Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, August 29, 2020

Last year, Kaʻū High went from 8-man to 11-man football. Read thoughts and expectations of the team
 and coaches in The Way We Were Last Year, below. Photo by Tim Wright, Kaʻū 77

THE HIGHEST DAILY COUNT OF NEW COVID-19 CASES WAS REPORTED TODAY for Hawaiʻi Island, with 39 positive test results. The number of active cases nearly doubled in four days, reaching 116, more than a third of island cases since the pandemic began. This is also a day when at least one new case is reported in the Nāʻālehu zip code 96772, followed by last week's case in the Pāhala zip code 96777, its first since COVID-19 hit the island. There has been at least one case in Volcano zip code 96785 in the last 28 days, and none in Ocean View zip code 96737.
     With the majority of this island's surge in Hilo and overwhelming participation in testing there today, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense announced that testing will continue on Sunday. The free screening will be a drive-up at Prince Kuhio Plaza from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     The Civil Defense message says, "Thank you all for participating, as the program of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible and in this way help stop the spread of the virus.
     "We need your help in following the prevention policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. The Hawaiʻi Police Department will be increasing their patrols and enforcement of the preventive policies of wearing face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. The situation in Hilo is a serious one and we all need to do our part to keep Hawaiʻi safe. With your help, we will stop the spread of the virus and make Hawaiʻi a safe place."
     Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, said he is concerned with the high case count on Hawaiʻi Island. He said 17 of the 24 Intensive Care Unit beds are occupied. While only a few are taken by COVID patients, there are at least 17 hospitalizations at Hilo, he said, indicating that more beds could soon be needed. He warned everyone, "Wear a mask and avoid any groups."
     See more on COVID-19 with state, national, and, world stats, below.

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MASS COVID SURGE TESTING THAT WILL SHUT DOWN A HIGHWAY next week is good for O‘ahu but not necessary at this time on Hawai‘i Island. That's the opinion of Mayor Harry Kim. In a Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald story on Saturday, Kim told writer Stephanie Salmons that Hawai‘i Island people have stepped up for voluntary testing through clinics, non-profits, the county, and other partners. Kim pointed to multiple testings in Keaukaha, with more to come, in order to test, trace and track through the surge of cases in Hilo.
     On O‘ahu, a state and federal partnership will shut down the H-3 freeway on Tuesday and Thursday for mass testing, as COVID-19 cases continue to grow, hospitals fill up, and traveling nurses and other health care workers fly in from the mainland to help out.
     A statement from Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Joint Information Center says that more than 900 healthcare workers responded to the state's call for hospital nursing staff.
     Also helping hospitals are members of the Hawai‘i Medical Reserve Corps., a group of volunteer health professionals, organized after the 9/11 terrorist attack. It has more than 750 members statewide.
     Hawai‘i hospitals are still accepting nurse applications. Waivers are in place for recent nursing graduates preparing for licensing exams to work. The recent graduates will free up more experienced nurses to care for sicker patients. Nurses can apply by completing this survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HRNVLM7. See more COVID-19 stats below.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs urges USDA to extend its food program for distance learning students
beyond Aug. 31. A letter from Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation went to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Image from Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Programs

EXTEND FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR HAWAIʻI'S KEIKI urge Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case. Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Friday, imploring him to extend child Food & Nutrition funding for schools and community organizations to feed students during the 2020-2021 school year.

     Following nationwide school closures during the pandemic, USDA granted waivers to Aug. 31 to extend federal school lunch programs for students, including those not physically at school. Without waivers to continue, it will be more difficult for schools to feed students learning remotely during the COVID pandemic.

     Hawaiʻi's Congressional Delegation wrote waivers prevent hunger through Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option, with "a significant impact for Hawaiʻi students and families – by some estimates providing tens of thousands of meals per day during the recent school closures."

     The USDA "should be focusing on providing maximum flexibility to support our families and schools. Instead, USDA is poised to let current waivers expire, and has failed to provide a detailed explanation of the legal or budgetary roadblocks that have prevented the agency from extending these waivers."

     Sharlene Wong, Program Administrator for the Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Program, said, "As Hawaiʻi's schools grapple with the challenges of serving meals to our keiki, the Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition Program is grateful for the support of Hawaiʻi's Congressional delegation. The extension of these critical waivers will allow us to meet the overwhelming needs of addressing food insecurity during this pandemic.

     Nicole Woo, Senior Policy Analyst for the Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, said, "During this difficult time when many children and families in Hawai'i are dealing with unprecedented challenges, it is imperative that the USDA take action to provide local communities with the flexibility they need to feed students. Rather than making it more difficult for students to receive meals, we should be working to support families by extending these waivers."

     Click here to download the signed letter.

Wayne Kawachi brings free ahi to Kaʻū Hospital's Keoni
Grace for distribution to nurses and other staff.
Photo by Nadene Ebert, OKK VP

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

FORTY-SIX AHI FILETS LANDED AT KA‘Ū HOSPITAL on Friday, courtesy of fisherman and ‘O Ka‘ū Kākou President Wayne Kawachi. Receiving the fish is Ka‘ū Hospitals chef and food service manager Keoni Grace. He says he is happy to give the ahi steaks to the hard-working nurses and staff members of the hospital and clinic.
     Kawachi is on a mission to give free fish to first responders. OKK has also contributed much food, including fresh fish to the community during the pandemic. OKK operates its Nā‘ālehu Market, outdoors, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Duke Kahanamoku was an Olympian and a mentor for swimming. He
also excelled in surfing, volleyball, and canoe paddling. Scholarships
and sports team grants are available in his name from his foundation.
Photo from Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation 

OUTRIGGER DUKE KAHANAMOKU FOUNDATION OFFERS GRANTS TO SPORTS TEAMS AND SCHOLARSHIPS to students in Kaʻū and Volcano.
     Scholarships are available to students full-time, undergraduates attending an accredited college, and high school seniors demonstrating financial need. Applicants must be a resident of Hawaiʻi, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and participate in volleyball, surfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or water polo, with a record of accomplishments and intention to compete in college.
     Applicants should demonstrate the spirit of aloha through leadership and community involvement.
     Multiple scholarships are available. Sports team grants are also available for such disciplines as volleyball, which is widely played in Kaʻū. Event Grants are also available.
     More on Duke Kahanamoku's life as an Olympian swimmer, surfer, and ambassador of Aloha, along with application requirements, can be seen here.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

REACHING OUT TO KAʻŪ, NEIGHBORHOOD PLACE OF PUNA provides rental and mortgage assistance to households who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Representatives will meet those in need in front of Mālama Market in Ocean View from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 7 and Tuesday, Sept. 8. 

     Located in Keaʻau, Neighborhood Place can also be reached at its offices,  or online. Apply and learn more at neighborhoodplace.org.
     Community Development Specialist Kaikea Kleikini Blakemore said, "Although we are based in Puna we also want the public to know that we are offering rental and mortgage assistance for the whole island. We operate to prevent family homelessness to help protect vulnerable keiki in Hawaiʻi."

     Help is also available by phone, email, and at outreach meetings. In-person appointments at 16-105 Opukahaia Street in Keaʻau can be arranged by calling 808-345-3915. Email caresact@neighborhoodplace.org.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

State Sen. Dru Kanuha

STATE SEN. DRU KANUHA, who represents West Kaʻū through Kona, released a statement Friday on "the new normal":  "As the month of August comes to a close, our West Hawaiʻi community has been dedicated and vigilant in the fight against COVID-19. With many family, friends, and neighbors wearing masks and practicing social distancing, the new normal has become a part of our daily routine which pays tribute to our commitment that we are all in this together. 

     "Please continue to pay attention to things like staying home when we feel sick, being mindful of locations and destinations that may be overcrowded, and use contactless services as much as possible.
     "In this new normal, our health and well-being will depend on our collective effort to maintain general physical precaution while finding new ways to live and create aloha. Therefore, let us continue to do better and keep improving the livelihood of our West Hawaiʻi Community."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Louis Sanchez is wanted by island police.

HELP POLICE LOCATE Louis Sanchez, a 26-year-old Kaʻū man wanted on several outstanding bench warrants, and for questioning in connection with other criminal investigations. He is described as 5-foot-six inches tall, 150 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. He is known to frequent the area of South Kona and the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision. 

     Contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 326-4646, ext. 238; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov, or the non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

     Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

THE STATEWIDE COVID COUNT HAS REACHED 8,139 CASES and 62 deaths, with three new fatalities today. The number of active cases is 5,600.

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

White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 25 cases. Light

orange is 26 to 50 cases. Dark orange is 51 to

150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health map

     Statewide, the 310 new cases reported today are 39 in Hawaiʻi County, seven in Maui County, one on Kauaʻi, and 263 on Oʻahu.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 7,410 cases, Maui County 330, losing one to new information today, Hawaiʻi 318, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-four victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places.

     Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD said the positivity rate is about ten percent,

     Statewide, 497 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,477 have been released from isolation.

     In his morning message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said island police are "increasing their patrols and enforcement of the preventive policies of wearing face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. The situation in Hilo is a very serious one and we all need to do our part to keep Hawaiʻi safe." He praised Kaʻū, Kohala, Kona, and Hāmākua districts, but reminded the public, "this is not the time to be complacent. We need you to continue to follow the preventative polices to keep your family, friends, and community safe. With your help we will stop the spread of the virus and make Hawaiʻi a safe place. Thank you for listening and take care."

     See the Hawai‘i County COVID-19 webpage at
https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.

     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,958,486 – about 24 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 182,711 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 24.83 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 840,341.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

HOW VOLCANOES' SHAPES ARE MEASURED is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Today's article is by HVO geophysicist Sarah Conway:

     Geodesy through time: a history of measuring the shape of Hawaiian volcanoes

     Geodesy is the science of accurately measuring and understanding the Earth's geometric shape, gravity field, and orientation in space – and how these change through time. Many geodesists today map shorelines, determine land boundaries, and improve transportation and navigation.

     In the past century, geodesists have used different tools and survey methods to help measure the Earth's shape. While these scientists can wear many different hats, geodesists at USGS HVO are interested in studying how the surface of a volcano deforms to determine what is happening underground.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory Global Positioning System survey near the coast in Hawai‘i Volcanoes 

National Park on September 10, 2019. USGS photo by P. Dotray

     This article provides a brief history of different volcano geodetic methods used through time.

     Triangulation is one of the most time-honored and earliest methods, gaining traction by the 19th century. Triangulation is the process of determining the location of a point by measuring the angles (of a triangle) between control points a known distance apart. This allows measurement of long distances, being controlled only by sight of the beacon. Each calculated distance could then be used to form another triangle forming a complex chain. The earliest triangulation at Kīlauea took place in 1896.

     While similar to the geometry you learned in school, the formulae used in triangulation include curvature of the earth due to the lines being kilometers (miles) long. Triangulation was used sporadically for volcano monitoring on Kīlauea, though it was replaced in the mid-20th century by more accurate electronic distance measuring.

     Trilateration is a similar surveying technique but instead of measuring the angles, the lengths of the triangle’s sides are measured. Any deformation in the region of the established network could then be measured by repeating the survey at a later date.

     Leveling, a technique used to measure height differences, has been conducted at Kīlauea since 1921 and was an integral part of HVO's monitoring from the early 1960s until a decade ago. During leveling, the differences in height along a series of benchmarks are measured and then compared with previous measurements to determine the amount of uplift or subsidence.

     Leveling remains one of the most precise ways to measure vertical height over long distances. Unfortunately, leveling is rarely done at Kīlauea today due to the amount of staff required and expansion of modern satellite-based techniques, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR).

GPS for Kīlauea Caldera over the last five years. HVO image

     In the mid-1960s, an Electronic Distance Meter (EDM) was introduced to Kīlauea. With an EDM, distances could be quickly and precisely measured electronically. Most EDMs use a laser to measure the transit time of light through the atmosphere to reflective targets, which are placed around the volcano.

     Using the travel time, speed of light, and air temperature and pressure, distance can be calculated with precision of 1 mm (0.04 inch) over a distance of 1 km (0.6 miles). If the distance changes between surveys, deformation is happening! Most EDMs used today are short-range and are one component of an integrated instrument known as a "total station." Since the late 1990s at HVO, EDMs have given way to satellite techniques.

     Microgravity surveys have been conducted on the Island of Hawai‘i since the early 1970s. The force of gravity depends on the mass beneath your feet and your distance from that mass, so gravity is not a constant as magma moves and the ground surface changes shape. For volcano geodesists, microgravity surveys are conducted to measure how much magma may be moving beneath the ground. Gravimeters are extremely precise (and expensive) instruments that use either a very sensitive spring-and-boom or quartz sensor.

     Tiltmeters have been used to monitor volcanoes for decades. Just like a carpenter’s level, an electronic tiltmeter uses a small container filled with a conducting fluid that has a bubble to measure a change in slope. There are a variety of tiltmeters used but the majority of tiltmeters on the Island of Hawai‘i are installed in boreholes at least a few meters (5–20 feet) deep to control surface noise.

     The most common geodetic tools used by HVO today are high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which includes GPS and InSAR; these have been described in two recent Volcano Watch articles (here and here).

     Geodesists from around the world come to the Island of Hawai‘i to study Earth's ever-changing shape, with Kīlauea and other Hawaiian volcanoes making it a great "natural laboratory!"

An HVO scientist in the field with a GPS unit. HVO photo 

     Volcano Activity Updates

     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov
/vhp/about_alerts.html). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.

     Kīlauea monitoring data for the past month show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information on the lake, see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit_water_resources.html.

     Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.

     This past week, about 90 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at shallow depths of less than 8 kilometers (about 5 miles). Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements show long-term slowly increasing summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.

     There were 2 events with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.7 earthquake 10 km (6 mi) ENE of Pāhala at 32 km (19 mi) depth on Aug. 25 at 10:41 p.m. and a M3.0 earthquake 1 km (0 mi) ESE of Pāhala at 34 km (21 mi) depth on Aug. 23 at 10:50 a.m.

     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

     Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

As a sophomore, #7 Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley was instrumental in the Trojans' win of the 8-man BIIF 
Championship on Oct. 27, 2018. Photo by Dave Berry

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year

Last Year, the Trojans' first 11-man football game in seven years was played in Pāhala against the Kamehameha Schools Warriors. "Jitters" might be the reason the Kaʻū High team was shut out, with a score of 48, said Coach DuWayne Ke in a Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald article for Kamehameha, that Kaʻū Athletics posted to Twitter. Kamehameha won the 2018 BIIF Division II Championship in 11-man football. Kaʻū decided to revert to 11-man football after winning the BIIF 8-man football championship for years.

     Said Ke, "It was a good experience coming back [to 11-man], but now we have to work a little bit harder. The first game is out of the way. Maybe the jitters are, and we can move forward."

Skirmish in 11-man game in 2019. Photo by Tim Wright, Kaʻū 77

     Kaʻū's Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley, a junior during the 2019-2020 school year, is the 2018 national 8-man rushing leader with an average of 293.3 yards per game. He managed to carry the ball 28 times for a total of 86 yards during the game, with a long gain of 14. He also scored a 98-yard kickoff return, but it was negated by a penalty.

     Loea Kaupu followed Pilanca-Emmsley, with 13 carries for 34 yards.

     The team is co-coached by Ke and his wife, Tammy Mareko-Ke. They are assisted by Nainoa Ke, who works with the offensive line, Kainalu Ke, who works defense, and Talai Ke.

     In another article by Matt Gerhart of the Tribune-Herald from Aug. 14, 2019, Ke expressed his pride in the team for doing things like "running their drills, no coach there" and holding each other accountable for using foul language.

     Gerhart asked an excited Pilanca-Emmsley how he thought the transition from 8-man to 11-man would go. "Harder to score, harder to find holes. It's always a good time to move up. More challenging and we get to play different teams."

Izaiah Pilanca-Emmsley, pigskin in tow. Photo by Tim Wright, Kaʻū 77

    The Trojans had about 40 players during the 2019-2020 season. Freshmen made up 19 of the roster. Only 12 of the roster played in 2018-2019. The 2020-2021 season is postponed due to COVID-19.

     In the Tribune-Herald article, Mareko-Ke said, "Everybody in the town is like, 'Oh, this is 11-man, you guys are going to get creamed,' but we're trying to keep the boys on the positive. We've never played Kamehameha, this is going to be our first time, and this is going to be their first time playing us. What makes you think they can try to run over us right away?"

     Defensive end player Weston Davis told Gerhart, "Coming from a small town, we want to show these guys what we can do. We're going to get there. I think they are going to take us lightly."

     Defensive end player Mana Beck-Chong told Gerhart, "I have faith in my players. We just have to push hard and be aggressive. I'm excited about my defense, we push as a family out there. It feels like family no matter what."

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.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

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

EVENTS
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs will be held Sunday, Aug. 30 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

Hui Mālama Free Online Home Gardening Class, Tuesdays, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mala 101 is sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The announcement says, "Learn to garden at home! Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots to grow in, anyone can learn to grow some of their own food at home! In this introductory series, learn the basics of selecting plants to grow, building healthy soil, and growing on a budget." Receive several plants and A Grow Your Own Laʻau guidebook for participation. The class will meet four times, once a month, from Sept. 8 through Dec. 8. Sign up at hmono.org/services.

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.

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

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

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

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. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

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 a 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.

Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by Sept. 30. Designs highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters must be entirely the artist's own creation. To ensure the design looks its best when printed, submit as a high definition PDF, .AI, .EPS or PNG with a quality of at least 1500px x 1500px and 300 DPI (dots per inch) with dimensions no greater than 11.5 inches by 14 inches. Top finalists' designs will appear on oceancount.org, the winner's design on the back of the shirt. The winner will also receive $500. Email the design and completed registration form to oceancount@marinesancutary.org.


ONGOING

St. Jude's Episcopal Church 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=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0p
UL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.

One-Time Emergency Food for people is available through Big Island Giving Tree. Emergency food for pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, 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.

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.

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

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.

Ocean View Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 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 are required for all vendors and patrons.

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.

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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