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Monday, March 16, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, March 16, 2020

Boys & Girls Club Big Island will work on virtual activities for the youth, while closed due to COVID-19 spread fears.
BGCBI photo
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB BIG ISLAND IS SUSPENDING its after school programs at Ocean View Community Center, Nāʻālehu, and around the island through the extended Spring Break, following the schedule of the state Department of Education. The DOE is delaying the return of students after Spring Break until at least March 30, to help prevent the community spread of the novel coronavirus, should it become active here. As of today, there are no cases on Hawaiʻi Island, according to county Civil Defense.
     Chad Cabral, Chief Executive Officer of this island's Boys & Girls Club, said administrators and site coordinators are "developing virtual based daily activities" for youth through Facebook Live. This would allow youth members to participate in activities in real time online with staff facilitators. Live-streaming activities could include an hour of physical fitness led by a site coordinator and a 30-minute class in the art of origami, taught by staff to youth members, said Cabral.
     Cabral said that Boys & Girls Club wants to help with daily nutritional supplementation for youth during school closures but that "transportation to get meals out to kids continue(s) to be our biggest barrier." Contact Cabral at 808-961-5536 or chad@bgcbi.org.

Boys & Girls Club Big Island provides supplemental nutrition to many youth
members. The organization is working on logistics to keep doing so
during the closure. BGCBI photo
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FREE BROADBAND AND WIFI ACCESS is available to families with school and college students who don't have them. Spectrum is offering free services for 60 days to support online learning while school campuses are closed to mitigate the possible spread of COVID-19. Speaker of the state House of Representatives Scott Saiki applauded the gift, saying it will help students "learn and study remotely during this time of uncertainty."
     In addition, Spectrum will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across its footprint for public use, will refrain from terminating service to residential or small business customers with inability to pay bills due to the disruptions caused by coronavirus, and will waive late fees. Said Saiki, "This is an example of private business stepping up and stepping in to secure our most valuable asset in Hawaiʻi—our young people and future leaders. I look forward to reporting more initiatives like this in the following weeks."

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After school at Boys & Girls Club Big Island at Ocean View
Community Center. BGCBI photo
A FOOD DRIVE FOR FAMILIES WHO DEPEND ON THE SCHOOLS FOR NUTRITION for their children has ramped up, in the face of classes suspended in public and charter schools through at least March 30. Jeff McKnight, Secretary of the Hawaiʻi County Democratic Party sent out a message saying that time off from school could be extended, especially in light of CDC
recommending "No Gatherings of Over 50 for eight weeks." He wrote. "This has many consequences – the most critical being thousands of hungry kids on this island!"
     McKnight pointed out that "A very large percentage of public school children here depend on school breakfast and lunch as their primary source of nutrition during the week. Making matters worse, a fair number of families may be forced to take time off without pay for lack of childcare. This will further impact household income and reduce families' ability to provide sufficient food for their children."
     McKnight noted that The Food Basket – Hawaiʻi Island's Food Bank "has been scrambling the past six weeks to beef up its food inventory. It's still rather limited in part because they have only so much funding to draw on. They do a good job but they too live hand-to-mouth, and in the past 24 months, major events such as the eruption and storms have left them without much spare change."
Play time after school is another activity Boys & Girls Club
 provides to OV youth. BGCBI photo
     He called The Food Basket a "trusted non-profit with extensive experience with safe handling and distribution of food: shelf-stable, fresh, and frozen. As important, they have a well established wide-reaching network of boots-on-the-ground community partners in every district on this island, and strong connections to food suppliers, USDA, local farmers, and grocery chains - they regularly accept and distribute donations of foods with short remaining shelf life."
     McKnight said The Food Basket is expecting "a tidal wave of requests islandwide" due to Covid-19. Food Basket needs help." He said the "best kōkua is a monetary donation, because it is significantly more efficient to buy high demand items in large quantities and in doing so, they are better able to buy food at the lowest possible price that they know recipients can and will use."  Tax deductible donations can be made online and there are instructions for mailing a check: hawaiifoodbasket.org.
     Another option is a new off-shoot of The Food Basket, called Kōkua Harvest kokuaharvest.org. This was formed to assist with gleaning – harvesting the abundance of food growing on Hawaiʻi Island that's not being used. Kōkua Harvest needs help from volunteers willing to go out and glean all kinds of foods, including citrus, avocado, and ʻulu. Most of the harvest goes to The Food Basket to feed hungry people. Volunteer gleaners are covered by liability insurance, as is the property owner in the event of an accident or injury. Kōkua Harvest also welcomes help with identifying and connecting with property owners with trees and other foods growing in abundance who are willing to allow the food to be harvested and put to use. The primary contact is Lisa DeSantis at 732-616-2460 or via the website, which also explains the liability coverage.
     The Food Basket is also working to purchase packaged, shelf stable, single serve meals to bundle together – seven per child, to last a week. Food Basket volunteers would distribute them at drive-thru pickup locations around the island. Food Basket is reaching out to USDA for help. If this idea is successful, Food Basket would need volunteers to assist with bundling and distribution.

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Rep. Richard Onishi
EAST KAʻŪ STATE REP. RICHARD ONISHI is serving on the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness, which met for the first time last week to prepare the state for the economic effects of the disease. East Kaʻū's Rep. Richard Onishi also chairs the House Committee on Tourism & International Affairs, and is on the Agriculture and Consumer Protection & Commerce committees. The next meeting is scheduled for March 23 at the State Capitol. For information about the committee including agendas, documents, and transcripts, go to capitol.hawaii.gov/specialcommittee.aspx?comm=cov&year=2020.

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THE 2020 HAWAIʻI LEGISLATURE HAS SUSPENDED ITS SESSION, beginning Tuesday. All hearings and large meetings are cancelled. The decision followed today's White House recommendation that nationwide, gatherings of ten or more people be cancelled. The offices of state Senators and House of Representative members representing Kaʻū will remain open, with staff reporting to work.

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THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS STILL HIRING FOR 2020 CENSUS JOBS. Workers to help administer the Census throughout Hawai‘i earn $24 per hour. Hours are flexible. Veterans and bilingual speakers are given preference. In addition to pay, census takers receive reimbursement for work-related mileage and expenses. Apply at 2020census.gov/en/jobs.html.
     Every ten years, the U.S. Constitution requires every person living in the country to be counted. Census information is used to determine national and local voting districts; to develop policies; to determine where and how to direct what federal funds in critical areas like health, education, veterans, seniors, infrastructure; and much more. Hawaiʻi received over $3.6 billion in federal spending in Fiscal Year 2016 from federal programs, largely guided by data from the 2010 Census.
     An incomplete and inaccurate census, where especially vulnerable groups are undercounted, can have negative effects that last for a decade. Information provided to the census is completely confidential and under federal law cannot be used for any other purpose.
     See 2020census.gov for further information.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled until further notice, including:
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m., host Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Boys Baseball Cancelled
Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m., @Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Boys Volleyball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m., host Keaʻau
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Judo Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m., @Keaʻau
Track Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m., @HPA

Spring Break for Public Schools is extended through Friday, March 27 as COVID-19 spread mitigation.

UPCOMING
TUESDAY, MARCH 17
St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Tuesday, March 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. $24.95 Adults, $13.95 children 6 to11 years old. In-house guests & military ID holders, 20% discoun. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8356

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

POSTPONED: S.T.E.M. Family Night be held at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Deadline to register at bit.ly/2Trk8N8 is Wednesday, March 18. For students in Kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, this event will allow exploration of science, technology, engineering and math in an interactive and engaging environment. A light dinner and refreshments will be served. Contact Jen Makuakane at 808-313-4100 for more.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20
Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Kaʻū Clean-Up, Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces are limited; RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

CANCELLED: Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Mamālahoa Hwy, Kamaʻoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Other vendors will offer more items. For more information, call 928-8039.

CANCELLED: Sign Up for and Attend Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 share their talents by selling handmade items and services. Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).

Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection Workshop with Tom Peek, Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

RESCHEDULED TO MAY 16: Improv Comedy Show, Saturday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. Headlined by Keli Semelsberger and Matt Kaye. A Big Island Comedy Theater showcase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, MARCH 23
OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840

Check Out Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Artwork from the 32nd Annual Young At Art Juried Exhibit through Friday, March 27 at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Prince Kuhio Hoʻolauleʻa will be held Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nāʻālehu County Park. Reborn after a 20-year hiatus through the efforts of local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, the event will feature Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. The drug- and alcohol-free event will offer entertainment with live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee, and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day.
     Hawaiian culture demos and activities, showcasing cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area, include lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, waʻa kaulua (double-hull canoe) tours, kākau (tattoo) artistry, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamps), traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
     Travel through time by walking through a photo exhibit showcasing the history of Kaʻū, set-up within the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū representatives said they intend this to be like a visit to a mini version of their proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, which has been their goal for the last 20 years. Visit Hana Laulima's booth at the hoʻolauleʻa to learn more about the revival of the Cultural Center project and membership.
     Choose from a variety of ono food including shave ice, korean chicken, roast pork plates, chili bowls, Kaʻū coffee, Big Island Candies Crunch Bars, and more. Local entrepreneurs will have pop-up shops displaying wares such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, jewelry, shirts, and hats.
     Learn more about Junior Rangers, and natural resource management, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers; ways to help free the coast of marine debris with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; staying healthy with state Dept. of Health; native Hawaiian healthcare with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi; ʻōpeʻapeʻa monitoring with Friends of the Kaʻū Bats; and more.
     The organization's new logo, symbolizing its rejuvenation, was created by Kaʻū High graduate and local artist Kaweni Ibarra, who is also a Hana Laulima board member. Newly elected board members also include Lisa Derasin, Kupuna Jessie Ke, president Terry-Lee Shibuya, vice-president Elizabeth Naholowaʻa Murph, secretary Nālani Parlin, and treasurer Kehaulani Ke. Membership is $10 per year. For more information about the hoʻolauleʻa, contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
     Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū promises that the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa will continue as an annual event.

Mixed Flock Volcano Art Center Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Features prints by Margaret Barnaby and pottery by Emily Herb. Glazing techniques demo Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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