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Playing on the rough after Volcano Golf Course closed, golfers can expect new management and a reopening. Photo by Julia Neal |
Alapaki Nahele-a, a Kemehameha Schools Director of Community Strategies, told reporter Michael Brestovansky that the lease will include the course, clubhouse, and restaurant that suffered substantial damage from a fire last year. Nahele-a told the Tribune-Herald, "We are looking for someone who can fit all our core values, not just someone who can make it financially profitable."
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Rebuilding or repairing the fire-damaged clubhouse will likely be a requirement for whomever wins the Volcano Golf Course lease from Kamehameha Schools. Photo by Julia Neal |
The Japan-based long-term former tenants of the golf course told The Kaʻū Calendar after the fire that they planned to use insurance money to rebuild the clubhouse. However, they changed their minds and abandoned the lease in May. Their hui began managing the golf course and clubhouse in 1969, with a change in the business to a locally registered company in 1999.
All three golf courses and their clubhouses in Kaʻū – Punaluʻu, Discovery Harbour, and Volcano – are shut down to the public, with plans being developed by new owners at Punaluʻu, a community group at Discovery Harbour, and the lease proposal at Volcano. Kamehameha Schools also owns lands adjacent to the Punaluʻu Golf Course.
A PRETRAVEL TEST FOR INCOMING VISITORS FROM JAPAN was approved by the state Department of Health and Gov. David Ige today. He said that the Covid-19 Nucleic Acid Amplification Test has been authorized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Proof of a negative test result from "trusted testing partners" in Japan will allow travelers from Japan to bypass the 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in Hawai‘i.
DOH is in discussions with Japanese medical institutions to secure a list of "trusted testing partners" in Japan. Once the list is established, travelers from Japan will have the option to take the NAAT test 72 hours prior to departure for Hawai‘i. They would be required to show proof of a negative test result upon arrival in order to bypass the 14-day quarantine.
The governor said that State of Hawai‘i looks forward to working with all levels of the Japanese government to identify trusted testing partners and to make the pre-travel testing program a success.
As soon as Japan’s trusted testing partners are confirmed, the information will be posted on the Hawai‘i COVID-19 information website – hawaiicovid19.com.
Japanese nationals traveling abroad are still subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their return to the country. Travel restrictions on U.S. travel into Japan still remain in place. The State of Hawai‘i is set to begin its pre-travel testing program for U.S. mainland travelers tomorrow, Oct. 15.
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| Flights between Japan and Hawai`i are expected to ramp up with today's approvals by the Japanese and Hawai`i governments. Photo from Hawaiian Airlines |
The governor said that State of Hawai‘i looks forward to working with all levels of the Japanese government to identify trusted testing partners and to make the pre-travel testing program a success.
As soon as Japan’s trusted testing partners are confirmed, the information will be posted on the Hawai‘i COVID-19 information website – hawaiicovid19.com.
Japanese nationals traveling abroad are still subject to a 14-day quarantine upon their return to the country. Travel restrictions on U.S. travel into Japan still remain in place. The State of Hawai‘i is set to begin its pre-travel testing program for U.S. mainland travelers tomorrow, Oct. 15.
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.
Green said Strategic Surveillance Testing "comes at the recommendation of Dr. Anthony Fauci (director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), as it's meant to add an additional layer of safety to the pre-travel testing program. The goal is to address the value of pre-testing and the risk of travel into Hawai‘i.
He said that, since the start of the pandemic, more than 11,000 people in the state couldn't pay their rent, 40,000 are on Med-QUEST, and 150,000 people have lost their jobs.
Green said that COVID-19 testing isn't perfect and Hawaiʻi can "expect some travelers may come in with COVID-19. However, we anticipate this number to be small and manageable. I'm in constant communication with our health care community and believe we are equipped to handle this next phase. Our greatest public health risk comes from our local communities not practicing proper mitigation steps like wearing a mask, washing hands, and physical distancing."
Green said that COVID-19 testing isn't perfect and Hawaiʻi can "expect some travelers may come in with COVID-19. However, we anticipate this number to be small and manageable. I'm in constant communication with our health care community and believe we are equipped to handle this next phase. Our greatest public health risk comes from our local communities not practicing proper mitigation steps like wearing a mask, washing hands, and physical distancing."
Learn more about interisland travel and testing in the Daily News Digest of the State Of Hawai`i's Joint Information Center at hawaiicovid19.com.
PROHIBITION ON EVICTIONS AND AN EXTENSION FOR STATE ID AND DRIVER LICENSES renewals are extended to Monday, Nov. 30. Gov. David Ige signed a 14th Emergency Proclamation yesterday. It also outlines details of the pre-travel testing program – see yesterday's Kaʻū News Briefs. Read the proclamation 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.
FILL OUT THE CENSUS BY MIDNIGHT Hawaiʻi time, Thursday, Oct. 15. The Supreme Court's Tuesday decision ends the count early. Fill out the census form online. Paper responses must be postmarked by Thursday.
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| USDA Rural Development Director for Hawaiʻi and the Western Pacific, Brenda Iokepa-Moses. Photo from USDA |
IMPROVING ELECTRIC EFFICIENCY for local businesses and benefiting the environment is the goal of $566,000 in grants from USDA Rural Development. Brenda Iokepa-Moses, Rural Development Director for Hawaiʻi and the Western Pacific, said these investments come from the agency's Rural Energy for America Program. "Improving energy efficiency to assist farmers, the agricultural industry, and rural businesses is a way to help our environment and our producers" and to lower energy costs.
Iokepa-Moses said renewable energy is particularly important for Hawaiʻi and the Western Pacific where energy costs are high. "With the real-time adaptions in dealing with the pandemic, programs like this are no longer just luxuries for the communities, they have become essential."
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; lighting; and refrigeration.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Recipients can use REAP funding for energy audits and to install renewable energy systems such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, and solar. The funding can also be used to increase energy efficiency by making improvements to heating, ventilation, and cooling systems; insulation; lighting; and refrigeration.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety, and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.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.
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| Agricultural County Extension Agent Randy Hamasaki retired after helping develop tea to grow on this island, and aiding farmers with vegetables and blueberry production. A hiring freeze at |
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| Sharon Wages takes care of food safety and edible crops. U.H. photo |
Randy Hamasaki, County Extension Agent, retired last month "after an amazing 34 years of service!" said Kawabata. "Thank you for your dedication to Hawaiʻi's agricultural and local communities. You will be missed." Hamasaki was responsible for vegetables, tea, and blueberries. Dr. Alyssa Cho, Assistant Researcher, resigned in January. She was responsible for tropical fruit and nut research. Eli Isele, Assistant Extension Agent, resigned in July. He was responsible for mac nut, cacao, vegetables, taro, and breadfruit.
Kawabata reports: "The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dire fiscal crisis for the University of Hawaiʻi that is likely to affect us for a number of years. As an immediate cost-saving measure, a hiring freeze and a freeze on all non-extramural-funded travel have been imposed systemwide." Gov. David Ige has put forward the possibility of furloughs for all state employees over a four-year period, effective December. "Nonetheless, we realize that the needs of our stakeholders on Hawaiʻi island are critical now more than ever," said Kawabata.
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What can you do? is the question from Andrea Kawabata during a Kaʻū Coffee Fest presentation. She will operate with a reduced staff to take care of coffee and orchard crops. Photo by Julia Neal |
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.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID-19 TESTING IN OCEAN VIEW will be held this Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahuku Park. No insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. No co-pay for the individuals being tested. Be sure to wear a face-covering at all times and observe social distancing. For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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.
https://lrbhawaii.gov/par.
https://lrbhawaii.gov/par.
A FOURTH DEATH AT LIFE CARE CENTER OF HILO brings Hawaiʻi Island's death toll to 38: four at Hilo Life Center, one at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Some Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 183 people have died in the state, according to state records, ten new today.
Life Center reports 52 resident positive cases, 16 staff. The Veterans Home reports case counts stalled at 71 residents, 35 staff.
At Hilo Medical Center, patients not in Emergency or with COVID may receive one visitor per day between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Extended Care Facility is cleared as COVID-free; admissions have resumed.
As of yesterday, Kona Community Hospital has six COVID-positive patients, three on ventilators.
Learn more on COVID, below.
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| Life Care Center of Hilo recorded a fourth resident death today. Photo by Tim Wright |
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.
EIGHTEEN NEW COVID-19 CASES are reported for Hawaiʻi Island. The state's new case count is 101, with one in Maui County, on out-of-state resident, and 81 on Oʻahu.
Hawaiʻi Island's death toll as reported by the county is 37: three at Hilo Life Center – learn more on the Center, above – one at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Some Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 183 people have died in the state, according to state records, ten new today.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28
days, by zip code. Gray areas have zero residential
addresses. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 20 cases. Pale
orange is 21-40 cases. Medium orange is 41-60 cases. Dark orange is 61-120 cases. Bright
red is 121-180 cases. Dark
red is 181-270 cases. Department of Health map |
Oʻahu reports 12,176 cases, Maui County 409, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 961 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases reported in the last 28 days for three Kaʻū zip codes and one in Volcano. Zip code 96777, which includes Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96785 with Volcano Village; and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, have had no cases in the last 28 days. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, with Ocean View. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date.
In Hilo zip code 96720, 116 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 176 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. While on patrol, police officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage here. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel here. 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 7,899,313 – about 21 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 216,513 – about 20 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 38.35 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,089,186.
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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. |
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
EVENTS
Join Statewide Earthquake Drill The Great Hawaiʻi ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. Register as participants here.
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, Florida. The final Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each debate will air from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on. Each debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC, among others. All the major news networks will offer a free live stream, as will YouTube and Twitter. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast at 89.1, or stream the audio here, on the HPR mobile app, or on a smart speaker.Enter Hawaiʻi Nei Art Contest, open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents, by Friday, Oct. 16 at hawaiineiartcontest.org. All original artwork entries must depict a native (endemic or indigenous) species to Hawaiʻi Island. Open to amateur and professional artists of all ages. Entry fees $15 per entry for adults, free for under 18. Artists encouraged to explore a variety of media, including the performing arts. Learn more at hawaiineiartcontest.org.
Sign Wave for Biden and Harris with Kaʻū Voices, an Indivisible group in Ocean View on Friday, Oct. 16, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mamālahoa Hwy 11, north of Aloha, on makai side of highway. Bring a sign or use one provided.
Attend a Free Conflict Resolution Workshop, Kū I Ke Aloha: Stand Up & Speak Out on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The interactive session explores examples of individual and community advocacy that resulted in positive change in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Take away some communication skills for the real world – no matter the media – to use with aloha. Register here or RSVP to Majidah at Kuʻikahi Mediation Center, (808) 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org.
Free COVID-19 Testing for Native Hawaiians and Pacifi Islanders Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ocean View at Kahuku Park, 92-8607 Paradise Circle (mauka). Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association recently received partial funding from Sheri Daniels, Executive Director of Papa Ola Lokahi. Gift certificates available to the first 100 to be tested. Masks required at all times. No insurance necessary, no cost to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. Pre-registration encouraged – call 928-0101.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events – with size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations – are on Saturday, Oct. 17, cleanup; Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. HWF says details are forthcoming but will be a blend of hiking, BYO-4wd, and limited HWF carpool options. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi Annual Meeting online at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17. A statement from the nonprofit says, "Over the past seven decades, CCH has been able to protect our native plants, animals and ecosystems across the Hawaiian Islands because of your support, we are extremely grateful and as we navigate our path forward we rely on your support even more than ever." Register here.
Pick Up Free Food Weekly for keiki 18 and younger from Volcano School of Arts & Sciences starting Friday, Oct. 23. Distribution in Pāhala, location tbd, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until pau. Each keiki with receive rice, beans, and eggs, with fresh fruit and vegetables, for breakfast, lunch, and snack for seven days. Keiki's ʻohana asked to fill out form with name and birthdate, and school if the keiki is of school age.
Live Online Event Hōkūleʻa: The Revival Begins, 1975-1980, Friday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free 13th annual wayfinding talk story session presented by ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Ama Olukai Foundation will focus on the history of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's formative years leading up to the iconic voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Register for a chance to ask questions of the presenters at imiloahawaii.org.
PETFIX and Hawaiʻi Rainbow Ranger Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 in Keaʻau. Microchips available For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Plant a Tree on Oct. 30. Register a planting site at https://retree-hawaii.org/planting/sites/.
Take Free Courses and Certifications for Hawaiʻi Residents through Coursera are offered by state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. More than 3,000 options. Registration open until Oct. 31. Recommended courses for picking up technology skills. View more.
Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center. Partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank system, the 2020 Small Business Credit Survey provides vital information to policymakers and lenders who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. Ten-minute-long survey open to businesses currently in operation, recently closed, or about to launch. Survey closes Oct. 31. Responses are confidential. Complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Ballots for registered voters should start to arrive around Oct. 16. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy from Oct. 14, 24 hours a day, until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, Election Day . See other locations here. is Tuesday, Nov. 3. See tips on helping others to register to vote at nationalvoterregistrationday.org. Find more information at elections.hawaii.gov. Check voter registration status here.
Attend Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Nov. 4 The 15th year of the festival takes off with a special set of in-depth presentations covering a variety of topics deeply impacting the local community. Featuring Hawaiʻi Public Radio's Burt Lum, host of Bytemarks Café, on several panels. More info & schedule.
Artists and Vendors, sign up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center on Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will help raise funds for the Center, as well as benefit local artists and crafters. Booths are $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Face masks required. Free admission for attendees. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
Free Grab-and-Go Meals for Anyone 18 and Younger at Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary available weekdays – except Nov. 3, 26, and 27 – 11:30 a.m. to noon. Pick up lunch and next-day breakfast. Social distancing and masks required. Children don't need to be present if parents and guardians provide a verification document. Through Friday, Dec. 18.
ONGOING
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, Florida. The final Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each debate will air from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC, among others. All the major news networks will offer a free live stream, as will YouTube and Twitter. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast at 89.1, or stream the audio here, on the HPR mobile app, or on a smart speaker.Watch the Oct. 5 Debate between Mayoral Candidates Ikaika Marzo and Mitch Roth on Nā Leo TV, Spectrum Channel 54, online at naleo.tv/channel-54/, or via the free Nā Leo mobile app.
Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. The previous grant limit was $1,000 per month. RMAP applicants must also have a current annual household income at or below 140 percent of area median income for the number of members in their household – $81,760/yr. for one person, $126,000 for five.
Payments are made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
Hawai‘i Community Lending and Hawai‘i County have modified RMAP to address barriers for applicants, application processing, and how to encourage more residents to apply. Other changes include reimbursement for payments made with personal resources, such as savings, credit cards, personal loans, or assistance from family or friends. In addition, households who entered into a forbearance or payment agreement with their mortgage lender or landlord for payments that were due between March and December 2020 may now be eligible. Residents who previously applied to RMAP and were rejected are encouraged to reapply.
RMAP nonprofit partners are: Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, www.HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, www.hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, www.neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, www.hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, www.habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here.
Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. Other questions about health insurance, housing, or unemployment, helpline available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WAO helpline: (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.
Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
Learn How to Practice Self-Care through Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. In partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Health, the program seeks to "remind the community that now more than ever, it's important to be gentle with yourself. Be present, limit the amount of news and media, listen to your body, and most importantly, ask for help if you need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please reach out to friends and family for support, and seek professional help for serious or persistent symptoms."
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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The State of covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov |
Student Athletes of Kaʻū High interested in participating in athletics during the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to call Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 313-4161 to sign up for the Student Athlete Google Classroom.
COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. at 10 a.m. on Spectrun Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, and streaming via the Nā Leo's free mobile app. Watch all episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
Sign Up for ‘Imiloa's Hālau Lamakū Place- and Culture-based Fall Enrichment Program at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Held for seven weeks, Oct. 19 through Dec.4, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays.
The program offers "fun, engaging and educational activities, crafts, games, outdoor exploration, and observations grounded in Hawaiian culture, science, math, and art. Explorations from deep ocean to deep space, and everything in between – all from ‘Imiloa's facilities and outdoor gardens. Enrollment limited to seven pods for K-5th grade students with one instructor, one assistant, and up to eight participants, who will remain together for all seven weeks. Participant's required synchronous and asynchronous school distance learning needs will be addressed. Students will bring their own lunch, two snacks, and two bottled water each day.
Cost per member child is $695; registration starts Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. Non-member cost per child is $995; registration starts Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. Enrollment open through Oct. 7, first-come, first-served. Scholarship applications are open; proof of financial need required. See imiloahawaii.org/halau-lamaku to register, apply for a scholarship, become a member, and find out more.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For more info, contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.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, available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island 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.
32nd Annual The Trash Show Hawaiʻi: Artists Recycle open through Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Features The TrashFace Collection by Volcano Artist Ira Ono. To attend, all visitors are required to wear a face mask, maintain six-foot social distancing, no physical contact when greeting people, a maximum of ten people in the gallery, and encouraging anyone who feels ill to stay home. See more art from Ono at Volcano Garden Arts & Café Ono, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., www.volcanogardenarts.com, www.cafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.org.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here. 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
One-Time 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.
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
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, ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon . Limit of 50 customers, 25 vendor booths, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required, social distancing 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. facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. O
Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books 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 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. Complete webform here or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.
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.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.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Using $10 million in federal CARES Act funds, Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism matches workers with companies in sectors such as conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, creative arts, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and STEM fields. The programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Eligible people are displaced workers, or recent high school or college graduates. There are two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. To learn more, go to https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 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.Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The project will focus on repairing and/or replacement of critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and U.S. Geological Survey-operated facilities and equipment. Comments received are being considered and used for refining a design concept and developing the National Park Service and USGS's proposed action. Once the proposed action is developed, the NPS and USGS will seek additional community input through public scoping prior to the environmental analysis process, tentatively planned for early 2021. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. Coffee included; see funding updates and resources hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Local Ag Producers can Sign Up for a Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, in partnership with County of Hawai‘i and non-profit entities, has developed a program to purchase product from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. The Food Basket and other channels will distribute the products. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website for more information and to register.
Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System, and the role seed plays in human health and nutrition, is the focus of a recent blog post from Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network. In It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19 from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. 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.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. The site offers access to current research, industry news, educational events, and more about rangeland management in Hawaiʻi. The website is maintained by the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
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 San Luis Obispo .
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