Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Explosive lava eruption in Leilani Estates during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. See below for

 distribution of recovery grants for lower Puna. Photo by Andrew Richard Hara

KAʻŪ RESIDENTS IN YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME HAVE SURVIVED THE COVID OUTBREAK. Avalon Healthcare, which manages the Veterans Home, told The Kaʻū Calendar today that all five tested positive for COVID-19 and none have passed away.

     A new death announced today brings the toll to 15 at the home. Avalon Healthcare reports 68 residents tested positive since the outbreak began. Fifteen died. Five are cared for in Hilo Medical Center; 29 are cared for in the Veterans Home, and 19 who recovered remain residents.

 

     Twenty-one have not tested positive and seven of them moved out.
     Thirty staff tested positive, with five recovered.

     Avalon also said the air conditioning in the Veterans Home was inspected by Veterans Affairs and "not specifically identified as a reason for the spread," and that filters – in good condition – were replaced last week.

     The VA is sending a team of 20 doctors, nurses, and specialized cleaners to the islands on Thursday and Saturday. Avalon is also sending an additional 12 staff members to the Veterans Home – five CNAs, five RNs, and two nurse managers; most arrive Thursday.

     The statement from Avalon says, after the first VA visit, the staff at the Veterans Home "began immediately to operationalize and implement the VA recommendations. Several of them were already in place and several others are hospital level and above, but the team is working diligently on the implementation and welcomes the support and collaboration of the VA team."

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SHORELINE AND BEACH PARKS remain closed for folks gathering together and for resting through at least Sept. 30 to prevent more spread of COVID-19. Mayor Harry Kim made the call Wednesday. "Department of Health contact tracing has shown that large gatherings are a key source of the virus's spread," said the mayor. "Everybody has been really cooperative and has observed the rules to keep us all safe. The past two weeks have shown a tremendous improvement and we want to make that we keep slowing the spread of the virus." Access to the ocean for fishing for exercise, fishing, and gathering food is allowed.

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TRAVELERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO COME INTO HAWAIʻI without 14 days of quarantine beginning Oct. 15, provided they submit an approved negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Anyone without the negative test will be required to quarantine, including those Hawaiʻi residents returning to the islands.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, quarantined for COVID, working from home. 

The governor named him today to lead the pre-travel testing to Hawaiʻi 

and the vaccine program. See Green's Facebook live.

     Gov. David Ige announced that Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, will spearhead the pre-travel testing program, which includes adding partners to administer the tests and sourcing new testing options and is also responsible for planning the state's COVID-19 vaccination strategy.

     Components include that all travelers either pre-test or go into 14-day quarantine upon arrival to the state. All travelers are required to have temperature checked and complete a health and travel questionnaire. As an alternative to quarantine, each traveler must produce evidence of a negative COVID-19 test no earlier than 72-hours prior to flight arrival in Hawaiʻi. FDA-approved NAAT tests, processed by a CLIA-certified laboratory, are the only types of coronavirus tests currently approved. Green said that approved trusted testing partners will include CVS, Kaiser, and Walgreens.
     During a news briefing this afternoon, Gov. David Ige said pre-testing is a key measure for revitalizing Hawaiʻi's visitor-centric economy, while providing protection for the spread of COVID-19. He also announced that interisland quarantine for anyone arriving on any island other than Oʻahu continues through Oct. 15 unless terminated or extended by a separate emergency proclamation.
     See the FAQs on pretesting for Hawaiʻi travel. 

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New state Director of Health Dr. Libby Char

A NEW STATE LEADERSHIP TEAM OVERSEES RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC. Gov. David Ige today announced that Maj. Gen. Ken Hara, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Director, remains incident commander, spearheading collaboration between federal, state, and county resources to address the pandemic response. Dr. Libby Char, the new Director of the Department of Health manages public health programs and collaboration between state, county, and private healthcare partners. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, oversees pre-travel testing and the vaccination strategy.
     The governor said, "This new leadership team gives us a stronger operational structure, stronger leadership, and clears the way for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors."
     Dr. Virginia Pressler, former director of DOH, is the new volunteer leader of Laulima Alliance, a cross-functional team of public and private sector resources. The aim is to ensure that all have a voice in policymaking and implementation of programs responding to the pandemic. Ige said, "Together with the progress we've made, and continue to make, in the fight against COVID-19, this new leadership team gives us confidence that the time is right to launch our pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, which is an important step toward reviving our economy while continuing to protect public health."

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OCEAN VIEW COVID TESTING TOMORROW, THURSDAY, Sept. 17 at Ocean View Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free, drive-thru event requires everyone to wear masks and bring insurance cards, if have.

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ʻO Kaʻū Kākou gave out food in Ocean View last Friday. Among those who volunteered is 97-year-old Hawaiian
speaker and resident of Punaluʻu, Jeanette Howard (far right). The others pictured (left to right): Amy Krommes,
Laurie Boyle, OKK President Wayne Kawachi, Lizzy Cwynar. OKK's ambassador, Hunnay DeMello, and
her mother, Monica Akamu, also helped. Photo by Nadine Ebert

ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL DISTRIBUTE FOOD on Friday at its Nāʻālehu Market Grounds at 10 a.m. In a drive-through event, OKK will offer beef donated from MJ Ranch, TC Ranch, and more, similar to the last distribution.

     On Saturday, OKK will go to Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home In Hilo. OKK President Wayne Kawachi said today that the organization raised a few thousand dollars to help the staff members.

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THE KĪLAUEA RECOVERY GRANTS PROGRAM HAS ANNOUNCED RECIPIENTS. The funding overseen by Hawaiʻi County's Kīlauea disaster recovery team provides $3.7 million to assist with recovery in lower Puna. Eighteen grants to community nonprofit organizations support restoration and repairs of private roads; assist inundated or damaged farms with recovering; build affordable homes for displaced residents; support natural and cultural resources preservation; assist a public charter school destroyed by the eruption; and other initiatives.

     Puna Councilwoman Ashley Kierkiewicz said, "The Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program was developed with community empowerment in mind. From projects that help people get back to homes and farms, to expanding successful programs or spurring innovative solutions, this important tool advances community-driven initiatives that support Puna's ongoing recovery and revitalization."

Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School, hours before lava covered it during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. $500,000
 in recovery grants are earmarked for the school, to bring their leased school location up to code. 

Photo from Tropical Visions

     The County Council authorized the Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program to allow recovery funding to be provided to private organizations through 501(c)3 nonprofits. Grants larger than $25,000 will be submitted to the County Council for approval via resolution.

     On Tuesday, the County issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a separate grantmaking and capacity-building initiative known as the Community-Based Disaster Management Grant Program. The RFP addresses design, management, and implementation of the program to continue providing grants to support community recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.

     Douglas Le, the County's recovery officer, said, "The Community-Based Disaster Management Grant Program was developed to implement the concept of Puna Strong by providing capacity building and grant resources to residents and help support community initiatives. We look forward to partnering with the community on these grant programs and implementing other recovery strategies to increase resilience."

     Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program awards were selected for the following organizations: Big Island Resource Conservation and Development Council – $500,000 to support infrastructure development for displaced orchid growers; Habitat for Humanity – $500,000 to build five affordable homes for families who lost their homes during the eruption; Hoʻoulu-Lahui – $500,000 to assist Kua O Ka Lā Public Charter School with bringing its leased property into code compliance and Mālama O Puna – $375,000 for road repairs in Leilani Estates.

Pāhoa Lava Museum will receive $22,000 to restore road access to Kapoho Crater. USGS photo

     Also funded are: Food Security Hawaiʻi – $350,000 to assist farm damaged by the eruption; Fellowship for Perpetual Growth – $280,000 to assist farming cooperative damaged by the eruption; Grassroots Church – $275,000 to support job creation, sustainable agriculture and community engagement for the Kuleana Project in Pāhoa. Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation – $250,000 for Kapoho Vacationland project planning and Pāhoa Lava Museum – $175,124 to restore road access to 16 properties isolated by lava in Mālama Homesteads.

     More funding goes to O Makuʻu Ke Kahua Community Center – $154,000 to assist Hawaiian families move from subsistence to commercial farming, strengthen farmer's markets, and address safety and security issues; Ono Seeds – $120,000 to assist a farm damaged by the eruption; Kapono Red Road – $104,500 to support historical preservation, stewardship, and land conservation; Self Discovery through Art – $40,750 to support a recovery, resilience, re-creation facilitator training program and Yeshua Outreach Center – $25,000 to build capacity as a viable Red Cross shelter.

     Additional funding goes to Pāhoa Lava Museum – $23,584 to open Puamana Road; Pāhoa Lava Museum – $22,000 to restore road access to Kapoho Crater; Polestar Gardens – $7,500 to restore greenhouse, water, and irrigation systems for a farm; and Church of the Holy Apostles – $5,000 for repairs of water lines damaged by earthquakes.

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Anne E. Perreira-Eustaquio

A NEW DIRECTOR AND NEW DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS start their positions today. Gov. David Ige appointed Anne E. Perreira-Eustaquio as DLIR director and JoAnn A. Vidinhar as DLIR's deputy director. Perreira-Eustaquio has been serving as DLIR's acting director since last month. Vidinhar has served as administrator for DLIR's Disability Compensation Division since 2015.

     Both appointments are subject to Senate confirmation. 

     Previously, Perreira-Eustaquio was the department's deputy director and has spent her career in various capacities in DLIR's unemployment division, most notably as administrator of the unemployment insurance program. She was born and raised in Hilo. A graduate of Waiākea High School, she attended Chaminade University of Honolulu where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and a Master of Business Administration.

      Perreira-Eustaquio said, "I am extremely honored to continue to serve in this capacity in Gov. Ige's Administration. There are many challenges that the department is facing, and I will continue to work diligently to find solutions to care for our community in this time of need and uncertainty."

JoAnn A. Vidinhar

     Vidinhar previously worked at the Department of Community Development for the City of Bremerton in Washington state, where she was an assistant director and city building official, as well as a development manager and planner. Prior to her work with the City of Bremerton, Vidinhar was employed with Kitsap County's Department of Community Development where she served as a senior planner, and building and planning supervisor.

     Vidinhar said, "It is an honor and a privilege to be considered for this position. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve under Gov. Ige and his administration. As a public servant for over 25 years, I pledge to continue to address the needs of Hawaiʻi's workforce and their families as Deputy Director for the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations."

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SIGN UP TO GIVE BLOOD during the first blood drive since March on Hawaiʻi Island, through Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Sept. 22-24. Donations of whole blood and plasma from healthy, recovered donors, can be made at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Hilo Stake Cultural Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday, Sept. 24, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plans for a Kona drive are underway, with dates yet to be confirmed.

     A special call to action for donors with type O blood has been added because Hawai‘i experiences a chronically low supply of this blood type. To stabilize the local supply, Blood Bank of Hawai‘i is rallying O-negative and O-positive donors. While all blood is needed, O-negative blood is the highest in demand because it's accepted by everyone, and O-positive blood can be used by anyone with a positive blood type – which is about 80 percent of local residents. For more information, download the O-Type People Unite tool kit here.

     In time for increased Neighbor Island registrations, Blood Bank of Hawai‘i launched a new, updated website this week. The new bbh.org "provides a more engaging digital experience for donors and supporters with many new features," says the announcement. Online redesign now allows donors to find and register for a drive on the home page; shares donor and employee stories; and includes a searchable list of the state's top donors.

     Donors interested in giving blood on Hawai‘i Island or O‘ahu may register at bbh.org or call 808-848-4770. In September, donors will receive a coupon for a free taco, courtesy of Taco Bell.

     Mayor Harry Kim said, "We are grateful for the good work that the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i does, and we're glad that in this time of the pandemic, that they are stepping up to provide their vital service to our community," said Mayor Harry Kim.

      Todd Lewis, Blood Bank of Hawai‘i chief operations officer, said, "We are exceedingly grateful to Mayor Kim for giving us permission to host our Hawai‘i Island drives this fall. Our staff is excited to return, and will do everything possible to make saving lives a safe and enjoyable experience."

     At all locations, additional COVID-19 protocols and procedures recommended by the FDA and CDC will be followed. As a reminder, an appointment is required, as walk-ins can no longer be accommodated. Individuals with questions about operations during the COVID-19 pandemic may visit bbh.org/COVID-19 or connect via social media, @BloodBankHawaii.

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NOMINATE BUSINESSES THAT PROVIDE EXCELLENT COVID-19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS for a Gold Star. County of Hawaiʻi awards businesses with the Gold Star when they've passed all necessary safety requirements by the State of Hawaiʻi and implemented additional requirements by the county, Department of Health, and Hawaiʻi Fire Department. These requirements allow businesses to reopen to the public and provide the safest possible conditions during this phase of the pandemic.
     Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development at rd.hawaiicounty.gov/economic-development/covid-19-business-resources-and-information/gold-star-businesses. Find help for small businesses at www.hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp.

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THREE NEW DEATHS on Oʻahu are reported today, bringing the state count to 103. Hilo's Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home reported a 15th death of a resident vet today. The state count does not include 13 deaths reported by the Veterans Home.

     Since the pandemic began, there have been 10,946 COVID cases in the state, 102 new today. Department of Health reports 4,105 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are more than 6,720 active cases in isolation. Hawaiʻi Island reports four new cases, Oʻahu 97, and one resident was diagnosed while out-of-state. There are 18 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.

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 50 cases. Medium

orange is 51 to 90 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 91 to 150 

cases. Bright red is 151 to 230 cases. Dark red (not pictured)

is 231 to 500 cases. Department of Health map

     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, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; and 96785 with Volcano Village. 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley, has not had any cases in the last 28 days. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray have no or very little population and no cases.

     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 9,879 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 603, Maui County 378, and Kauaʻi 58. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 667 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

     Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients.

     All beach and shoreline parks on Hawaiʻi Island 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. Use of pavilions, barbecues, tents, or other shade devices, tables, hibachis, coolers, picnicking, camping, and commercial operations are all prohibited.

     Hawaiʻi Island Police will continue their enforcement of the preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. Civil Defense says, "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced. While on patrol, Police Officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one. Mahalo for your help."

     Civil Defense says the number of new cases of coronavirus on this Island "reflects the need and importance of continuing testing throughout the Island as the virus remains a threat. With all accepting kuleana, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. With the community's involvement, we can keep Hawaiʻi Safe." 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 6,625,560 – about 23 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 196,650 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 29.68 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 937,543.

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

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 six feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

Donate Blood through Blood Bank of Hawai‘i at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Hilo Stake Cultural Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday, Sept. 24, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special call to action for donors with type O blood. For more information, download the O-Type People Unite tool kit here. Register at bbh.org or call 808-848-4770. In September, donors will receive a coupon for a free taco, courtesy of Taco Bell. Appointment and mask required. See bbh.org/COVID-19 or @BloodBankHawaii.


Submit Comments and Questions about Hawaiian Electric's Keāhole Battery Storage Project through Saturday, Sept. 26. The utility submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 28 for a first-of-its-kind on-island, 12-megawatt, 12-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System to help stabilize the power grid for the whole island, reducing the likelihood of customer outages. Virtual public meetings on both projects were held earlier this year and video replays of the discussions, along with the PUC applications and project details, can be found at www.hawaiianelectric.com/selfbuildprojects. Comments and questions can be submitted to keaholebess@hawaiianelectric.com and will be included in the application to PUC.

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 1500 pixels by 1500 pixels 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.

Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Volcano Village's Cooper Center, from 10 a.m. until pau. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.

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. 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 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.

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 the 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.

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

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