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Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021

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Trick or Treat and other Halloween events that call for safe distancing are planned. Last year, a farm stand at the Culture
 House of Debbie and Kawehi Ryder offered treats. See info on Halloween guidance and a Drive
 Through event below. Photo by Julia Neal

OPPOSITION TO RAISING THE STATE HOTEL TAX is coming from Grassroot Institute of Hawai'i. While Hawai'i County is yet to consider a hike, the City & County of Honolulu has a proposal on the table to increase the Transient Accommodations Tax by 3 percent, following the state legislature deciding to keep more of the TAT income for state operations, sharing less with the counties.
      In testimony released today, Grassroot Institute, led by its President Keli'i Akina and Vice President Joe Kent  said, "Hawai'i's economy is in no condition to sustain a tax increase on visitors to the islands." 
      Kent said that with the elimination of the county share of the state's 10.25% transient accommodations tax, it is understandable that a county would want to establish its own TAT.

    "However," Kent urged consideration of "the state of the economy before proceeding with yet another tax increase." Hawai'i, he noted, is still in a state of emergency, tourism has slowed, businesses are closing and unemployment is high. Economic experts are predicting the economy will take years to recover from the economic damage caused by the coronavirus lockdowns.
    He said some people might argue that the TAT will not affect Hawai'i residents, as it is aimed primarily at tourists. But this argument, he said, "ignores three important factors: Tourists are not the only ones who use local transient accommodations; the proposed county TAT would give Hawai'i the highest tourism taxes in the nation; and the tax would burden a vital local industry that already is struggling to recover from the COVID-19 economic depression."
  "As the setback from the COVID-19 delta variant demonstrates," Kent said, "there is no guarantee that the tourism industry will rebound quickly or without incident. The University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization recently provided its economic forecast for Hawai'i through 2024, and not even by then does it expect Hawai'i's visitor arrivals, visitor days or visitor expenditures to reach pre-COVID-19 levels."
    In addition, Kent said, "high unemployment, regulatory uncertainty for businesses and continued confusion over the state's destination-management strategy make this a bad time to add more taxes onto one of the state's most valuable industries."

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A MILLION HAWAI'I RESIDENTS HAVE COMPLETED COVID VACCINATIONS according to the state Department of Health. In a statement today, state Director of Health Dr. Elizabeth Char said, “It’s great to see so many people in Hawai‘i follow the science. We are thrilled that over a million people are fully vaccinated. That leaves an estimated 420,000 people who are not yet fully vaccinated. We are still 
averaging about 120 new COVID-19 cases every day.”
    DOH encourages the roughly 119,000 people who have received only one shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines to get their second shot as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.“Getting that second shot is critical. Those who do not get it are at greater risk of severe illness,” Char said.
     An estimated 94,051 eligible residents in this state have not initiated vaccination. An estimated 207,482 children age 11 and younger are not yet eligible. For information on vaccination opportunities visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine/.

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

A HALLOWEEN DRIVE-THROUGH ON
Friday, Oct. 29 will be open to the public from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Pāhala.  Josh Ortega and Robyn Brown, staff members at Kaʻū High & Pāhala  Elementary are organizing the event to be held outdoors at the school. Ortega said the campus will be open to vehicles 
from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    The campus roadway will be decorated for Halloween and keiki will receive treats handed into vehicles. Everyone participating is advised to stay in their vehicles. Any questions can be directed to Ortega or Brown at 808-313-4186.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Halloween at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary in 2019 featured a skeleton driving a convertible.
This year everyone stays in their vehicles with a Drive-Through Halloween celebration on the campus
for all the public on Friday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Photo by Julia Neal
SAFE HALLOWEEN GUIDANCE has been issued by the state Department of Health. “Celebrating Halloween is a special event for families, and it is possible to take steps to celebrate safely. Outdoor gatherings are safer, and consistent handwashing and mask wearing are recommended,” said Director of Health Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “All children 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated and that is 
really the best way to keep our children safe during Halloween and the upcoming holidays.”
    DOH ideas for safer, low-risk activities include "hosting a scary movie watch party online, organizing a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest and carving the pumpkins with people in your household or hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest."
This family pod of people stuck together
at last year's distanced Halloween outdoor
event at OKK's Saturday market in Nāʻālehu.
Photo from OKK

    DOH recommends that Hawai‘i residents stay updated on county gathering guidelines and follow these recommendations: Incorporate a cloth or surgical mask into your costume that covers both your nose and your mouth. A costume mask is not a suitable substitute. Choose bright colors and flame-retardant materials. Add reflective tape to 
costumes or treat bags if families plan to be out after dark.
    Set up low contact, pre-packaged treats for trick-or-
treaters.
    Outdoors is safer than indoors. Trick-or-treat in small groups outdoors or enjoy other outdoors activities. Avoid
crowded indoor parties
    Stay home if feeling sick, even if experiencing mild symptoms.
    Wash hands before eating candy. Parents should examine treats before consumption.
    Get vaccinated: Adults and children age 12 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone six months and older should get a flu shot, recommends Department of 
Health.
  For more information, visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE FIRST ISLANDWIDE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET OF THE SEASON IS AVAILABLE TO SEE ON NA LEO TV. Held at Kamehameha School last weekend, it was broadcast Wednesday and is on demand at naleo.tv/vod/.

    Na Leo announced today that the track meet marks "the return of Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) High School Sports on Nā Leo TV. Our production crew was at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi Campus on October 16, 2021, for the highly anticipated 5K races. Over one hundred varsity runners showed up on the 16th and gave everything they had in their first taste of competition of 2021. You will not want to miss the action from the boys and girls races, and you will even hear from the first-place finishers; all of this and more, on the return of BIIF Sports on Nā Leo TV."
    Kaʻū High School is offering track as a fall sport. The coach is David Wells.

 To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE FIRST FOOTBALL GAME of the year for Kaʻū High Trojans is changed to Thursday, Nov. 11 at Kamehameha School in Keaau. Other play includes: this Friday, Oct. 22 with Hilo at Kona 6 p.m. and HPA at Honoka'a 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 23 with Keaau at Waiakea 11a.m. and Pahoa at Kohala 1p.m.; and on Saturday, Nov. 6, Waiakea at Hilo 5 p.m.

















Read the entire Kaʻū Calendar and back issues at
www.kaucalendar.com. Find it in the mail from Volcano
through Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, Ocean View to Miloli'i.
Pick it up from newsstands.










































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 x.

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. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..

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.

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

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

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. 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.biz.

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 The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.

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.

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.




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