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| D'Andrea Pelletier sang The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America virtually for KMC's Veterans Day celebration today. KMC photo |
A VIRTUAL CEREMONY AT KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP today honored those who have served in the U.S. military. Welcoming remarks were issued by KMC's Director Randy Hart. Charlie Mapa of Post 3 American Legion in Hilo was Master of Ceremonies.
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| Mayor Harry Kim, as a virtual keynote speaker, for KMC's Veterans Day celebration today. KMC photo |
D'Andrea Pelletier, an opera singer who has performed at Volcano Art Center, sang the national anthem - The Star-Spangled Banner - and God Bless America.
Chaplain John Hiduchick, VFW Post 3830, said the opening prayers and a benediction. All masked and distanced, seven members of Post 3 American Legion gave a gun salute.
Ray Gandy, a retired Army Airborne Ranger and General who served two active-duty tours in Vietnam, played Taps.
Mayor Harry Kim gave the keynote speech. He said he has "very, very good feelings" about what KMC does, and spoke of his gratitude for KMC and what they do for veterans and those in the military. He said his words could "not express enough" his gratitude for veterans.
He spoke of his Korean immigrant parents, them talking about the Korean War and their gratitude for those who fought; his brother's service in the Koran War; and those they lost in their family while in service in Korea.
Kim spoke of the importance of providing those who the U.S. sends to war with the best training, the best equipment, and "if they're lucky enough to come back, make sure we provide them all the services we possibly can," as they gave their best "in the protection of us and our country."
Kim is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a medic, and was a teacher and coach, in the U.S. Army.
Chaplain John Hiduchick, VFW Post 3830, said the opening prayers and a benediction. All masked and distanced, seven members of Post 3 American Legion gave a gun salute.
Ray Gandy, a retired Army Airborne Ranger and General who served two active-duty tours in Vietnam, played Taps.
Mayor Harry Kim gave the keynote speech. He said he has "very, very good feelings" about what KMC does, and spoke of his gratitude for KMC and what they do for veterans and those in the military. He said his words could "not express enough" his gratitude for veterans.
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| Ray Gandy, a retired Army Airborne Ranger and General for KMC's Veterans Day celebration today. KMC photo |
Kim spoke of the importance of providing those who the U.S. sends to war with the best training, the best equipment, and "if they're lucky enough to come back, make sure we provide them all the services we possibly can," as they gave their best "in the protection of us and our country."
Kim is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a medic, and was a teacher and coach, in the U.S. Army.
Watch the ceremony 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.
Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost their life in a "qualifying situation," such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.
Free access is for the veteran or the holder of the Gold Star Family voucher as well as traveling companions who are occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle or the veteran or voucher-holder and three persons (16 and older) where per-person fees are charged. The voucher is non-transferable and void if altered.
Free access for veterans and Gold Star Families will continue indefinitely, unless the Secretarial Order is amended, superseded, or revoked.
Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
"We also reflect that in a deeply divided country we can start to forge a better way forward by working together on those institutions of our country on which we do all agree. Honoring our veterans and their families and the promise we made with more than just words is certainly one of them. While much has been accomplished, there is so much more that is required of us through our federal government in the work of the upcoming 117th Congress (2021-23) and beyond. On this task, we can and will all work together.
Gov. David Ige spoke during the presentation, opening with "paying my respects to the veterans who passed away" from COVID-19 at Hilo's Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and their families: "We all share in their loss." This year is the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, where his father served, "I am well aware of the sacrifices he and his fellow veterans have made to ensure that our nation, our world, can thrive in peace and prosperity." He said, "We will move forward by drawing strength and inspiration for our veterans. Today, we honor all those who've served our country." He said that following veterans' examples, acting with "courage and compassion to serve our state and our nation, we will find solutions to the global challenges we face." Case closed with, "As always, I welcome your input, especially today, on how my office and I can best continue to assist our veterans and your families with your individual needs and with honoring our national commitment. Please reach me through (808) 650-6688 or ed.case@mail.house.gov."
ALLOW REIMBURSEMENTS for critical pandemic purchases, urges Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case, wrote to Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Peter Gaynor, calling on him to reconsider recent policy changes that prevent state and local governments, and private nonprofit organizations, from receiving reimbursements for necessary items such as personal protective equipment, coronavirus testing equipment, and other supplies and services in non-medical settings.
Citing the one million dollars a month Hawaiʻi Department of Education alone spends on PPE and disinfecting supplies with classrooms only partially full, the lawmakers detailed the damaging budgetary impacts Hawaiʻi and other states face with this policy change and how it will negatively impact the state's ability to restore essential services:
The legislators wrote that the new Public Assistance Program policy change "hamstrings Hawaiʻi's effort to reopen safely, making it more difficult for state and local governments to provide essential services during the pandemic, and for businesses, nonprofits, and schools to operate.
"This policy change negatively affects governmental services ranging from public transportation to election services. State and local governments in Hawaiʻi and throughout the nation are working tirelessly to maintain essential services during the pandemic. Their efforts to do so are already hindered by declining revenues that have been felt nationwide. During these challenging times, we urge you to support their efforts by reversing the restrictions put in place by FEMA's updated policy." Read the full letter here.
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WATCH LIVE COVID-19 TALK STORY on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. on Nā Leo TV. This series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to island residents regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode Seven features Eric Honda of State Department of Health; Peter Schwartz, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning & Chief Futures Officer at Salesforce; Riley Sato, Deputy Director, Department of Research & Development, County of Hawaiʻi; Sarah Luchenbill, Senior Community Development Manager of American Cancer Society; and Louisa Lee with the #OurKuleana COVID-19 Impact Story. View on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Facebook Live and via the Nā Leo free mobile app. Find episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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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WATCH HAWAIʻI INTERNATION FILM FESTIVAL ONLINE through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Veterans and Gold Star Families can enter "America's Best Idea," National Parks, with free entry for life, including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (above), Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park in Kona, and fee-charging national parks and public lands all over the U.S. Read details, below. NPS Photo/Janice Wei |
FREE LIFETIME ENTRY TO HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK and other national parks for U.S. veterans and Gold Star Families begins today, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. On Oct. 28, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt announced the free access to those who have served the country or the families who have lost a member in the service. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior.
Said Bernhardt, "With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter."
Veterans and Gold Star Families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities such as hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing and climbing.
For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of identification: Department of Defense Identification Card, Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card.
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| Hōlei Sea Arch during an August 2019 storm. Veterans and Gold Star Families have free access for life to all fee-charging national parks. NPS Photo/Janice Wei |
Free access is for the veteran or the holder of the Gold Star Family voucher as well as traveling companions who are occupants of a single, private, non-commercial vehicle or the veteran or voucher-holder and three persons (16 and older) where per-person fees are charged. The voucher is non-transferable and void if altered.
Free access for veterans and Gold Star Families will continue indefinitely, unless the Secretarial Order is amended, superseded, or revoked.
Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
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| Veterans and Gold Star Families have free, lifetime access to natural places like Halema‘uma‘u, shown at sunrise with nēnē in flight from Keanakāko‘i. NPS Photo/Janice Wei |
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.
HONORING VETERANS TODAY, Rep. Ed Case sent out this message: "On this Veterans Day 2020, we pause to honor the tens of millions of our fellow Americans who have served us all so selflessly and ably in our armed forces throughout our history. Words cannot fully express our debt of gratitude to you for defending our country and guaranteeing our freedoms, too often at such great cost to you and your families. But today I join all Americans in celebrating and remembering your service and that of your families and extending my deepest mahalo nui loa for all that you have given and continue to give.
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| Members of the U.S. Army performed a haka at the start of the ceremonies. |
"In a pre-COVID world, many of us would be celebrating Veterans Day in ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific/Punchbowl, the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery/Kaneʻohe, or elsewhere throughout our state and country. While that is not possible today, I wanted to share with you for your own participation this beautiful and moving virtual Hawaiʻi Veterans Day ceremony gifted to all of us by the Oʻahu Veterans Council."
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y27EeAyvSGM&feature=youtu.be.
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| Gov. David Ige speaking remotely during the Oʻahu Veterans Council virtual Hawaiʻi Veterans Day ceremony. |
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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| A 21-gun salute during the Oʻahu Veterans Council virtual Hawaiʻi Veterans Day ceremony. |
IN RECOGNITION OF VETERANS DAY, Kaʻū's congressional representatives sent out messages. Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and commitment of those who have served and those who still serve our country. As a nation, we are humbled and honored by their sacrifices in defense of our freedoms.
“Veterans Day is also a reminder to honor our veterans, service members, and their families with action. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I hear from Hawaiʻi veterans of all generations. There is much to do to support our veterans and deliver on the promises our grateful nation has made to them and their families. I am fighting for their benefits and to improve services for veterans transitioning to civilian life. I am working to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their families in the United States. We must also finish the Maui Community Based Outpatient Clinic, and the Advanced Leeward Outpatient Health Care Access Project to support veterans in Leeward Oʻahu and the neighbor islands, and see that VA home loan recipients can rebuild after natural disasters."
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| A war memorial honors fallen soldiers. |
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "To my fellow veterans, I love you and am proud and grateful to stand in your ranks, across generations. The best way to honor our veterans is to stop waging unnecessary wars and work for peace. The best way to care for our war veterans is to stop creating more. The best way to honor those who we've lost is to care for those who have come home. #VeteransDay"
Sen. Brian Schatz said, "On this Veterans Day, we recognize the opening of the Native Veterans Memorial on the National Mall, which is the product of my first Senate Bill. Since the Revolutionary War, Native Hawaiians, American Indians, and Alaska Natives have put their lives on the line to serve. "But for too long, we haven't adequately shown them the appreciation and respect they deserve. With its opening today, people from across the country can pay tribute to our Native Veterans and learn about the contributions that they have made — on the battlefield and here at home."
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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| PPE is needed to teach students in-person and feed them. Photo by Julia Neal |
Citing the one million dollars a month Hawaiʻi Department of Education alone spends on PPE and disinfecting supplies with classrooms only partially full, the lawmakers detailed the damaging budgetary impacts Hawaiʻi and other states face with this policy change and how it will negatively impact the state's ability to restore essential services:
The legislators wrote that the new Public Assistance Program policy change "hamstrings Hawaiʻi's effort to reopen safely, making it more difficult for state and local governments to provide essential services during the pandemic, and for businesses, nonprofits, and schools to operate.
"This policy change negatively affects governmental services ranging from public transportation to election services. State and local governments in Hawaiʻi and throughout the nation are working tirelessly to maintain essential services during the pandemic. Their efforts to do so are already hindered by declining revenues that have been felt nationwide. During these challenging times, we urge you to support their efforts by reversing the restrictions put in place by FEMA's updated policy." Read the full letter 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.
WATCH LIVE COVID-19 TALK STORY on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. on Nā Leo TV. This series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to island residents regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Episode Seven features Eric Honda of State Department of Health; Peter Schwartz, Senior Vice President for Strategic Planning & Chief Futures Officer at Salesforce; Riley Sato, Deputy Director, Department of Research & Development, County of Hawaiʻi; Sarah Luchenbill, Senior Community Development Manager of American Cancer Society; and Louisa Lee with the #OurKuleana COVID-19 Impact Story. View on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Facebook Live and via the Nā Leo free mobile app. Find episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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.
THE U.S. REPORTED MORE THAN 154,000 NEW COVID CASES in the last day. Since the pandemic began, the U.S. reported 10,392,702 cases – about 19.5 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 241,047 – a one-day increase of 1,459 – about 19 percent of worldwide deaths.
Hawaiʻi Island reports 23 new COVID cases today. There are at least 12 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 118, with 85 on Oʻahu, six on Maui, three one Kauaʻi, and one resident diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,205 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,008 total cases, Maui 436, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 74. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 128. Statewide, 1,185 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 20 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 92 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 16 cases have been reported in the last 14 days.
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.
The worldwide cumulative COVID count is 52,041,515. The death toll is more than 1,282,184.
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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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 Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday. Participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
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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.
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Ocean View Swap Meet open 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.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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FOOD
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.
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.
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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.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
THE U.S. REPORTED MORE THAN 154,000 NEW COVID CASES in the last day. Since the pandemic began, the U.S. reported 10,392,702 cases – about 19.5 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 241,047 – a one-day increase of 1,459 – about 19 percent of worldwide deaths.
Hawaiʻi Island reports 23 new COVID cases today. There are at least 12 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 118, with 85 on Oʻahu, six on Maui, three one Kauaʻi, and one resident diagnosed out-of-state.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 14 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 |
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,205 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,008 total cases, Maui 436, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 74. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 128. Statewide, 1,185 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 20 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 92 cases have been reported in the last 14 days. In zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – 16 cases have been reported in the last 14 days.
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.
The worldwide cumulative COVID count is 52,041,515. The death toll is more than 1,282,184.
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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
Kaʻū Art Gallery First Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaʻū Art Gallery (behind Ace, across from Punaluʻu Bakery, in Nāʻālehu – the old Kamaʻaina Cuts building). Free admission, face masks required for all. Contact organizer Corrine Kaupu at 808-937-1840 or kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz to vend.
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.
Basics of Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
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.
Attend virtual workshops: Virtual: Carbon Market Information Expo will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Essential Resources for Essential Workers will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. The Squeeze Chute - Examining Market Concentration in our Fragile Food System(s) will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.
Attend virtual workshops: Virtual: Carbon Market Information Expo will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Essential Resources for Essential Workers will be held Thursday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m. The Squeeze Chute - Examining Market Concentration in our Fragile Food System(s) will be held Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Theatre will offer a SHOP LOCAL items for sale page. Vendors must be registered for the convention in order to sell items on the SHOP LOCAL page. By submitting a request to publish the information and sell the item, sellers agree that 15 percent of the total sale will be retained as a commission and 4 percent will be retained to cover transaction fees by Hawaiʻi Theatre Center. Sellers must include shipping and handling, and 4.167% GET, in the cost for the item. Sellers are responsible for shipping items to purchasers and paying GET. Hawaiʻi Theatre will provide sellers with the purchaser's shipping information within 24 hours of purchase. Use this link to enter each individual item for sale.
Registered for the convention at hfuu.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.
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.
Volcano Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday. Participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
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.
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.
Big Island Giving Tree will have a booth at St. Jude's in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Available to those in need will be free clothing, linens, shoes, household items, cleaning products, and hygiene products.
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.
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.
Homeowners, Apply for Affordable Rental Housing Tax Reduction through Dec. 31. Application, requirements and benefits are at hawaiipropertytax.com/misc.html or call the county Real Property Tax office at 961-8201 or 323-4880.
ONGOING
COMMUNITY
Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.
New Operating Hours for Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
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.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.
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.
Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.
Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m. , with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. Face coverings required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out 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.
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.
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.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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.
FINANCES
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.
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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.
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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.
Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.
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Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs here. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families for keiki grades 1-6, 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 or info@bgcbi.org.
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HEALTH
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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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
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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.
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.
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.
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
EDUCATION
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.
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.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
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
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.
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/.
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.
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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.
Learn How to Practice Self-Care through Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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
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
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.
AGRICULTURE
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.
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.
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.
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.