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Celebrate the return of humpback whales to Hawaiʻi, Hoʻi Koholā, with three virtual seminars on whales and other ocean wildlife. See details, below. NOAA photo of a humpback mother and calf. |
APPOINTMENTS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S CABINET are expected Tuesday, according to the Washington Post, New York Times and other news outlets. Antony Blinken is expected to be named Secretary of State. He served as Vice President Biden's advisor from 2009 to 2013 and as Deputy Security advisor to Pres. Barack Obama from 2013 to 2015. He held many other positions in national security and is a member of the Council on Foreign Policy. He also worked in the Bush and Clinton administrations.
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| Antony Blinken is President-Elect Joe Biden's likely pick for Secretary of State. |
Jake Sullivan is expect
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| Biden will likely select Jake Sullivan as his National Security Advisor. |
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| Linda Thomas-Greenfield is likely to be chosen as Biden's UN Ambassabor. |
All of Biden's cabinet nominations must be approved by a majority of the U.S. Senate.
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.
REPORTS ON THE IMPACT OF HELICOPTER TOURS on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will be issued starting Nov. 30, says Bob Enrst of Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Mālama Pono. Every 90 days, Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service will issue a report on the Air Tour Management Plans at National Parks, says Ernst. Hawaiʻi is the state most-impacted by tour copter noise, according to HICoP, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and Haleakala the first and fourth-most impacted parks.
HICoP has long advocated more regulation of tour helicopters to ease noise over neighborhoods. Ernst says "little ole 100% volunteer nonprofit, HICoP” joined with nonprofit PEER – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – to "finally through litigation get the Federal Agencies, the FAA and NPS to do what they were mandated to do 20 years ago." Ernst says HICoP looks forward to the first report and "will stay with the process until sufficient Air Tour Management Plans are implemented at Hawaiʻi Volcanos and Haleakala National Parks."
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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.
HELP THE COMMUNITY during a pandemic holiday season is the message from Sen. Dru Kanuha: "We are fortunate to live in a community that joined together in the fight against COVID-19 early – wearing a mask when in public, practicing social distancing, staying home when sick, and washing hands regularly. But we still have members of our community quietly struggling such as overworked healthcare workers, exhausted educators and administrators, and anxious residents waiting on what tomorrow may bring.
"For all of them and those not listed, this is the season to dig deep and find out how you can help. It could be as simple as sending a thank you card to your local hospital or neighborhood school or donating to your local Foodbank, sharing aloha is always welcomed – especially during the holiday season.
"Although COVID-19 has changed our approach to gathering, it should not change our efforts and ingenuity to connect. Therefore, enjoy your Zoom gatherings and holiday drive-bys, and please continue to support the unsung heroes in our community.
"Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and safe Season's Greetings from the Kanuha ʻOhana. Stay safe and prepared."
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.
CELEBRATE HOʻI KOHOLĀ: RETURN OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE during November and December. Attend free, virtual presentations on the great, traveling cetaceans. Community, conservationists, humpback whale enthusiasts, teachers, and students are welcome to attend.
Sizes, Strategies and Steroid Hormones: Insights into the humpback whale mating system will be held Monday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Recommended for high school and older. The webinar will focus on humpback breeding grounds, competition, songs, and how size and steroid hormone levels while in Hawaiian waters, their principle North Pacific breeding grounds. Presenter is Dr. Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., a Professor at Departments of Psychology and Biology at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; Founder and Director, UH-Hilo Marine Mammal Laboratory; Co-Founder of LOHE Bioacoustics Laboratory, UH-Hilo; and Co-Founder, President and Director of The Dolphin Institute. Register here.
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi will be held Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The webinar presenter, Hannah Bernard, is the executive director of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect native wildlife. She will discuss the latest information on their work with the various sea turtle species found within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The live presentation is hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Register 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.
IMPROVE E-COMMERCE AND DIGITAL MARKETING skills through a Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corp. webinar series, Nov. 23 through Dec. 17. Aimed at small business owners, sessions will be facilitated by experienced professionals and address email marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, and public relations, among other topics. There is no cost to attend. Advanced registration required, 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.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT KALAE COFFEE will be held Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fourth annual event will offer attendees local vendors, live music, a selection of food and giveaways. "Show your love for local & small businesses from Kaʻū," urges the announcement. COVID guidelines enforced, masks required.
Vendors will be Hawaiian Grindz, Rooky Rose Art, Addy's Art, Cole's Lego Kits, Sticks and Stones, Barrel of Goodies, Raising Arrows with Essential Oils, Heidi's LuLaRoe, ʻŌhia Soap Lodge, Crafted by Lorenzo, Kanahele Plate Lunch, Down Under Sports Fundraising for Jonah Beck, Rainbow Shaved Ice, Caleb's Coconuts, Kanahele Cinnamon Rolls, Boar Coffee, Handmade Goodies by Layne, LeJe', Green Seasoning & Artisan Condiments, Kaʻili Maliʻe, Beauty Full Oils, Hunnay's Goodies, and Masina Designs of Hawaiʻi with Tanya & Malie Art.
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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In Fall 2020, approximately 85 percent of courses taught in the UH system were online, 10 percent were hybrid, and 5 percent in-person, although percentages varied widely from campus to campus. Lassner said he is optimistic about the Fall 2021 semester, and is hoping for a healthy mix of in-person, hybrid, and online instruction. Learn more 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.
HAWAIʻI ISLAND AVERAGED TEN NEW COVID CASES PER DAY over the last 14 days. Hawaiʻi Island reports 14 new COVID cases today. There are seven people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports a cluster in the last week in Hilo, due to close gatherings especially of young people and of families, show that of the 33 who tested positive, 14 were below the age of 25, and of those, four were below the age of 10.
New cases reported statewide today total 123, with 96 on Oʻahu, four on Maui, six on Kauaʻi, and two residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 95 over the last two weeks.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 233 people have died in the state, according to state records, two reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,220 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,794 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,541, Maui 484, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 97. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 181. Statewide, 1,255 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 code 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour, and zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View.
In the last 14 days, 16 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 55 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
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 12,246,849 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 255,782 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 58.64 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,388,068.
This time last year, Kaʻū District Gym in Pāhala was filled with shouts and applause as Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Girls Volleyball Club claimed victory over Keaukahaha Cuzins in the Sixteens Division. The islandwide volleyball competition drew a crowd that filled the parking lot of the community gym in Pāhala.
Miloliʻi-Kaʻū lost the first set, won the second, and won by 15 to 10 in the final playoff set.
The team was comprised of eight graders Kaelyn Shibuya, Silei Mareko-Ke and Leahi Kaupu; ninth graders Chelsea Velez, Jaydah Pilanca-Emmsely, Jessa Tamayo and Kla Hashimoto; and tenth grader Kailee Llanes-Kelekoa.
The tournament was a fundraiser to bring in money solely through donations and concessions at the gym. Money raised was going to help the Miloliʻi-Kaʻū girls travel to Oʻahu, Las Vegas, and Phoenix for competition in 2020 but those plans are on hold.
Anyone wanting to donate can call Team Treasurer Gennifer Sibuya at 808-209-7137. Coaches are Landa Kuahuia and Darryl Shibuya.
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.
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
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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.
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Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.
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Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.
Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
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.
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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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form here, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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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
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Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
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.
DOWNED UTILITY LINES caused road closures and detours today in Ocean View, reports Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense. Māmalahoa Hwy between Lotus Blossom Lane and Hawaiʻi Blvd., and Prince Kūhiō Boulevard between Māmalahoa Hwy and Maile Drive, were closed for several hours Sunday.
Civil Defense warns the public that National Weather Service has forecast wet and windy conditions to continue into the workweek. Civil Defense says the conditions warrant the use of caution while driving and being alert for debris and ponding on roadways. Report downed utility lines to authorities and do not approach them, says Civil Defense.
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| Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Mālama Pono's Bob Ernst |
REPORTS ON THE IMPACT OF HELICOPTER TOURS on Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park will be issued starting Nov. 30, says Bob Enrst of Hawaiʻi Island Coalition Mālama Pono. Every 90 days, Federal Aviation Administration and National Park Service will issue a report on the Air Tour Management Plans at National Parks, says Ernst. Hawaiʻi is the state most-impacted by tour copter noise, according to HICoP, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and Haleakala the first and fourth-most impacted parks.
HICoP has long advocated more regulation of tour helicopters to ease noise over neighborhoods. Ernst says "little ole 100% volunteer nonprofit, HICoP” joined with nonprofit PEER – Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility – to "finally through litigation get the Federal Agencies, the FAA and NPS to do what they were mandated to do 20 years ago." Ernst says HICoP looks forward to the first report and "will stay with the process until sufficient Air Tour Management Plans are implemented at Hawaiʻi Volcanos and Haleakala National Parks."
HELP THE COMMUNITY during a pandemic holiday season is the message from Sen. Dru Kanuha: "We are fortunate to live in a community that joined together in the fight against COVID-19 early – wearing a mask when in public, practicing social distancing, staying home when sick, and washing hands regularly. But we still have members of our community quietly struggling such as overworked healthcare workers, exhausted educators and administrators, and anxious residents waiting on what tomorrow may bring.
"For all of them and those not listed, this is the season to dig deep and find out how you can help. It could be as simple as sending a thank you card to your local hospital or neighborhood school or donating to your local Foodbank, sharing aloha is always welcomed – especially during the holiday season.
"Although COVID-19 has changed our approach to gathering, it should not change our efforts and ingenuity to connect. Therefore, enjoy your Zoom gatherings and holiday drive-bys, and please continue to support the unsung heroes in our community.
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| Sen. Dru Kanuha asks the public to be safe and to help the community where possible this holiday season. |
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.
CELEBRATE HOʻI KOHOLĀ: RETURN OF THE HUMPBACK WHALE during November and December. Attend free, virtual presentations on the great, traveling cetaceans. Community, conservationists, humpback whale enthusiasts, teachers, and students are welcome to attend.
Sizes, Strategies and Steroid Hormones: Insights into the humpback whale mating system will be held Monday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Recommended for high school and older. The webinar will focus on humpback breeding grounds, competition, songs, and how size and steroid hormone levels while in Hawaiian waters, their principle North Pacific breeding grounds. Presenter is Dr. Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., a Professor at Departments of Psychology and Biology at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo; Founder and Director, UH-Hilo Marine Mammal Laboratory; Co-Founder of LOHE Bioacoustics Laboratory, UH-Hilo; and Co-Founder, President and Director of The Dolphin Institute. Register here.
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| Dr. Adam A. Pack, Ph.D., will speak on humpback mating on Monday. NOAA photos |
The Cultural significance of Humpback whales in Hawaiʻi will be held Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The webinar will focus on the place of humpback whales, koholā, in Hawaiian culture. Koholā was believed to be a manifestation of Kanaloa, the god of the ocean, and is said to be responsible in helping the Polynesians discover the Hawaiian Islands. Join presenter Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala as he shares that whales are also revered as ʻaumakua (spiritual protector) to specific families and were generally viewed as divine beings.
Register here.
Register here.
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| The importance of koholā in Hawaiian culture is the subject of a talk by Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala Monday, Nov. 30. Photos from NOAA |
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi will be held Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The webinar presenter, Hannah Bernard, is the executive director of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, a non-profit organization with a mission to protect native wildlife. She will discuss the latest information on their work with the various sea turtle species found within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. The live presentation is hosted by the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Register here.
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| Executive director of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, Hannah Bernard, will speak on turtles in Hawaiʻi. |
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.
IMPROVE E-COMMERCE AND DIGITAL MARKETING skills through a Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corp. webinar series, Nov. 23 through Dec. 17. Aimed at small business owners, sessions will be facilitated by experienced professionals and address email marketing, search engine optimization, content marketing, and public relations, among other topics. There is no cost to attend. Advanced registration required, 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.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY AT KALAE COFFEE will be held Nov. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fourth annual event will offer attendees local vendors, live music, a selection of food and giveaways. "Show your love for local & small businesses from Kaʻū," urges the announcement. COVID guidelines enforced, masks required.
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| Support local small businesses at the fourth annual Small Business Saturday at Kalae Coffee the Saturday after Thanksgiving. |
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.
SPRING SEMESTER WILL REMAIN PRIMARILY ONLINE for University of Hawaiʻi students. Due to COVID-19, instruction for UH's 10-campus system moved the 2020 fall semester almost entirely online in early August, after a surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. Students have already begun registering for the spring semester which begins on Jan. 11.
UH President David Lassner said, "I know we all yearn to return to pre-pandemic life, but at this point, we must prioritize the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and the communities in which we live and work. We are committed to help every UH student stay on track, safely, for on-time graduation."
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 ISLAND AVERAGED TEN NEW COVID CASES PER DAY over the last 14 days. Hawaiʻi Island reports 14 new COVID cases today. There are seven people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports a cluster in the last week in Hilo, due to close gatherings especially of young people and of families, show that of the 33 who tested positive, 14 were below the age of 25, and of those, four were below the age of 10.
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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, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 233 people have died in the state, according to state records, two reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,220 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,794 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,541, Maui 484, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 97. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 181. Statewide, 1,255 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 code 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour, and zip code 96737, which includes Ocean View.
In the last 14 days, 16 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 55 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
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 12,246,849 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 255,782 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 58.64 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,388,068.
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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Miloliʻi-Kaʻū Girls Volleyball Club beat Keaukaha last year in a tournament that brought teams from around the island to the new gym at Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
Miloliʻi-Kaʻū lost the first set, won the second, and won by 15 to 10 in the final playoff set.
The team was comprised of eight graders Kaelyn Shibuya, Silei Mareko-Ke and Leahi Kaupu; ninth graders Chelsea Velez, Jaydah Pilanca-Emmsely, Jessa Tamayo and Kla Hashimoto; and tenth grader Kailee Llanes-Kelekoa.
The tournament was a fundraiser to bring in money solely through donations and concessions at the gym. Money raised was going to help the Miloliʻi-Kaʻū girls travel to Oʻahu, Las Vegas, and Phoenix for competition in 2020 but those plans are on hold.
Anyone wanting to donate can call Team Treasurer Gennifer Sibuya at 808-209-7137. Coaches are Landa Kuahuia and Darryl Shibuya.
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| All eyes on the ball as Kaʻū scrambled and eventually won its tournament against Keaukaha last year. Photo by Julia Neal |
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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
Enter Hawaiʻi County Youth Recipe & Video Contest, Ono-licious, through Monday, Nov. 23. Open to three age groups: grades 5-8, high school, and youth under 25. Organized by USDA Farm-to-School, submissions should be nutritious, easy-to-make recipes that feature locally grown, raised or caught products. Learn more and submit recipes at tinyurl.com/Onolicious2021. Questions? Email mingwei@c4gts.org.
Enter Hawaiʻi County Youth Recipe & Video Contest, Ono-licious, through Monday, Nov. 23. Open to three age groups: grades 5-8, high school, and youth under 25. Organized by USDA Farm-to-School, submissions should be nutritious, easy-to-make recipes that feature locally grown, raised or caught products. Learn more and submit recipes at tinyurl.com/Onolicious2021. Questions? Email mingwei@c4gts.org.
Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing, no co-pay and no insurance necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Face coverings and social distancing required at all times. Call Civil Defense at 935-0031 for more. Testing location for Monday, Nov. 23 is Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
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 Monday, Nov. 23, as funds are available. Click here for eligibility requirements and to apply. Click here for frequently asked questions.
Kaʻū Food Pantry Free Food Distribution, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot of the Kahuku County Park, in Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Organizer Allan Humble of Kaʻū Food Pantry said he thanks Food Basket of Kona for sponsoring food.
Kaʻū Food Pantry Free Food Distribution, Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the upper parking lot of the Kahuku County Park, in Ocean View on Paradise Circle. Organizer Allan Humble of Kaʻū Food Pantry said he thanks Food Basket of Kona for sponsoring food.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Fundraiser for Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 26, noon to 2 p.m. Drive-thru pickup at lanai gate at the hospital parking lot. Each plate is $10 and includes turkey, dressing (stuffing), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Tickets are available through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., cash or check, in the business office or clinic reception. Questions? Contact Jennifer Grace at 808-932-4372.
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
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| Purchase tickets through Tuesday, Nov. 24. |
Get Books Into the Hands of Keiki at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Virtual Book Fair, through Nov. 29. This link, scholastic.com/bf/volcanoschoolofartssci, is for VSAS and will allow all purchases through this site to be credited towards VSAS's fundraiser. In addition, teachers will set up individual "eWallet" accounts for teacher wishlist funds: The eWallet allows parents, guardians, and community members to donate funds (not books) from which teachers can purchase books. There is free shipping on book purchases over $25.
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
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.
Apply or Donate to Full Calabash Fund to support vulnerable Hawaiʻi families and food producers impacted by the pandemic through The Kohala Center. Organizations and foundations can donate to the Full Calabash Fund through Dec. 31 by contacting Nicole Milne, The Kohala Center's vice president of food and agriculture initiatives, at (808) 987-9210 or nmilne@kohalacenter.org. Nonprofit organizations and meal preparation services can apply for grants through Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. online at koha.la/calabash or by calling 808-887-6411.
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.Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Event Saturday, Dec. 19. Group size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
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.
Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition runsthrough Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. See volcanoartcenter.org, call 967-8222.
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.
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.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
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.
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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form here, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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. Cooper Center
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.
Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration here, hosted by the Filipino Community Center, at filcom.org/center/hawaiis-annual-filipino-fiesta.
FREE FOOD
Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally-owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net to apply. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Dec. 11, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. No service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally-owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net to apply. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Dec. 11, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. No service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
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.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.
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
Purchase The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Fundraising calendars, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Preview the calendar here. Order the Calendar using this form. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal. Order school t-shirts and sweatshirts via order forms with payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.
Purchase The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Fundraising calendars, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. Preview the calendar here. Order the Calendar using this form. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal. Order school t-shirts and sweatshirts via order forms with payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Crystal Mandaquit. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Crystal Mandaquit. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
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.