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| Maile David, when first elected to represent Kaʻū. She joined a Kaʻū Plantation Days event organized by Kaʻū Multicultural Society members Liz Kuluwaimaku, Darlyne Vierra, Winslow Vierra and one of the Vierra grandchildren. See story below on her new post, chairing this County Council. Photo by Julia Neal |
OCTOBER VISITOR ARRIVALS FOR THE ENTIRE STATE REACHED 76,613, down 94.7 percent from the same time last year. October 2019 saw more than 796,200 arrivals and $1.3 billion in spending. This year, visitors totaled 18,868 in September, with 22,350 in August and 22,562 in July. The October increase is related to the opening of tourism with safe partner negative Covid tests, according to Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
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RELIEF GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES are available with applications open from Thursday, Nov. 26 through Wednesday, Dec. 2. Local Initiatives Support Corporation's Small Business Relief Grant program will accept applications from eligible businesses in rural areas for awards up to $20,000. For more information and to apply, visit the program website.
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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| Purchase artisan-dried, sustainably caught ʻopelu from Kaʻū ʻOno Iʻa. |
KAʻŪ HIGH STUDENTS LAUNCHED BUSINESSES with gifts for sale through Monday, Nov. 30. Mail orders will be shipped by Dec. 4. Pick up orders will be available at Kaʻū High School on Dec. 10. Make purchases online at hfwfmarketplace.com.
ʻĀina Akamu – teacher of Agriculture, Culinary Arts, Entrepreneurship, and Hawaiian Studies at Kaʻū High School – asked The Kaʻū Calendar to help spread the word: "Please like, share, and support our student entrepreneurs as they create and operate their own small business. This is a totally new experience for the students and teacher, and we still have a lot to learn. We appreciate your support and encouragement."
Here is a sampling of the new student businesses with product descriptions:
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| Manaʻolana Butters comes in two flavors: chilli or lilikoʻi. |
Kaʻū ʻOno Iʻa offers sustainably-caught, artisan-dried ʻopelu (mackerel). The product is inspired by teachings of Charles Leslie, fondly known as "Uncle Chucky," who was raised in the traditional Hawaiian fishing methods and continues to instill this rich cultural heritage with Kaʻū youth. Offered in a 6 oz. snack size or a 16 oz. ʻohana size, it is produced in a certified kitchen. The goal is to stay connected with traditions of living off the land. A portion of proceeds goes to Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, to help save endangered honuea turtles. Watch the video here. Purchase here.
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Fruit-based F.I.T. powder is the product presented by Kaʻū Quality F.I.T. Powder |
Manaʻolana Butters offers two butter flavors: lilikoi or chilli. The butters are inspired by "the abundant and flavorful lilikoʻi and chilli grown locally in Kaʻū. Both the sweet and spicy butters will enhance your favorite dishes," says the announcement. Included with each purchase are local recipes featuring the butters. Liliko‘i Butter ingredients: handpicked fresh liliko‘i, local farm eggs, sugar, butter. Chilli Butter ingredients: homegrown Hawaiian chilli peppers, Hawaiian sea salt, butter. Video release pending. Purchase here. Available for pickup only.
Kaʻū Quality F.I.T. Powder is an all-natural fruit powder made from dehydrated fruits grown on the slopes of Mauna Loa. When mixed with water, "this delicious powder transforms into a revitalizing beverage full of vitamins," says the announcement. F.I.T powder may also be used as a fruit infusion to any recipe such as yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream. Ingredients: Guava, mango, orange and bananas all sourced from local farmers. Non-GMO with no added sweeteners nor preservatives. Each tube of powder contains 8 servings (one-teaspoon per serving). Watch the video here. Purchase here.
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| Resin and hand-carved polished ʻōhiʻa and ʻaʻaliʻi wood are offered by Lāʻau Aloha by Kamalanini. |
Lāʻau Aloha by Kamalanini offers pendants, incorporating resin and hand-carved polished ʻōhiʻa and ʻaʻaliʻi wood, and other natural elements. Wood is sourced from fallen branches and tree limbs gathered after performing hoʻokupu (ceremonial offering to ancestors). Designs are a tribute to the ʻōhiʻa lehua forests, which are succumbing to the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death virus. Limited quantity of 40 pieces available. Watch the video here. Purchase here.
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| Hand-designed and dyed with local plants, Kaʻū Design Group offers two hat designs. |
Kaʻū Design Group features two custom-designed hats, hand-drawn and dyed by student artist/entrepreneurs. Designs are inspired by native flora of Kaʻū, "which radiate characteristics of strength, resilience, and grounding," says the description. In use are handmade dyes from ʻaʻaliʻi and ʻuala plants. Papale ʻAʻaliʻi design celebrates the Dodonaea Viscosa, soapberry, plant of the Hawaiian nobility; 30 available. Papale Uala (sweet potato) design pays homage to the famous peak Puʻu Enuhe, where sweet potato grew abundantly; 30 available. The designs "tell the story of a Plant, a Place, and a People," says their introductory video. Watch the video here. Purchase here.
Email questions for the student entrepreneurs to aina.akamu@k12.hi.us. Purchase online at hfwfmarketplace.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.
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| Maile David. Photo by Annie Bosted |
David moves from finance chair to council chair and said this will be her final term on the County Council, with four two-year terms the legal limit. She brings to the chair her background as a paralegal and community organizer for land preservation and other issues, as well as the experience as deputy county clerk and finance chair.
Finance Committee will be chaired by west Puna council member Matt Kanaeali-Kleinfleder. Vice-chair will be Hamakua council member Heather Kimball.
Public Works & Mass Transit will be chaired by south Hilo-Keaʻau council member Sue Lee Loy. Vice-chair will be west Puna council member Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder.
David said that during an organizing meeting, all nine council members agreed to chair at least one committee. A new committee on Climate Resilience & Natural Resource Management is established, following the lead of Honolulu and Maui councils establishing climate committees. Kona council member Rebecca Villegas proposed it for Hawai`i County Council. Here are the council committees and their leaders:
Climate Resilience & Natural Resource Management will be chaired by north Kona council member Rebecca Villegas. Vice-chair will be Hamakua Council member Heather Kimball.
Climate Resilience & Natural Resource Management will be chaired by north Kona council member Rebecca Villegas. Vice-chair will be Hamakua Council member Heather Kimball.
Regenerative Agriculture, Water, Energy & Environmental Management will be chaired by Kohala council member Tim Richards. Vice-chair will be south Kona council member Holeka Inaba.
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| Maile David, running for County Council for the first time at a Volcano parade with local supporters Phoebe Gomes and crew. Photo by Julia Neal |
Public Works & Mass Transit will be chaired by south Hilo-Keaʻau council member Sue Lee Loy. Vice-chair will be west Puna council member Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder.
Governmental Operations, Relations & Economic Development will be chaired by Hamakua council member Heather Kimball. Vice-chair will be east Puna council member Ashley Kierkiewicz.
Download the permit application. There is no fee for the permit. Questions or assistance needed? Call 808-832-0566 or email Lance.S.Sakaino@hawaii.gov.
Possible CLR infestation? Call HDOA's Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9525.
For more information on CLR go to the UH-CTAHR webpages here and here, or
or the HDOA Field Guide.
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.
ASK QUESTION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE through the new AskUSDA Contact Center program. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the official launch of the program this week. The AskUSDA Contact Center will serve as the "one front door" for phone, chat, and web inquires, "transforming how the public interacts with USDA and providing an enhanced experience for the public," says the announcement.
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Perdue said, "Part of our work here at USDA to be the most efficient, effective, and customer-focused agency in the federal government is to ensure our customers and Americans across the country can easily get support from our Department and answers to their questions. The AskUSDA Contact Center will act as one, centralized front door, ensuring good customer service is given to everyone who interacts with USDA."
A MAN CHARGED WITH NUMEROUS PROPERTY AND NARCOTICS OFFENSES was arrested in Ocean View on Thursday. Hawaiʻi Island Police have 35-year old Cory Dean Ruzicka, of Kona, in custody.
Ruzicka was found by HPD near Sea Breeze Parkway and Koa Lane in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Upon noticing officers, says the statement from HPD, Ruzicka fled on foot through a vacant lot and lava field, and was observed discarding several bags. After a foot pursuit, Ruzicka was taken into police custody. Officers recovered "brass knuckles," along with a glass smoking pipe with crystalline residue from his person and the bags Ruzicka discarded. After search warrants were approved, Ruzicka's bags and wallet revealed additional narcotics, including .7 gram methamphetamine and 7.5 grams marijuana, and paraphernalia used for ingesting and injecting narcotics.
Human Services & Social Services will be chaired by south Hilo-Keaʻau council member Susan Lee Loy. Vice-chair will be east Puna council member Ashley Kierkieiwcz.
Parks & Recreation & Public Safety will be chaired by south Kona council member Holeka Inaba, with vice-chair west Puna Council member Matt Kanealii-Kleinfelder.
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.
PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN INTENDS TO CHOOSE JANET YELLEN AS HIS TREASURY SECRETARY NOMINEE. Cabinet members are subject to U.S. Senate confirmation.
Yellen is an American economist at the Brookings Institution who served as the Chair of the Federal Reserve from 2014 to 2018, and as Vice-Chair from 2010 to 2014. She was the first woman to head the Federal Reserve.
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| Janet Yellen will make history as the first female Treasury Secretary, if approved by the Senate. |
Yellen was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business from 1985 to 2006, and became professor emeritus afterwards. She was a Federal Reserve Board Governor from 1994 to 1997 and again from 2010 to 2018. She served as the 18th Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 1999. She was President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco from 2004 to 2007.
In 2014, Yellen was nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed Ben Bernanke as chair of the United States Federal Reserve. She served one four-year term as Federal Reserve Chair from 2014 to 2018 and was not reappointed by President Donald Trump.
In addition to her continued contributions to the field of economics, Yellen is also noted for breaking down many gender barriers as a woman in the field.
In 2014, Yellen was nominated by President Barack Obama to succeed Ben Bernanke as chair of the United States Federal Reserve. She served one four-year term as Federal Reserve Chair from 2014 to 2018 and was not reappointed by President Donald Trump.
In addition to her continued contributions to the field of economics, Yellen is also noted for breaking down many gender barriers as a woman in the field.
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.
MOVEMENT OF COFFEE FROM HAWAIʻI ISLAND and Maui to other Hawaiian Islands is restricted due to Coffee Leaf Rust. The interim rule does not affect the movement of roasted coffee or movement of non-roasted coffee to the mainland. The interim rule, made by the chair of Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture, designated both islands as "areas infested by coffee leaf rust." This authorizes the state Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch, to restrict movement of coffee and other CLR carriers. The interim rule went into effect Friday, Nov. 20.
MOVEMENT OF COFFEE FROM HAWAIʻI ISLAND and Maui to other Hawaiian Islands is restricted due to Coffee Leaf Rust. The interim rule does not affect the movement of roasted coffee or movement of non-roasted coffee to the mainland. The interim rule, made by the chair of Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture, designated both islands as "areas infested by coffee leaf rust." This authorizes the state Department of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Branch, to restrict movement of coffee and other CLR carriers. The interim rule went into effect Friday, Nov. 20.
The interim rule restricts the movement and transport of coffee plants and parts, including green (unroasted) coffee beans. It also restricts moving used coffee bags, and used coffee harvesting, processing or transporting equipment, from a CLR-infested area to an area that is uninfested, except by permit issued by DOA. For additional detail about restrictions and to read the interim rule, go here.
A permit may be issued for transportation of coffee beans for roasting; plants from HDOA certified nurseries; treated, previously used equipment for harvesting, processing or transporting coffee plants or plant parts; and coffee plants and plant parts for scientific or diagnostic purposes. Permits may also be issued for transport between infested areas. The rule will not affect export (out-of-state) shipments of coffee plants and plant parts, green coffee beans, used coffee bags, or other CLR carriers, provided they are exported directly from a CLR infested area and are not transshipped through a CLR uninfested area in Hawaiʻi.
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| Call 808-973-9525 to report possible Coffee Leaf Rust infestation. |
Download the permit application. There is no fee for the permit. Questions or assistance needed? Call 808-832-0566 or email Lance.S.Sakaino@hawaii.gov.
Possible CLR infestation? Call HDOA's Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9525.
For more information on CLR go to the UH-CTAHR webpages here and here, or
or the HDOA Field Guide.
CLR is a devastating coffee pathogen and was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1869 and can cause severe defoliation of coffee plants resulting in premature defoliation and greatly reducing photosynthetic capacity. Depending on CLR prevalence in a given year, both vegetative and berry growth are greatly reduced. There are multiple long-term impacts of CLR, including dieback, resulting in an impact to the following year's crop, with estimated losses ranging from 30 percent to 80 percent.
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.
ASK QUESTION OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE through the new AskUSDA Contact Center program. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the official launch of the program this week. The AskUSDA Contact Center will serve as the "one front door" for phone, chat, and web inquires, "transforming how the public interacts with USDA and providing an enhanced experience for the public," says the announcement.
The public can contact AskUSDA by phone at (833) ONE-USDA with representatives available 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. The website, ask.usda.gov is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Inquiries can also be sent via email at any time to askusda@usda.gov.
Prior to the creation and implementation of AskUSDA, says the announcement, members of the public had to navigate dozens of phone numbers and had no chat function or online platform for self-service, "creating frustrations and inefficiencies." AskUSDA was created to make USDA more responsive to the public by providing a single destination for phone, chat, and web inquiries. Whether it's talking to a USDA representative via phone, chatting with a live agent on our website, or communicating with USDA via e-mail, the public will have streamlined access, says the announcement.
The launch of AskUSDA delivers a centralized contact center that offers customer service and consistent information for the public. With over 29 agencies and offices, USDA's mission impacts every single person in the U.S. and hundreds of millions around the globe. AskUSDA assures that farmers, researchers, travelers, parents, and more have efficient access to the information and resources they need.
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AskUSDA is set up to handle common questions across programs that service a variety of audiences. For example, customers who may have basic questions about USDA's nutrition services can be assisted across phone, e-mail, and web chat by trained AskUSDA representatives, and customers who may have complicated questions about loan programs can be quickly connected to agency experts. AskUSDA also hosts over five thousand articles for a self-service option to help with more common questions such as food safety inquiries or pet-travel guidance.
The announcement says, "Over the course of its pilot program, AskUSDA successfully assisted with over 93,000 citizen inquiries, and the AskUSDA website resulted in over 1.4 million knowledge article page views. USDA looks forward to continuing to implement this enhanced best in class contact center across the Department."
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit rd.usda.gov.
Prior to the creation and implementation of AskUSDA, says the announcement, members of the public had to navigate dozens of phone numbers and had no chat function or online platform for self-service, "creating frustrations and inefficiencies." AskUSDA was created to make USDA more responsive to the public by providing a single destination for phone, chat, and web inquiries. Whether it's talking to a USDA representative via phone, chatting with a live agent on our website, or communicating with USDA via e-mail, the public will have streamlined access, says the announcement.
The launch of AskUSDA delivers a centralized contact center that offers customer service and consistent information for the public. With over 29 agencies and offices, USDA's mission impacts every single person in the U.S. and hundreds of millions around the globe. AskUSDA assures that farmers, researchers, travelers, parents, and more have efficient access to the information and resources they need.
The announcement says, "Over the course of its pilot program, AskUSDA successfully assisted with over 93,000 citizen inquiries, and the AskUSDA website resulted in over 1.4 million knowledge article page views. USDA looks forward to continuing to implement this enhanced best in class contact center across the Department."
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit rd.usda.gov.
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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| Cory Ruzicka was arrested in Ocean View last week for multiple offenses. |
Ruzicka was also charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle for the theft of a pickup truck that occurred at Coconut Grove Marketplace in Kona; burglary in the first degree and unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle relative to the theft of a Honda sport utility vehicle from a residence in Kona; and theft of merchandise from a gas station located on Highway 11 in Kealakekua; resisting arrest; criminal trespassing; promoting a dangerous drug; promoting a detrimental drug; possession of prohibited deadly weapons; and violation of conditions of supervised release.
Ruzicka's bail was set at $74,250.
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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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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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 , with Worship Service starting at 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 and Praise Jam, which runs from to 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, and 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 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.
Ruzicka's bail was set at $74,250.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID TESTING will be provided at Kea‘au High School in Puna on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will be a recurring event at this venue until further notice. No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
HAWAIʻI ISLAND REPORTS SIX NEW COVID cases today. There are eight people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. The average daily case rate for Hawaiʻi Island is 10 over the last two weeks.
New cases reported statewide today total 61, with 45 on Oʻahu, four on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, and four residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 98 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, none reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,393 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,918 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,557, Maui 499, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 101. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 195. Statewide, 1,268 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, 17 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 55 in Kona zip code 96740, and 11 in zip code 96750 – which includes Kealakeku and Capt. Cook.
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 12,540,696 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 259,256 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 59.58 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,405,336.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID TESTING will be provided at Kea‘au High School in Puna on Saturday, Nov. 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This will be a recurring event at this venue until further notice. No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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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 |
New cases reported statewide today total 61, with 45 on Oʻahu, four on Maui, one on Kauaʻi, and four residents diagnosed out-of-state. The average daily case rate for the state is 98 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, none reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 17,393 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,918 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,557, Maui 499, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 101. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 195. Statewide, 1,268 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, 17 cases have been reported in Hilo zip code 96720, 55 in Kona zip code 96740, and 11 in zip code 96750 – which includes Kealakeku and Capt. Cook.
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 12,540,696 – about 20.9 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 259,256 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 59.58 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,405,336.
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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
4th Annual Small Business Saturday at Kalae Coffee, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.
4th Annual Small Business Saturday at Kalae Coffee, Nov. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.
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.
Holiday Open House at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29, 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.
Get Books Into the Hands of Keiki at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Virtual Book Fair, through Nov. 29. This link, https://www.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 ʻeWalletʻ 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.
The Cultural Significance of Humpback Whales in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation 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.
The Cultural Significance of Humpback Whales in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation 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.
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.
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation 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.
Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi virtual presentation 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.
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 runs through 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 of 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 of 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, and 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, , 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 $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, to . 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.
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 for Chromebooks and iPads here. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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.