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| Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, last weekend on ER duty on Hawaiʻi Island. Photo from Lt. Gov. Facebook |
Concerning the overall state of the pandemic in Hawaiʻi, Green said, "The state is doing much better. It is certainly a challenge and I know that people are feeling the pain of the lockdown." He said that recent surge testing produced 25,000 to 30,000 results so far, with an average rate of .458 percent positive results - five to six people out of a thousand.
Regarding travelers, he said, "A soft opening makes a lot of sense." He recommends two different tracks to come into Hawaiʻi. One would be to take the highly accurate PCR test, with swab up the nose. The other is a less expensive but less accurate antigen test, which can be taken before arrival, with results in 15 minutes. Those who test negative could arrive without quarantine, but after three days would take the test again. Those testing positive go into quarantine.
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| Lt. Gov. Josh Green says he would like to see ten to 12,500 COVID-19 tests a day across the state, like this one yesTerday at the Robert Herkes Gym & Shelter in Pahala. Photo by Julia Neal |
He said he would like to take overall testing from 2,500 to 10,000 tests a day in Hawaiʻi. He noted that in the future, such places as Kaiser, CVS, and Walgreens could become test sites. In addition, self-testing is becoming more reliable, some like at-home pregnancy test.
Green recommended setting up Hilo, Kona, and Maui airport area sites for quick tests - with results available in 25 to 30 minutes for every member of the public who wants them. He said he has talked to mayors of Neighbor Islands and that the state Department of Transportation Airports Division is acquiring the ability for 13,000 tests a day. Green recommended additional tests in communities where COVID-19 counts are high.
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| A Volcano School teacher sports a mask she hopes to share with students when on-campus learing resumes. Photo by Julia Neal |
He recommended that everyone without a philosophical objection to flu shots "get them now. " He said the governor has asked him to put together a statewide program for flu shots and eventually the COVID vaccination. He said he wants to avoid the "very difficult situation" of having flu symptoms and not knowing whether it's COVID. He predicted, however, that there could be a light flu season with people "doing a very good job of wearing masks and washing their hands."
He also said people need to be smart about isolation. The rules covering people who can gather should be about households, people who live together being able to go out together and gather together. Family members who do not live together can be in different risk groups, with different exposures. Those traveling out together in groups should be from the same residence, he said.
Regarding contact tracing, Green said he hopes to see up to 500 contact tracers on the job soon. With contact tracers having only a few cases a week, they have the time to contact every person in contact with each infected person. With the additional 10,000 tests a day, "We'll really be chugging along," said Green. "Everyone's trying to make sure we knock this darn virus out."
He recommended looking at COVIDpau.org and hawaiicovid19.com. Watch the interview here.
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COVID-19 TESTING IN MILOLIʻI will be held tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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COVID PAU WAS LAUNCHED YESTERDAY by the new Hawaiʻi COVID Collaborative. The aim of the statewide multi-channel communications initiative is to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. It is funded by up to $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions by a hui of private businesses and nonprofit organizations. "COVID Pau provides a reliable, actionable data dashboard, expert analysis of data trends, first-person stories to depict the concrete impacts of the disease, and resources for residents navigating the health, social, and economic challenges of the pandemic," says a statement from the hui.
One of the initiators is the leadership of the state House of Representatives: "We convened the House Select Committee on COVID-19 to address the unprecedented challenges we face as a
community, looking ahead to economic recovery and resilience for our state. Instead, we've witnessed a disturbing deficit in the state's response to the immediate public health need," said House Speaker Scott Saiki. "COVID Pau is vital because the people of Hawai‘i deserve information and reliable leadership."
community, looking ahead to economic recovery and resilience for our state. Instead, we've witnessed a disturbing deficit in the state's response to the immediate public health need," said House Speaker Scott Saiki. "COVID Pau is vital because the people of Hawai‘i deserve information and reliable leadership."
Sponsors include The Queens Health systems, HMSA Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, UHERO, Hawaiʻi Data Collaborative, and The Omidyar Group. See more at COVIDPAU.org.
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FRIDAY IS PATRIOT DAY, in honor of the 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Gov. David Ige ordered that the United States and Hawai‘i state flag to be flown at half-staff on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i. A moment of silence begins at at 2:36 a.m. to honor the victims who perished 19 years ago.
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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.
Attendees will review current data from Hawai‘i County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program and the plan for deploying all rent and mortgage assistance funds by Dec. 7. Presentations will be followed by discussions with invited leaders and directors from the six nonprofit partners administering the program with the goal of forming multi-sector partnerships that will help reach Island residents in need.![]()
Mayor Harry Kim said, " Many people on Hawai‘i Island have lost jobs and income because of the pandemic. This cooperation with our community partners to quickly distribute these funds helps people stay in their homes and prevents homelessness." Hawai‘i Community Lending on Aug. 24 joined with Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, HOPE Services Hawai‘i, Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, and Neighborhood Place of Puna to launch the RMAP to process applicant. County of Hawai‘i funded the collaborative effort with $8.5 million in federal CARES Act funding. To qualify for rent and mortgage grants, applicants must be Hawai‘i Island residents, at least 18 years old, and have lost income or work hours due to COVID-19. Applicant households must earn below the maximum annual income limit to receive funding (see below). To learn more, visit: https://sites.google.com/view/hawaiicountyrmap.
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Invitations will be sent and community and business leaders are encouraged to register below to attend. Meetings will be open to the public with comments limited to invited attendees. All meetings will be recorded and placed on the Hawai‘i RMAP website for later viewing.
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.
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FRIDAY IS PATRIOT DAY, in honor of the 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Gov. David Ige ordered that the United States and Hawai‘i state flag to be flown at half-staff on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i. A moment of silence begins at at 2:36 a.m. to honor the victims who perished 19 years ago.
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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Smoke from a lava fissure rises near the Puna Geothermal Venture power plant during the 2018 eruption. PGV plans to go back online by the end of September. Photo by Tim Wright |
PUNA GEOTHERMAL VENTURE plans to go back online by the end of September, according to PGV officials during a webinar on Wednesday. Parts of the facility were buried by lava during the 2018 Kilauea eruption, shutting the place down.
The state Public Utilities Commission gave approval for the geothermal plant to resume producing energy by using the heat of the volcano to create steam that it turns into electricity. On Dec. 31, 2019, Hawaiian Electric filed its power purchase agreement with the state Public Utilities Commission to resume buying electricity from PGV, which planned to reopen by the end of June.
The state Public Utilities Commission gave approval for the geothermal plant to resume producing energy by using the heat of the volcano to create steam that it turns into electricity. On Dec. 31, 2019, Hawaiian Electric filed its power purchase agreement with the state Public Utilities Commission to resume buying electricity from PGV, which planned to reopen by the end of June.
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.
RENT AND MORTGAGE GRANTS FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY COVID-19 will be the subject of a meeting for the community, landlords, businesses, and nonprofits. The County of Hawai‘i and six local nonprofits plan to provide $7.25 million for the program. The meetings will be hosted virtually by Hawai‘i Community Lending and the Mayor,s Office next Monday, Sept. 14, Tuesday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Jeff Gilbreath, Director of Lending and Development for Hawai‘i Community Lending, said, "The housing market is the underpinning of our economy. We have a short window of opportunity to come together in the spirit of transparency, accountability, and genuine kokua to move ahead and make sure those who need resources get them and are able to stay in their homes. "We need every leader of every community and every business, who is willing to join us in promoting RMAP, to help us think outside the box so we can provide relief to renters, homeowners, landlords, and mortgage companies."
JOHN DEFRIES HAS ACCEPTED THE HAWAI‘I TOURISM AUTHORITY'S TOP JOB. The Hawai‘i Island resident is former head of Hawai‘i County's Research & Development. See more on his background in the Aug. 28 edition of Kaʻū News Briefs. A statement released Wednesday by Hawaiian Tourism Authority says more about his background and beliefs:
Born and raised in Waikiki, now living in Kona on Hawai‘i Island, De Fries was raised by family elders steeped in Hawaiian culture. He has more than 40 years of professional experience in the tourism and resort development industries. His recent visitor industry experience includes serving as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He is also president and principal advisor for Native Sun Business Group, a business consulting and project management firm focused on Hawai‘i's hospitality and real estate development industries.
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De Fries previously led the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai‘i, a division responsible for stimulating economic growth in sectors including tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Prior to that, he served as president and CEO of Hōkūliʻa, a luxury residential community on Hawai‘i Island.
De Fries serves as an advisor and board member to many organizations in the community, including the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University, the Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Memorial Committee, Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i Green Growth, Friends of the Future, the Keāhole Center for Sustainability, and Kualoa Ranch.
DeFries said, "Beset now by a global pandemic and economic collapse, Hawai‘i faces a myriad of daunting challenges – among them, the reopening of our tourism industry, at a time when immense and growing anxiety can be felt in our local communities. The radiance of hope, however, is found in the resilience and creativity of Hawai‘i's leaders in both the public and private sectors – the aunties, uncles, parents, kūpuna, youth, coaches, teachers, ministers, health care workers, and essential workers who are diligently searching for solutions, for their communities."
In recent years, DeFries has been a part of rare gatherings in Hawai‘i that highlight opportunities for leadership in sustainable living, human rights, and embracing native intelligence. He has engaged with His Holiness the Dalai Lama; members of the Rapid Evaluation Team from Google X; Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first female prime minister of Norway; Hina Jilani, a renowned lawyer, pro-democracy campaigner, and a leading activist in Pakistan's women's movement; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Cape Town, South Africa; and New Zealand's Sir Sidney Moko Mead, Ph.D., who created the country's first department of Maori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
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HTA board chair Rick Fried said, "All of us at HTA are looking forward to having John take the helm of Hawai‘i's visitor industry. I was pleased to see that he has already become involved with working on ways that we can safely reopen tourism while keeping COVID-19 under control."
Born and raised in Waikiki, now living in Kona on Hawai‘i Island, De Fries was raised by family elders steeped in Hawaiian culture. He has more than 40 years of professional experience in the tourism and resort development industries. His recent visitor industry experience includes serving as executive director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. He is also president and principal advisor for Native Sun Business Group, a business consulting and project management firm focused on Hawai‘i's hospitality and real estate development industries.
De Fries previously led the Department of Research and Development for the County of Hawai‘i, a division responsible for stimulating economic growth in sectors including tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Prior to that, he served as president and CEO of Hōkūliʻa, a luxury residential community on Hawai‘i Island.De Fries serves as an advisor and board member to many organizations in the community, including the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University, the Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Memorial Committee, Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i Green Growth, Friends of the Future, the Keāhole Center for Sustainability, and Kualoa Ranch.
DeFries said, "Beset now by a global pandemic and economic collapse, Hawai‘i faces a myriad of daunting challenges – among them, the reopening of our tourism industry, at a time when immense and growing anxiety can be felt in our local communities. The radiance of hope, however, is found in the resilience and creativity of Hawai‘i's leaders in both the public and private sectors – the aunties, uncles, parents, kūpuna, youth, coaches, teachers, ministers, health care workers, and essential workers who are diligently searching for solutions, for their communities."
In recent years, DeFries has been a part of rare gatherings in Hawai‘i that highlight opportunities for leadership in sustainable living, human rights, and embracing native intelligence. He has engaged with His Holiness the Dalai Lama; members of the Rapid Evaluation Team from Google X; Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first female prime minister of Norway; Hina Jilani, a renowned lawyer, pro-democracy campaigner, and a leading activist in Pakistan's women's movement; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu of Cape Town, South Africa; and New Zealand's Sir Sidney Moko Mead, Ph.D., who created the country's first department of Maori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
HTA board chair Rick Fried said, "All of us at HTA are looking forward to having John take the helm of Hawai‘i's visitor industry. I was pleased to see that he has already become involved with working on ways that we can safely reopen tourism while keeping COVID-19 under control." HTA received more than 300 applications for the position. Honolulu-based executive search and staffing firm Bishop & Company assisted with the process. A committee of six HTA board members and three community members reviewed the qualifications of the applicants before narrowing the list down to a group of nine finalists for interviews. The full HTA board interviewed the final two candidates on Aug. 27 when the meeting went into executive session.
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A DECLINE IN COVID-19 CASES is seen as an indication that measures are working, according to the state Department of Health. After nearly six weeks of elevated numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, Hawai'i is beginning to turn the corner and regain control of the spread of the disease on all islands, said a DOH statement today.
On July 29, DOH reported the number of cases had exceeded 100 for the first time. By early August, the daily number exceeded 200. The case numbers this week appear to be declining with 169 new cases reported today. The seven-day positive case rate is currently 3.3 percent.
"This didn't happen by accident or wishful thinking; it has been a collaborative effort. There is evidence the initiatives of the health department in partnership with other organizations such as the
Hawai'i National Guard and the University of Hawai'i and the diligence of those in the community to wear their face masks and practice physical distancing are all working to decrease the number of cases in our state," said Bruce Anderson, DOH director. "We are all doing our part to decrease disease transmission and flatten the curve."
Anderson added a word of precaution: "But we cannot let our guard down again. If there are surges in the future, we can expect them to be smaller and last for a shorter duration because of our system in place to control the spread more rapidly."
He noted living with COVID-19 is the new normal and maintaining control of the disease will require ongoing prevention, detection, containment, and treatment work by the Department of Health and its partners. Equally, it will require the ongoing commitment from individuals who test positive or those who have come in close contact with them to cooperate with contact tracers and disease investigators and to follow directives on isolation and quarantine.
"Strengthening our partnerships must also be a priority for testing and to provide appropriate isolation and quarantine facilities, to take any necessary enforcement actions for those who do not comply with recommended directives or orders, for timely reporting by healthcare providers and updates on follow-up care for those who are admitted to hospitals," said Anderson.
Two men and one woman, all from O'ahu are the latest people to pass away from coronavirus. All three had underlying medical conditions and had been hospitalized. One man was in the 70 to 79-year-old age group and the other was in the 50 to 59-year-old age group. The woman was also in that age group. Their deaths increase Hawai'i's death toll to 94."This didn't happen by accident or wishful thinking; it has been a collaborative effort. There is evidence the initiatives of the health department in partnership with other organizations such as the
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| Director of Health for Hawai`i, Dr. Bruce Anderson, says measures are working to reduce COVID-19 Photo from Dept. of Health |
Anderson added a word of precaution: "But we cannot let our guard down again. If there are surges in the future, we can expect them to be smaller and last for a shorter duration because of our system in place to control the spread more rapidly."
He noted living with COVID-19 is the new normal and maintaining control of the disease will require ongoing prevention, detection, containment, and treatment work by the Department of Health and its partners. Equally, it will require the ongoing commitment from individuals who test positive or those who have come in close contact with them to cooperate with contact tracers and disease investigators and to follow directives on isolation and quarantine.
"Strengthening our partnerships must also be a priority for testing and to provide appropriate isolation and quarantine facilities, to take any necessary enforcement actions for those who do not comply with recommended directives or orders, for timely reporting by healthcare providers and updates on follow-up care for those who are admitted to hospitals," said Anderson.
There were eight new cases on Hawai`i Island today, three on Maui and 158 on O`ahu.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6.42 million with more than 192,00 deaths.Worldwide, there are more than 28.2 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 909,000.
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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
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Ocean View, Saturday, Sept. 12 at10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the Park and Ride parking lot. Pick-up will be at the back store. Ingredients for a hamburger steak dinner for four will consist of 2 lbs. of ground beef, gravy mix (just add 1 cup of water), onion, and rice to be distributed.
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Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
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.
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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.
Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home, using neuroscience and positive psychology, children and parents alike can learn to better understand themselves and each other. The program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics," to teach families "how to manage their emotions, communicate in healthier ways, and create a nurturing environment focused on the things that matter most." Sign up at https://chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home/.
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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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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.
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
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Ocean View, Saturday, Sept. 12 at
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.
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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.
Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Virtual Advisory Council Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 15,9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Presentations will include acoustic research, a proposal for voluntary speed regulations for ocean-going vessels in the sanctuary. Register in advance here.
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ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Nāʻālehu, Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market location. Ingredients for a hamburger steak dinner for four will consist of 2 lbs. of ground beef, gravy mix (just add 1 cup of water), onion, and rice to be distributed.
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 inKīlauea 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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Submit Comments and Questions about Hawaiian Electric's Keāhole Battery Storage Project through Saturday, Sept. 26. The utility submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 28 for a first-of-its-kind on-island, 12-megawatt, 12-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System to help stabilize the power grid for the whole island, reducing the likelihood of customer outages. Virtual public meetings on both projects were held earlier this year and video replays of the discussions, along with the PUC applications and project details, can be found at www.hawaiianelectric.com/selfbuildprojects. Comments and questions can be submitted to keaholebess@hawaiianelectric.com and will be included in the application to PUC.
ONGOING5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, and questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.
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Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/482552460607505#/signup. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.
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Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m. , with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. The only time a face covering is needed is when the usher comes to the vehicle to pass out the worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.
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.
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.
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 Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Virtual Advisory Council Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 15,
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Nāʻālehu, Friday, Sept. 18 at Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in
Submit Comments and Questions about Hawaiian Electric's Keāhole 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.
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| COVID-19 Information for Farm Workers Poster. English: https://bit.ly/2F3gJ3u; English/Spanish: https://bit.ly/2Z0cihc; English/Marshallese: https://bit.ly/2QLbybk |
Pre-Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach Program in Ocean View here. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families, to complete the registration process. Questions? Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org.
Free Tutors for Keiki in Pāhala, for grades one through six, will be available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Reading , Writing, Math, Spelling, Test Taking Strategies, Organizational Skills, and more. Contact Boys & Girls Club at info@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
Free Wifi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind and Mrs. Marcia Masters. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Mrs. VanNewkirk, Mrs. Heather Naboa, Mrs. Marcia Masters, and Mrs. Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? Call 313-4100.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/482552460607505#/signup. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.
Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 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.
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.
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.
Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home, using neuroscience and positive psychology, children and parents alike can learn to better understand themselves and each other. The program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics," to teach families "how to manage their emotions, communicate in healthier ways, and create a nurturing environment focused on the things that matter most." Sign up at https://chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home/.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads given out to distance learning students enrolled in Kaʻū public schools. The website is open to the public here. ʻOhana Help Desk is also available to students and parents by phone, Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. , and on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and state holidays.
Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. It is open to students of Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, to connect to internet for distance learning. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons may 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, they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff, or they may go in-person to request items, without placing a hold. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Both locations are also open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi is available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot by using their library card and PIN. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.
Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Meetings held Sundays on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi
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.
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
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