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Horses set free to escape the range fire at Kaʻaluʻalu are in the foreground. See an update, below. Photo from HFD |
MAYOR HARRY KIM ASKED GOV. DAVID IGE TO REPLACE THE MANAGING COMPANY OF THE HILO VETERANS HOME where 24 residents have died since August. Seventy residents and 32 employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Kim wrote to the governor and shared the letter with Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald. Today, the newspaper quoted the mayor, who wrote, "Because of Avalon's failures, Avalon must be immediately removed from further administration of the veterans home."
The mayor wrote that the Veterans Affairs Tiger Team (see Sunday's Kaʻū News Briefs) now in Hilo is capable of manning the veterans home "until other arrangements are made." Avalon spokesperson Allison Griffith told the Tribune-Herald that the company's regional vice president for Hawaiʻi operations has been heading up the administration of the Veterans Home for the last week, and a regional nurse consultant has administering clinical control of the facility.
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ʻO Kaʻū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi delivered treats to staff at Hilo's Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home today. On his left is Stacyn Lopez Sakuma, who grew up in Pāhala and works at the Veterans Home. Photo from OKK |
She noted that the Veterans Home opened in 2008. Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home in Hilo is the only dedicated veterans care home in Hawaiʻi. The facility is named for the late Technical Sergeant Yukio Okutsu, who was awarded the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor for his bravery and service in the Army's legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, during World War II.
Since August, the home has been battling a growing COVID-19 cluster. A majority of residents at the 95-bed facility have tested positive, as have a mounting number of staff members. The 24th resident of the home died on Sept. 20.
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.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park in Ocean View. Other free testing is Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Friday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Civic Auditorium in Hilo – enter from Kuawa Street entrance; and Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Friday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center.
No insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. No co-pay for the individuals being tested. Be sure to wear a face covering at all times and observe social distancing. For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
"It is critical that you attend these meetings and voice your concerns directly and personally, if you can, because otherwise the tour helicopter/small aircraft industry will likely downplay our concerns and nothing will change when operations restart. The Hawaiʻi Air Noise and Safety Task Force was established this January with the stated goal of addressing safety, noise, and other issues related to helicopter and fixed-wing aerial tours. Although it correctly includes government members, its membership is primarily the tour helicopter/small aircraft operators. I would sincerely like to believe that the Task Force takes our concerns very seriously and is truly committed to change, but given my experience to date with the industry, I am very skeptical. However, any opportunity to participate in a public discussion should be welcomed, including this one, which is the first time recently the industry has agreed to do so."
Attend the virtual forum on Sept. 22 at zoom.us/j/93380587856, passcode: 418100. Attend the virtual forum on Sept. 24 at zoom.us/j/93829641492, passcode: 077533.
No insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. No co-pay for the individuals being tested. Be sure to wear a face covering at all times and observe social distancing. For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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.
SUBMIT TESTIMONY ON HELICOPTER AND SMALL AIRCRAFT NOISE POLLUTION and safety issues, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, tomorrow, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 24, urges Rep. Ed Case. Hawaiʻi Air Noise and Safety Task Force will host two Virtual Public Meetings on Oʻahu, but welcome public comments from around the Islands.
SUBMIT TESTIMONY ON HELICOPTER AND SMALL AIRCRAFT NOISE POLLUTION and safety issues, from 10:30 a.m. to noon, tomorrow, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 24, urges Rep. Ed Case. Hawaiʻi Air Noise and Safety Task Force will host two Virtual Public Meetings on Oʻahu, but welcome public comments from around the Islands.
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| Helicopters over Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, the 2018 eruption areas, and other areas of Hawaiʻi Island are reported by residents as a nuisance or worse. Give input on noise and safety of aircraft tomorrow and Thursday. |
Attend the virtual forum on Sept. 22 at zoom.us/j/93380587856, passcode: 418100. Attend the virtual forum on Sept. 24 at zoom.us/j/93829641492, passcode: 077533.
Public input to the Task Force may be submitted in writing at any time before the meetings and through Dec. 1 at hanstf.org/index.php/public-meetings/. Case says, "Whether or not you can testify personally, please submit your comments through the same link. They need not be lengthy as what is more important is that members of our community register our concerns."
On a related but separate note, the Federal Aviation Administration recently updated its website to include a portal for submitting noise complaints at noise.faa.gov and faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/arc/western_pacific/noise_complai nt/.
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 BEACH SAFETY WEEK runs from Sept. 20 through 26. Focussing on drowning prevention efforts, Hawaiʻi Department of Health says, "This week is dedicated to Hawai‘i Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee member and long-time water safety advocate Ray Sanborn, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Sanborn was a founding member of the advisory committee and enthusiastic contributor to drowning prevention efforts for decades. Sanborn was president and CEO of Kama‘aina Kids."
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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| Kammie Tavares studies disappearing beaches and the relationship to walls along the shoreline. Photo from |
FORTY PERCENT OF BEACHES IN THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS could be gone by 2050, says a study, according to Kammie Tavares, of the University of Hawaiʻi School of Ocean & Earth Sciences. The new study by Tavares and her co-researchers looks at rising sea levels and seawalls as two of the causes. Seawalls contribute to hardening of beaches in the attempt to conserve them. The effort only exacerbates the elimination of beaches, particularly with the rise in sea level of up to ten inches in the upcoming 30 years, says the study.
Tavares, a graduate student at SOEST's Department of Earth Sciences, said, "By assessing computer models of the beach migration caused by 9.8 inches (0.25 meters) of sea-level rise, an amount with a high probability of occurring before mid-century, we found that emergency permit applications for shoreline hardening to protect beachfront property will substantially increase.
"Beaches are critical ecosystems to native plants and animals, offer protection from storms, are an essential cultural setting, and attract tourists, who are important for Hawaiʻi's current economy. This research shows that conversations on the future of our beaches and how we will care for them must happen now rather than later, if we are to protect our sandy beaches," said Tavares.
Those who own beachfront properties should transition out of the area to allow natural migration that occurs with beaches over time, the study recommends.
There are numerous seawalls along Aliʻi Drive in Kona and in Hilo, but almost none along the 80-mile shoreline of Kaʻū. They include the small walls at the boat ramp at Punaluʻu, some historic landing remains at Honuʻapo and along the Kaʻū Coast, and a small amount of construction at the Kalae boat ramp. See the full story at hawaii.edu/news/2020/09/21/oahu-beaches-lost-mid-century.
"Beaches are critical ecosystems to native plants and animals, offer protection from storms, are an essential cultural setting, and attract tourists, who are important for Hawaiʻi's current economy. This research shows that conversations on the future of our beaches and how we will care for them must happen now rather than later, if we are to protect our sandy beaches," said Tavares.
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There are few walls along the Kaʻū Coast, this one originally for a boat landing and now for Punaluʻu Boat Ramp. Photo by Julia Neal |
There are numerous seawalls along Aliʻi Drive in Kona and in Hilo, but almost none along the 80-mile shoreline of Kaʻū. They include the small walls at the boat ramp at Punaluʻu, some historic landing remains at Honuʻapo and along the Kaʻū Coast, and a small amount of construction at the Kalae boat ramp. See the full story at hawaii.edu/news/2020/09/21/oahu-beaches-lost-mid-century.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE KAʻALUʻALU RANGE FIRE was at least 90 percent contained by this morning. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department units from all over Kaʻū worked with volunteers and civilians to stop the spread, which burned at least 3,500 acres. One state and two private bulldozers were used to cut fire lines around the fire.
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Range fire originating near Kaʻaluʻalu Bay in Kaʻū. Fire quickly spread by strong east northeast winds. Photo from HFD |
During the day, Hoʻolapa – famous wind at Kamāʻoa near Kalae – had grown to 25 miles per hour. Hot spots throughout the burn area were all that remained by Sunday evening, and night watch units remained on scene with a state highways dozer "to continue to mop up and widen fire breaks for tomorrows continued fire fighting," says the report from HFD.
The burn area was mostly pastureland, with scattered low mesic forest.
So far, 39 personnel, three bulldozers, two fire engines, two tankers, a medic unit, two helicopters, and twelve other units, plus four patrol cars for the road closure and scene control, have been involved in the effort to control and put out the fire. South Point Road is open again. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
HAWAIʻI BEACH SAFETY WEEK runs from Sept. 20 through 26. Focussing on drowning prevention efforts, Hawaiʻi Department of Health says, "This week is dedicated to Hawai‘i Drowning and Aquatic Injury Prevention Advisory Committee member and long-time water safety advocate Ray Sanborn, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Sanborn was a founding member of the advisory committee and enthusiastic contributor to drowning prevention efforts for decades. Sanborn was president and CEO of Kama‘aina Kids."
DOH has a new campaign this year, Ocean Safety Amidst a Pandemic: Keeping your ʻOhana Safe.
With the pandemic, lockdowns, travel restrictions, closures of beaches, and a lack of tourists, there are fewer visitor deaths from drowning. However, says DOH, "all counties have seen an increase in residents going fishing, and participating in other shoreline and beach activities."
DOH says Hawai‘i Island "has historically had the highest proportion of resident drownings. Ocean safety and rescue services were involved in assisting several residents who were fishing or diving and went missing during various incidents in the early part of the year."
Assistant Fire Chief Darwin Okinaka encourages divers and ‘opihi pickers to use a tight buddy system and asks adults to keep a close eye on children, especially around coastal areas. He says, "Shoreline activities, such as fishing and picking ‘opihi, account for more than one-third of fatal ocean drownings among Big Island residents. We stress the importance of being aware of the current ocean conditions and don't take chances if they're unfavorable."
Since April, eight of nine fatal ocean drownings in Hawai‘i were residents, reports DOH, compared to four of the 14 fatal drownings from January through March. Five of the 12 fatal incidents between January and July 2020 were related to freediving.
DOH says fatal drownings in Hawaiʻi are projected to be about 50 percent lower than the annual average of 82 over the last five years.
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MEET MAYORAL CANDIDATE MITCH ROTH at a Talk Story event on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Discovery Harbour Golf Course clubhouse at the corner of Kahiki Street and Kaulua Circle. Groups will be limited to no more than eight at a time in one-hour increments scheduled by appointment only, between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. To schedule a group, contact Doug Phillips at 808-339-2927 or officerdug@gmail.com.
With the pandemic, lockdowns, travel restrictions, closures of beaches, and a lack of tourists, there are fewer visitor deaths from drowning. However, says DOH, "all counties have seen an increase in residents going fishing, and participating in other shoreline and beach activities."
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The only lifeguard stand in Kaʻū is at Punaluʻu. Photo by Julia Neal |
Assistant Fire Chief Darwin Okinaka encourages divers and ‘opihi pickers to use a tight buddy system and asks adults to keep a close eye on children, especially around coastal areas. He says, "Shoreline activities, such as fishing and picking ‘opihi, account for more than one-third of fatal ocean drownings among Big Island residents. We stress the importance of being aware of the current ocean conditions and don't take chances if they're unfavorable."
Since April, eight of nine fatal ocean drownings in Hawai‘i were residents, reports DOH, compared to four of the 14 fatal drownings from January through March. Five of the 12 fatal incidents between January and July 2020 were related to freediving.
DOH says fatal drownings in Hawaiʻi are projected to be about 50 percent lower than the annual average of 82 over the last five years.
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.
HAWAIʻI RANKS 48TH IN TEACHER SALARIES, according to a WalletHub analysis released today. The ranking is adjusted for the cost of living. The states with the highest pay for teachers are Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Massachusetts. The lowest teacher salaries, adjusted for cost of living, are Maine, Florida, Arizona, and Hawaiʻi. Rankings for overall best states for teachers put Hawaiʻi at 42nd. The best overall states are Washington, Utah, New Jersey, and Delaware.
The study states that "Teaching can be a profoundly rewarding career, considering the critical role educators play in shaping young minds. But many teachers find themselves overworked and underpaid. Education jobs are among the lowest-paying occupations requiring a bachelor's degree, and teacher salaries consistently fail to keep up with inflation. Meanwhile, the Every Student Succeeds Act demands growth in student performance. And this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made teachers' jobs even harder than usual. Earlier in 2020, teachers across the U.S. had to make an abrupt switch to online learning, and many may have to continue teaching through the internet this Fall.
"Teachers in districts that do hold in-person learning will still have to do things far differently than normal, implementing social distancing procedures in the classroom. Some teachers may even need to do a combination of online and in-person teaching. In some states, teachers are more fairly paid and better protected against the current pandemic than in others. Those states are less likely to face a revolving door of teacher turnover."
See the full study 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.
A MICRONESIAN-LANGUAGE HELPLINE to answer questions about COVID-19 and more is offered by We Are Oceania. A collaborative project aimed at centralizing the support system for all Micronesian communities, families, and individuals in Hawai‘i, its helpline can answer questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked8 a.m. to 10 p.m. , daily. For questions other questions about health insurance, housing, or unemployment, the helpline is available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WAO helpline: (808) 913-1364. See facebook.com/WeAreOceania/videos/334743961227978.
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| WalletHub reports Hawaiʻi has the 48th lowest teacher salaries, adjusted for cost of living. WalletHub image |
See the full study here.
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| Watch the We Are Oceania video. |
A MICRONESIAN-LANGUAGE HELPLINE to answer questions about COVID-19 and more is offered by We Are Oceania. A collaborative project aimed at centralizing the support system for all Micronesian communities, families, and individuals in Hawai‘i, its helpline can answer questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE LOWEST ONE-DAY NEW COVID-19 CASE COUNT since Aug. 2 is reported today for Hawaiʻi. Of the 56 new cases, Hawaiʻi Island reports seven new cases, Oʻahu 49.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 11,459 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 4,888 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 6,450 active cases in isolation. There are 18 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports 26 deaths, 24 from Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 10,338 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 651, Maui County 385, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 735 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, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray have no or very little population and no cases.
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients. The hospital's long-term care ward is closed to new patients for now.
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.
THE LOWEST ONE-DAY NEW COVID-19 CASE COUNT since Aug. 2 is reported today for Hawaiʻi. Of the 56 new cases, Hawaiʻi Island reports seven new cases, Oʻahu 49.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 11,459 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 4,888 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 6,450 active cases in isolation. There are 18 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports 26 deaths, 24 from Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 10,338 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 651, Maui County 385, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 735 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, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray have no or very little population and no cases.
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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 40 cases. Medium orange is 41 to 90 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 91 to 140 cases. Bright red is 141 to 270 cases. Dark red (not pictured) is 271 to 380 cases. Department of Health map |
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients. The hospital's long-term care ward is closed to new patients for now.
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 continue enforcement of 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 Hawaiʻi 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.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6,832,970 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 199,816 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 31.18 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 962,343.
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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See the Hawaiʻi 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.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6,832,970 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 199,816 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 31.18 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 962,343.
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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
Vehicle and License Registration in Kaʻū Saturday, Sept. 26 for expirations in September, from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. By appointment only. Register here. No walk-ins. Face coverings must be worn, and customers must adhere to the recommended six-foot social distancing at all times. Only those customers receiving services will be allowed inside the lobby, but minors or those needing additional assistance may have one additional person accompany them, if needed. Questions? Call 939-2517.
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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 here. Comments and questions can be submitted to keaholebess@hawaiianelectric.com and will be included in the application to PUC.
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.
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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 here. 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, here, 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 here, 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 here.
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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.
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
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.
Vehicle and License Registration in Kaʻū Saturday, Sept. 26 for expirations in September, from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. By appointment only. Register here. No walk-ins. Face coverings must be worn, and customers must adhere to the recommended six-foot social distancing at all times. Only those customers receiving services will be allowed inside the lobby, but minors or those needing additional assistance may have one additional person accompany them, if needed. Questions? Call 939-2517.
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.
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The State of covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov |
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 here. 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 here, 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 here.
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.
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.
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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