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Merilyn Harris worked with OKK on many community projects to support Ka‘ū Hospital, including raising money for a. van in 2016 for long-term residents. Here, Jean Kailiawa, Myra Sumida and Wayne Kawachi hand over the keys to the Ka‘ū Hospital Administrator. See more below. Photo from Ka`u Hospital |
LIMITING THE NUMBER OF VISITORS AND CHARGING ENTRY FEES AT PARKS AND "HOT SPOTS" are supported in a new survey from University of Hawai‘i's Public Policy Center. The report Managing Tourism in Hawai‘i, released this week, shows support for rental car fees being used for the impact of tourism and for establishment of a tourism advisory council system to help govern the industry. The most support for new tourism regulations comes from Neighbor Islanders and Native Hawaiians, according to the report.
Public opinion is that government involvement in the tourism industry should encourage practices that improve natural and cultural resources, market to respectful visitors and provide a living wage, the report reveals.
The introduction to the report says, "The relationship between Hawai‘i residents and the vistior industry has often been described as a 'love-hate' affair, with complicated perceptions for the industry's good and bad points but clear hesitation of more growth."
Read the report at https://www.hawaii.edu/news/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Managing-Tourism-in-Hawaii-1.pdf
MERILYN HARRIS, ADMINISTRATOR OF KA‘U HOSPITAL FOR 18 YEARS, has a received recognition from the Hawai‘i State Senate in a resolution sponsored by Sen. Dru Kanuha. The resolution identifies her as one of the "outstanding community leaders and public servants, whose tireless efforts and hard work serve as a positive influence in their communities." It notes that she has served "the beautiful district of Ka‘ū on Hawai‘i Island."
It says that Harris "spearheaded initiatives to provide quality, culturally responsive healthcare in public health nursing, public health consulting, hospital administration and other administrative positions throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii. It notes that she moved to Ka‘ū in 2003, and served 18 years Administrator at the Ka‘ū Hospital where she established the Rural Health Clinic to increase access to primary care services for Medicare beneficiaries. Her integrated approach included physicians working with non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives and social workers. "Under Merilyn Harris' leadership, Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic has served as a model for the creation of additional rural health clinics throughout the State of Hawai‘i." At "the only in-patient medical facility in the district of Ka‘ū, Merilyn Harris worked tirelessly to improve access to care for residents of the area, from the region of Volcano to Pāhala and Nāʻālehu as well as serving residents in the southernmost point in the United States at Ka Lae and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates." Throughout her tenure, "Merilyn Harris consistently embodied community responsiveness in her leadership, working closely with the hospital’s foundation, non-profit organizations and leaders in the community to foster the strong and meaningful bond residents share with hospital staff."
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| Merilyn Harris |
It says that Harris "spearheaded initiatives to provide quality, culturally responsive healthcare in public health nursing, public health consulting, hospital administration and other administrative positions throughout California, Nevada, and Hawaii. It notes that she moved to Ka‘ū in 2003, and served 18 years Administrator at the Ka‘ū Hospital where she established the Rural Health Clinic to increase access to primary care services for Medicare beneficiaries. Her integrated approach included physicians working with non-physician providers such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives and social workers. "Under Merilyn Harris' leadership, Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic has served as a model for the creation of additional rural health clinics throughout the State of Hawai‘i." At "the only in-patient medical facility in the district of Ka‘ū, Merilyn Harris worked tirelessly to improve access to care for residents of the area, from the region of Volcano to Pāhala and Nāʻālehu as well as serving residents in the southernmost point in the United States at Ka Lae and Hawaiian Ocean View Estates." Throughout her tenure, "Merilyn Harris consistently embodied community responsiveness in her leadership, working closely with the hospital’s foundation, non-profit organizations and leaders in the community to foster the strong and meaningful bond residents share with hospital staff."
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| Merilyn Harris receives a resolution from the state Senate, surrounded by Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. founder Jessie Marques to her left and the staff of Ka‘ū Hospital & Rural Health Clinic. Photo from KRHCAI |
and Rural Health Clinic at the Hawai‘i State Legislature."
The Senate resolution commends Harris on "her professionalism, kind-heartedness and dedication to her community and expresses its heartfelt aloha, mahalo, and best wishes for continued joy, health, and happiness throughout her well-earned retirement."
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NO TESTING AND NO QUARANTINE FOR COVID WILL BE REQUIRED FOR INTERISLAND TRAVEL beginning June 15. For those having received COVID-19 vaccinations within Hawai‘i, no testing will be enforced prior to or after returning to the state.
Gov. David Ige made an announcement Friday. explaining that proof of only one vaccine dose received in Hawai‘i will be required to skip the testing and quarantine. The governor also said that once the state's population is at least 70 percent fully vaccinated, all travel restrictions will be lifted. To date about 52
percent is fully vaccinated.
Public health officials are coming up with such incentives as free meals and hotel travel points to encourage more people to take the Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccinations. Also launched is a public health media campaign urging everyone to get the shots.
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KU'IKAHI MEDIATION CENTER hosts a free talk on June 17 in its Finding Solutions, Growing Peace Brown Bag Lunch Series. Talks are Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. This month’s speaker is Jelani Madaraka on the topic Race, Racism, Conflicts, and Resolutions.
Jelani M. Madaraka, PhD, JD, has been the Lead Civil Rights Analyst for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Honolulu Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Field Office for 20 years. He has worked over 30 years in various facets of civil rights, disability rights, equal opportunity, and labor relations. A certified mediator, negotiator, conciliator, and arbitrator, Madaraka is also a trainer, author, and Mediators Beyond Borders International member.
Ku‘ikahi’s Brown Bag Lunch Series is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy an informal and educational talk-story session and connect with others interested in Finding Solutions, Growing Peace. To get the Zoom link, register online at https://freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com.
For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center at 935-7844 or info@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit www.hawaiimediation.org. This lunch-and-learn series is made possible thanks in part to funding from the County of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Island United Way.
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BRIAN KAHELE, OF MILOLI‘I has been charged for multiple offenses that occurred in the Captain Cook area over this past weekend. On Monday, May 31, at approximately 4 p.m., Kona Patrol officers responded to the area of Old Government Road, in Captain Cook, after the victim reported that an unknown person had damaged two tires of the victim’s vehicle.
Also on May 31, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of gunshots,![]()
also in the area of Old Government Road, and found damage to the same victim’s vehicle consistent with being shot with a firearm. Area checks were conducted, however, the suspect could not be located at the time. Officers continued their investigation and were able to identify the suspect as 37-year-old Brian Kahele, of Miloli'i.
On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, shortly after 9:30 a.m., Detectives with the Area II Juvenile Aid Section located and arrested Kahele in Kailua-Kona without incident.
On Thursday, June 3, 2021, after conferral with prosecutors, Kahele was charged with two counts of Criminal Property Damage in the First Degree, and one count each of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangering in the First Degree. His bail was set at $72,000.00 and he remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station pending his initial court appearance today in the Kona District Court.
Police ask anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed this incident, or has information, to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or Detective Brandon Mansur at 808-326-4646 Ext. 301 or brandon.mansur@hawaiicounty.gov.
Also on May 31, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Kona Patrol officers responded to a report of gunshots,
On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, shortly after 9:30 a.m., Detectives with the Area II Juvenile Aid Section located and arrested Kahele in Kailua-Kona without incident.
On Thursday, June 3, 2021, after conferral with prosecutors, Kahele was charged with two counts of Criminal Property Damage in the First Degree, and one count each of Terroristic Threatening in the First Degree, Terroristic Threatening in the Second Degree, and Reckless Endangering in the First Degree. His bail was set at $72,000.00 and he remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station pending his initial court appearance today in the Kona District Court.
Police ask anyone who may have been in the area and witnessed this incident, or has information, to call the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 or Detective Brandon Mansur at 808-326-4646 Ext. 301 or brandon.mansur@hawaiicounty.gov.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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| Pirates of the Penzance, as illustrated by this vintage Playbill at Uris Theatre on Broadway, comes to Kilauea Theater this summer with local talent through KDEN. Tryouts are June 7 and 8. |
Performance dates begin Aug, 6 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in KMC's Kilauea Theater. They wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 22. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
Auditioneers should be prepared to sing a song that best shows their vocal range and dress comfortably to move on the stage. There will be cold readings as well.
Principal characters include Richard - the Pirate King, Frederic – a pirate apprentice, Major General Stanley, Edward – Sergeant of Police, Mabel, Kate and Edith – Major Stanley's daughters and Ruth – a Pirate Maid-of-all-work. There is a chorus of Maidens, Pirates and Police. This classic features I Am the Very Model of A Modern Major General" and Poor Wandering One. The show is being directed by Suzi Bond. Melanie Oldfather is the music director and Armando Mendoza will conduct the live orchestra.
Performance dates begin Aug, 6 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in KMC's Kilauea Theater. They wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 22. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
Performance dates begin Aug, 6 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. in KMC's Kilauea Theater. They wrap up on Sunday, Aug. 22. For more information call 982-7344 or email kden73@aol.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. 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. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The 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 clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com.
See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
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 clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com.
See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
FREE LIFETIME ENTRY for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks available at the entry gate.
OUTDOOR MARKETS
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Nāʻālehu Main Street, is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church in Waiʻohinu. "It's a Farmer's Market, Swap Meet, Food Court, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Entertainment and more sharing our Manao and Aloha," says a statement from Nāʻālehu Main Street. "Our intention and mission is to increase economic viability in Kaʻū by providing additional opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to share their products and services with the community. We welcome you to participate and help create a vibrant community!" Email AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com for vendor inquiries, availability and application.
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.
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.
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 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, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.
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. ovecchurch@gmail.com
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 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
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.
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.
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, 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.
Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū 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.
Public Libraries are 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. Pahala 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.