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Kaʻū Coffee farmer Leo Norberte, one of the most successful of the growers who transitioned from the sugar plantation to owning his own farm and marketing company, is featured on Business Insider this week, talking about the pandemic. Photo from Business Insider |
The video includes interviews of Kaʻū Coffee Mill manager Lou Daniele and Kaʻū Coffee farmer Leo Norberte. They both said the pandemic has held back much of the market for their coffees this year. Daniele said that Kaʻū Coffee Mill stores about 90,000 pounds of parchment in its warehouse awaiting sales. The story explains that less than one percent of global coffee is grown in the Hawaiian Islands, but it usually sells at high rates, bringing in some $50 million a year. However, this year's crop sits in limbo without a major market.
Norberte said his gross income has dropped by $30,000 a month. He and his wife have serviced their sales route around the island for many years, dropping off at many outlets, from ABC and Cost-U-Less stores to high-end specialty food markets at Kohala resorts. With visitor arrivals tanking this year during COVID-19 shutdowns, orders dried up and Norberte is looking for additional economic support to carry himself and his workers through these troubled times.
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| Lou Daniele, general manager of Kaʻū Coffee Mill, told Business Insider that sales have plummeted during the pandemic and more help is needed to get farmers and millers through the crisis. Photo from Business Insider |
Both Kaʻū Coffee Mill and Norberte received Payroll Protection Program funds from the federal government, but it's all gone, after keeping people employed for a while. There is little other help on the way, they said.
Business Insider noted that Hawaiʻi's coffee industry is dependent on tourism, while most of the coffee grown in South and Central America, produced at one-tenth of the cost, is sold as a commodity. Coffee is grown in Hawaiʻi on five islands, in eight regions, by about 1,000 coffee farms.
Daniele stands by the high quality of coffee grown in Kaʻū, with its "unique weather, great soils, cool evenings, very warm days." He said he hopes for the return of tourism soon.
Since the video went live on Sunday, said Daniele, Kaʻū Coffee Mill has received many inquiries. See the nine-minute Business Insider story. Also see Kaʻū Coffee Mill's Facebook.
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| Kaʻū Coffee producers are hoping for tourism to rebound to help support their sales. Photo from Business Insider |
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.
EXPAND COLD STORAGE CAPABILITIES FOR COVID-19 VACCINES is the request from Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Brain Schatz, and ten of their Democratic colleagues. They wrote to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield. The legislators urge the agencies to work with state, tribal, territorial, and local stakeholders to identify gaps in ultra-cold storage capability, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and use existing authority to prevent supply shortages.
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| Inspecting Ka’u Coffee beans. Photo from Business Insider |
The letter asks HHS and CDC to urgently provide additional information to help ensure that stakeholders nationwide can be prepared to distribute, store, and administer ultra-cold vaccines as soon as one is approved or authorized, which could be as soon as next month.
The lawmakers wrote, "While we understand that some logistical details may be unknowable at this time given that a vaccine has yet to be granted an Emergency Use Authorization, it is alarming that the federal government has not provided more detailed guidance or additional resources to help state, territorial, and local governments understand the most likely mechanisms for distribution or requirements and recommendations for maintaining the cold chain, funding projections, or critical risks that should be addressed.
"This lack of guidance has severely hindered the ability of state, tribal, territorial, and local public health officials to develop distribution plans and of individual clinics to prepare to accept, store, handle, and administer vaccines, and to share their comprehensive plans with CDC. Additionally, unknowns around cold chain storage issues add to the already difficult task of ensuring vaccination locations can schedule vaccine clinics to administer the doses quickly while also adhering to public health protocols like social distancing.
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| Many jobs in Kaʻū are dependent on the continued success of Kaʻū Coffee farming, milling and roasting. Photo from Business Insider |
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.
CHEF KEONI GRACE WILL OVERSEE THANKSGIVING MEALS for the Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation Turkey Dinner Fundraiser. Tickets are available through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., cash or check, in the business office or clinic reception at Kaʻū Hospital.
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| Purchase a ticket for Thanksgiving and help the community. |
Pick-up is Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 26, noon to 2 p.m., drive-thru, at lanai gate at the hospital parking lot. Each plate is $10 and includes turkey, dressing (stuffing), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Questions? Contact Jennifer Grace at 808-932-4372.
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.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART CONTAINMENT GREENHOUSE build by Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers is approved for use in South Kona. The project, two-and-a-half years in planning and construction, was approved last week by Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.
The $263K greenhouse, funded mainly by the state's Grants-in-Aid program, will provide fruit growers with insect and disease-free plant resources imported from around the world.
Mark Suiso, HTFG president, said, "The greenhouse enables us to bring in, effectively isolate and safely propagate fruit we believe will be productive in Hawai‘i. Hawaiʻi did not evolve naturally with fruit. This facility has technology that will allow us to efficiently introduce desired plants and evaluate them to assure they can safely be released and grown in our state."
To ensure introduced plants don't bring in any unintended problems, the 30-by-30-foot greenhouse is surrounded by a five-inch moat and 15-foot concrete barrier, and further secured by an electric fence and security system. Specialized USDA-approved micro screen walls will prevent any insects from gaining access and limited staff entry to the greenhouse is through double doors. A solid, specialized plastic roof tops the greenhouse and interior halls between the greenhouse's eight rooms are blackened with insect traps in each room and hallway.
A STATE-OF-THE-ART CONTAINMENT GREENHOUSE build by Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers is approved for use in South Kona. The project, two-and-a-half years in planning and construction, was approved last week by Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture.
The $263K greenhouse, funded mainly by the state's Grants-in-Aid program, will provide fruit growers with insect and disease-free plant resources imported from around the world.
Mark Suiso, HTFG president, said, "The greenhouse enables us to bring in, effectively isolate and safely propagate fruit we believe will be productive in Hawai‘i. Hawaiʻi did not evolve naturally with fruit. This facility has technology that will allow us to efficiently introduce desired plants and evaluate them to assure they can safely be released and grown in our state."
To ensure introduced plants don't bring in any unintended problems, the 30-by-30-foot greenhouse is surrounded by a five-inch moat and 15-foot concrete barrier, and further secured by an electric fence and security system. Specialized USDA-approved micro screen walls will prevent any insects from gaining access and limited staff entry to the greenhouse is through double doors. A solid, specialized plastic roof tops the greenhouse and interior halls between the greenhouse's eight rooms are blackened with insect traps in each room and hallway.
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| Exterior of the new greenhouse. Photo from HTFG |
Ken Love, HTFG executive director, says greenhouse wastewater will be treated with bleach before released into a holding tank and finally a septic system. "There is always a concern that water passing through growing media could contain bacteria that might have been missed in the initial plant inspections. The bleach treatment will kill any bacteria or virus that travels from the dirt to the drains and into the holding tank."
According to Love, all chosen imported plants will go through five stages of inspection: by HTFG on-site at exporting farm, by country of origin's Dept. of Agriculture, by USDA upon arrival in Honolulu, by HDOA in Honolulu, and finally by HTFG before entering greenhouse. Imported plant stock will arrive as small, bare-root trees or cuttings. Once seedlings are received at the greenhouse, they will be potted in a sterile and organic nursery mix.
HTFG members will decide what plants to import, clone and quarantine in the 900-square-foot greenhouse over a two-year period before releasing them. The project's six rooms can each hold about 1,000 trees and two, small tube pot rooms can hold up to 4,000 seedlings.
Love said "virtually unknown fruit like sweet-sour tampoi has great economic potential" for local growers as does the "creamy, sweet and savory durian," which can be exported from HawaiʻI to the U.S. Mainland. "We have already arranged to bring in 500 hachiya persimmons from Japan and 1,000 durian from the Philippines. Other trees are being grown out for us in Borneo, Queensland and India," said Love.
In addition, the specialized containment greenhouse enables HTFG to apply for a specialized Controlled Import Permit to bring in new varieties of citrus and mango. This more restrictive permit is required as Hawaiʻi is already growing citrus and mango and prevention of introducing new pathogens to existing crops is crucial.
Once plants are settled in the greenhouse, smart monitoring systems will result in little interaction between plants and people as the goal is to minimize exposure between the confines of the greenhouse and the outside world. To nurture seedlings in a controlled setting, the greenhouse has a timed irrigation system that controls misting, fogging and spraying to mimic ideal growing conditions, including those of the equatorial rainforest. Each growing room has Wi-Fi sensors for monitoring and recording temperature and humidity readings.
According to Love, all chosen imported plants will go through five stages of inspection: by HTFG on-site at exporting farm, by country of origin's Dept. of Agriculture, by USDA upon arrival in Honolulu, by HDOA in Honolulu, and finally by HTFG before entering greenhouse. Imported plant stock will arrive as small, bare-root trees or cuttings. Once seedlings are received at the greenhouse, they will be potted in a sterile and organic nursery mix.
HTFG members will decide what plants to import, clone and quarantine in the 900-square-foot greenhouse over a two-year period before releasing them. The project's six rooms can each hold about 1,000 trees and two, small tube pot rooms can hold up to 4,000 seedlings.
In addition, the specialized containment greenhouse enables HTFG to apply for a specialized Controlled Import Permit to bring in new varieties of citrus and mango. This more restrictive permit is required as Hawaiʻi is already growing citrus and mango and prevention of introducing new pathogens to existing crops is crucial.
Once plants are settled in the greenhouse, smart monitoring systems will result in little interaction between plants and people as the goal is to minimize exposure between the confines of the greenhouse and the outside world. To nurture seedlings in a controlled setting, the greenhouse has a timed irrigation system that controls misting, fogging and spraying to mimic ideal growing conditions, including those of the equatorial rainforest. Each growing room has Wi-Fi sensors for monitoring and recording temperature and humidity readings.
Said Love, "The precise production of desired growing conditions will produce healthier plants more quickly. This includes cuttings from most citrus, Chou ume plum and any desired local plants like those in the mountain apple family."
The new greenhouse is a sister project to HTFG's existing statewide fruit tree repositories where trees are available for sharing among organization members, plus to the public at periodic sales. Love says distribution of the greenhouse's resources will be similar.
Suiso said, "Ultimately, we want to see a diverse selection of fruit grown productively throughout the state and with little dependence on importing it from outside the state."
The announcement says HTFG "especially appreciates" the funding efforts of state legislators Mike Gabbard, Richard Creagan, Donovan Dela Cruz and Nicole Lowen. Mahalo to Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, Sharon Hurd, Lance Sakaino and Clare Okumoto of the HDOA; Mike Scharf, Matthew Goo, Peter Follett and Dorothy Alontaga of the USDA; Dr. Robert Paull and Andrea Kawabata of the University of Hawaii; and Kenneth and Ader Takaki of Ken’s Masonry, Mark Dixon Construction and Diamond Sprinklers. Thanks also, says the announcment, to HTFG members statewide, especially Brian Lievens, Greg Garriss, Chuck Cope, Shinobu Doucette and Xavier Chung.
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.
Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required.
Attend Virtual Coffee Leaf Rust Webinars Thursday, Nov. 19. Hosted by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., attend Short Term Strategies with Jacques Avelino of CIRAD and Andrea Kawabata of University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Register here.
Attend Research, Resources & Regulation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Kevin Hoffman of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Lisa Keith of U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. Register here.
Farm owners and operators are reminded to notify all farm staff, including seasonal pickers who may work on multiple farms, of new sanitation protocols to mitigate the spread of CLR fungus. Farms are encouraged to share webinar information with farm staff. See hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Fundraiser for Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 26, noon to 2 p.m. Drive-thru pickup at lanai gate at the hospital parking lot. Each plate is $10 and includes turkey, dressing (stuffing), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Tickets are available through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., cash or check, in the business office or clinic reception. Questions? Contact Jennifer Grace at 808-932-4372.
Holiday Open House at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy viewing of handmade wreaths, cider, music, door prizes, and gifts. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Volcano Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday. Participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
Apply or Donate to Full Calabash Fund to support vulnerable Hawaiʻi families and food producers impacted by the pandemic through The Kohala Center. Organizations and foundations can donate to the Full Calabash Fund through Dec. 31 by contacting Nicole Milne, The Kohala Center's vice president of food and agriculture initiatives, at (808) 987-9210 or nmilne@kohalacenter.org. Nonprofit organizations and meal preparation services can apply for grants through Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. online at koha.la/calabash or by calling 808-887-6411.
Big Island Giving Tree will have a booth at St. Jude's in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Available to those in need will be free clothing, linens, shoes, household items, cleaning products, and hygiene products.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.
Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
New Operating Hours for Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
New Operating Hours for Ocean View Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
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, here, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form at hawaiianelectric.com/
Ocean View Swap Meet open 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.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
Food Pickup through Hope DIA-mend Ministries, weekdays, 5 p.m. in the Ace parking lot in Ocean View and lunches on Mondays. In Nāʻālehu, meals distributed in front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre at 4 p.m.
Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website.
Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
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| Interior of the new greenhouse. Photo from HTFG |
The new greenhouse is a sister project to HTFG's existing statewide fruit tree repositories where trees are available for sharing among organization members, plus to the public at periodic sales. Love says distribution of the greenhouse's resources will be similar.
Suiso said, "Ultimately, we want to see a diverse selection of fruit grown productively throughout the state and with little dependence on importing it from outside the state."
The announcement says HTFG "especially appreciates" the funding efforts of state legislators Mike Gabbard, Richard Creagan, Donovan Dela Cruz and Nicole Lowen. Mahalo to Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, Sharon Hurd, Lance Sakaino and Clare Okumoto of the HDOA; Mike Scharf, Matthew Goo, Peter Follett and Dorothy Alontaga of the USDA; Dr. Robert Paull and Andrea Kawabata of the University of Hawaii; and Kenneth and Ader Takaki of Ken’s Masonry, Mark Dixon Construction and Diamond Sprinklers. Thanks also, says the announcment, to HTFG members statewide, especially Brian Lievens, Greg Garriss, Chuck Cope, Shinobu Doucette and Xavier Chung.
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.
FUNDRAISING FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND UNITED WAY, Hawaiian Electric employees are continuing a long-time tradition of giving back to the community by selling a cookbook. Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners with community organizations such as Boys & Girls Club Big Island, which is helping feed keiki, kāpuna, and others in need during the pandemic. Learn more at hiuw.org/partneragencies.
Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes contributed by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. The announcement from the utility says, "From slow-cooked meals to Instant Pot® favorites, these kitchen-tested recipes can be enjoyed any day of the week. The cookbook also includes helpful energy-saving tips for the home and a handy kitchen measurement conversion table.
Funds will also go to benefit United Way chapters on Oʻahu and in Maui County.
The announcement says, "The ubiquitous rice can be found in such dishes as Baked Sushi, Mom's Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken, and Pumpkin Risotto, while an Instant Pot makes quick work of popular dishes such as kalua chicken, pot roast, and even spaghetti. For those with special dietary needs, find gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo- and keto-friendly recipes."
Bob Krekel, Hawaiian Electric business process and continuous improvement manager, and employee fundraising committee chair, "Although we need to maintain social distance during the pandemic, food is a great way to connect and our employees wanted to share recipes that have been helping them get through these unprecendented times. We hope to raise funds through cookbook sales that will help support individuals and families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet every day."
Purchase the cookbook by order form at hawaiianelectric.com/unitedwaycookbook; call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
FUNDRAISING FOR HAWAIʻI ISLAND UNITED WAY, Hawaiian Electric employees are continuing a long-time tradition of giving back to the community by selling a cookbook. Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners with community organizations such as Boys & Girls Club Big Island, which is helping feed keiki, kāpuna, and others in need during the pandemic. Learn more at hiuw.org/partneragencies.
Funds will also go to benefit United Way chapters on Oʻahu and in Maui County.
The announcement says, "The ubiquitous rice can be found in such dishes as Baked Sushi, Mom's Chinese Rice Cooker Chicken, and Pumpkin Risotto, while an Instant Pot makes quick work of popular dishes such as kalua chicken, pot roast, and even spaghetti. For those with special dietary needs, find gluten-free, vegetarian, paleo- and keto-friendly recipes."
Bob Krekel, Hawaiian Electric business process and continuous improvement manager, and employee fundraising committee chair, "Although we need to maintain social distance during the pandemic, food is a great way to connect and our employees wanted to share recipes that have been helping them get through these unprecendented times. We hope to raise funds through cookbook sales that will help support individuals and families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet every day."
Purchase the cookbook by order form at hawaiianelectric.com/unitedwaycookbook; call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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 TESTING will be held this week in places outside Kaʻū. No co-pay and no insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Face coverings and social distancing required at all times. Call Civil Defense at 935-0031 for more.
Locations for testing are:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon and Hilo Civic Auditorium, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Waikoloa at Kamakoa Nui Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
Saturday, Nov. 21, West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Hilo Civic Auditorium, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
THE U.S. REPORTED MORE THAN 170,000 NEW COVID CASES in the last day. Since the pandemic began, the U.S. reported 11,343,509 cases – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 248,555 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths and a more than 1,500 increase in the last day.
Hawaiʻi Island reports six new COVID cases today. There are nine people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 12 new cases per day over the last 14 days, with 347 active.
New cases reported statewide today total 53, with 37 on Oʻahu, two on Maui, and eight residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,665 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,373 total cases, Maui 452, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 82. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 150. Statewide, 1,212 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 82 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
Worldwide, there are more than 55.55 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,336,892.
FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID TESTING will be held this week in places outside Kaʻū. No co-pay and no insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Face coverings and social distancing required at all times. Call Civil Defense at 935-0031 for more.
Locations for testing are:
Wednesday, Nov. 18, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon and Hilo Civic Auditorium, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19, Waikoloa at Kamakoa Nui Park, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
Saturday, Nov. 21, West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Hilo Civic Auditorium, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 23, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 14
days, by zip code. Gray areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases.
Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light
orange is 11-50 cases. Dark orange is 51-200 cases. Department of
Health map |
Hawaiʻi Island reports six new COVID cases today. There are nine people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 12 new cases per day over the last 14 days, with 347 active.
New cases reported statewide today total 53, with 37 on Oʻahu, two on Maui, and eight residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,665 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,373 total cases, Maui 452, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 82. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 150. Statewide, 1,212 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 82 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
Worldwide, there are more than 55.55 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,336,892.
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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
Attend or Testify Environmental Rules Public Hearing on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The hearing will address the Department of Environmental Management's proposal to repeal its existing rules and adopt a new set of proposed Rules of Practice and Procedure. Attend the meeting via Webex Conferencing, meeting number (access code) 126 195 1374, meeting password v2uNh8nZS2w; or by phone: call 1-408-418-9388, access code 126 195 1374, password 82864869.
Proposed rules will be emailed or mailed at no cost by contacting Mary Fujio at 961-8099. Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed or obtained at the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only or through emailing cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Provide written testimony by email to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov, fax to (808) 961-8086, or mail to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. Testimony must be received by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18. To provide oral testimony, email cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8099 by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with name, phone number, and email address of testifier.
Provide written testimony by email to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov, fax to (808) 961-8086, or mail to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. Testimony must be received by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18. To provide oral testimony, email cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8099 by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with name, phone number, and email address of testifier.
Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required.
Attend Virtual Coffee Leaf Rust Webinars Thursday, Nov. 19. Hosted by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., attend Short Term Strategies with Jacques Avelino of CIRAD and Andrea Kawabata of University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Register here.
Attend Research, Resources & Regulation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Kevin Hoffman of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Lisa Keith of U.S. Department of Agriculture and Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center. Register here.
Farm owners and operators are reminded to notify all farm staff, including seasonal pickers who may work on multiple farms, of new sanitation protocols to mitigate the spread of CLR fungus. Farms are encouraged to share webinar information with farm staff. See hawaiicoffeeassoc.org.
Beadweaving in the Round with Phyllis Cullen, Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition opens Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Virtual ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest through Saturday, Nov. 21. ʻŌhiʻa lovers of all ages will be treated to a fun-filled and educational week of workshops, videos, arts, crafts and cultural sharing. All activities are free, but some require advance registration. Included in the week's activities will be information about how ROD spreads and the actions needed to protect remaining healthy ʻōhiʻa. See UH-CTAHR's website.
Small Businesses and Nonprofits can Apply for Reimbursement Grants through the Business Pivot Program to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products, and services. Grant application open until Nov. 23, as funds are available. Click here for eligibility requirements and to apply. Click here for frequently asked questions.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Fundraiser for Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 26, noon to 2 p.m. Drive-thru pickup at lanai gate at the hospital parking lot. Each plate is $10 and includes turkey, dressing (stuffing), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Tickets are available through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., cash or check, in the business office or clinic reception. Questions? Contact Jennifer Grace at 808-932-4372.Get Books Into the Hands of Keiki at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Virtual Book Fair, through Nov. 29. This link, https://www.scholastic.com/bf/volcanoschoolofartssci, is for VSAS and will allow all purchases through this site to be credited towards VSAS's fundraiser. In addition, teachers will set up individual ʻeWalletʻ accounts for teacher wishlist funds: The eWallet allows parents, guardians, and community members to donate funds (not books) from which teachers can purchase books. There is free shipping on book purchases over $25.
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
Volcano Garden Arts' Think X-Mas! Exquisite Gift Sale, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28, and 29 features special plate lunch at Cafe Ono. Held at 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd. See ShopVGA.net, CafeOno.net, and VolcanoGardenArts.com.
Volcano Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday. Participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
Hawaiian Islands Challenge Virtual Run through Dec. 31. Registration closes Nov. 30. Individuals or teams can register to traverse some or all of 808 kilometers on six different courses, one on each main island. Register here.
Renew or Apply for Membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until Nov. 30. Details available at experiencevolcano.com/2020special. Membership offers perks such as free 25-word classified ads in the newsletter. Buy, sell, trade or donate. Members can send ads to experiencevolcano@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Ads will publish until canceled. No artwork or logos allowed.
Give Input on Cleaning up the Former Quarry Firing Range in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Engineering evaluation and cost analysis will address surface soils impacted with heavy metals. The EE/CA document is available through Dec. 1. Executive Summary of the EE/CA and the Community Involvement Plan are available online at parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=307&projectID=92898. View them in person, by appointment only – call 808-985-6073 – at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Headquarters Building, 1 Crater Rim Drive, in the Park, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Electronically submit comments via the website above or writing to Ms. Danielle Foster at danielle_foster@nps.gov or Environmental Protection Specialist, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaiʻi National Park, HI 96718.
Receive Help Signing Up for Med-Quest Health Insurance via nonprofit organizations starting Sunday through Dec. 15. Local contacts through the community organization Kalanihale include Kaʻimi Kaupilo, of Miloliʻi, who can be reached at 808-937-1310 and Donna Kekoa, of Pāhala, at 808-769-1334.
The state's Med-Quest provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Event Saturday, Dec. 19. Group size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Homeowners, Apply for Affordable Rental Housing Tax Reduction through Dec. 31. Application, requirements and benefits are at hawaiipropertytax.com/misc.html or call the county Real Property Tax office at 961-8201 or 323-4880.
ONGOING
COMMUNITY
Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.
ONGOING
COMMUNITY
Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
New Operating Hours for Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
New Operating Hours for Ocean View Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here for 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.
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. on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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.
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. Face coverings required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out 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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form at hawaiianelectric.com/
unitedwaycookbook, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 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 mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
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
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.
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. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration here, hosted by the Filipino Community Center, at filcom.org/center/hawaiis-annual-filipino-fiesta.
FREE FOOD
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Nov. 20, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. There is no service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Nov. 20, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. There is no service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Food Pickup through Hope DIA-mend Ministries, weekdays, 5 p.m. in the Ace parking lot in Ocean View and lunches on Mondays. In Nāʻālehu, meals distributed in front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre at 4 p.m.
Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
FINANCES
Apply for Utility Assistance, to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter. Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681.
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, including quitting or reduced hours to provide childcare, may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. Payments made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
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.
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, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs here. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families for keiki grades 1-6, 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 or info@bgcbi.org.
HEALTH
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
RMAP nonprofit partners are Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
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.
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
EDUCATION
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 Crystal Mandaquit. 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, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann 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? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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 Crystal Mandaquit. 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, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann 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? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.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.
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. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org
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.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. See dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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. (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. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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
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
Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up here.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
AGRICULTURE
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. See funding updates and resources for coffee growers, hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.
Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
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. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.