About The Kaʻū Calendar

Thursday, August 20, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, August 20, 2020

The inside of a cell in the Hilo prison taken during a press trip earlier this year. See story below on possible release of
prisoners for fear of COVID-spread among the incarcerated. Photo by Tim Wright
SOCIAL GATHERINGS ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND WILL BE REDUCED TO A MAXIMUM OF TEN PERSONS, indoors and out. This evening, Mayor Harry Kim asked for Gov. David Ige to approve new Rule 11, which would also extend the COVID-19 emergency period to Sept. 30 and reduce group sizes of sports practices from 35 to 25 persons, and those in competitive play from 100 persons to 50. It would also continue the self-quarantine requirements for all travel to Hawai‘i Island.
Mayor Harry Kim calls for reducing the
size of gatherings to help reduce the
COVID-19 count. Beaches and parks
remain open.
    Kim said the new rules are "in light of the increased numbers of COVID-19 in our community." He said, "We all need to work together to stem the tide of cases in Hawai‘i County, to protect our community. Please know that we can all do our part to make it better, by avoiding gatherings, wearing face coverings, and practice social distancing. This is a community issue, and we need the community's help. Our response to any positive cases is to identify and isolate the people involved."
     The statement urged the public "to stay at home and do not go to work if you are sick. Take care of yourselves by exercising, staying hydrated, and get proper amounts of rest. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact your doctor."
     In hopes that the new rules and compliance will reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, Hawai‘i County chose to keep beaches and parks open and to refrain from the more severe measures reinstated on O‘ahu. See the latest COVID count and other coronavirus stories below.

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Inside Hawaiʻi Community Correctional Center in Hilo.
Photo by Tim Wright
PRISONERS ARE BEING RELEASED after an order this week from the state Supreme Court. The Public Defenders office asked the court to consider risks to inmates and staff for contracting coronavirus.
     The first group to be placed back into the community comes from Oʻahu incarceration, where COVID-19 is spreading in prisons. Twenty-four O‘ahu Community Correctional Center pre-trial detainees were scheduled for release yesterday. Another 450 non-violent felons are scheduled for release on Monday.
     Deputy Public Defender Jacquie Esser said those first released are charged with misdemeanor violations like littering, possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and failure to appear.
     The state Supreme Court denied release to those charged with abuse of family or household members, and those in violation of temporary restraining orders, orders for protection violation, or restraining orders. No one with a positive test result or symptoms will be released. All those released are required to self-isolate for 14 days, wear a mask, and self-distance, as well as to make regular contacts with the judiciary.
     The ruling says, "This court recognizes the impact of COVID-19 on Hawaiʻi's community correctional centers and facilities – and the urgency by which suitable yet balanced action is required." The order says the spread of COVID-19 has "the potential to not only place the inmates at risk of death or serious illness, but also endanger the lives and well-being of staff and service providers who work at OCCC, their families, and members of the community at large. Because of the virulent spread of the virus within close quarters, the COVID-19 outbreak at OCCC also has the potential to tax the limited resources of Hawaiʻi's community health care providers."
     According to photographer Tim Wright, who attended a press tour of a Hilo jail earlier this year, it is still unclear whether release of any inmates in Hilo will be needed to control COVID-19. There have been no cases among inmates and staff at prisons on this island, to date.

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.

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL WILL EXTEND ITS REACH INTO KEAʻAU with new medical facilities in the former W. H. Shipman Headquarters buildings. East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic Keaʻau will open after converting the Shipman offices into clinic space and installing a parking lot. Construction will
begin in September with completion expected in mid-2021.
     East Hawaiʻi Health Clinics, a department of Kaʻū Hospital, are federally certified Rural Health Clinics. The Rural Health Clinic designation "allows Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. East Hawaiʻi Region to invest in more healthcare for our community," says a statement from the clinic system.
Kaʻū Hospital's Critical Hospital federally certified Rural Health Clinic license has allowed for expansion of
clinics into other districts. Photo by Julia Neal
     East Hawaiʻi Health Clinics provide Primary Care, Urology, Otolaryngology (Ear-Nose-Throat), Allergy, General Surgery, Vascular, Neurology, Behavioral Health, Orthopedics, Cardiology and Cancer Care in Hilo, provides services to the Puna District with the Puna Community Medical Center, and in the Kaʻū District at the Kaʻū Hospital Rural Health Clinic.
     East Hawaiʻi Region of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. provides inpatient and outpatient care through Kaʻū Hospital, Hilo Medical Center, and Hale Hoʻola Hāmākua, with three hospitals, 290 beds, and over 1,300 employees. The medical staff is comprised of 250 physicians, physician assistants, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, representing 33 specialties. Hilo Medical Center functions as a Level III Trauma Center, which includes the second busiest emergency room in the state, providing 24-hour care and serving more than 50,000 patients annually.
Kaʻū Hospital and its Rural Health Clinic are part of the East
Hawaiʻi Region of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. a public entity
established in 1996 by the State of Hawaiʻi. Photo by Julia Neal
     The East Hawaiʻi Region is part of the Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp., a public entity established in 1996 by the State of Hawaiʻi to fulfill the promise to provide quality, hometown healthcare. For more information, go to hilomedicalcenter.org,
halehoolahamakua.org or
kauhospital.org.
     Dan Brinkman, East Hawaiʻi Regional CEO of Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. said, "Our strategic plan calls for providing more essential services to the underserved communities within the Puna District. East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic Keaʻau will provide primary care, behavioral health, and imaging, as well as access to the full complement of specialists in the East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic network. We want to thank W. H. Shipman for making this optimal location in the heart of Keaʻau possible for patients and providers. Over time we hope to expand our healthcare services and keep pace with the long term growth of the Puna District."
     W. H. Shipman President Peggy Farias said, "W.H. Shipman, Ltd. is honored and pleased to be partnering with Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp. to provide a home for the East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic in Keaʻau. This project fits extremely well into our Keaʻau Village Master Plan, as well as our goal to bring a variety of opportunities and services to the Puna community. The clinic will not only make quality health care and specialists more accessible to the residents of the Puna region, but will also provide job opportunities and is expected to be a catalyst to bring other service providers to Keaʻau."
The recent blessing of the Shipman headquarters in Keaʻau which will be renovated to be a Rural Health Clinic 
under the license of Kaʻū Hospital Rural Health Clinic. Photo from Hawaiʻi Health Systems Corp.
     W. H. Shipman's buildings at 16-523 Keaʻau-Pahoa Road have been its company headquarters for nearly 50 years and stood witness to many historic moments including the closing of Puna Sugar, diversification of agriculture in Keaʻau, opening of the Shipman Business Park, building of new roads and schools, and the ongoing revitalization of Keaʻau Village with the opening of businesses including HMSA and Longs.
     Farias said, "We knew that we would need to place a very special tenant, one that would become a cornerstone of Keaʻau and be a real asset to our neighbors, into these buildings in order to honor our family and our heritage. The East Hawaiʻi Health Clinic Keaʻau is a perfect fit because it represents the kind of public-private partnerships that our family and company have always worked toward and supported for the benefit of the community.'
Shipman offices that will be refitted for the new East Hawaiʻi Health
Clinic Keaʻau, under the Rural Health Clinic license of Kaʻū Hospital.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Health Systems, Inc.
     W.H. Shipman is a kamaʻaina family-owned company established in 1882. The statement from Hawaiʻi Health Systems says, "Grounded in island values, the Shipmans have a history of conservation, preservation, and community involvement. Peggy Farias, President, and Oliver English, Director of Agriculture, represent the fifth generation of the Shipman family to have the honor and kuleana of managing our company, with the goal of perpetuating the legacy of William and Mary Shipman through policies and projects that benefit our company, our shareholders, and our community. W.H. Shipman, Limited is engaged in land stewardship, commercial/industrial/residential development and leasing, and agricultural leasing. Shipman properties in Puna consist of about 17,000 acres and include farmlands, the Shipman Business Park, and Keaʻau Village. As a land steward, the company holds a long-range view of sustainability and planned development for balanced community use."

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.

MANU, THE BOY WHO LOVED BIRDS, is the new book by artist and writer Caren Loebel-Fried. University of Hawai‘i Press gives the following description:
     "On a school trip to Honolulu's Bishop Museum, Manu and his classmates are excited to see an ancient skirt made with a million yellow feathers from the ‘ō‘ō, a bird native to Hawai‘i that had gone extinct long ago. Manu knew his full name, Manu‘ō‘ōmauloa, meant 'May the ‘ō‘ō bird live on,' but never understood: Why was he named after a native forest bird that no longer existed?
Volcano artists and writer Caren Loebel-Fried has released
her new book Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds.
It is available from U.H. Press
     "Manu told his parents he wanted to know more about ‘ō‘ō birds and together they searched the internet. The next day, his teacher shared more facts with the class. There was so much to learn! As
his mind fills with new discoveries, Manu has vivid dreams of his namesake bird. After a surprise visit to Hawai‘i Island, where the family sees native forest birds in their natural setting, Manu finally understands the meaning of his name, and that he can help the birds and promote a healthy forest.
     "Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds is a story about extinction, conservation, and culture, told through a child's experience and curiosity. Readers learn along with Manu about the extinct honeyeater for which he was named, his Hawaiian heritage, and the relationship between animals and habitat. An afterword includes in-depth information on Hawai‘i's forest birds and featherwork in old Hawai‘i, a glossary, and a list of things to do to help. Illustrated with eye-catching, full-color block prints, the book accurately depicts and incorporates natural science and culture in a whimsical way, showing how we can all make a difference for wildlife."
     Loebel-Fried is an award-winning author and artist from Volcano. She has written and illustrated storybooks, including Hawaiian Legends of the Guardian Spirits, A Perfect Day for an Albatross, and Legend of the Gourd, all showcasing the ancient art of block printing. Her books have won the American Folklore Society's Aesop Prize for children's folklore, and the Hawai‘i Book Publishers Association's Ka Palapala Po‘okela awards for excellence. Order the book from U.H. Press.

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WITH MORE THAN 400,000 BALLOTS CAST IN THE HAWAIʻI PRIMARY ELECTION, the Director of University of Hawaiʻi Public Policy Center gave his analysis this week on Grassroot Institute Hawaiʻi's weekly program Hawaiʻi Together with Keliʻi Akina on ThinkTech Hawaiʻi Network.
    Colin Moore, an associate professor at UH, said, "This was the first time we had an all mail-in voting system, and increased turnout like that is really extraordinary... Our turnout increased from 2016, which was the last primary we had during a presidential election year, by nearly 17 percentage points, which has never happened in any other state. I mean, that's 150,000 new voters... [who] participated in 2020. That's like the entire island of Maui deciding to vote. So I think that had enormous implications for some of the things that happened in this primary."
Colin Moore gives his analysis of the recent Primary Election that saw
more than 400,000 Hawaiʻi people voting. See the interview.
Photo from Grassroot Institute 
     Moore, who has a Ph.D. from Harvard and was a fellow at Yale and the University of California, Berkley, said the turnout might have been influenced by so many people being at home because of the coronavirus lockdowns. But more likely was the "incredible dissatisfaction with the state of politics in Hawaiʻi," which also led to developments such as no veteran politicians making the runoff in the Honolulu mayor's race.
     "There's a very clear political class [in Hawaiʻi] where [usually] people will move from one elected office to another, so this was a remarkable development," he said.
     House Speaker Scott Saiki, "arguably the third-most powerful figure in Hawaiʻi politics," barely survived his primary challenge against Kim Coco Iwamoto. He won by only 200 votes, which, Moore said, "is almost unheard of."
     Asked about the impact on the election of the COVID-19 crisis, Moore said it was tremendous:
     "People feel public policy in a way that maybe we haven't felt it in a hundred... maybe 50 years. There's this visceral sense of how the decisions made by elected officials affect your daily life... I think that has become so clear to people that they become more engaged in politics than they otherwise would, because they see really what the stakes are."
     See the interview at Grassroot Institute.

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.

SIGN WAVING TO HELP SAVE THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE is sponsored by Kaʻū Voices, a local group affiliated with Indivisible, this Saturday, Aug. 22. at 11a.m. in front of the Nāʻālehu Post Office. All who support the U.S. Postal Service are invited to participate. Wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet social distance is required. Signs will be provided or people can bring their own.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corp. has received a $10 million grant and plans to provide up to $500,000
per local manufacturer of PPE. Photos from Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corp.
TEN MILLION DOLLARS IS SCHEDULED FOR LOCAL MANUFACTURING OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corp. today announced investment in the PPE supply chain from a $10 million grant. A statement from HTDC calls it an "actual check in the mail funding," with up to $500,000 per applicant after approval of the plan. Funds must be expended by the end of the year.
     See the application. Find out about two online info sessions to be held next Monday, Aug. 24.

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.

"I wear my mask. Please, wear yours," is the plea from a varied group in as part of a new campaign developed to
model behaviors to encourage mask-wearing and distancing. Watch the video.
THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAS LAUNCHED THE NOT TAKING CHANCES CAMPAIGN. It aims to "change social norms by modeling attitudes and behaviors that underscore the importance of wearing a face mask, and avoiding large groups and gatherings." Anthology Marketing Group and DOH developed the educational campaign to address the high number of COVID-19 cases.
     DOH Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, "Research has shown that the majority of Hawai‘i residents know what to do, but aren't adhering to the guidance. Social norm campaigns have proven to be effective in changing health behaviors relating to drunk driving, substance use, smoking, and wearing seat belts, and we believe this will be another important way to lower the number of cases in Hawai‘i."
     A survey in mid-April and June among adults in Hawai‘i showed the most convincing messages are "protecting our kūpuna," "protecting those who are most vulnerable in our communities," "the call for Hawai‘i to come together," and the need "to get back to work." As part the campaign's first phase, the ads will be seen on broadcast and cable television, radio, print, digital, social, and streaming platforms through the end of September. The second phase of the campaign is planned for October through the end of the year.
     View the videos: Mask 1Mask 2; Not Taking Chances 1; Not Taking Chances 2.

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.

Contacting and tracing those quarantined, exposed or confirmed with
COVID-19. The venue is the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu,
with help from Hawaiʻi National Guard.
Photo from Hawaiʻi COVID Joint Information Center
HAWAIʻI NATIONAL GUARD is assisting Department of Health with COVID mapping. Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara said yesterday he is working with DOH to expand beyond the two dozen Guardsmen already assisting with the efforts. He attributed their success in assisting to early planning, saying, "Early on back in March, I told all emergency managers and Hawai‘i guard leaders that we need to be responsive and anticipate needs. Our leadership team trained our Airmen and Soldiers ahead of time, so when the request came, we were able to support them within 24 hours.
     "One of our skillsets and best advantages is that we are citizens and Soldiers. There are a lot of skills and other experiences and skills that the Soldiers and Airmen bring, so I'd really like to thank everybody that is supporting this operation from the Hawai‘i National Guard."

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.

ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES IN THE STATE number 3,770, reports Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD. During his daily update, he said victims of the virus are hospitalized at an 11 percent rate. He expects 414 to be hospitalized in the next two to three weeks, and as many as 37 to die. According to Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi, there are 3,069 licensed hospital beds in the state, and 340 ICU beds – this includes military hospitals. Today, he says, 201 people are hospitalized with the virus. Of those, 29 are in ICU beds and 19 are on ventilators.
     Green reports 2,512 tests came back today, with a 9.4 percent positive rate. He asks everyone on Oʻahu to stop all gatherings and for everyone to wear a mask.
     Five new cases are reported on Hawaiʻi Island today, and a new hospitalization. Statewide, 236 new cases are reported, with two in Maui County and 229 on Oʻahu. Two more people have died from the virus – one on Lanaʻi, one on Oʻahu – for a death total of 45.
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code.
White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 25 cases. Light orange
is 26 to 50 cases (not pictured). Dark orange (not pictured)
is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     There are 25 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 164 since the pandemic began. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū or Volcano zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 5,340 cases, Maui County 263, and Kauaʻi 54. One case from Maui was recategorized to Oʻahu, and one Oʻahu case was removed. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places.
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Hawaiʻi Island has seen a daily increase of positive cases for the past two weeks. Most of these recent cases are not travel related which means the virus is being transmitted within the community. Data from the Department of Health shows the majority of these new cases have been identified as Hilo based. A review is underway to see what policy changes need to occur to address the growing spread of the virus. It has been noted that many have not been following the policies of gatherings, distancing and wearing of face coverings.    
     "Know that person to person close contact is the main method that the virus is spread and we need your help in following the guidelines of gatherings, distancing, and face coverings. Thank you for listening, be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,567,955 – about 25 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 174,104 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 22.52 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 790,262.

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach Park
 through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.

Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book a reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by Sept. 30. Designs highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters must be entirely the artist's own creation. To ensure the design looks its best when printed, submit as a high definition PDF, .AI, .EPS or PNG with a quality of at least 1500px x 1500px and 300 DPI (dots per inch) with dimensions no greater than 11.5 inches by 14 inches. Top finalists' designs will appear on oceancount.org, the winner's design on the back of the shirt. The winner will also receive $500. Email the design and completed registration form to oceancount@marinesancutary.org.

ONGOING
Apply for a Crossing Guard Position at Nāʻālehu Elementary, to help keiki cross the street safely before and after school. Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii or contact Officer Torey Keltner of the Traffic Services Division at 961-2305 for more information.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.


The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry, Cooper Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.

Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f.

Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round. Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13. Schatz may also nominate exceptional students for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Applications due Friday, Oct. 23. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

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