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Socially distant, Guardians of the Trails will work through November to maintain trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, thanks to a grant from National Park Foundation and |
ON NĀ LEO TV, MAYOR HARRY KIM SHARED DEEP FEELINGS ABOUT THE MANY COVID-19 DEATHS AT THE VETERANS HOME in Hilo. Interviewed on Stacy Higa's Aupuni Connections show on Monday, Kim said he feels "very, very bad."
The mayor explained the history of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home as he and fellow veterans fought to put the state's only Veterans Home in Hilo, where veterans' loved ones would be "be glad to send them because we would treat them like family."
Concerning the COVID outbreak and deaths at the Veterans Home over the last month, Kim said, "To say that disappointment is felt is not even remotely close to what you want to say." He said the 12th death on Sunday sparked him to say, "God forgive me for not doing the right thing." He said he felt he let the veterans down and should have asked for VA help earlier.
The mayor explained the history of the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home as he and fellow veterans fought to put the state's only Veterans Home in Hilo, where veterans' loved ones would be "be glad to send them because we would treat them like family."
Concerning the COVID outbreak and deaths at the Veterans Home over the last month, Kim said, "To say that disappointment is felt is not even remotely close to what you want to say." He said the 12th death on Sunday sparked him to say, "God forgive me for not doing the right thing." He said he felt he let the veterans down and should have asked for VA help earlier.
Kim told Higa that visits to the Veterans Home by the state Department of Health and VA last week generated too many reports and not enough action. He called for a complete removal of administration of the Veterans Home until after the investigation and report is complete.
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| Mayor Harry Kim, left, and Stacy Higa, on Aupuni Connections yesterday. Watch the Nā Leo TV video. |
Kim told Higa that Thursday and Friday, a larger VA team will fly in from the mainland to "address the situation." He said the VA may transfer Veterans Home residents who are COVID-negative to a different location.
Higa asked Kim, "What do you think we can do to help keep our people and community safe?"
Kim praised Hawaiʻi Island residents for restraint during the Labor Day holiday, particularly in taking precautions and respecting beach closures. He mentioned #OurKuleana, the social media campaign to normalize mask-wearing - a campaign popularized by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
He said increased testing on Hawaiʻi Island is helping efforts against COVID, and "we're going to continue this until we don't need to." Kim encouraged the public to remember "how easy this can spread;" people should get tested to locate infections. Higa and Kim both noted that tests can be taken at no cost and that testing results are confidential. Kim said he thinks about 40,000 of about 200,000 people on Hawaiʻi Island have been tested.
He said increased testing on Hawaiʻi Island is helping efforts against COVID, and "we're going to continue this until we don't need to." Kim encouraged the public to remember "how easy this can spread;" people should get tested to locate infections. Higa and Kim both noted that tests can be taken at no cost and that testing results are confidential. Kim said he thinks about 40,000 of about 200,000 people on Hawaiʻi Island have been tested.
As of today, 14 veterans have died in the Veterans Home. Since the outbreak began in late August, 68 residents and 30 staff tested positive for COVID-19. Of those residents, 34 are being cared for at the facility in a dedicated COVID unit, four are being cared for at the hospital, and 16 residents and five employees have recovered.
Hawaiʻi ranks 51st for the fewest restrictions among states and Washington, D.C. Hawaiʻi preciously ranked 37th and moved to the most restricted place due in part to limitations of large gatherings to 10 or fewer, regional closures as schools reopen, and new service limits for reopening restaurants and bars, along with the interisland quarantine. Since May 5, Hawaiʻi has ranked within the top five most restrictive states, with the exception of ranking 37th and 38th from July 21 to Aug. 11. See the full report here.
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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| Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park CEO Elizabeth Fien and Park rangers transport Guardians of the Trails in spacious vans, one person to a bench, to keep socially distant. FHVNP photo |
With this funding, FHVNP hired six youth ages 17-25 to work with the Park's Natural Resource Management Division. The youth started work on June 29 and will work through November. They are well on their way to clearing invasive plant species from over five miles of Park trails.
"These paid internships could not have come at a better time. With COVID-19, employment for youth is almost non-existent. For most of the youth, this is their first paid job. All have indicated they are saving for college, helping their families with groceries and other living expenses," says the FHVNP announcement.
FHVNP's CEO Elizabeth Fien said, "It gives me great pleasure to see a successful program during these difficult times. I am constantly amazed to see these youth mature and take pride in their work. We are grateful to the National Park Foundation and Nature Valley
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| Masked and socially distant but working together, Guardians of the Trails travel to remote places to maintain trails in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park through Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. |
FHVNP follows all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Hawaiʻi state and county guidance. The youth work outdoors, staying 15 feet apart, wear masks when required, and when transported to various sites, sit one youth to a row in the vehicles.
Donations for the Guardians of the Trails Youth Program can be made at fhvnp.org.
HELP REMOVE FOUNTAIN GRASS along roadsides in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16 and 17. Participants must register beforehand by calling David Benitez at 808-345-4274 or emailing david_benitez@nps.gov. Meet at 9 a.m. at Ocean View Community Center
Participants must follow all local preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, and gathering size. Participants may not participate if they are ill or suspect exposure to COVID-19, will not share vehicles among groups, and must bring their own supplies for hand washing or sanitation.
Volunteers are invited to work with the Ocean View Community Association and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park staff to remove the invasive fountain grass, which is a fire safety measure. During the day, volunteers will learn about the increased fire potential caused by fountain grass, and safe methods to remove it.
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| Register to help remove invasive fountain grass in HOVE tomorrow and Thursday. NPS photo |
Fountain grass accumulates large volumes of dead biomass and burns rapidly with high intensity. Fountain grass further intensifies fire potential because it is one of the few invasive species that can colonize young lava flows. As a result, wildfires spread unchecked into surrounding forests, pastures, and subdivisions. In August 2005, fountain grass was responsible for the spread of a 25,000-acre wildfire that forced the evacuation of Waikoloa. Fountain grass is targeted in costly control programs on the Big Island Maui and Oʻahu. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture has declared fountain grass a noxious weed in the State.
The best way to control fountain grass is to manually uproot small populations. Seed heads are collected in bags and destroyed to prevent the spread of individuals into new areas. Fountain grass is invading subdivisions in Kaʻū. Small fountain grass populations are found throughout Ocean View, and on adjacent lava flows. If populations are left unchecked, the grass will continue to spread and result in increased fuel loads and fire hazards in subdivisions. Fortunately, in most areas populations are still small, and control efforts to remove or contain the spread of the infestations are still feasible.
For more details, see nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/pese1.htmand hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_setaceum.htm.
Call David Benitez for assistance removing larger fountain grass populations or plants from residential lots in HOVE , at 808-985-6085.
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.
GE TAX REVENUES DOVE BY 25 PERCENT IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. General Excise Taxes help fund state and county government, and the school system, since there is no separate tax for school districts around the state like in other states, which have individual districts with local taxation for them.
The Council on Revenues met last week, and reported to Gov. David Ige that Fiscal Year 2021 is expected to have an 11 percent revenue loss. The forecast reflects the depressed economic activity resulting from the COVID-19 global pandemic. This is improved from previous estimates, which forecast a 12 percent loss. This is due to $308 million in income tax being shuffled from FY 2020 to FY 2021, because the tax deadline was moved from April to July this year. The council forecast an 8.5 percent growth for FY 2022, 6 percent growth for FY 2023, 4 percent growth for FY 2024, and 3 percent growth for FY 2025, 2026, and 2027.
General Excise Taxes are forecast to decrease from developing affordable rental housing at $23 million for FY 2019,2020,2021, and 2022, and $30 million in FY 2023,, 2024, and 2025. GET is expected to gain from those doing business in the state who have $100,000 or more in gross income, or two hundred or more separate transactions, from the sale of tangible personal property delivered in the State, services used or consumed in the State, or intangible property used in the State, at a rate of $6.8 million in FY 2019, $7.6 million in FY 2020, $7.9 million in FY 2021, $8.1 million in FY 2022, $8.3 million in FY 2023, $8.6 million in FY 2024, and $8.9 million in FY 2025.
Transient accommodations taxes on resort fees, which began July 1 last year, are expected to bring in a total of $77.2 million through 2026, with $9.1 million expected in FY 2020. TAT on transient accommodations brokers, travel agencies, and tour packages are expected to increase the General Fund at $14.7 million in FY 2019, $36.6 million in FY 2020, $38.0 million in FY 2021, $39.3 million in FY 2022, $40.6 million in FY 2023, $42 million in FY 2024, and $45.6 million in FY 2025. The reduction of TAT to the Convention Center Special Fund and Tourism Special Fund is estimated to cause revenue gain to the General Fund at $13 million per year from FY 2019 to FY 2025.
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| State Capitol building on Oʻahu. |
Council members also wrote that they have concerns that, once the 14-day quarantine is lifted, tourists may not want to fly to Hawaiʻi for a vacation, weddings, or for business travel, and the tourism experience will likely not be the same due to permanent closures of tourist activities, restaurants, and shopping. "Given the prominent role of tourism in Hawaiʻi's economy, extended delays in the return of visitors will have major impacts on the economy and tax collections." The Council wrote that the state government's role in facilitating visitor arrivals in a safe and orderly manner "is vital for the return of economic growth."
Read the whole report here.
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT INCREASED IN THE KAʻŪ-KEAʻAU-PĀHOA COMPLEX AREA, while schools in the other two areas on the island dropped, according to reports at hawaiipublicschools.org. The complexes count students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade, but do not count Charter school enrollment – schools run by independent boards but still funded by taxpayer money – like Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. VSAS has an enrollment of 260 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 223 for the 2019-2020 school year, an increase of 37 students. 
The Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa complex has an enrollment of 5,501 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 5,457 for the 2019-2020 school year, an increase of 44 students. Nāʻāhala Elementary has an enrollment of 386 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 379 for the 2019-2020 school year, an increase of seven students. Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary has an enrollment of 536 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 500 for the 2019-2020 school year, an increase of 36 students. The Honokaʻa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex has an enrollment of 9,914 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 10,061 for the 2019-2020 school year, a decrease of 147 students.
The Hilo-Waiakea complex has an enrollment of 7,749 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 7,893 for the 2019-2020 school year, a decrease of 144 students.
Statewide, including Charter schools, Hawaiʻi has an enrollment of 174,704 students for the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 179,331 for the 2019-2020 school year, a decrease of 4,627 students.
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.VIBRANT HAWAIʻI ZOOMS IN ON COMMUNITY RESILIENCE HUBS this Thursday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the public invited to join in online. "A resilience hub is a trusted, community-driven and operated space
that supports community pre- and post-disaster. Resilience hubs build healthy, equitably economies by generating and investing a range of capital. Vibrant Hawaiʻi is activating a network of resilience hubs to be both transactional and transformative," says the message from Vibrant Hawaiʻi.
Sign up here. See more on Vibrant Hawaiʻi and its programs at www.vibranthawaii.org.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.
LEARN ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING VIRTUALLY in Public Speaking In Our New Virtual Reality workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The fee is $10. Register here. Facilitated by West Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center, the announcement says, "Over the past months, business owners, and professionals have been unexpectedly thrust into a crash course in our new 'virtual reality.' Being engaging, clear, and authentic in your public speaking and messaging is more important than ever, but also more challenging. In this workshop, participants will learn tips, strategies, and tools for public speaking remotely, so they can do so with confidence and clarity needed to make a lasting impact, and inspire potential clients to take action. Our instructor, Laura Reid, is an award-winning public speaker and a real treat to listen to and learn from."
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 SIX-WAY RACE FOR HAWAIʻI'S SECOND CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE is on for the General Election. Candidates seeking to represent Kaʻū, Volcano, and all of rural Hawaiʻi are Democrat Kaialiʻi Kahele, presently Hilo's state senator; Republican Joseph Akana, Aloha ʻĀina Party member Jonathan Hoʻomanawanui, Libertarian Michelle Rose Tippens, American Shopping Party member John Giuffre, and Nonpartisan Ron Burrus. The winner will replace Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who is not running for re-election.
People can register to vote by Monday, Oct. 5 online, https://olvr.hawaii.gov/, or if postmarked by that date via mail. As during the Primary, all ballots will be mailed, but voters can still vote in-person and may register the same day. Ballots should start to arrive around Oct. 16. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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| Six candidates vying for the U.S. House of Representatives seat for District 2. Photo from pbshawaii.org |
As of July 19, Akana received $21,857.74 in monetary and non-monetary campaign contributions. None were contributions of $100 or less.
As of June 30, Hoʻomanawanui's campaign received $860 in monetary and non-monetary campaign contributions from Hoʻomanawanui.
Tippens, Giuffre, and Burrus have not filed financial statements yet, but the filing deadline hasn't passed yet.
The other candidates' websites and campaign information do not show endorsements.
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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ONE NEW DEATH AT YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME, and another at Hilo Medical Center not related to the Veterans Home, are reported today, bringing the Veterans Home death count to 14. Hawaiʻi's statewide death toll is 100, with one new death on Oʻahu recorded. The state count does not include all the deaths at the Veterans Home or Hilo Medical Center.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 10,844 COVID cases in the state, 66 new today. Department of Health reports 3,885 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are more than 6,850 active cases in isolation. Hawaiʻi Island reports six new cases, Oʻahu 70, and one resident was diagnosed while out-of-state. There are 21 people hospitalized with the virus.
In the last 28 days, active cases have been reported in zip codes 96704 with Miloliʻi; 96737 with Ocean View; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour Volcano Village Wood Valley
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray areas have zero or few residential addresses. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 20 cases. Pale orange is 21 to 50 cases. Medium orange is 51 to 90 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 91 to 170 cases. Bright red is 171 to 310 cases. Dark red (not pictured) is 311 to 530 cases. Department of Health map |
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 9,782 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 599, Maui County 378, and Kauaʻi 58. Twenty-seven victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 654 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
Lt. Gov. Josh Green and two deputy sheriffs remain the only three positive COVID-19 cases in the Lieutenant Governor's Office. All eleven other employees have tested negative. Green's wife and two children tested negative. Everyone will remain in quarantine until cleared by DOH investigators.
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center OB , pediatrics, and end-of-life patients.
All beach and shoreline parks on Hawaiʻi Island are closed through Sept. 19. The activities of exercising, fishing, food gathering, use of restroom, shower facilities, and access to the ocean will continue to be allowed. Use of pavilions, barbecues, tents, or other shade devices, tables, hibachis, coolers, picnicking, camping, and commercial operations are all prohibited.
Hawaiʻi Island Police will continue their enforcement of the preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. Civil Defense says, "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced. While on patrol, Police Officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one. Mahalo for your help."
Civil Defense says the number of new cases of coronavirus on this Island "reflects the need and importance of continuing testing throughout the Island as the virus remains a threat. With all accepting kuleana, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. With the community's involvement, we can keep Hawaiʻi Safe." See hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.
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.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6,603,921 – about 23 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 195,735 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 29.46 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 933,228.
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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
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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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 theBig Island Reading , Writing, Math, Spelling, Test Taking Strategies, Organizational Skills, and more. Contact Boys & Girls Club at info@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
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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.
Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at10 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.
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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=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1
V0pUL1owUT09, 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.
Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, atVolcano Village Cooper Center 10 a.m. until pau. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
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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 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 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 six 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 KeāholeBattery 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.
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 six feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.
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 1500 pixels by 1500 pixels 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
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
V0pUL1owUT09, 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.
Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at
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. 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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