Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's new leader is John DeFries, sustainability expert from Hawaiʻi Island. He is President of Native Sun Business Group and serves on Friends of NELHA and other community boards. The image above is from HTA's website, which aims to promote cultural and environmental awareness. Read more below. |
Evidence photo of illegal aquarium fish seized at South Point Boat Ramp, the bust coming after a DLNR surveillance from shore on Thursday. Photo from DOCARE |
They arrested Beevers for numerous violations, including collecting aquatic life in a prohibited area; absence of an aquarium collecting permit and boat registration; failure to display a dive flag; possession of aquarium collecting gear, including SCUBA gear; and possession and use of lay nets with mesh less than 2.75 inches. The DOCARE officers seized all of the equipment connected with the alleged violations.
In a statement from DLNR, DOCARE Chief of Enforcement, Jason Redulla said, "While our officers continue to provide for everyone's safety during the current COVID-19 crisis, we continue to be on the lookout for natural resource violations."
Beevers is required to appear on the charges, which are petty misdemeanors. He could face fines, imprisonment, and administrative penalties.
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THE ONLINE SAFE TRAVELS APPLICATION TO ENTER HAWAIʻI will be mandatory beginning Sept. 1. This digital application collects required health and travel information. A statement from the state today says it "is critical to protecting the health of our residents and visitors alike." Safe Travels is part of a multi-layered screening process of arrival temperature checks and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 F or higher. The application can be found at https://travel.hawaii.gov.
Safe Travels digitizes and simplifies the paper-based process with one form each for interisland and transpacific. The Safe Travels platform provides a one-stop-shop for both types of travelers. It also provides the State Department of Health access to mandatory health information to monitor and protect public health in realtime. It can also be used by the Dept. of the Attorney General and county law enforcement officials to enforce quarantine rules.
An animated film on the new mandatory online application to enter Hawaiʻi is available at https://travel.hawaii.gov. |
Douglas Murdock, chief information officer of the state Office of Enterprise Technology Services, said, "Compared to paper processing, this online app will save travelers time at the airport and will speed up distribution of information to state and county officials who need it to keep us all safe."
The Safe Travel app was developed in partnership with Google and its partner SpringML, at a cost of $638,000 for initial implementation. A platform to collect, aggregate, display, and analyze data is provided by ESRI. Funding is from the Federal CARES Act.
A travel health questionnaire is required online to enter Hawaiʻi. See https://travel.hawaii.gov |
New features and data elements will be added in future phases, as the Safe Travels process and Hawaiʻi travel requirements evolve, according to the state's statement. "Travelers without smartphones or computers can ask a friend or relative for assistance or receive assistance at the arrival airport. Travelers without email addresses will need to create one on an email service to comply with the conditions of quarantine."
The Safe Travel app helps the state track visitors for compliance with COVID-19 quarantine and health checks. See https://travel.hawaii.gov. |
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JOHN DEFRIES IS THE NEW CHIEF OF HAWAIʻI TOURISM AUTHORITY. The HTA board, named by Gov. David Ige, made the appointment at its Thursday meeting. DeFries is a longtime resident of Hawaiʻi Island.
Sustainability advocate John DeFries is chosen to become Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Chief. |
NELHA's website describes some of DeFries' interests as "sustainable development as a human right, the importance of indigenous knowledge and native intelligence and the potential for Hawaiʻi Island to become a world model for sustainable living, and humanity's universal responsibility to care for our planet and one another." He has lived in Kona with his wife Jinny since 1991.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, mostly funded by the state, is the overarching organization of visitors bureaus and many other programs across the islands. In recent years, it has launched the Kuleana Campaign to teach visitors Hawaiʻi's cultural etiquette. It funds an Aloha ʻĀina program, this year supporting 34 nonprofits to protect Natural Resources. Its website includes frequent updates on visitor industry statistics and such guides as Maʻemaʻe, Hawaiian Style & Resource Toolkit.
HTA posts its agendas in Hawaiian and English. This Thursday's agenda included Kūkākūkā A Hoʻoholo I Ka Hoʻokumu I ʻAha Kūkā Heʻenalu A Hoe Waʻa - Discussion and Action to Establish a Surfing and Canoe Paddling Advisory Committee. See https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, which has named Hawaiʻi Islander John DeFries to be its new CEO, is also considering establishment of a Surfing and Paddling Advisory Committee. Image from HTA |
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HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURAL FOUNDATION CO-SPONSORS THE EAT THINK & DRINK Open for Business event series. Co-sponsored by Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce and other partners, it brings farmers, ranchers, restaurants, and food distribution businesses together online. The
Thursday, September 10 event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. is a virtual panel discussion on The New Normal
for Restaurants. Hear first-hand from business owners affected in the restaurant and bar industries on handling the pandemic and their needs to survive. Discussion will explore solutions implemented to provide relief in light of staving off gatherings and close personal contact.
Moderated by Kelly Simek of KHON2, the panel will feature Dylan Ching, VP of Operations, TS Restaurants Jason Higa, CEO, FCH Enterprises, Kevin Hanney, Chef/Owner, 12th Ave Grill Gavin Onishi, Executive Chef, Contemporary Flavors Catering, Lee Anne Wong, Executive Chef, Papaʻaina at the Pioneer Inn, and Henry Yoon, DB Restaurant Group.
Hawaiʻi Island participants are offered a take out meal from a participating local restaurant, through Hawaiʻi Agricultural Foundation. The $10 registration fee is waived for all EAT & DRINK takeout orders. Each restaurant partner has created a special Kona Brewing Co. dinner pairing for two. Participating restaurants and additional details on ordering and pickup are available on the registration page.
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.
POLICE ARRESTED THE MAN SUSPECTED OF TUESDAY'S MURDER near Highway 11 on North Kulani Road. After a tip, police found suspect Dwayne Cory Wallace and arrested him at 2:30 p.m. today in Orchidland. Wallace, 29, was carrying a rifle and tried to run from the scene. He is being held in a police cellblock. Wallace allegedly shot 26-year-old Peter Cyrus Grammer, of Mountain View, and left him in the middle of the road.
A MORATORIUM ON TURNING OFF ELECTRICITY FOR FAILURE TO PAY BILLS IS EXTENDED through Dec. 31, The state Public Utilities Commission gave the order this week. Hawaiian Electric urges customers challenged by the financial impact of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits, and to set up interest-free payment plans. See hawaiianelectric.com/paymentarrangement or call the customer service number on the bill.
The utility voluntarily suspended its collection efforts in March to ensure customers' electric service would not be disrupted while many were staying home. The PUC subsequently ordered all utilities to suspend disconnections, stating that "customers should continue paying their bills to the extent possible during this time, noting that customers will still ultimately be responsible for paying Utility service billings accrued during this suspension."
Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric senior vice president of customer service said, "Regardless of the date of the moratorium, we want to ensure that customers facing financial hardship are able to take advantage of the CARES funding that is set to expire at the end of the year and that we can help them make their payments more manageable. We need to hear from customers in order to help them."
Applications are open for utility bill assistance programs. See hawaiianelectric.com/COVID19.
For assistance managing energy costs, Hawaiʻi Energy is a trusted resource for tips and rebates to help offset the costs of energy-saving equipment and services. Visit https://hawaiienergy.com/tips for more information.
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.
THE VICTIM OF A SINGLE-VEHICLE DEADLY CRASH AT ALOHA BLVD AND HWY 11 IN OCEAN VIEW on Thursday has been identified. According to police, Kevin Ceasar, of Nāʻālehu, 62, was driving a 2000 black Dodge Durango toward Hwy 11 when the vehicle veered off the right shoulder and struck an embankment at 8:55 a.m.
THE VICTIM OF A SINGLE-VEHICLE DEADLY CRASH AT ALOHA BLVD AND HWY 11 IN OCEAN VIEW on Thursday has been identified. According to police, Kevin Ceasar, of Nāʻālehu, 62, was driving a 2000 black Dodge Durango toward Hwy 11 when the vehicle veered off the right shoulder and struck an embankment at 8:55 a.m.
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POLICE WILL INCREASE ENFORCEMENT OF FACE MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES to help tamp down COVID-19, particularly in Hilo, said the latest alert from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense today. "The Hawaiʻi Police Department will be increasing their patrols and enforcement of the preventive policies of wearing face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. The situation in Hilo is a very serious one and we all need to do our part to keep Hawaiʻi safe. With your help, we will stop the spread of the virus and make Hawaiʻi a safe place."
Friday's county update of COVID-19 reported 95 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island. Fifteen are hospitalized.
Civil Defense also gives an update on Okutsu Veteran's Home in Hilo. All 143 staff and 90 residents were tested on Saturday, Aug. 22, and again on Thursday, Aug. 27. Two residents are hospitalized and five remain isolated at the veteran's home in the COVID unit. Testing of all staff and residents will continue every three to four days "Testing will continue until absolute confidence of clearance"
Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "A testing was held yesterday at Keaukaha and again the conduct and turn-out was tremendous and admirable. Thank you Keaukaha and to all the community volunteers and a special thank you to Baba. Remember the purpose of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible and in this way help stop the spread of the virus. We need your help in following the prevention policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings."
Friday's county update of COVID-19 reported 95 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island. Fifteen are hospitalized.
Civil Defense also gives an update on Okutsu Veteran's Home in Hilo. All 143 staff and 90 residents were tested on Saturday, Aug. 22, and again on Thursday, Aug. 27. Two residents are hospitalized and five remain isolated at the veteran's home in the COVID unit. Testing of all staff and residents will continue every three to four days "Testing will continue until absolute confidence of clearance"
Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "A testing was held yesterday at Keaukaha and again the conduct and turn-out was tremendous and admirable. Thank you Keaukaha and to all the community volunteers and a special thank you to Baba. Remember the purpose of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible and in this way help stop the spread of the virus. We need your help in following the prevention policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings."
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.
FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW, FOUR MORE DEATHS from COVID-19 are reported in the state today. Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi has recorded 59 deaths from the coronavirus. Statewide, 265 new cases are reported today, with 26 on Hawaiʻi Island, six in Maui County , and 233 on Oʻahu. That brings the total cases since the pandemic began to 7,830.
There are at least 95 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, according to Civil Defense, with at least one in Kaʻū zip code 96777 and at least one in Volcano zip code 96785. There are at least 15 hospitalizations on-island. Hawaiʻi Island reported 279 cases since the pandemic began. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 7,147 cases, losing one to new information today, Maui County 324, and Kauaʻi 56. Twenty-four victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 485 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,410 have been released from isolation.
See the Hawai‘i County COVID-19 webpage at
https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.
https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,906,615 – about 24 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 181,579 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 24.57 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 833,836.
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
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.
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.
Hui Mālama Free Online Home Gardening Class, Tuesdays, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mala 101 is sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The announcement says, "Learn to garden at home! Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots to grow in, anyone can learn to grow some of their own food at home! In this introductory series, learn the basics of selecting plants to grow, building healthy soil, and growing on a budget." Receive several plants and A Grow Your Own Laʻau guidebook for participation. The class will meet four times, once a week, from Sept. 8 through Dec. 8. Sign up at hmono.org/services.
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 , in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.
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.
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 in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f .
Volcano Art Center , Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village , open Monday through Friday, 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 locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
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.
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.
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.
Hui Mālama Free Online Home Gardening Class, Tuesdays, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mala 101 is sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The announcement says, "Learn to garden at home! Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots to grow in, anyone can learn to grow some of their own food at home! In this introductory series, learn the basics of selecting plants to grow, building healthy soil, and growing on a budget." Receive several plants and A Grow Your Own Laʻau guidebook for participation. The class will meet four times, once a week, from Sept. 8 through Dec. 8. Sign up at hmono.org/services.
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.
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
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. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222
Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in theHonolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round. Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13. See schatz.senate.gov/services.
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.
ONGOING
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.
Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for
ONGOING
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=YW94djVvU0szOGNKa
FZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.
One-Time Emergency Food for people is available through Big Island Giving Tree. Emergency food for pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
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.
FZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.
One-Time Emergency Food for people is available through Big Island Giving Tree. Emergency food for pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, 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.
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. TheKahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.
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.
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
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.
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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