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Kāwā is one of the lands preserved by the Two Percent Land Fund. Read about the passage of two proposals that change the way funds can be used to care for the lands, below. Photo by William Neal |
VOTER TURNOUT in Hawaiʻi was the highest ever recorded in this state's General Election.
Turnout in Hawaiʻi County reached 69.5 percent, with 88,510 people voting of 127,348 registered. Mail turnout drew 83,873 voters, 65.9 percent of those registered. In-person turnout drew 4,637 voters, 3.6 percent of those registered.
Voter turnout in the state reached 69.6 percent on Tuesday. The General Election drew 579,165 voters of the 832,466 registered. Mail turnout drew 550,423 voters, 66.9 percent of those registered. In-person turn out was 3.5 percent of all registered voters, with 28,742 walking in at Hilo and Kona. Hawaiʻi has over 1.1 million adult residents.
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 COUNTY COUNCIL TERMS WILL STAY AT TWO YEARS, with a County Charter Amendment proposal defeated in the general election Tuesday. Proponents said that it takes more than two years to plan and accomplish many goals. Opponents said that elected council members need to report to the public and be accountable every two years. The proposal would have made the terms four years, but was defeated with 47 percent of voters against it and 42 percent in favor.
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| Map of lands preserved under the 2 Percent Fund. County map |
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com.
Of the 8,000 acres preserved during the last 14 years by the Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources fund that uses 2 percent of property taxes to buy land on this island, many parcels are along the coast and most of the acreage is located in Kaʻū.
The passage of Proposal No. 6 allows County of Hawaiʻi to use money from the Public Access, Open Space & Natural Resources Preservation Fund to pay for staff. The proposal won with 52.1 percent approval, with 35.7 percent opposed and 12.2 percent blank votes.
The passage of Proposal No. 10 transfers management of the fund to the county's Department of Finance from Department of Parks and Recreation. It also allows construction of trails, restrooms and other small facilities, provided they're detailed in the stewardship grants funded by the program. It also allows paying members of non-profit groups with approval by the County Department of Finance and the PONC the commission. The measure won with 44 percent approval, with 41.9 percent opposed and 14.1 percent blank votes.
Hecht credited Hawaiʻi County Charter commissioner Sally Rice, "a champion of nonprofits," for helping to design the charter amendments for the general election ballot. Hecht pointed out that for years, only 9 percent of all money in the Two Percent Fund has gone to stewardship grants to maintain the properties.
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Proposal 14 requires that no more than a bare majority of members of County boards and commissions belong to the same political party. The proposal passed with 47.4 percent for, 37.5 percent against, and 15.1 percent blank.
Proposal 15 requires capital improvement priorities be based on criteria aligned with the County General Plan, County community development plans, emergency expenditures, and other pertinent functional plans. The proposal passed with 69.1 percent for, 16 percent against, and 15 percent blank.
Proposal 16 staggers terms of Board of Ethics board members, clarifies the force and effect of law of the board's rules of procedure, provides for imposition of civil fines for violations of the code of ethics, and removes transitional language. The proposal passed with 69.8 percent for, 17.7 percent against, and 12.5 percent blank.
VOTERS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION FAILED TO PASS TWO OF SIXTEEN CHARTER AMENDMENTS for County of Hawaiʻi. The full text for each Charter Amendment Proposal is available at hawaiicounty.gov/charterproposals. A copy of the County Charter is available at hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/county-charter or at the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, or by calling (808) 961-8255.
See above for details on failed proposal 5.
Proposal 8 would have removed Department of Information Technology oversight of the information systems maintained by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Police Department. The proposal failed to pass with 37.5 percent for, 46.5 percent against, and 16 percent blank.
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To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KTA'S THANKSGIVING SAVE-A-TAPE program runs through Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26.
Those who save 700 points earn a free frozen 12-14 pound Norbest turkey, three lbs. of Mountain Apple brand Kalua turkey, a 1.5 lb. of miso butterfish gift pack, 20 lbs. of frozen chicken thighs, mix-and-match size of 28 oz. frozen Flav-R-Pac vegetables and 16 oz. frozen Wawona fruits, 1.5 lbs. Hamachi Tataki loins, or two lbs. 1916 EZ Peel frozen 16-20 count shrimp. Those who save 400 points earn $8 cash.
KTA also offers several products that generate five bonus points when purchased. The last day to turn in points and receive a SAVE-A-TAPE certificate is Dec. 10. All SAVE-A-TAPE certificates must be redeemed by Jan. 12, 2021. See ktasuperstores.com/promotions.
FREE COVID TESTING tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6 is open to the public, is scheduled in North Kona at Keauhou Shopping Center. No insurance necessary but bring insurance card if have. Distancing and masks enforced. Call Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, 808-935-0031.
HAWAIʻI REPORTS NO NEW COVID DEATHS for the third day in a row.
Hawaiʻi Island reports 24 new COVID cases today. There are at least eight people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 100, with 66 on Oʻahu, one on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, one on Lanaʻi, and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 219 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 15,572 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 13,445 total cases, Maui 414, Lanaʻi 104, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 67. Ninety-four victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,125 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 28 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip codes 96737 and 96777, and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 28 days, in Hilo zip code 96720, 30 cases have been reported in the last 30 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 110 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 117 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 12 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 28 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
Know that the preventive measures are mandated by law and will be enforced by the Hawaiʻi Police Department."
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 9,480,242 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide cases. The U.S. has reported more than 100,000 new cases per day for the last two days, a new record. The death toll is more than 234,876 – about 19 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 48.58 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,231,558.
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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| Waikapuna is preserved under the 2 Percent Land Fund. County photo |
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.
VOTERS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION PASSED 14 OF 16 CHARTER AMENDMENTS for County of Hawaiʻi. The full text for each Charter Amendment Proposal is available at hawaiicounty.gov/charterproposals. A copy of the County Charter is available at hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/county-charter or at the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, or by calling (808) 961-8255.
See above for details on passed proposals 6 and 10.
Proposal 1, relating to "Technical, Linguistic, and Grammatical Revisions" of the Charter, passed with 65 percent for, 20.9 percent against, and 14.1 percent blank. This proposal will allow corrections to language in the Charter for clarity.
VOTERS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION PASSED 14 OF 16 CHARTER AMENDMENTS for County of Hawaiʻi. The full text for each Charter Amendment Proposal is available at hawaiicounty.gov/charterproposals. A copy of the County Charter is available at hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/county-charter or at the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, or by calling (808) 961-8255.
See above for details on passed proposals 6 and 10.
Proposal 1, relating to "Technical, Linguistic, and Grammatical Revisions" of the Charter, passed with 65 percent for, 20.9 percent against, and 14.1 percent blank. This proposal will allow corrections to language in the Charter for clarity.
Proposal 2 will amend the Charter to require Hawai‘i County Council hold an equal number of its regularly scheduled meetings in East Hawai‘i and West Hawai‘i. Current charter language requires only quarterly meetings in the Kona judicial districts. The proposal passed with 77.2 percent for, 12.8 percent against, and 10 percent blank.
Proposal 3 will strengthen both the approach of the Department of Research and Development to encourage collaboration with various governmental stakeholders and the department's explicit focus on holistic, interdependent issues. In addition, the proposal will delete a section that is a remnant of the federal formula grant programs established in the 1960s. The proposal passed with 75.1 percent for, 11.3 percent against, and 13.6 percent blank.
Proposal 4 authorizes the Police Commission to discipline the Police Chief and the Fire Commissions to discipline the Fire Chief. The proposal passed with 73.8 percent for, 15.8 percent against, and 10.4 percent blank.
Proposal 7 will allow the County Council to discipline its members through temporary suspension, without pay, for disorderly or contemptuous behavior, or failure to attend three or more regularly scheduled County Council meetings without being excused by the Chair of the County Council. The proposal passed with 81.3 percent for, 8.6 percent against, and 10 percent blank.
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| The Charter Commission, in the days before COVID. Photo by Julia Neal |
Proposal 4 authorizes the Police Commission to discipline the Police Chief and the Fire Commissions to discipline the Fire Chief. The proposal passed with 73.8 percent for, 15.8 percent against, and 10.4 percent blank.
Proposal 7 will allow the County Council to discipline its members through temporary suspension, without pay, for disorderly or contemptuous behavior, or failure to attend three or more regularly scheduled County Council meetings without being excused by the Chair of the County Council. The proposal passed with 81.3 percent for, 8.6 percent against, and 10 percent blank.
Proposal 9 establishes a Disaster and Emergency Fund "for specific and limited purposes," funded one percent of real property tax revenues, state and federal grants, the federal emergency management agency, private sources and other sources of revenue. The purposes are restricted to natural or human-caused disaster or emergencies to repair county facilities and infrastructure; clean county property; provid immediate response to deal with public health and safety risks; match federal, state or private grants-in-aid to restore public property; pay for county operational expenses in certain circumstances; acquire property to mitigate potential disasters or emergencies; and administrative expenses. The proposal passed with 51.4 percent for, 36.7 percent against, and 11.6 percent blank.
Proposal 11 clearly defines the process by which the county charter commission conducts its decennial review of the Hawaiʻi County Charter, including extending the review time. The proposal passed with 69.2 percent for, 14.9 percent against, and 15.9 percent blank.
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| After passage of Proposal 2 on the General Election ballot, Hawai‘i County Council must hold an equal number of regularly scheduled meetings in East Hawai‘i and West Hawai‘i. Photo from Big Island Video News |
Proposal 12 requires that qualifications to serve as the Corporation Counsel include being licensed to practice law for at least five years and having at least three years of supervisory experience The proposal passed with 71 percent for, 15.8 percent against, and 13.2 percent blank.
Proposal 13 adds water safety as a core function of the fire department, provides for additional minimum qualification requirements for fire chief selection, and clarifies fire commission powers, duties and functions. The proposal passed with 58.6 percent for, 26.2 percent against, and 15.2 percent blank.
Proposal 14 requires that no more than a bare majority of members of County boards and commissions belong to the same political party. The proposal passed with 47.4 percent for, 37.5 percent against, and 15.1 percent blank. Proposal 15 requires capital improvement priorities be based on criteria aligned with the County General Plan, County community development plans, emergency expenditures, and other pertinent functional plans. The proposal passed with 69.1 percent for, 16 percent against, and 15 percent blank.
Proposal 16 staggers terms of Board of Ethics board members, clarifies the force and effect of law of the board's rules of procedure, provides for imposition of civil fines for violations of the code of ethics, and removes transitional language. The proposal passed with 69.8 percent for, 17.7 percent against, and 12.5 percent blank.
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.
VOTERS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION FAILED TO PASS TWO OF SIXTEEN CHARTER AMENDMENTS for County of Hawaiʻi. The full text for each Charter Amendment Proposal is available at hawaiicounty.gov/charterproposals. A copy of the County Charter is available at hawaiicounty.gov/our-county/legislative/office-of-the-county-clerk/county-charter or at the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawai‘i, or by calling (808) 961-8255.
See above for details on failed proposal 5.
Proposal 8 would have removed Department of Information Technology oversight of the information systems maintained by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney and the Police Department. The proposal failed to pass with 37.5 percent for, 46.5 percent against, and 16 percent blank.
KTA'S THANKSGIVING SAVE-A-TAPE program runs through Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26.
Those who save 700 points earn a free frozen 12-14 pound Norbest turkey, three lbs. of Mountain Apple brand Kalua turkey, a 1.5 lb. of miso butterfish gift pack, 20 lbs. of frozen chicken thighs, mix-and-match size of 28 oz. frozen Flav-R-Pac vegetables and 16 oz. frozen Wawona fruits, 1.5 lbs. Hamachi Tataki loins, or two lbs. 1916 EZ Peel frozen 16-20 count shrimp. Those who save 400 points earn $8 cash.
KTA also offers several products that generate five bonus points when purchased. The last day to turn in points and receive a SAVE-A-TAPE certificate is Dec. 10. All SAVE-A-TAPE certificates must be redeemed by Jan. 12, 2021. See ktasuperstores.com/promotions.
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 COVID TESTING tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6 is open to the public, is scheduled in North Kona at Keauhou Shopping Center. No insurance necessary but bring insurance card if have. Distancing and masks enforced. Call Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, 808-935-0031.
A message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense says, "Know that the virus is in our community and we must make every effort to stop the spread. Gatherings associated with the upcoming holidays and the evidence that gatherings contribute to the spread of the virus make it more important than ever to follow the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings of no more than ten persons. Please accept this kuleana to protect our families, friends and community, and to make Hawaiʻi Safe.
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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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light orange is 11-50 cases. Dark orange is 51-200 cases. Department of Health map |
Hawaiʻi Island reports 24 new COVID cases today. There are at least eight people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 100, with 66 on Oʻahu, one on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, one on Lanaʻi, and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 219 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 15,572 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 13,445 total cases, Maui 414, Lanaʻi 104, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 67. Ninety-four victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,125 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 28 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip codes 96737 and 96777, and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 28 days, in Hilo zip code 96720, 30 cases have been reported in the last 30 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 110 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 117 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 12 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 28 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
Know that the preventive measures are mandated by law and will be enforced by the Hawaiʻi Police Department."
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 9,480,242 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide cases. The U.S. has reported more than 100,000 new cases per day for the last two days, a new record. The death toll is more than 234,876 – about 19 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 48.58 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,231,558.
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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
Learn How to Help Hawaiʻi Island's Food System during the third annual Hawaiʻi Island Community Food Summit through the month of November. Sponsors of Food Summit seek to increase residents' exposure to local foods; provide opportunities for networking and engaging with fellow food system-minded community members; expose attendees to ways they can help the food system as individuals; and lay the foundation for a Food System Action Plan. The 2020 Food Summit website page provides information about sessions and corresponding registration links, with new content and sessions as the weeks progress.
Keynote Presentation is Friday, Nov. 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with Sarah Newcomb, a member of the Hawaiʻi Island Hawaiʻi Youth Food Council. Register here. Watch preparation videos for Food Summit on Youtube, prerecorded to give participants the most time together during live discussions on Nov. 6. When registering for live sessions, summit questions ahead of time. See more here.
Artists and Vendors, Sign Up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., helps raise funds for OVCC and benefit local artists and crafters. Booths $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Free admission for attendees. Face masks required for all. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
AdvoCATS Free Spay and Neuter Clinic will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Ocean View Community Center. To make a reservation, to reserve traps, to volunteer, or with questions, e-mail Cindy Thurston at cindyt@hawaii.rr.com, or call or text (808) 895-9283. See advocatshawaii.org.
Celebrate Veterans Day at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Marketplace property on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans will receive $15 gift certificates to use at OKK food vendors onsite. Farmer's Market will be in progress. Lucky Lizards band will play from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Shootz band will play from 10 a.m. to noon. Masks and social distancing required. A few shade tents and chairs will be set up, first-come, first-served. Attendees are welcome to bring their own. Free watermelon will be given away to all. Food will be available to purchase from OKK Market vendors.
Veterans Day Ceremony and Dinner, Kīlauea Military Camp, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ceremony held live on KMC Facebook page at 3 p.m. Veterans Day Dinner at Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations required, limited number of complimentary meals available. Call 967-8371 for either Dine-In or Grab & Go.
Menu: prime rib au jus, vegetable stir fry & black bean sauce, roasted red potatoes, cheesecake, and drink. Adults $26.95, $16.95 Vegetarian Option (w/o prime rib), children 6-11 years old, $14.95. Proof of eligibility (Military ID, DD214 with photo ID, 100% DAV, or Hawaiʻi Veterans driver license) required to receive complimentary meal. Face coverings and 6 feet distancing required in common areas. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
Introduction to Beadweaving, new series of beading classes with Phyllis Cullen, begins Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Second Saturday in Volcano Village on Nov. 14 features Volcano Art Center, volcanoartcenter.org, with choice of BBQ baby back ribs or half a chicken, with sides of corn on the cob and baked beans, for $20 per plate. Pre-order on Volcano Art Center's website. All orders are grab-and-go. Pre-orders drive by at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus, tickets will be available day of event. Cash and credit cards accepted. Kīlauea Lodge Restaurant, will have all-day comfort food, for both curbside take-out and dine-in, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volcano Garden Arts, volcanogardenarts.com, & Café Ono, cafeono.net, will be serving special plate lunches. Jewelry designer Suzie Cousins will be showcasing her collections of wearable art and demonstrating some of her techniques. See experiencevolcano.com.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. Group sizes limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. HWF says details are forthcoming but will be a blend of hiking, BYO-4wd, and limited HWF carpool options. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Annual Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. via Zoom, meeting code 450 691 6693. No password. Attend by phone at (669) 900-6833, code 450 691 6693#. Delegates elect HFUU president, and adopt policies and bylaw amendments. Nominations for president due at meeting; send to Nominations Committee Chair, David S. Case, at casedavids@gmail.com. Review and comment on proposals. Enjoy world-class educational and musical presentations Nov. 12, 13, and 14. See hfuuhi.org.
Kīlauea Military Camp Thanksgiving Dinner, Dine-In or Grab-and-Go, for Thursday, Nov. 26 – order by Monday, Nov. 16. Choice of turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, pumpkin squares. $19.95 adults, $12.95 6-11 yrs old for Dine-In. Turkey dinner to go, $59.95. Ham dinner to go, $69.95. Call 808-967-8356.
Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required.
Beadweaving in the Round with Phyllis Cullen, Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition opens Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Small Businesses and Nonprofits can Apply for Reimbursement Grants through the Business Pivot Program to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products, and services. Grant application open until Nov. 23, as funds are available. Click here for eligibility requirements and to apply. Click here for frequently asked questions.
Holiday Open House at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy viewing of handmade wreaths, cider, music, door prizes, and gifts. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Volcano Garden Arts' Think X-Mas! Exquisite Gift Sale, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28, and 29 features special plate lunch at Cafe Ono. Held at 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd. See ShopVGA.net, CafeOno.net, and VolcanoGardenArts.com.
Hawaiian Islands Challenge Virtual Run through Dec. 31. Registration closes Nov. 30. Individuals or teams can register to traverse some or all of 808 kilometers on six different courses, one on each main island. Register here.
Renew or Apply for Membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until Nov. 30. Details available at experiencevolcano.com/2020special. Membership offers perks such as free 25-word classified ads in the newsletter. Buy, sell, trade or donate. Members can send ads to experiencevolcano@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Ads will publish until canceled. No artwork or logos allowed.
Renew or Apply for Membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until Nov. 30. Details available at experiencevolcano.com/2020special. Membership offers perks such as free 25-word classified ads in the newsletter. Buy, sell, trade or donate. Members can send ads to experiencevolcano@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Ads will publish until canceled. No artwork or logos allowed.
Give Input on Cleaning up the Former Quarry Firing Range in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Engineering evaluation and cost analysis will address surface soils impacted with heavy metals. The EE/CA document is available through Dec. 1. Executive Summary of the EE/CA and the Community Involvement Plan are available online at parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=307&projectID=92898. View them in person, by appointment only – call 808-985-6073 – at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Headquarters Building, 1 Crater Rim Drive, in the Park, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Electronically submit comments via the website above or writing to Ms. Danielle Foster at danielle_foster@nps.gov or Environmental Protection Specialist, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaiʻi National Park, HI 96718.
Receive Help Signing Up for Med-Quest Health Insurance via nonprofit organizations starting Sunday through Dec. 15. Local contacts through the community organization Kalanihale include Kaʻimi Kaupilo, of Miloliʻi, who can be reached at 808-937-1310 and Donna Kekoa, of Pāhala, at 808-769-1334.
The state's Med-Quest provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.
ONGOING
New Operating Hours for Ocean View Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.gov.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Apply for Utility Assistance, to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter. Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681.
Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, including quitting or reduced hours to provide childcare, may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. Payments made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
RMAP nonprofit partners are Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.
Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.
Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
Student Athletes of Kaʻū High interested in participating in athletics during the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to call Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 313-4161 to sign up for the Student Athlete Google Classroom.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here for site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.
Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at St. Jude's Episcopal Church services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, 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 Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Food Pickup through Hope DIA-mend Ministries, weekdays, 5 p.m. in the Ace parking lot in Ocean View and lunches on Mondays. In Nāʻālehu, meals distributed in front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre at 4 p.m.Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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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.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
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Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org
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
Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 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 mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon . Limit of 50 customers, 25 vendor booths, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required, social distancing 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. facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket
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.
Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up here.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
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 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, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Complete webform here or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.
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. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. See dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. See funding updates and resources for coffee growers, hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website.
Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.
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