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| David Cox of Kane Plantation, the avocado farm and former home of the late artist Herb Kane, will give the outlook on the future of avocado growing at the Hawai'i Avocado Association's annual meeting next Monday, Aug. 9 by zoom. See more below. Photo from Kane Plantation |
MANDATORY COVID VACCINATIONS OR PAY FOR WEEKLY TESTING may soon be the requirement for state and county workers to keep their jobs. Multiple news outlets reported today that Gov. David Ige may announce the mandate as soon as Thursday. Health care delivery systems in the state have already announced requirements for employees to be vaccinated. Athletes going to Hawai'i public schools will need vaccinations to try out for sports.
The mandates are apparently allowable under state law, even when unions are involved, since the pandemic is considered an emergency.![]()
Hawai'i State Teachers Association, the union for instructors and administrative staff in public schools, headlined a statement by saying Hawai'i Department of Education "continues reckless plans despite COVID-19 transmission surge."
The new HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. wrote to teacher union members: "The majority of you have been back to work for several days now, and the reports coming in are pretty dismal. Staff meetings have happened either in libraries with little to no fresh air ventilation, or with staff having to sit shoulder to shoulder in cafeterias without enough space to adequately maintain social distancing. Some administrators have turned a blind eye to those who refuse to mask or mask properly, or do not mask properly themselves. Many schools have already had letters go out due to COVID-19 cases being discovered and we know that some meetings last week included those cases."
Results of a teacher and staff questionnaire last Friday, according to the union, showed: "The vast majority felt somewhat or very unsafe for themselves and for students....With the Delta variant spreading COVID-19 in our communities like never before, this head-in-the-sand mentality jeopardizes all of us."
The union leader pointed to the state Department of Health Director Elizabeth Char, who said increases in cases would inevitably occur no matter when students returned to school and that no hard number regarding COVID-19 transmission would trigger the closure of a school or schools. Tui also noted that
more cases are occurring among children.
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| See the August edition of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper at www.kaucalendar.com |
more cases are occurring among children.
Tui did conclude that "Much of this would be avoidable if more people who can get vaccinated do get vaccinated. To date, more than 1.7 million doses have been administered with over 850,000 Hawai'i residents completing their vaccination. Certainly, that is not enough to reach herd immunity. If you are still hesitant, please be encouraged by the fact that almost all of your friends, family members, and colleagues who have gotten vaccinated have done so with little to no side effects."
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE COUNTY COUNCIL APPROVED NEGOTIATIONS FOR PURCHASING KIOLAKA'A TODAY. All eight members in attendance, including Maile David, who represents Kaʻū and chairs the Council, voted in favor. One testifier said the county should keep ownership of any of the properties bought with PONC money. Another six testified in favor of this 1,800 acres being held and stewarded by the Ala Kahakai Trail Association.
The vote directs the county to begin negotiations to purchase the property, which is one of the few properties between Punalu'u and South Point that, with acquisition, would complete the conservation of a good portion of the Kaʻū Coast. Keolaka'a includes portions of Ka'alu'alu Bay.
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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| See and purchase the poster showing all of the kinds of avocados growing on Hawai'i Island at www.hawaiifruit.net. |
During the meeting, there will be a summary of 2020-2021 Sharwil exports and outlook for the coming season by David Cox, of Kane Plantation Avocados. USDA Malama suitability testing will be discussed by Dr Peter Follet. ![]()
Impact of the Avocado Lace Bug and potential treatments will be the presentation by Andrea Kawabata and Jensen Uyeda of CTAHR. There will be a discussion led by India Clark and Annabel Bruch of Hawai'i Farmers Union United on a grant, marketing and grower outreach. Avocado Association President John App will wrap up the meeting. Link to the Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/92926223108pwd=YXlrRTVWRFAya2tHMWsyNk91ajF1UT09#success , with Meeting ID: 929 2622 3108 and Passcode: HAA. One tap mobile is available through +13462487799,,92926223108# US (Houston) and +16699006833,,92926223108# US (San Jose).
AUGUST FLIGHT OPS FOR HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK ARE ANNOUNCED:
Aug. 5, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., for fence material sling loads within the ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
Aug. 9, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., to transport gear (one sling load) from the Maunaulu helispot to Nāpau Crater campground.
Aug. 10, between 8 a.m. and noon, for survey and control invasive guinea grass and banana poka, on Mauna Loa and in the coastal backcountry from sea level to 5,000-ft. elevation.
Aug. 11, between 8 a.m. and noon, for survey and control of invasive guinea grass and banana poka, on Mauna Loa and in the coastal backcountry from sea level to 5,000-ft. elevation.
Aug. 12, between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for invasive fountain grass survey and control from the park’s west boundary to Keauhou Trail, from sea level to 3,500-ft. elevation.
Aug. 12, between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., to transport gear from Nāpau Campground to the Maunaulu helispot.
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| Helicopters carry gear, scientists and stewards of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park to work in remote areas. NPS photo |
Aug. 16, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
Aug. 20, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. for crew support sling loads in ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,500- and 4,500-ft. elevation.
Aug. 23, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. to transport gear from the Maunaulu helispot to the Nāpau Crater campground.
Aug. 26, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. to transport gear from Nāpau Crater to the Maunaulu helispot.
Aug. 31, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for ‘uʻau (Hawaiian petrel) monitoring on Mauna Loa, between 8,000- and 9,000-ft. elevation.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.
SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 14 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.
REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's August edition.
REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.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 panoramiocean 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.
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
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.
O 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 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.
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
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. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
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.
EDUCATION
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.
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 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
