Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, August 14, 2020

Grants to businesses and nonprofits with energy-saving projects are available through Hawaiʻi Energy.
See more below. Photo from Hawaiʻi Energy

HAWAIʻI TEACHERS UNION FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE LABOR BOARD TODAY TO STOP STUDENT TEACHER INTERACTION ON-CAMPUS NEXT WEEK. A statement from the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association posted today says, " The state's dangerous plans for in-person learning while coronavirus cases are exploding in our state, along with other violations of labor agreements, prompted the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association to file a prohibited practice complaint with the Hawaiʻi Labor Relations Board against the state of Hawaiʻi.

All three of these unions represent staff at Hawaiʻi public schools
and called for distance learning to protect them from COVID-19.

     "The HSTA requested impact bargaining with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education over the changing community conditions (with COVID-19 spreading) and newly modified instructional plans. The state has refused HSTA's demand to bargain over the change in working conditions, especially in light of the exponential growth in the spread of COVID-19 and infection at a growing number of schools since the beginning of this month and/or failing to bargain in good faith.
     "The spike in COVID-19 cases and the widespread transmission of the virus is an unsafe and hazardous condition which imminently endangers the health and safety of all BU-5 (HSTA) members who are required to report to their respective school and related worksites," HSTA's prohibited practices complaint said.
     "The HIDOE inappropriately claims that there is no significant change in working conditions, buildings are open, schools are safe, and students can return and teachers will need to report to their worksites next week. On Aug. 7, the department announced that during the first week of school, starting Aug. 17, 'students will physically return to campus on a coordinated and scheduled basis.'"
The complaint says that "The COVID-19 outbreak has infiltrated at least 15 Hawaiʻi public schools whose employees, staff members, or persons on campus tested positive."

Dr. Christina Kishimoto intends for public schools to open for teachers to
meet students to being distance learning on Monday.

     The teachers union is asking the Labor Board to make a declaratory ruling that the state's planned action violates the relevant state workplace safety rules by forcing teachers into a hazardous workplace, and an injunction to prevent the state from violating these rules.
     HSTA announced that it will also ask the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education to take action at its
Aug. 20 meeting to ensure 100 percent distance learning for all students on all islands until at least the end of the first quarter, and assure that teachers have the option of teleworking.
     Yesterday state Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christina Kishimoto, said schools will be open to connect with students to start distance learning on Monday. The two other unions with workers on campus, Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association and United Public Workers, backed the teachers union in calling for distance learning to start the school year.

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INPUT FOR SELECTING A JUDGE FOR THE INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS is requested by Gov. David Ige. He announced today the Judicial Selection Commission sent him the names of five nominees to replace Associate Judge Alexa D.M. Fujise, who left in April: David M. Forman, director, Environmental Law Program, William S. Richardson School of Law, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa; Summer M. M. Kupau-Odo, District Judge of the First Circuit; Sonja M.P. McCullen, deputy prosecuting attorney, City and County of Honolulu; Karen T. Nakasone, Circuit Judge of the First Circuit; and Taryn R. Tomasa Gifford, attorney, Office of the Public Defender.

     The governor will interview each nominee and is seeking public comment on the governor's website at governor.hawaii.gov/contact-us/contact-the-governor/. Ige has 30 days, or until Sept. 13, to make his appointments, which are subject to Senate confirmation.

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AN ENERGY RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM was launched today by Hawaiʻi Energy. Its program will award $1 million in funding for energy efficiency improvements for small businesses, non-profits, and other qualifying organizations experiencing economic loss due to COVID-19.
     Businesses and organizations may apply for the grant, which can cover 100 percent of eligible expenses on pre-approved energy efficiency projects, up to $25,000. Hawaiʻi Energy will host a virtual info session on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at noon for businesses interested in learning more about the program. Click here to register for this complimentary session.

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JOIN A VIRTUAL DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sign up for the bimonthly meeting, hosted by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi at hmonon.org/
services or check out hmono.org to learn more about the other diabetes-related programs they offer.

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ALL RECOMMENDED VACCINES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL MEDICARE RECIPIENTS. That is the call from Sen. Mazie Hirono and bipartisan colleagues in the U.S. Senate. They made their request in a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma.

     Under current law, Medicare immunization coverage varies by vaccine, says a statement from Hirono's office. Some vaccines, like those that protect against influenza and pneumococcal infection, are available with no additional out-of-pocket spending. However, other vaccines – like the shingles vaccine – often require significant additional spending, which in turn contributes to lower vaccination rates, particularly for elderly, disabled, and chronically ill people, says the statement.

     The Senators wrote: "Older adults and persons with chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are especially vulnerable to serious illness and complications from vaccine preventable disease. Yet, Medicare coverage design for vaccines for these populations does not encourage access to this proven and cost-effective form of prevention.

     "We encourage CMS to work with Part D sponsors to offer either a $0 vaccine tier, or to place vaccines on a formulary tier with low cost-sharing. Now is the time to empower vulnerable elderly and disabled Medicare beneficiaries with the tools they need to stay healthy and out of the health care system. Immunizations are one of the most reliable and efficient forms of prevention that we know save lives and billions in avoidable health care costs."

     Last year, Senators Hirono co-introduced the Protecting Seniors through Immunizations Act, which would improve access to vaccines by requiring all recommended vaccines, including shingles and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap), be available to Medicare beneficiaries at no additional cost, with the goal of increasing vaccination rates.

     Read the letter here.

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HELPING THE ELDERLY, DISABLED, AND THOSE WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY during the pandemic is the goal of the Coronavirus Language Access Act. Introduced this week by Senators Mazie Hirono, Kamala Harris, and other colleagues, the legislation would expand access to coronavirus-related resources in more languages and support culturally appropriate COVID-19 response programs.

     A statement from Hirono's office says the pandemic "has magnified language access issues and disparities in health care, as more than 25 million people in the United States have limited English proficiency – 15 percent of whom are age 65 or older. For many limited English proficient individuals, their work on the front lines of the pandemic response leaves them more vulnerable and subject to greater risks of contracting COVID-19." 

     The Coronavirus Language Access Act would require federal agencies receiving COVID-19 funding to provide translated materials for COVID-19-related programs and opportunities within seven business days after the English version is available and provide oral language assistance services. The legislation would require the head of every federal agency receiving COVID-19 funding to submit a report about its compliance to the congressional Committees. The program would be funded at $200 million – $150 million of which would be for state (including DC), Tribal, and territorial health departments and community-based organizations to support culturally appropriate coronavirus response programs.

     The Act would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to create a coronavirus informational hotline with trained interpreters that provides COVID-19 information to the public and provide translated materials relating to COVID-19 screening, testing, treatment, and educational information to state (including DC), Tribal, and territorial agencies.

     Coronavirus Language Access Act would also provide $20 million to states for Area Agencies on Aging for older Limited English Proficiency individuals and $10 million to states for Statewide Independent Living Councils for LEP individuals with disabilities, to support access to COVID-19 information through partnerships with community-based organizations.

     Hirono said, "Coronavirus cases in the United States have topped five million infections, and the devastation caused by the pandemic has reached every corner of our country. We must do more so that all communities – regardless of English proficiency, age, or disability – have access to the federal government's coronavirus-related services and resources in culturally appropriate and understandable ways."

     Dr. Sheri-Ann Daniels, Executive Director of Papa Ola Lokahi said, "Use of our native languages in accessing health care and resources, especially during these times, is a step in uplifting and empowering Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Hawaiʻi and across the country."

     Heather Lusk, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center said, "Pacific Islanders have seen a dramatic rise in transmission rates in recent weeks. Over 10 percent of Hawaiʻi's population is limited English proficient, with a large number of residents born outside of the U.S. Lack of reliable science-based information in their original language places their households, their neighborhoods, and the larger community at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission."

     Francoise Culley-Trotman, Interim Chief Executive Officer of AlohaCare said, "One of the most powerful ways to understand the needs of our 70,000 Medicaid members is through their own language. Navigating the coronavirus means community health plans like AlohaCare having access to culturally appropriate coronavirus-related informational materials."

     Juliet K. Choi, Executive Vice President at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum said, "We cannot expect to end this pandemic if 25 million Americans who are Limited English Proficient cannot meaningfully communicate with their health care provider or receive lifesaving public health information about COVID-19."

     Amy Agbayani and Liza Ryan Gill, Advocacy Committee of The Legal Clinic Hawaiʻi said, "With the recent spike in cases in our state and the disproportionate impact the virus has had on Pacific Islanders, especially Micronesian communities, it is imperative that every effort is made to get translated materials into the hands of trusted community leaders for further distribution and that resources are allocated to culturally-appropriate health services."

     Kevin Prindiville, Executive Director of Justice in Aging said, "Older adults who are immigrants have been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the hardest to reach. This legislation takes important and practical steps to ensure that everyone in our communities has the vital information and resources we all need to protect ourselves and our families."

     Silvia Yee, senior staff attorney at the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund said LEP communities "have faced many of the same communication and information barriers that have confronted Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind, and other persons with disabilities seeking COVID-19 testing and treatment. Every person in our country has been affected by this virus and we must give everyone the equal chance to understand how to avoid, fight, and recover physically and economically from it."

     The Coronavirus Language Access Act is also supported by more than 160 national and local organizations. Click here to see the full list of supporting organizations.

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Example of a three-point turnabout during the modified skills test for a Driver's License. DMV image

THOSE GIVING ROAD TESTS for Driver's Licenses will stay out of vehicles for now. From the pavement, they will observe drivers and aks questions through open vehicle windows.  The modified road test, approved by the state Department of Transportation, allows the examiner and applicant to maintain six-feet social distancing. Approval is granted through Sept. 30.

     The modified test begins with the applicant conducting a vehicle safety check, where the applicant is expected to describe to the examiner each item inspected and why. For example, "I am walking around the vehicle making sure there are no children, animals or obstacles behind or near my vehicle." The applicant is required to be familiar with all controls in the vehicle, as well as recognize when a component is safe on the exterior of the vehicle.

Modified road tests for Driver's Licenses will take place
at Afook-Chinen Civic Center.

     The second part is a vehicle control skills test, with six maneuvering exercises – forward drive, reverse-straight line backing up, three-point turnabout, complete stop, left or right parallel park, and a forward or reverse two-point turnabout.

     Road tests are conducted at Afook Chinen Civic Center. A licensed driver age 21 or older must accompany the applicant to the road test site. Valid registration, safety check, and insurance are also required. Applicants under the age of 18 must provide driver education completion certificates. Upon successful completion of the modified skills test, the applicant will be processed at the Hilo Driver's License office.

     Applicants are recommended to review customer guide, Preparing Yourself for the Modified Skills Test, available at hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing/road-test-appointments, or at Hilo or Kona DMV offices. Applicants should come prepared and have all required documents with them. The modified skills test is only available in Hilo. Appointments may be made at hawaiicounty.ehawaii.gov/roadtest.

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Tropical Depression Ten-E, still more than 1,500 miles from Hawaiʻi.
NOAA image

DISTURBANCES IN THE CENTRAL PACIFIC ARE NOT FORECAST TO AFFECT HAWAIʻI. Tropical Depression Ten-E is expected to turn into a storm by Tuesday, but it still more than 1,500 miles east-southeast from the islands.

     Disturbance 1, more than 500 miles south-southeast has a 20 percent chance of turning into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours. It is moving west at ten miles per hour.

     Other disturbances that may develop into stronger storms in the Eastern Pacific are 2,600 miles or more from Hawaiʻi.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND REPORTS FIVE NEW CASES TODAY, with a Hilo zip code, 96720, reporting between six and ten cases within the last 28 days. Statewide, 233 new cases are reported today, mostly on O‘ahu. Department of Health reports Kauaʻi has one new case, Maui nine, and Oʻahu 218.

     At a press conference today, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard called for a change in state leadership, and immediate expansion of contact tracing and testing capacity, as "lies and gross negligence" have come from state leaders. She was joined by Dr. Jennifer Smith, a Department of Health employee who reported the lack of contact tracing; physician and the president and founder of Premier Medical Group Hawaiʻi, Dr. Scott Miscovich; and Dr. DeWolfe Miller, an expert infectious disease epidemiologist, She said she is also working with congressional leaders to conduct oversight over the state's COVID-19 response, "as over $50 million in federal funding awarded to the state to improve testing and contact tracing, appears to have been misspent or gone unused." Watch the press conference here.

     Residents are urged by Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency to take a survey, to determine what residents see as the most important issues the state is facing, "to assure that the needs of the people are identified and addressed appropriately." One adult per household is asked to fill out the survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, at http://go.hawaii.edu/3P6.

Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code.

White is zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light

orange is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured)

is 11 to 20 cases. Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health map

     There are 17 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 144 since the pandemic began. At least one was recorded recently in Volcano, zip code 96785. No one is hospitalized from the virus. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island. The Kona 96740 and Hilo 96720 zip codes recorded between six and ten cases during the last 28 days.

     The state's new case total is 4,543 since the pandemic began. Oʻahu reported 4,117 cases, losing one to new info; Maui County 206, losing one to new info; and Kauaʻi 53. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Forty people in the state died from COVID-19. There were 2,649 COVID-19 tests reported via electronic laboratory reporting today, meaning almost nine out of every hundred persons tested was positive.

     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Hawaiʻi Island numbers although still low have shown an increase throughout the island and we need your help to protect our community from the virus spread. People disregarding the policies of gatherings, distancing, and face coverings has been identified as the cause for the increase of cases in the State of Hawaiʻi. We need your help by following the policies of prevention. Thank you for doing your part to keep our neighbors, friends, family, and community safe.

     "You are reminded that when traveling interisland the State of Hawaiʻi is under a 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel. Information on the revised inter-island quarantine exemptions is available at the Civil Defense website or by calling Civil Defense at 935-0031. As a reminder, do know the wearing of face masks is mandatory on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Thank you for listening and have a safe day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."

     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,297,876 – over 25 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 168,181 – over 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 21 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 761,926 – over 10,000 in the last 24 hours.

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 

free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 

Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 

kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 

business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

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Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection Workshop with author Tom Peek, Saturday, Aug. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Have you ever wondered how the place you come from influenced who you are? Or what memories you carry from your ancestors? Or how your personal history impacts your view of the world? Take a day out of your busy life to explore your deeper self and ponder the life you’ve lived so far." volcanoartcenter.
org/events, 967-8222

Attend a Virtual Presentation about ʻAlalā, the endemic, endangered Hawaiian crow via Zoom on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. Register in advance at https://hawaii.zoom.us/…/tJcocuGrrTwiGNDBJcyKZOB8cUqkjkbtN9…
A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent. See alalaproject.org.

Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach Park through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.

Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

ONGOING

Apply for a Crossing Guard Position at Nāʻālehu Elementary, to help keiki cross the street safely before and after school. Apply online at https://www.governmen
tjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii or contact Officer Torey Keltner of the Traffic Services Division at 961-2305 for more information.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.

The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry, Cooper Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.

Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

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. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f.

Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round. Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13. Schatz may also nominate exceptional students for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Applications due Friday, Oct. 23. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through 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. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

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

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be 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.

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

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