforce the number of customers in its facility or at its operation to not exceed that maximum number at all times. It is strongly recommended that a maximum of one customer per one hundred fifteen square feet of retail floor area be allowed into a facility or operation to maintain the minimum physical distancing requirement.
Hand sanitizing products. Businesses and operations shall provide hand sanitizer or equivalent hand sanitizing products for all employees and customers. All customers/patrons shall sanitize hands before entry. Hand sanitizing stations shall be available at each entrance. Employees handling items from customers, such as cash or credit cards, shall frequently utilize hand sanitizers.
Disinfection. Businesses and operations shall regularly disinfect all high-touch surfaces. Businesses and operations shall assign, train, and schedule employees/staff to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other high -touch surfaces.
Safeguards for high-risk populations. Businesses and operations are urged to implement processes to safeguard the elderly and any person identified by the CDC that are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Persons at increased risk are encouraged to stay in their residence to the extent possible, except as necessary to seek medical care.
Online and remote access. Businesses and operations shall post online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely. Businesses or operations shall encourage their customers to do their business remotely by phone or online to the extent possible.
Signage. Businesses or operations shall post a sign at the entrance of the facility informing all employees and customers that they shall, at a minimum: wear face coverings while at the business or operation; avoid entering the business or operation if they have a cough or fever or otherwise do not feel well; maintain the required physical distancing from all others; and not shake hands or engage in unnecessary physical contact.
Gatherings indoors or outdoor social gatherings of groups up to ten persons are permitted. Face coverings are required and physical distancing of at least six feet between separate groups must be maintained. Members of a single residential or family unit who share the same address are not restricted. A social gathering is defined as a planned or spontaneous event, assembly, or meeting that brings together multiple people from separate households in a single space or area, indoors or outdoors, at the same time and in a coordinated fashion. A social gathering includes, but is not limited to, such get-togethers as a banquet, barbecue, concert, fair, festival, funeral, luau, parade, party, picnic, or wedding. A social gathering does not include, and this definition does not apply to, federal, state, and county government operations and functions; educational, adult and childcare facilities with adequate and active supervision and monitoring, enforcement capabilities, and established emergency response protocols; businesses, operations, and activities operating under Section A of this Rule.
Travel to the County of Hawaiʻi Pursuant to the 12th Proclamation, all persons traveling to the County of Hawaiʻi from out of state or from interisland, are subject to mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. The period of self-quarantine shall begin from the date of entry onto Hawaiʻi Island and shall last 14 days or the duration of the person's presence on the island, whichever is shorter. Persons traveling to Hawaiʻi Island from interisland and seeking a modified self-quarantine or exemption from the self-quarantine requirements must request and receive approval for such modification or exemption from the County. Persons requiring paid or commercial lodging while subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine shall designate a hotel or motel as their quarantine location.
Short-term vacation rentals (STVR), bed and breakfast (B&B) homes, or other types of transient vacation rentals (TVR) shall not be designated as a quarantine location except for visiting essential and critical infrastructure workers, provided quarantine restrictions are followed. A STVR, B&B, or TVR may not be designated as a quarantine location for a new or "intended" Hawaiʻi County resident.
Pursuant to Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Section 127A-29, any person violating this Rule shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction, fined not more than $ 5,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
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.
PETFIX SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS will be held Sunday, Aug. 30 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
PETFIX SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR CATS will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.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.
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| Jatty Daugherty is wanted by police. |
ASSIST POLICE in locating Jatty Daugherty, a 23-year-old male who frequents the Kaʻū, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, and Kona areas, says a statement from Hawaiʻi Police Department. Daugherty is wanted for two outstanding warrants of arrest.
He is described as a local-Caucasian male, approximately 5-feet 8-inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646, ext. 238, or at the police 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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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
Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Aug. 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach 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.
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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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/.
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, andCalifornia Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f
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
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 Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 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.
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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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Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, Aug. 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach 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.
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
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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.
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Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C.
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,
Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the 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.
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Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for Hawaiian 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.
ONGOING
Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for St. Jude's Episcopal Church 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. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.
The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
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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.
The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
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.
Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center
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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.
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.
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
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 Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 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.
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.
