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| Uncle Chucky Leslie, the renowned 'ōpelu fisherman, is featured in the new short video Let's Talk Climate, which can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbPPXmlktxQ. Photo by and courtesy of Deron Verbeck |
Polling TNC conducted in 2020 and 2021 showed that Hawai'i voters want action on climate, value the Build Back Better bill for climate action, and care about natural climate solutions that can help mitigate climate impact.
Radio co-host Ka'ea Lyons appears in the video, along with renowned 'ōpelu fisherman Uncle Chucky Leslie from South Kona, and local farmers and community members from Hawai'i Island for this humorous take on climate change with a serious message. The video features music from artists Kimie Miner, Keali'i Reichel, Kainani Kahaunaele and Shawn Pimental.
The video links to TNC's webpage with resources such as a free how-to guide that can help people have connected conversations about climate change with five key tips: Meet people where they are; connection outweighs facts; start with what's already happening; the goal is conversation, not conquest; and focus on the person across from you.
TNC reports that the guide is grounded in science, with research for these recommendations drawn from nearly two dozen sources on related topics. See the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbPPXmlktxQ
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| Science divers documenting coral bleaching. Photo by David Slater |
Established in 1980, TNC's Hawai'i program has forged partnerships to manage 14 preserves and other sites across the Hawaiian Islands and has grown to include Palmyra Atoll. In Hawai'i, TNC works with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore Hawai'i's native watershed forests, coral reefs and nearshore fisheries for their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people.
At Palmyra Atoll located 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, TNC conducts and facilitates research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change. Visit nature.org/HawaiiPalmyra.
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The entrance to Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary will welcome families in trucks and cars to see the second annual drive-through Holiday Light Show. Photo by Julia Neal |
THE DRIVE THROUGH HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOW at Pahala Elementary is open to the public this Friday, Dec. 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is sponsored by the school, Kaʻū High Athletics, County Parks & Recreation and O Kaʻū Kakou. Children will receive treats during the drive-thru. The event was held last year for the first time. A long line of cars winds through the campus for everyone to see all of the decorations and lights.
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"The Office of the Mayor has received numerous complaints in recent months regarding trash along roads in the County of Hawaiʻi, including bags of household refuse likely meant for a transfer station. This state law not only applies to commercial haulers, but to anyone who operates a vehicle on a public street. Mayor Mitch Roth said, “We’re kindly asking residents and businesses to make sure items being transported in vehicles are secured so they don’t become a traffic hazard or end up as litter on the side of the road. It’s a simple request that can mean the world of difference for your community and its safety.” Any violations observed can be reported to the Police Department non-emergency line at 935-3311. Those taking down in information will ask for a license number of the vehicle involved and the location so appropriate action may be taken. "Any violations observed by police during regular patrols will be dealt with accordingly," says the county statement.
Vehicles carrying agricultural produce from fields during harvest are exempt from requirements but the owner of a vehicle must still provide clean up if anything is spilled or dropped on the highway. Vehicles transporting a granular load consisting of dirt, sand or gravel are not required to cover their load if it does not extend, at its peak higher than the lowest point of the container or bed. However, the Office of the Mayor still recommends that such loads be covered.
Fines range from $250 for the first offense to suspension of registration and driver’s license and a fine of $1,000 for multiple offenses.
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HAWAI'I IS THE THIRD SAFEST PLACE IN THE U.S. DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC, according to a study released by WalletHub on Thursday. Safer still were Washington, D.C. and California, according to the research. Following Hawai'i are Maryland, Florida, Connecticut and Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Alaska and New York. The least safe states, according to WalletHub are Indiana, Kentucky, Wyoming, Arizona, Ohio and Michigan.![]()
In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. The data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated. 
Hawai'i tied for first in Vaccination Rate, is first in lowest Positive Testing Rate and lowest Hospitalization Rate and 14th in Death Rate. However it ties for 45th in having the highest transmission rate.
According to WalletHub, "Our economic recovery will not reach its full potential until the vast majority of people who are medically able to get vaccinated do so. The more people who decline to get vaccinated, the more risk there is to public health, especially as the new delta COVID-19 variant spreads. The safety level of the country impacts the economy because it is tied to the lifting of restrictions and it determines how confident people are to go out and spend money. While we have made a lot of progress with vaccination, recent polls have found that most people who are still unvaccinated do not plan to ever get the vaccine. Investing in campaigns to convince more people to get vaccinated may lead to bigger economic returns down the line."
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THE MAHI'AI BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION is open for proposals through Jan. 4.
Kamehameha Schools launched Mahi'ai Match-Up, an agricultural business plan competition that helps established local farms and food system organizations grow their businesses. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and The Kohala Center are partnering with KS to provide participants with business training and technical assistance. Visit https://www.ksbe.edu/mahiai/mahiai_matchup/ for more and to apply.
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MORE DENTISTS MAY PRACTICE IN HAWAI'I, if a bill proposed for the 2022 Hawai'i Legislature is adopted. A story in Civil Beat this morning puts explains Hawai'i's dentist shortage bluntly and simply: "Unlike 46 other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, which allow licensed dentists from other states to practice if they meet certain criteria based on experience and credentials, Hawai'i requires dentists moving here from other states to pass a test." Read the entire story at www.civilbeat.org.
Kamehameha Schools launched Mahi'ai Match-Up, an agricultural business plan competition that helps established local farms and food system organizations grow their businesses. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and The Kohala Center are partnering with KS to provide participants with business training and technical assistance. Visit https://www.ksbe.edu/mahiai/mahiai_matchup/ for more and to apply.
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 the December and past issues of The Ka`u Calendar at www.kaucalendar.com. |
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. "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 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.
