Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 10, 2021

An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling at Kāwā last week, where an Ocean View family assisted in helping many hatchlings
to make their way to the ocean. See more below. Photo from University of Hawai`i-Hilo

PROTECTING KIOLAKAʻA AND MANAKAʻA ON THE KAʻŪ COAST is the subject of a zoom community meeting sponsored by Ala Kahakai Trail Association on Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. An announcement from Ala Kahakai Trail Association says, "The Kaʻū community has been working for years to preserve its beloved 80 mile coast. Ala Kahakai Trail Association has partnered with The Trust for Public Land, descendants, and community organizations to protect Kiolakaʻa and Manākaʻa. Both of these coastal properties are at serious risk of subdivision and development."
The public is invited to join the dialogue about: Protecting Kiolakaʻa and Manākaʻa for conservation, agriculture, and cultural preservation; to hear suggestions about how ATA can partner and collaborate with the community; and to listen to the community's vision for community-based management and stewardship of these lands.

Discuss the future of Kiolaka‘a, the 1840 acres beginning at Ka‘alu‘alu Bay and rising inland. A community zoom
meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16, sponsored by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.
Photo from Trust for Public Land

Ala Kahakai Trail Association states its nonprofit mission as "to support and guide a community-managed trail that honors those who came before and perpetuates for those to follow – with protocols and respect for Hawaiʻi past, present and future. ATA's vision is community-based management of the trail and its surrounding natural and cultural landscape. We welcome your feedback and collaboration. We have deep respect and aloha for the Kaʻū community. Protecting these places for future generations cannot happen without your mana'o, participation, and stewardship."
Register to participate at this link: https://tpl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scOGoqTMqG9KW8AzGEslpLvSD819y7G93=
"Because it's not safe to meet in person due to COVID, we will meet online via zoom but hope to meet in person when it is safe to gather again," says the announcement from Ala Kahakai Trail Association.
For questions or more information, contact Keoni Fox at fox@alakahakaitrail.org www.alakahakaitrail.org.

A site visit to consider conservation of coastal and adjacent lands at Manākaʻa in Kaʻū. Attend a zoom
meeting on the subject on Feb. 16. Photo from PONC

The state Department of Land & Natural Resources' Legacy Land Program, which has plans to help fund conservation of the properties, describes them:

"Kiolaka‘a: Beginning at Ka‘alu‘alu Bay, a popular camping spot, three parcels of Kiolaka‘a land cover 1,840 acres, stretching over four miles inland to the 700-foot elevation. Local ranchers hold license agreements to graze cattle on portions of this property as well as on adjacent lands that are also slated for conservation with funding from the Legacy Land Conservation Program.
"Manāka‘a: The 348-acre property is an undeveloped coastal parcel just south of Nā‘ālehu, where Manāka‘a Fishing Village sits on the cliffs overlooking Waikapuna. Local ranchers also hold license agreements to graze cattle on portions of this property, as well as on adjacent lands that are also slated for conservation with funding from the Legacy Land Conservation Program."

See more at http://www.alakahakaitrail.org/ongoing-projects

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A rare nest of olive ridley sea turtles at Kāwā last week. Photo from University of Hawai`i-Hilo

A RARE NEST WITH OLIVE RIDLEY SEA TURTLE hatchlings was rescued at Kāwā last week by a hiking family from Ocean View with help from students, researchers and volunteers.

Olive ridley sea turtles have been recorded in modern ties, nesting within the main Hawaiian Islands seven times. On Wednesday afternoon, Jeremy, Jen, and Kian Van Arkel found six or seven hatchlings stuck in rocks and driftwood debris on the Kāwā beach. The hatchlings appeared to be struggling to get to the ocean, prompting the Van Arkel family to call the University of Hawaii-Hilo Marine Option Program Sea Turtle Response Hotline at about 2:30 p.m.

Ryan Sack and Kara Smith, both UHH Marine Science students and UHH MOP Turtle Team employees, directed the call to Jen Sims, coordinator of Hawaiʻi Community College/UHH MOP Team. Sims notified multiple agencies and helped coordinate the response. Lauren Kurpita, former Director of the Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Project, provided instructions, stating that hatchlings should be carefully moved closer to the water if they are unable to navigate through the debris.

Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings trapped in a nest were assisted to the ocean
from a Kāwā nest last Wednesday. Photo from University of Hawai`i-Hilo

The Van Arkel family spent several hours ensuring the safety of the hatchlings by combing through the debris, locating any stranded hatchlings, and moving them further down the beach. The Van Arkels released approximately 20 turtles. They stated that this was a once in a lifetime experience they will never forget.

As the family was assisting the baby sea turtles moving toward the ocean, more hatchlings emerged from the nest. The Van Arkels took photos and video, all the while sending updates to the MOP team coordinator.

By 5:15 p.m. Kurpita arrived on the scene. She was able to excavate the nest, helping to free hatchlings trapped by rocks that had covered the chamber. In all, Kurpita unearthed and released 36 hatchlings. The hatch success for the nest was 94 percent.

Olive ridley sea turtles, Lepidochelys olivacea, are listed as “threatened” under the United States Endangered Species Act. Although they are known to inhabit Hawaiian waters, most olive ridleys of the Pacific Ocean nest in an “arribada” mass nesting event in Central America. Solitary nesting events occur less frequently and are very rare in Hawai‘i.

According to records shared by Irene K. Kelly, Sea Turtle Recovery Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries - Pacific Islands Region, last Wednesday’s nest was only the seventh olive ridley nest known in the Hawaiian Islands. The last nest was in Kailua, O‘ahu in 2019. Two other olive ridley nests have been documented on Hawai‘i Island: one at Hilo Bay in the early 2000s and the other at ‘Awili, Pohue Bay, in 2010.

The presence of a sea turtle nest at Kāwā is notable since driving has been limited on the beach ever since the County acquired ownership and Nā Mamo o Kāwā began land stewardship of the area. Prior to the gates being closed, the sand on the beach was compact and unsuitable for nesting due to vehicle traffic. This nest is now the second sea turtle nest (the first was a hawksbill) documented on the main Kāwā beach.

Other persons/agencies that assisted in this response were Joel Barnum-Steggerda of Kupu Hawai‘i (assisted with excavation), Alexander R. Gaos, PhD, Research Marine Biologist with the Marine Turtle Biology & Assessment Program, NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (species identification), Amy Krommes, volunteer with the Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Project (assisted with excavation), and Kelleigh Downs field technician with Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Project (assisted with excavation).

About UHH MOP: The MOP program is a certificate program that began 50 years ago within the University of Hawaii System, and provides the opportunity for students in any major to add a marine science component to their education. Today, UHH has a thriving Program with more than 80 active students and provides many hands-on, applied learning experiences for students through classes and field trips, and through applied and experiential learning opportunities such as QUEST (Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques), the Sea Surveying, Training, and Response Squad (SeaSTARS), Marine Archaeological Survey Techniques (MAST), and the Hawaiian Coral Nursery and Propagation program.

UHH Turtle Response Team is a joint effort between UHH MOP and JIMAR (Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research) which partners UH with NOAA in several projects. UHH Turtle Response Team carries a hotline phone, funded and linked with NOAA response networks.

About Hawai‘i Island Hawksbill Program: Based at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, its mission is to monitor and protect critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles and their nesting habitat on the island of Hawai‘i. Contact: info@hawaiiislandhawksbillproject.org

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HAWAI‘I CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS FOLLOWING BILLS IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND ISSUING OPINIONS. Its president Sherry Menor-McNamera said the Chamber is tracking 161 House and 126 Senate bills, and testifying on more than 30 bills.
She said that within the Chamber's Legislative Agenda, its top priorities are moving forward. Among them is HB 1278 HD1, the unemployment insurance tax bill. Menor said, "The bill needs to be passed and signed by the Governor by March 6 to prevent a significant tax increase. Passing an unemployment tax relief bill is crucial to the survivability of the small and local business community and will save much needed jobs." Other Chamber supported bills include HB 1116 and SB 1240 relating to Tax Conformity. "These bills would be consistent with other states in providing relief to businesses and the communities in permitting PPP loans as an eligible deduction in state tax returns," said the Chamber President.

Menor-McNamera contended that a number of bills would "undermine any efforts towards economic recovery," including the measure to increase to the minimum wage. SB 676 would hike the wage to $12 an hour starting in July 2022.

"While some may be able to absorb this cost, others may not including businesses in industries that have been most impacted by the restrictions and shutdowns, such as restaurants, retail and attractions. The bill was passed out of the Senate Labor & Culture Arts Committee on Monday. The measure now goes to the Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees. Even if this bill does not affect your company, commerce and businesses are interconnected, and any increases, will hurt our economic future," Menor-McNamera stated, urging people to testify. She also pointed to Paid Family Leave, SB 679, saying the

Chamber Foundation's OmniTrak Survey shows "a majority of businesses have lost significant revenue and half have cut positions. Timing is everything and now is not the time to impose additional burdens that could lead to further closures and reduction in jobs."

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KAʻŪ HOSPITAL'S SISTER FACILITY HAD ZERO COVID PATIENTS in the last week, according to today's update from Hilo Medical Center. Spokesperson Elena Cabatu also said Hilo Medical Center is "still vaccinating kupuna 75 years and older. Please know because of exceedingly high demand for our kupuna 75 years and over seeking the vaccine, we are not yet vaccinating the next group of kupuna 65 years and older and other essential workers – we are about four-to-six weeks away. However, the timeline to get to the next group may be shortened thanks to other vaccination sites like KTA, CVS/Longs, Kaiser, Bay Clinic, Hamakua Health Center opening up on the island, so stay tuned. Please continue to reach out to kupuna to assist them in signing up online." She reported the facility administering 6,000 vaccines since Dec. 23.
"Pre-registration for kupuna 65+ and other essential workers on the HMC website is open. Once we are ready to vaccinate the 65+ group, those who have pre-registered on our website will receive an email from the CDC to register and schedule their appointment on the VAMS website."
Bay Clinic and Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association are planning to give COVID-19 vaccines on
Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Bay Clinic in Nāʻālehu. Vaccines will be for Kupuna 75 years and older and administered by Bay Clinic. To register call 965-3048.
For more, contact Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association at 928-0101.

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VACCINE ACCEPTANCE ACROSS THE STATE IS ON THE RISE, according to a survey commissioned by the state Department of Health. According to the survey commissioned by the DOH, 5 percent plan to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and 36 percent will wait before receiving their vaccinations. The survey, conducted by Anthology Research from Dec. 30 to Jan. 11, included 445 adult Hawai‘i full-time residents statewide. Anthology has been tracking resident attitudes and behaviors relating to the pandemic on a regular basis since April 2020. Previous surveys conducted by DOH and University of Hawai‘i before the vaccinations were available in Hawai‘i showed about 50% of residents would accept COVID-19 vaccine, while the other half indicated they did not plan to get vaccinated or were still undecided. “This is a positive change in a relatively short time,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, DOH. “As we anticipated, those who were initially hesitant about getting the vaccine are now much more comfortable as they see family, friends, co-workers and others safely receiving their first and second doses.” Much more about the survey is here: https://hawaiicovid19.com/hawaii-department-of-health-survey-shows-diverse-views-of-pandemic-and-responses/

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TWO NEW CASES OF COVID-19 ON THIS ISLAND were reported by the state Department of Health, with 42 on Oʻahu, nine on Maui and zero on Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi. Three residents of this state were diagnosed on the mainland.

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SIGN UP SOON
Read at kaucalendar.com. The Kaʻū Calendar is free, 7,500
distributed to stands and all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū,
Miloliʻi through Volcano. Read online at kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com
and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

TEMPORARY SUMMER JOBS ARE AVAILABLE through Hawaiʻi County Department of Parks & Recreation for Summer Fun at Kaʻū District Gym and Nāʻālehu Community Center, June 3 - July 16. The job is to work with keiki. Applicants must possess a current First Aid certification, submit a completed Summer Fun application, and be available to work June 3 through July 16, 2021. Summer Fun starts June 7, following a mandatory two-day training period for all temporary employees.
Summer Fun applications are available online at
https://www.parks.hawaiicounty.

gov/facilities-parks/recreation, the Recreation Division Office at 799 Pi‘ilani Street in Hilo, and various County gymnasiums located around the island.
Completed applications must be filed with the Recreation Division or postmarked by Feb. 12. All inquires may be directed to the Recreation Division at 961-8740.

IN-PERSON EVENTS

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY IS OPEN TO IN-PERSON TRAFFIC Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items.
Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Should anyone have an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz

A BRUSH WITH LIGHT gives the public a chance to "immerse in Hawaiʻi Island’s magnificent landscapes and plants," says the statement from Volcano Art Center. Catherine Robbins’ "evocative oil paintings" are in the solo exhibition, A Brush with Light – Volcanic Island Reflections, at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The show runs through Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday.

GOLF & SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse. The new Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities. Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clugatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.

HIKE ONE OF THE MANY open trails, drive to the overlooks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Volcano and Kahuku units. See nps.gov/havo.

WALK THROUGH A GUIDED 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. www.volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

VOLCANO GARDEN ART'S SECRET GARDEN WALK is on free trails to the public. Sponsor Ira Ona describes the “Historical garden with many native plants. We have just created a self-guided nature walk in my new secret garden which is carved out of an upland native Hawaiian forest. Open to walk throughout the week, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanogardenarts.com, 985-8979, Located on Old Volcano Hwy in Volcano Village.

KaiLoki's, at the old Mehe's location in Ocean View, offers live music and karaoke on a to-be-determined schedule, along with a locally-sourced menu and bar. See facebook.com/KaiLokis.

Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Details at rb.gy/k3evh6.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.

Volcano Farmers Market. Photo by Julia Neal

OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 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 Council. 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 Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing 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. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is 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 required.

BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON

VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES CALENDARS, t-shirts, and sweatshirts sales raise money for the school. Review the calendar at rb.gy/tmxzva. Order the Calendar using this form: rb.gy/ytekoz. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal,

paypal.com/paypalme/VolcanoSchool. To buy t-shirts and sweatshirts, order from here: rb.gy/2a4cim. Send in order forms and 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.

VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.

KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.

AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252

MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.

KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.

CHURCH SERVICES

OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church
is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. Call 808-939-9089.

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, at rb.gy/3jfbzd, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Check the webpage for Christmas services.

HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text Pam and Lance Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

HELP FOR HEALTH & COVID TESTING

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL offers COVID testing referral from the ER, a physician or a Kaʻū Clinic health provider.

FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID Testing, Saturdays at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays at Konawaena High School from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Civic Auditorium in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (enter from Kuawa Street entrance). 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.

MICRONESIAN COVID-19 Helpline is supported by We Are Oceania, weareoceania.org, to help with identifying COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment. Call (808) 913-1364. Watch the video at facebook.com/watch/?v=989579144844697.

DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? 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 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 at facebook.com/bhhsurg.

KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. 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. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub at health.hawaii.gov/camhd/lgbtq-safe-spaces.

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, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.

HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR KUPUNA at 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.

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 at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.

FOOD RELIEF

PICK UP FOOD WEEKDAYS n the parking lot of ACE Hardware in Ocean View from Hope DIA-mend Ministries TLC at 4:45 p.m. About 300 meals available each day, coordinated by pastors Pam and Lance Ako. For help or to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.

FREE FOOD FOR KEIKI offered at Resilience Hub, Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. The Hub also features drop-in WiFi and laptop access. Location is 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927, for more.

EDUCATION

Virtual presentation, Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi. Register to watch at rb.gy/rkd2fd.

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

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. Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. 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.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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.

Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Ka`u High & Kaʻū Elementary, 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.org for Live WebEx link.

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., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. 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. See 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.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.

Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration at rb.gy/b53jgn.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

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.

ECONOMIC RELIEF

Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.

COMMUNITY

Food Assistance: 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. 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.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and the senior class at bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

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. Contact RMAP partners: 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.

Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits, up to $10,000, 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 rb.gy/v2x2vy.

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 at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.

AGRICULTURE

QUALIFY TO BECOME A BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER and receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture To qualify for status as a beginning farmer or rancher: Applicants must be an individual. Business entities may receive benefits only if all of the substantial beneficial interest holders (ten percent or more) of the business entity qualify as beginning farmers or ranchers. For example, a son moves home to take over the family farm and incorporates with his spouse and neither have previous farming experience. Their corporation would qualify as a beginning farmer/rancher. However, if a son moves home and forms a corporation with his father, who has had an insurable interest in crops or livestock for more than five crop years, the corporation cannot receive beginning farmer and rancher benefits. Although the son qualifies as a beginning farmer or rancher, the father does not so the corporation cannot receive benefits; and

Applicants must not have actively operated and managed a farm or ranch anywhere, with an insurable interest in any crop or livestock for more than five crop years (ten years for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection). This includes an insurable interest as an individual or as a substantial beneficial interest holder (ten percent or more) in another person who has an insurable interest in any crop or livestock. Applicants may exclude a crop year's insurable interest if they were under the age of 18, enrolled in post-secondary studies (not to exceed five crop years) or on active duty in the U.S. military.

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM enrollment ends Feb. 12. Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program can sign up for the program until Friday, Feb. 12. The competitive program provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation.
Contact AskUSDA 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.

Women Farmers can Register with Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Directory, a statewide online directory of women-operated farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Visit the program website to register, rb.gy/87fn9d.

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.

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 at rb.gy/exzuk1.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website, ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begin and Ends with Seed, where Education by Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog at rb.gy/ijai3y.

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.

Learn Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules at rb.gy/4wio2y.

PETS & WILDLIFE

One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

Report Humpback Whales in Trouble at NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline, 1-888- 256-984. Also report distressed sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins.

For free Veterinary Care, Spay & Neuter, visit hihs.org, Services Tab, Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or email petsupport@hihs.org. Call 808-217- 0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy dogs and cats. Two pets per family will be accommodated, each pet with own appointment. Unavailable to animals other than dogs and cats. Unavailable to strays and those with contagious illnesses.

Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station is open 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 or call 961-8270.

Ocean View Transfer Station is open 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 or call 961-8270.

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at rb.gy/iemgrc for site closures, service hours, and more.

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, February 10, 2021

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