 |
Raymond Fujikawa (center), 86, from Kaʻū, shows his support to the veterans at Hilo's Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home today, Sept. 17, the day he suffered an injury in 1951, during the Korean War. His ʻohana held signs outside the home that has an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak that has claimed 17 lives. Left to right: Dave Carvalho, Raymond Fujikawa, Raenette Fujikawa-Marino, and Brittny Marino. See COVID story below. Photo from Tim Wright |
BALLOTS FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION will be mailed to voters beginning on Oct. 7. County Clerk John Henricks made the announcement today with an official notice. Voters should receive their ballots within two to three days of the mailing date. Any registered voter who does not receive a ballot within five days of the mailing date should contact the Elections Division at 961-8277. Voters can mail the ballots in the envelope included or drop them off at Nāʻālehu Police Station from Oct. 14 through Nov. 3, General Election Day, at 7 p.m. The police station is located at 95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy. For more information, call Elections Division at 961-8277.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HAWAIʻI SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN DISTANCE LEARNING MOSTLY until the first quarter is pau. The second quarter, beginning mid-October, will allow blended learning, with possible on-campus time, depending on COVID rates on each island, and metrics used by the school complex area and the determination of school principals. State School Superintendent Christina Kishimoto made the announcement today, noting that guidance and metrics have been issued by the state Department of Health. DOH plans to put its guidance for schools online.
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association announced that it would fight the guidelines for on-campus learning and called it "dangerous," saying the teacher union was not consulted. See hsta.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.
At issue is whether the biofuel plant would reduce or contribute to greenhouse gases. The petition asks the PUC for an evidentiary hearing on the expected greenhouse gas emissions. Consideration of greenhouse gases was mandated in a 2019 Supreme Court decision, which said the PUC failed to consider the state goal of reducing greenhouse gases when allowing the agreement between the electric company and Hū Honua.
Former Hawaiian Electric Light Co. CEO Warren Lee, who subsequently served as head of the county Department of Public Works, is President of Honua Ola Bioenergy, the parent company of Hū Honua. He issued a statement on Wednesday focusing on employment "...the fate of our employees and their families are at stake, and more than 200 jobs overall with be lost if nothing is done." He said the project has been treated unfairly.
![]()
Instead, the PUC set aside its own permission for Hū Honua to sell electricity to Hawaiian Electric, saying that the cost would be higher than other alternative energies. It ruled that Hū Honua could resubmit its request to sell to the utility and become part of competitive bidding to provide electricity to Hawaiian Electric. Hū Honua recently appealed and the PUC reaffirmed its denial of the permit.
Life of the Land, which presented its case to the PUC and Supreme Court, issued a statement saying, its team is "disappointed that Hū Honua continues to push their tree-burning, high-priced boondoggle on Hawaiʻi Island ratepayers. The climate crisis requires that we save and plant trees, not harvest them. Hū Honua alleges they are shovel ready. But their initial injection wells failed and the new injection wells have not been approved by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health."
Life of the Land, which presented its case to the PUC and Supreme Court, issued a statement saying, its team is "disappointed that Hū Honua continues to push their tree-burning, high-priced boondoggle on Hawaiʻi Island ratepayers. The climate crisis requires that we save and plant trees, not harvest them. Hū Honua alleges they are shovel ready. But their initial injection wells failed and the new injection wells have not been approved by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health."
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.
See the rationale for the vetoes in the Sept. 1 Kaʻū News Briefs.
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.
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL DISTRIBUTE FOOD tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 18 at its Nāʻālehu Market Grounds at 10 a.m. In a drive-through event, OKK will offer beef donated from MJ Ranch, TC Ranch, and more. 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.
VOLCANO ART CENTER IS TRIPADVISOR'S TRAVELER'S CHOICE 2020 AWARD winner. Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is in the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide, according to Tripadvisor. Each year, Tripadvisor combs through reviews, ratings, and "saves" from travelers everywhere, and uses that info to select the award winners.
VAC program manager Alyssa Johnasen says, "Volcano Art Center is grateful to our wonderful visitors, both near and far, for their continued support. While we know it's a bit difficult for out-of-state and international visitors to visit us in person at this time, we invite everyone to shop our gallery online in the meantime."
Volcano Art Center Gallery represents over 150 Hawaiʻi artists, and features both traditional and contemporary work that is inspired by Hawaiʻi's unique environment and rich cultural heritage. The historic building which houses the gallery is a welcoming backdrop for the finely-crafted furniture of native woods, hand-blown glass from Hawaiʻi's top glass artists, jewelry featuring precious and semiprecious stones and metals, and an outstanding collection of two and three dimensional works in paint, photography, clay, fiber, and mixed media. To shop the Volcano Art Center Gallery online, visit volcanoartcenter.org/shop.
Volcano Art Center Gallery is located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Thursday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Niʻaulani Campus is located at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. VAC is a non-profit educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary, and performing arts.
 |
| Inside Volcano Art Center Gallery, Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice 2020 Award winner. VAC photo |
GET A FLU SHOT BY THE END OF OCTOBER is the message from Hawai‘i State Department of Health. In a statement this week, DOH said taking steps to prevent influenza "is more important than ever" during the pandemic. "Influenza (flu) is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death."
Immunization Branch Chief Ron Balajadia said, "Flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but they will reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths on the health care system. Getting your flu shot also helps to conserve scarce medical resources for the care of people with COVID-19."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all individuals who are over six months of age. Vaccination of high-risk persons – including young children, pregnant women, persons 65 years of age and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions – is particularly important to decrease risk of severe flu illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all individuals who are over six months of age. Vaccination of high-risk persons – including young children, pregnant women, persons 65 years of age and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions – is particularly important to decrease risk of severe flu illness.
 |
Longs Drugs in Pāhala offers flu shots. Photo by Julia Neal |
Flu vaccinations work to protect personal health, the health of family members, and the community. Getting vaccinated provides protection to those who may be at high risk of severe illness, including those who may be too young to be vaccinated and those with medical conditions who cannot be immunized.
From Oct. 1, 2019, to April 4, 2020, there were between 410,000 and 740,000 flu hospitalizations and between 24,000 and 62,000 flu deaths in the U.S. Symptoms of flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea; similar to symptoms seen with COVID-19.
In addition to getting vaccinated, DOH encourages the public to continue frequent handwashing or use of an alcohol-based (62 percent minimum) hand sanitizer, physical distancing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home from work, school, and social gatherings when sick.
Balajadia said, "We can prevent both influenza and COVID-19 together by continuing to follow safe practices to prevent the spread of germs. Remember to also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and to frequently clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects like doorknobs, light switches, and cell phones."
For those who think they have the flu, contact a healthcare provider right away. Treatment with prescription antiviral drugs work best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, however they can still be beneficial if given later during illness.
For more information about the flu, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/flu/.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.
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.
Most years, the Park organizes a Stewardship at the Summit event on National Public Lands Day, attracting volunteers from all over the island of Hawai‘i who come and help remove invasive plants from the native rainforest. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year the park is encouraging people to do something good for the land on their own to honor the Day, while maintaining social distancing.
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.
MORE THAN 30 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19. The worldwide death toll is more than 937,543. In the U.S. , over 6.67 million people have tested positive, with 197,590 people dead from COVID. Hawaiʻi Island records 18 of those deaths, 17 from Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home in Hilo , with a new death of a resident vet today. The state count, which does not include deaths reported by the Veterans Home, is 107, four new on Oʻahu today.
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center OB , pediatrics, and end-of-life patients.
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.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
 |
A view of the new Ocean View Community Market on a lofty site at the corner of Kona and Highway 11. The spacious site allows for easy social distancing while shopping. Photo by Annie Bosted |
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET AND OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET give OV residents and neighboring communities two open-air places at which to shop on Saturday mornings.
The Community Market is the brainchild of two long-established vendors in Ocean View: David Joslin, of Thai Grinz food truck, and Mark Cocucci, who brings an eclectic offering of goods to market. When it looked as though the Swap Meet was pau, they secured a site on the corner of Kona and Highway 11 and invited other vendors to set up shop. Many of the regular Swap Meet vendors joined them.
However, on Sept. 4, the Swap Meet was again in business at its former location on Prince Kuhio, this time with a new perimeter fence on the two sides that face streets. Announcing this move, Joslin told The Kaʻū Calendar "The community market is staying open and the Ocean View swap meet is reopening. Now vendors and customers alike will have a choice and there should be no overcrowding."
When a Kaʻū Calendar photographer visited both markets on Saturday, both had space to spare for more booths, which facilitated safe social distancing.
The Community Market, which is open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m . , was supported by about a dozen vendors. The Community Market is convenient to the many residents who visit the county transfer station during its weekly opening, in order to dump their garbage.
The Swap Meet is convenient to residents shopping at nearby brick-and-mortar shops. On Saturday, the Swap Meet was supported by over 20 vendors. It is usually open from about 7:30 a.m. to noon .
 |
This panoramic view of the Ocean View Swap Meet at Prince Kuhio shows booths sparsely spaced, allowing shoppers to keep safe distances from vendors and other shoppers. Photo by Annie Bosted |
PETFIX SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC FOR DOGS will be held Friday, Sept. 25 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY activities on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Marked by free entrance to the Park, visitors are urged to celebrate National Public Lands Day by doing something good for the ‘āina (land).
 |
| Watch Moses Espaniola of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park give examples of taking care of the ʻāina on National Public Lands Day. |
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
A new Park video, created by Espaniola, offers three activities to connect with nature while protecting it:
Remove an invasive plant from your property, and replace it with a native plant.
Remove an invasive plant from your property, and replace it with a native plant.
Pick up ‘opala (rubbish) from a beach, park, or other public land.
Write a haiku about your favorite public land.
 |
| Planting a native plant in place of an invasive one is one way to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26. NPS photo |
No matter what activity is chosen, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park encourages people to post a photo or video of themselves engaged in the activity to their personal social media account, and tag @hawaiivolcanoesnps between Sept. 26 and 30. Haiku writers are encouraged to read their haiku on video. The Park will share the most inspiring posts to its Facebook and Instagram accounts. For more information on National Public Lands Day, visit the National Environmental Education Foundation website, https://www.neefusa.org/npld.
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.
 |
Dave Carvalho, ʻohana to Raymond Fujikawa, of Kaʻū, shows his support for veterans at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Photo from Tim Wright |
Since the pandemic began, there have been 11,105 COVID cases in the state, 160 new today. Department of Health reports 4,248 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are more than 6,730 active cases in isolation. Hawaiʻi Island reports 20 new cases, Oʻahu 140. There are 22 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 10,015 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 623, Maui County 378, and Kauaʻi 58. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 685 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
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 Wood Valley Volcano Village
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,
 |
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 160 cases. Bright red is 161 to 340 cases. Dark red (not pictured) is 341 to 470 cases. Department of Health map |
All beach and shoreline parks on Hawaiʻi Island are closed through Sept. 30. 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 coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.
 |
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
ONGOING
Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at5:30 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.
![]()
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.
![]()
![]()
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.
![]()
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.
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.
![]()
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
![]()
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.
![]()
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 "howto 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/.
![]()
![]()
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.
![]()
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 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 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 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
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs will be held Friday, Sept. 25 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26 is celebrated at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with free entrance to the Park. The public is urged to celebrate by doing something good for the ‘āina (land), such as: Remove an invasive plant from your property, and replace it with a native plant; Pick up ‘opala (rubbish) from a beach, park or other public land; Write a haiku about your favorite public land. Watch a new Park video. The Park encourages people to post a photo or video of themselves engaged in the activity to their personal social media account, and tag @hawaiivolcanoesnps between Sept. 26 and 30. Haiku writers are encouraged to read their haiku on video. The Park will share the most inspiring posts to its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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.
 |
| COVID-19 Information for Farm Workers Poster. English: https://bit.ly/2F3gJ3u; English/Spanish: https://bit.ly/2Z0cihc; English/Marshallese: https://bit.ly/2QLbybk |
Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at
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
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 "howto 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 onany 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
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
