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Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, August 26, 2020

U.S. Surgeon General Vice Admiral Jerome Adams and Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, spoke up today about Hawaiʻi
going red in its positivity rate for COVID-19 as they roll out some 70,000 tests that can be self-administered.
Photo from Lt. Gov Josh Green facebook
CONTACT, TRACE, AND TEST "LIKE MAD FOOLS," said Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD today. He was talking about the surge in COVID-19 on Hawaiʻi Island, where there were 23 new cases today, following 11 cases on Tuesday. He said the Big Island is "where Oʻahu was two months ago." Since then, case numbers on Oʻahu have exploded, leading to a statewide positivity rate of 11 percent reported today. It's higher than rates in some two dozen states and Washington, D.C., with most of their positivity rates below five percent. The U.S. Surgeon General, Vice Admiral Jerome Adams, who has been visiting the Islands, said Hawaiʻi has gone into "the red," and he supports the two-week stay-at-home order now imposed on the residents of Oʻahu.
     Green said, "Staying at home will keep people alive." He and the Surgeon General rolled out new free COVID tests on Oʻahu for some 70,000 people and they demonstrated the ease with which the tests can be self-administered. Watch the demonstration here: https://vimeo.com/451663548. See more at the Lt. Governor's Facebook.
     On Hawaiʻi Island, the county and partners are also rolling out more free testing. Recent
COVID cases in Hilo have come to Liberty Dialysis and Bay Clinic, Ken's House of Pancakes, and a charter school with three campuses.
Green helps make it simple at his whiteboard today, recommending groups of no more than five. Stick with households
and mask mandates are critical to stop the explosion of COVID-19, he said. Photo from Lt. Gov. Josh Green's Facebook
     Regarding the outbreak at the veteran's home in Hilo, apparently through a staff member, Mayor Harry Kim, himself a medic in the Vietnam War, told the Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald that he feels "horrible. Our duty is to make them (the veterans) feel as pleasant and comfortable as possible." The mayor implored the public: "When I send a message to the community to protect your family, protect your friends, protect your community — that's what I'm talking about." See more COVID-19 statistics, below.

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THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, an arm of the state Department of Health, has activated the Hawaiʻi CARES hotline to provide assistance and triage of COVID-19 cases. The
Hawaiʻi CARES call center is the state's centralized resource for mental health and substance use treatment assistance. During the pandemic, the call center duties will be expanded for arranging appropriate placement for isolation/quarantine. The Hawaiʻi CARES hotline can be reached by calling toll free at 1-800-753-6879. For more information about Hawaiʻi CARES, email hicares@hawaii.edu.

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A DIRE WARNING FROM HAWAIʻI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE came today from its President & CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara, concerning further shutdown of the economy to tamp down COVID-19:
     "Hawaiʻi's local businesses have taken the economic brunt of stopping the spread of COVID-19. We understand that defeating COVID-19 is only possible (way) through a collective effort, but are disappointed that the high case count has necessitated a second stay at home order for Oʻahu. Second shutdowns are more devastating for local economies. Two weeks is an eternity for businesses that are already suffering — many will not survive.
     "We have yet to see any comprehensive, statewide plan to support businesses in need. For instance, Hawaiʻi is just one of 11 states without a statewide financial relief program for businesses.
     "We understand that these are difficult decisions. But while we continue to advocate on behalf of local businesses, the financial resources to create statewide support programs lie with the government. It didn't have to come to this — local businesses and their employees deserve better."

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HAWAIʻI RANKS IN THE TOP FIVE FOR HEALTH AND FOR LOWEST NUMBER OF CHILDREN LIVING IN POVERTY, according to a study released today by WalletHub. Hawaiʻi ranks 47th in the review of all 50 states and Washington, D.C. to determine places with the most underprivileged children. The study found the most underprivileged to live in New Mexico, Mississippi, District of Columbia, Alaska, and West Virginia. Hawaiʻi ranked as one of the best for children, tying with Maryland, and just behind North Dakota, Utah, and New Hampshire.
     See more at Wallethub.com.

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TWENTY-THREE NEW CASES OF COVID-19 are reported on Hawaiʻi Island today. There are at least 71 active cases, according to Civil Defense, with at least one in Kaʻū zip code 96777 and at least one in Volcano zip code 96785. There are at least 13 hospitalizations on-island.
     Statewide, 277 new cases are reported, with eight in Maui County, 254 on Oʻahu. Two more people have died, both Oʻahu men above age 50 with underlying health conditions.
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
(not pictured) is 26 to 50 cases. Dark orange is 51 to 150 
cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     Hawaiʻi Island reported 220 cases since the pandemic began. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 6,626 cases, losing one to new info, Maui County 311, and Kauaʻi 56. Twenty-four victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Fifty-one people have died. Statewide, 444 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,288 have been released from isloation.
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "This morning information on COVID-19 shows a continuous increase of positive cases to Hawaiʻi Island and especially to the community of Hilo. This spread can be contained and stopped without adding further restrictions or "Stay at Home" policies. This can be accomplished by all following the preventive policies of distancing, gatherings, and face coverings.
     "Especially for our children and kūpuna, who depend on us, we need to do our part to keep our home safe. The County Task Force will ramp up programs of disinfecting and spraying, assisting and inspection of businesses, and enforcement of policies. County-sponsored testing will be increased and continued as long as needed. A special thank you to the people of Keaukaha who turned out in huge numbers to be tested. This is a community issue and needs community involvement to make a difference.
     "The situation in Hilo is a very serious one and we must all do our part to stop the spread of the virus. For family, friends, and community, do your part to keep our home safe. We need your help in following the guidance of prevention. Thank you for listening and take care. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,822,927 – about 24 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 179,734 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 24.18 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 825,798.

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

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs will be held Sunday, Aug. 30 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

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.

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

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


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

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. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

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
St. Jude's Episcopal Church services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.

The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, 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.

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.

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 Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. 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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