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Monday, April 06, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, April 6, 2020

An unintended sculpture for these times, in front of the closed Pāhala Library looking like a partially constrained, 
taped, and bagged human. It's the public water fountain. See more below. Photo by Julia Neal
IHME REDUCED ITS PROJECTED COVID CASES AND DEATHS IN HAWAIʻI. The new analysis for the Hawaiian Islands by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at University of Washington's School of Medicine was released today. IHME reevaluated its conclusions by taking  into account locally mandated social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and quarantine requirements for incoming and interisland travelers. IHME predicts that the peak in cases will come sooner - April 11 instead of the April 30 date it predicted earlier. It also predicted the number of deaths will be 155 by Aug. 4 instead of more than 300. See the graphs at covid19.healthdata.org/projections.
     At local airports, the Army National Guard is taking the temperatures of incoming travelers, including residents returning home. Police have stepped up stopping and warning people who are gathering or loitering at beaches and other public places.

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This distancing poster in three languages was released today by
State of Hawaiʻi, encouraging people to print it out and post it.
ARRIVAL NUMBERS AT HAWAIʻI ISLAND AIRPORTS  have dropped dramatically since the middle of March. About 3,500 domestic travelers arrived on March 15. By Sunday, April 5 arrivals to KOA numbered 72. Only ten of those were visitors – 42 were residents, and six intended residents. Fourteen were crew. Daily arrival reports are available at hawaiitourismauthority.org.
     Statewide on Monday, 583 people flew here, with 126 registering as visitors.

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DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE, Monday, April 6:
     A Maui man, over 65 years old, is the fifth person in Hawai‘i to pass away from COVID-19. Department of Health is still investigating the circumstances behind the man's death, but it is believed he had underlying medical conditions. He did have exposure to travelers, but it's not known whether this was a risk factor associated with his death. Gov. Ige commented, "It is extremely heartbreaking each time we learn of another resident who passes away from this virus. We are reminded daily of the devastating effect this virus is having here at home and across the country, where it is devastating communities in states like New York, Washington, Louisiana, and California. We can't let this happen here. We need to stop the spread. We need to stop it now. The coronavirus has no boundaries."
     DOH reports 387 cases statewide, with 16 reported today. There have been five deaths. One of the new cases is under age 18, and the other 15 are adults. Five of the new reported cases are travel-associated, two are community related, and nine are unknown at this time.
     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense reports five active cases of COVID-19 on Hawaiʻi Island. None are new since yesterday, 20 have recovered, including two having left the island. None have been hospitalized and none have died. None have been from Volcano or Kaʻū.
     According to Johns Hopkins University, the U.S. has recorded 367,376 cases. The death toll is more than 10,000. The people recovered number is 19,828.
      Johns Hopkins counts more than 1,348,184 people as victims of COVID-19. The death toll is 74,816. The recovery total is 284,802.
     There are cases reported in over 200 countries.
The bookdrop is closed at Pāhala library, 
unusual for a service open 24/7. The sign
 says, "Please return materials when
 libraries reopen. No overdue fines from 
Feb. 26 until our reopening will be accrued, 
and due dates have been extended." 
Photo by Julia Neal

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NĀʻĀLEHU AND PĀHALA PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE OFFERING much online learning and entertainment during the pandemic, including Kanopy; free, unlimited streaming  of more than 30,000 films. Closed are both libraries in Kaʻū and their book drops – the one walk-up service that is usually open 24/7.
     The sign on the bookdrop at Pāhala says, "Please return materials when libraries reopen. No overdue fines from Feb. 26 until our reopening will be accrued, and due dates have been extended."
     Suspended is the statewide library service sending books, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and VHS tapes to any library around the state when a member of the public asks for them.
     Instead, the public can instantly access free ebooks for all ages, sound recordings, music, and film. A library card and PIN or password are required to access these services.
     Kanopy is free and unlimited for all library card holders through the end of April, with a possible extension. The online films include: classics, independent films, short films, and documentaries, plus a full section called Kanopy Kids with series offerings from PBS Kids, movies, and story book readings with pictures from the books shown.
     The library system website also offers free homework help for grades one through 12, including an encyclopedia; Gale Course classes in subjects from business to health to writing and more; instruction on prepping for college, GED, SAT, and ACT tests; and references for adults on personal finances, from college to home ownership, credit cards to retirement. The site offers suggested reading lists for all ages, a Hawaiian word dictionary, and more. See librarieshawaii.org.

Pāhala Library's outdoor water fountain with
 drinking stations at levels for keiki and adults,
bagged and taped off with signage saying,
 "This fountain is unavailable, for public health
 reasons due to COVID-19." Photo by Julia Neal
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HAWAIʻI ISLAND UNITED WAY today announced the ʻEleu Grant program, to quickly give grants of up to $2,500 "to the front lines in our community with a one-page application and one-page report."
     ʻEleu Grants are funded by the new Hawaiʻi Island Recovery Fund. This fund, seeded by contributions from Hawaiʻi Island United Way and Hawaiian Electric, will be used to fund community response efforts to this and future crises and disasters on Hawaiʻi Island. Contributions to this fund can be made at HIUW.org.
     Interested organizations and efforts can submit signed applications to cpo@hiuw.org. Proposals will be considered by United Way's Community Building Committee, which will be meeting weekly.

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THE HAWAIʻI FARM BUREAU ENCOURAGES eligible ranchers and farmers who are losing employees because of the pandemic to sign up for the Paycheck Protection Program through the Small Business Administration. The Paycheck Protection Program provides small businesses with zero-fee loans of up to $10 million to cover payroll and other operating expenses. Up to eight weeks of payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs can be forgiven.
     A message from Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau recommends that farmers and ranchers "Be Prepared to Submit your Application." The Farm Bureau notes that some borrowers are asking for the following:
Completed SBA Sample PPP Application Form; IRS Form 941 Employers Quarterly Tax returns for 2019; IRS Form 1099 MISC: 2019; schedule or reports from CPA, bookkeeper, or payroll provider; and other payroll documentation.
     Subject to change depending on further SBA guidance: There are no fees to apply. Funds are available first come first served basis. Payroll costs are capped at $100,000 on an annualized basis for each employee. Payroll is priority. It is anticipated that 75 percent of the forgiven amount must be used for payroll costs.
     Loan payments will be deferred for six months. After that, the interest rate is .5 percent. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees. Recipient small businesses must keep employees on the payroll – or rehire quickly.
     Forgiveness is based on maintaining or quickly rehiring employees and maintaining salary levels.
Forgiveness will be reduced if full-time headcount declines, or if salaries and wages decrease.
     Businesses with 500 or fewer employees are eligible – including nonprofits, veterans' organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors.
     The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020.
     Apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. Consult with local lenders as to whether they are participating in the program.
     See Paycheck Protection Application Form and Paycheck Protection Loan and Forgiveness Calculator.

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HĀ INITIATIVE'S CREATIVE STEM AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM IS ONLINE for every child in Hawaiʻi. It is free and usually geared towards 2nd to 8th graders inside physical classrooms. However, during the pandemic it is offered to keiki across the islands for an online home experience. "It is during this time that families need us the most and I believe that our services and resources might benefit all of us," said Hā Initiative's STEM Manager Mio Shimada. STEM lessons are scheduled during weekdays with activities to include: social emotional learning, physical activities, and homework help.
The Hā Initiative, usually for children on Oʻahu, has extended its online program across the state. Photo from Hā Initiative
     To participate, go to classroom.google.com and log in with code garokie. STEM activities are designed to be fun and provide contact with a STEM teacher, lab kit guides, and announcements. See hcapweb.org/ha-initiative. Contact Shimada at 808-521-4531 or mios@hcapweb.com.

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DONATING TO THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB MEAL PROGRAM FOR KEIKI, KŪPUNA, AND THE HOMELESS is encouraged by state Sen. Kai Kahele. In a message, Team Kahele said, "This is a tumultuous time for everyone, and we want to make sure nobody in our community is being left behind. That is why Kai chose the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, which is providing hot meals to those who need them the most."
     Kahele noted that "Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island is a nonprofit organization that I hold close to my heart. Like many kids growing up on the island of Hawaiʻi, my father, Gil, was a member, and I also spent many afternoons there as a young kid. Their programs helped shape many
Hawaiʻi Island leaders in their formative years.
     "During this crucial time of need, the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island is providing daily hot dinner meals that will go to keiki (children), kūpuna (the elderly), our houseless population, and struggling families throughout our Hawaiʻi Island community.
State Rep. Chris Todd Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, Sen. Kai Kahele, and Boys & Girls Club CEO Chad Cabral are
raising money for the community meal program. Photo from Boy & Girls Club
     "When the COVID-19 crisis first hit, one of the first people I called was the Club's CEO, Chad Cabral. Chad and I have known each other since we were kids - we both went to preschool together. Chad was already planning on how the club would make sure children throughout Hawaiʻi Island could continue to receive the nourishing meals they would usually receive at school."
     Kahele said that he and his Team Kahele set the goal of $5,000 for Boys & Girls Club. "I know that money is going where it is needed most - right back into the community and right to our children and those struggling families during this difficult time."
     Cabral has announced that Boys & Girls Club wants to expand the program to Kaʻū to help kūpuna and keiki. Donate to the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island.

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THE ONLINE COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING is open to the public this Wednesday with a live discussion with U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz on federal help for the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaʻū's County Council member, Maile David, provided the agenda. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.
     In addition to to the discussion with Schatz, the County Council Housing Committee is set to consider the Public Housing Agency Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8).
     The Finance Committee will review proposed grants to nonprofits and recommendations from an Ad Hoc Committee that reviews them. Among the possible grantees is Project Vision Hawaiʻi, which has sent its rolling optometry cent to Kaʻū with free eye tests for all students and the general public at schools, community centers, and churches. The Council will also consider adding a new Clerk III position for the Department of Human Resources and a temporary position in the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
     One resolution before the Council would authorize more than $1 million to assist adults, dislocated workers, and youth training through a state Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Another would provide funding to train wastewater treatment works operators. Another would provide more than $2.7 million to provide housing, suitable and safe living environments, and accessibility for disabled individuals to public facilities. Another is for a $2,000 grant to Cooper Center Council for the Friends Feeding Friends program.
     Livestreaming is available at hawaiicounty.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1.
     Public testimony can be sent to counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov, by fax to 961-8912, or by mail to: Office of the County Clerk, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720. All testimony must be received by noon the business day before the scheduled meeting.

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FOOD BASKET ARRIVED TODAY AT 10 A.M. TO NĀʻĀLEHU HONGWANJI with 14 days of free food to families who drive through. Future deliveries will be the first Mondays of the month during the pandemic. The next one is Monday, May 4. The Hongwanji, which houses its own Buddhist congregation, and the Protestant church Thy Word Ministries, is located on makai side of Hwy 11. Helping The Food Basket is local community organization ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.

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No significant changes were observed in the water pond in Halema‘uma‘u
Crater, at Kīlauea's summit. The water surface still has an orange-brown
 hue in the center, with greenish areas on the east and west ends
(top and bottom of photo) presumably indicating influx
of groundwater. USGS photo by M. Patrick
KĪLAUEA VOLCANO IS NOT ERUPTING. The mauna's Alert Level is NORMAL, Aviation Color Code is GREEN. Monitoring data for March show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018.
     Rates of seismicity over the month were variable but within a range observed over the past year. Sulfur dioxide emission rates are low at the summit and are below detection limits at Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone. The water pond at the bottom of Halemaʻumaʻu continues to slowly expand and deepen. As of March 19th, pond dimensions are approximately 107 meters (~351 feet) by 211 meters (~692 feet). As of April 1st, the current depth is approximately 32 meters or 105 feet.
     Over the past month, the summit tiltmeter recorded 10 deflation-inflation events, a number similar to January and February. Since March 2019, GPS stations and tiltmeters at the Kīlauea summit have recorded deformation consistent with slow magma accumulation within the shallow portion of the Kīlauea summit magma system (1-2 km or approximately 1 mile below ground level). Gas measurements show continuing low levels of sulfur dioxide emission from the Halemaʻumaʻu area, consistent with no significant shallowing of magma. Some amount of sulfur dioxide is being dissolved into the summit lake and work continues to try and quantify this process. The pond was last sampled by UAS in January and additional, regular sampling with UAS is planned.
     Farther east, GPS stations and tiltmeters continue to show motions consistent with slowed refilling of the deep East Rift Zone magmatic reservoir in the broad region between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and Highway 130. The decrease in deformation rates at tilt station POO, observed in February, continued throughout March.
A closeup of the northern shoreline of the Kīlauea summit
water pond shows how opaque the water is against
the rocks. USGS photo by M. Patrick
     GPS station JOKA, and tilt station JKA, in the lower East Rift Zone, experienced an episode of deformation from March 14-26th with a different direction from the longer term trend. Data retrieved manually in the next few weeks may provide more insight. Monitoring data do not suggest any imminent change in volcanic hazard for this area. The south flank of Kīlauea continues to creep seaward at elevated rates following the May 4, 2018, M6.9 earthquake near Kalapana. HVO continues to carefully monitor all data streams along the Kīlauea East Rift Zone and south flank for important changes.
     Although not currently erupting, areas of persistently elevated ground temperatures and minor release of gases are still found in the vicinity of the 2018 lower East Rift Zone fissures. These include steam (water), very small amounts of hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. These conditions are expected to be long-term. Similar conditions following the 1955 eruption continued for years to decades.
     Hazards remain in the lower East Rift Zone eruption area and at the Kīlauea summit. Residents and visitors near the 2018 fissures, lava flows, and summit collapse area should heed Hawaii County Civil Defense and National Park warnings. Lava flows and features created by the 2018 eruption are primarily on private property and persons are asked to be respectful and not enter or park on private property.
     Hawaiian Volcano Observatory continues to closely monitor geologic changes, seismicity, deformation, and gas emissions for any sign of increased activity at Kīlauea. HVO maintains visual surveillance of the volcano with web cameras and field visits. Additional messages and alert level changes will be issued as warranted by changing activity.
     Since June 25 2019, Kīlauea Volcano has been at NORMAL/GREEN. Kīlauea remains an active volcano, and it will erupt again. Although we expect clear signs prior to the next eruption, the time frame of warning may be short. Island of Hawaiʻi residents should be familiar with the long-term hazard map for Kīlauea Volcano, pubs.usgs.gov/mf/1992/2193/, and should stay informed about Kīlauea activity. See more at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/multimedia_chronology.html.

Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
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Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of April.

MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.

ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through at least the end of April. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Recipients must be old enough to chew food.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.

The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
     The Ocean View location for Tuesday, April 14 will be Ocean View Community Center parking lot, 92-8924 Leilani Circle, instead of at St. Jude's Episcopal Church, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Hearts Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursdays, April 9 and 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
     Hawaiʻi Food Bank's next distribution at Nāʻālehul Hongwanji is on Monday, May 4 from 10 a.m.
     The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.
     The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Thursday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

A Free Dinner for Those in Need is served at Volcano Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road every Thursday, by Friends Feeding Friends, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

On Call Emergency Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is operated by The Food Basket. Call 808-933-6030.

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 13. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
     Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
     Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center. Distribution in Ocean View is at the county's Kahuku Park, the area in front of Malama Market, and Ocean ViewCommunity Center.
     At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. for I-P, and 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Waiʻōhinu pick-up: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     The Discovery Harbour Community Center pick-up: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Morning distribution at Kahuku Park8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Evening distribution at Kahuku Park5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Times for distribution at Ocean View Community Center are 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.

Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.

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