About The Kaʻū Calendar

Tuesday, September 08, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Kaʻaluʻalu fire in 2017 raged from a campsite. Kaʻū Hawaiian Home Lands Association is asking that access
to the Ka Lae Coast be limited under COVID-19 rules and during Red Fire alerts.
Photo from HFD
ACCESS TO THE KA LAE COAST during closures of other state and county beach parks and coastal lands around the island, due to COVID-19 and fire alerts, remains a concern of Kaʻū Hawaiian Home Lands Association.
     Its spokesperson, Nohea Kaʻawa, said today the group is "asking that Ka Lae and its shoreline areas get the same protections" as other county and state beach parks and coastal areas during Civil Defense proclamation periods." Over Labor Day weekend, Kaʻū Hawaiian Home Lands Association met up with people from all over the island going there to camp. Some turned around after being asked to refrain from overwhelming the coast.
    The areas of particular concern are Kamilo, Kaʻaluʻalu - the whole Ka Lae shoreline. Not only are large groups able to hide from COVID-19 rules of enforcement, they can bring a fire risk. A 2017 campfire started a range fire at Kaʻaluʻalu  that threatened Green Sands and Discovery Harbour neighborhoods.
Kaʻaluʻalu fire from campsite seen from Hwy 11 in 2017. Photo by Shalan Crysdale
      The Kiʻekiʻe Kaʻū group posted the following commentary today:     "Our many moʻolelo of Kaʻū tells us that we descend from good Aliʻi who aside of their numerous leadership skills was definitely known to maintain balance. There are even more moʻolelo of Kaʻū that tells us that we descend from pilau Aliʻi that were put to death by our own ʻOhana. Those Aliʻi lacked quality leadership and they did not maintain balance, their actions were greedy and they took
advantage of their position.
     "Our moʻolelo is the guidelines on how we, the descendants of our Aliʻi, live our lives in Kaʻū.   These stories teach us the lessons we need to know in order to maintain balance, to maintain Aloha
     "ʻĀina. ʻĀina is the land and ʻĀina is ourselves, we are one. What happens to our land, has a direct effect on what happens to our body, our health.
     "I ʻike ʻoe iā Kaʻū a puni, a ike ʻole ʻoe iā Palahemo, ʻaʻole ʻoe i ʻike iā Kaʻū: if you have seen all
of Kaʻū but have not seen Palahemo, you haven't seen Kaʻū.
     "When you stand at Ka Lae, Lua o Palahemo, (our piko) and you look towards Kapāpala and look towards Manukā, you are looking at the whole of Kaʻū. You are able to see 80 miles of undeveloped coastline because the people of Kaʻū, guided by our Kūpuna, took a stand and spoke out against anything that threatened to cause harm to the balance of our ʻĀina, our environment, us as people.
Kaʻauʻalu Bay, one of the remote places on the Kaʻū Coast where large groups can get away from
restrictions on beach gatherings. It's also a frequent Red Flag location for fires.
     "Today, we are fortunate with the privilege to reap the benefits from the battles that our Kaʻū Kūpuna endlessly fought in order to give us what we have. In the now, there is an imbalance. The message we are sending is to truly, Aloha ʻĀina. The stand in Kaʻū is no different than the stand that we make each time we go to protect our Mauna a Wākea. Kua, our Kaʻū Akua Manō, is the Mountain of our ocean, he is the Moʻopuna of Wākea, we are all connected from the same piko, mauka to makai.
     "Our Kaʻū community simply said that in an attempt to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, please do not come, we need to rest and heal from this pandemic. Since this is the joint message from our Community, it is directly speaking to our environment as well because we are our environment, we are ʻĀina and we need to Aloha ʻĀina. Our ʻĀina needs to heal and in order to heal, we need rest.
A Kaʻaluʻalu brush fire threatened houses in 2017. Photo by Lizze Stabo
     "If you came or continue to come to Kaʻū under the civil defense proclamation that was put into place due to COVID-19, along with Kaʻū being on the list as a red zone (most hazardous) for fire risk and further, against the wishes of our Community, you need to ask yourself these questions:
     "'What is going on in your ʻĀina, your piko?'
     "'What is so imbalanced in your Moku that you would risk traveling all the way to Kaʻū under these detrimental conditions even with your keiki?'
     "No one has the answers for these questions but you, all we can offer is our Kaʻū moʻolelo and hope that with time and perhaps age, you will learn, understand and respect why we stand to Aloha ʻĀina, why we stand to deter people from literally loving Kaʻū to death. Respect us or Expect us – #KapuKaʻū"
Ikaika Marzo, left, and Mitch Roth, right, are running for Mayor of
Hawaiʻi County. Photo from Roth's Facebook
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 COUNTY MAYORAL CANDIDATES MITCH ROTH AND IKAIKA MARZO are gearing up for the General Election. People can register to vote by Monday, Oct. 5 online, https://olvr.hawaii.gov/, or if postmarked by that date via mail. As during the Primary, all ballots will be mailed, but voters can still vote in-person and may register the same day. Ballots should start to arrive around Oct. 16. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
     As of Aug. 8, Roth received $202,964.70 in monetary and non-monetary campaign contributions. Of that, about 5.6 percent, $11,545.80, were donations of $100 or less. He began his campaign with a balance of $2,742.62.
Mayoral candidate Ikaika Marzo, masked in support of the 
#ourkuleana social media campaign to normalize 
COVID precautions. Image from his Facebook
     As of Aug. 8, Marzo received $94,792.74 in monetary and non-monetary campaign contributions. Of that, 36 percent were donations of $100 or less. Marzo received $34,590.28 contributions of under $100. He received $904.29 from family, and $20.348.07 in "other" funds, including his own money. He began his campaign with no balance.
     Roth is endorsed by Primary Election mayoral candidates fourth-place finisher Neil Azevedo, and sixth-place finisher Tante Urban. In video on Roth's Facebook, Urban says, "I'm supporting Mitch because he's a great person, very honest, good integrity."
     Roth is endorsed by unions Hawai’i Government Employees Association Local 152, LiUNA!, International Union of Operating Engineers, Hawaiʻi Firefighters Assoc. Local 1463, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, UA Local 675, State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers, and ILWU Local 142.
     Marzo is endorsed by Primary Election mayoral candidates seventh-place finisher Bob Fitzgerald, eighth-place Mike Ruggles, and tenth-place Wendell Kaʻehuʻaeʻa. Ruggles said in a video on Marzo's Facebook that he endorses Marzo because "we need somebody who has empathy, compassion, and class. And he's shown to have all three."
     Marzo is endorsed by union Iron Workers Local 625 Hawaiʻi.
Mayoral candidate Mitch Roth, masked in support of the
#ourkuleana social media campaign to normalize
COVID precautions. Image from his Facebook
     When asked whom he will endorse, fifth-place finisher Primary Election mayoral candidate Stacy Higa told The Kaʻū Calendar, "I like both these guys – wishing them both the best. I'm waiting to see which one will impress me, to get my vote."

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 STAFF AT A JAIL IN HILO PUT DOWN UNREST AND HAWAIʻI FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT DOWN A BLAZE TODAY. Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center reported this evening that unrest that began at 3:45 p.m., involving inmates in the A-wing of the Wainuenue housing module, ended with the expectation of charges to be filed against perpetrators. Inmates "set a fire and barricaded doors." Hawaiʻi Fire Department joined Hawaiʻi Police and State Sheriffs were called to assist. Emergency response teams made up of correctional officers, with the assistance of Hawaiʻi Police and Sheriffs, responded.
A fire and protest at Hawaiʻi Community Correctional
Facility caused some street closures in Hilo today. The
unrest ended by evening. Google map
     Also today, Gov. David Ige named Fred Hyun to study the Public Safety Department. He is also chair of the Paroling Authority. "Managing our overcrowded, aging, chronically understaffed correctional facilities is one of the toughest jobs in the state. The COVID-19 pandemic makes the job even more difficult. I have directed Fred to conduct a top-to-bottom assessment of the Department of Public Safety and to work with Dep. Director Maria Cook to implement any needed changes to enable it to operate more effectively," said Ige.
Fred Hyun will study improvements to
the state Public Safety Department.
Photo from Gov. David Ige
     Hyun is tasked with assessing operations of the administration, corrections, and law enforcement divisions, including strengths and weaknesses. He is also tasked with investigating concerns from unions about the department's COVID-19 response. Following his assessment, he will make recommendations and prioritize potential mitigation measures.
     "Fred has an extensive and respected professional background in both adult and youth corrections and has served as chair of the Paroling Authority for the past four years. I'm confident he has the experience and ability to meet this very challenging task," said the governor.
     Hyun was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu where he attended the University Lab Schools. He graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a degree in psychology and later earned a master's degree in social work.
     After completing his undergraduate requirements, Hyun served in the Hawaiʻi Air National Guard. Following his initial active duty, he was hired by the Hawaiʻi Youth Correctional Facility as a Youth Corrections Officer, where he started the first halfway house for committed wards. He served as a Supervisor with the Oʻahu Intake Service Center to address jail overcrowding. He became the Hawaiʻi Intake Service Center Manager until his retirement from Public Safety in 2003. Upon his retirement, Hyun worked in private security until he was hired by the Honolulu Liquor Commission.

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A RENT RELIEF PROGRAM WITH PAYMENTS GOING DIRECTLY TO LANDLORDS was announced today by Gov. David Ige. Neighbor Island residents who lost income from the pandemic and unable to pay rent will be allowed up to $1,500 a month to pay rent. On Oʻahu, the maximum will be $2,000 a month. The $100 million fund comes from the federal government through the CARES Act COVID-19 relief funding. It will be managed by Catholic Charities and Aloha United Way.
     In a press conference today, the governor said he wants to prevent homelessness and allow people to stay in their homes. The program will also provide financial counseling. Household income must be below 100 percent of median income.
     Both Catholic Charities and Untied Way are open to accept applicants. See  hihousinghelp.com or call 808-521-HELP. Also see catholiccharitieshawaii.org.

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FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING IN PĀHALA will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym, located next Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Pre-register with Auntie Jessie Marques at 928-0101.
     Organized by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, the event is co-sponsored by S&G Labs, Project Vision, Hawaiʻi District Health Office, Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi, Bay Clinic Inc., Kaʻu Hospital & Rural Health Clinic, Mayor Harry Kim, Kaʻū police and fire departments, and Hawaiʻi Island National Guard.
     Everyone must wear a face mask at all times. Everyone is asked to bring ID and insurance cards if they have insurance. No medical requisition required, non-insured are eligible.

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 STATE HAS RECORDED OVER 10,000 CASES OF COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Today is the second day in a row of lower case counts, under 100 for the first time since Aug. 2. On that date, the state recorded 2,242 cases since the pandemic began, and the new case-count was 45. Today, 38 days later, the state cumulative count is 10,025. Department of Health reports 3,063 people have been released from isolation and there are 6,874 active cases. The state has 66 more cases today: six on Hawaiʻi Island, two in Maui County, and 58 on Oʻahu.
     The state's official death toll is 88. Today's single reported death on-island is a ninth resident of Yukio Okutsu State Veteran's Home in Hilo. Says the Home, "Nine of our beloved Veterans who tested positive for COVID-19 have passed away. We are heartbroken over this and express our condolences to the family and friends of these residents." One additional resident tested positive for COVID-19 today, with a total count of 59. Of those residents, 33 are being cared for at the facility in a dedicated COVID unit, three are being cared for at the hospital, and 14 have recovered. Eighteen staff have tested positive and are isolating until cleared.
     An employee of Life Care Center of Hilo tested positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 6 and will not return to work until they meet the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines for returning. Executive Director Mark Mann said, "When we received the notification, we notified the state health department and started the process of contacting every resident, resident family member and staff member to inform them of the positive test." He said every associate at the Center was tested for COVID-19 and every resident is being tested today. The results are pending. "We understand the virus is still a very real problem and we remain vigilant. Our residents are monitored multiple times day and night for any symptoms or concerns. Every associate is also screened when they arrive for work and when they leave, including checking temperature and monitoring for any symptoms or concerns."
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray
areas have zero or few residential addresses. White is zero cases.
Yellow is one to 20 cases. Pale orange is 21 to 60 cases. Medium
orange (not pictured) is 61 to 140 cases. Dark orange is 141 
to 220 cases. Bright red (not pictured) is 221 to 460 cases. 
Dark red (not pictured) is 461 to 830 cases. 
Department of Health map
     Due to a 4.1 percent positivity rate for Hawaiʻi County, based on Aug. 28 through Sept. 2 data, Center Medicare & Medicaid Services states it requires long-term care facilities to COVID-19 test all staff. Testing begins this week for long-term care staff in Hilo's Extended Care Facility, Kaʻū Hospital, and Hale Hoʻola Hāmākua.
     Hawaiʻi Island's case count total is 523 since the pandemic began, with 289 active according to Civil Defense. Eight island residents are hospitalized. In the last 28 days, active cases have been reported in zip codes 96704 with Miloliʻi; 96737 with Ocean View; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96718 is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray on the map, below, have no or very little population and no cases.
    Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 9,058 cases, Maui County 360, and Kauaʻi 58. Twenty-six victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 599 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
     All beach and shoreline parks are closed through Sept. 19. The activities of exercising, fishing, food gathering, use of restroom, shower facilities, and access to the ocean will continue to be allowed. Hawaiʻi Island Police will continue their enforcement of the preventative polices of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced," says Civil Defense. "With your help, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. Thank you for listening and have a safe Labor Day Weekend." See hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.
     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 6,327,009 – about 23 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 189,653 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 27.57 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 897,383.

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.

VISIT PĀHALA AND NĀʻĀLEHU LIBRARIES, which are open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons may 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, they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff, or they may go in-person to request items, without placing a hold. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Both locations are also open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi is available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot, by using their library card and PIN. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

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

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Ocean View, Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the Park and Ride parking lot. Pick-up will be at the back store. Ingredients for a hamburger steak dinner for four will consist of 2 lbs. of ground beef, gravy mix (just add 1 cup of water), onion, and rice to be distributed.

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.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Virtual Advisory Council Meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 159 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Presentations will include acoustic research, a proposal for voluntary speed regulations for ocean-going vessels in the sanctuary. Register in advance here.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Food Giveaway in Nāʻālehu, Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market location. Ingredients for a hamburger steak dinner for four will consist of 2 lbs. of ground beef, gravy mix (just add 1 cup of water), onion, and rice to be distributed.

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.

COVID-19 Information for Farm Workers Poster. English: https://bit.ly/2F3gJ3u;
English/Spanish: https://bit.ly/2Z0cihc; English/Marshallese: https://bit.ly/2QLbybk
ONGOING
Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, and questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.

Pre-Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach Program in Ocean View here. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families, to complete the registration process. Questions? Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org.

Free Tutors for Keiki in Pāhala, for grades one through six, will be available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island soon. Subjects are Homework Help, Social Studies, Reading, Writing, Math, Spelling, Test Taking Strategies, Organizational Skills, and more. Contact Boys & Girls Club at info@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.

Free Wifi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
     In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
     In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
     In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind and Mrs. Marcia Masters. No restrooms available at this location.
     Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Mrs. VanNewkirk, Mrs. Heather Naboa, Mrs. Marcia Masters, and Mrs. Ebanez.
     All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? Call 313-4100.

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/482552460607505#/signup. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.

Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m., with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. The only time a face covering is needed is when the usher comes to the vehicle to pass out the worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.

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=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, 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.

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 Kūpuna808b-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.

Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home, using neuroscience and positive psychology, children and parents alike can learn to better understand themselves and each other. The program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics," to teach families "how to manage their emotions, communicate in healthier ways, and create a nurturing environment focused on the things that matter most." Sign up at https://chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home/.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads given out to distance learning students enrolled in Kaʻū public schools. The website is open to the public here. ʻOhana Help Desk is also available to students and parents by phone, Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and state holidays.

Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. It is open to students of Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, to connect to internet for distance learning. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons may 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, they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff, or they may go in-person to request items, without placing a hold. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Both locations are also open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi is available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot by using their library card and PIN. 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.

Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Meetings held Sundays on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

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.

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