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| Food is growing at the school farm at Ka`u High School with volunteers from Wilderness Adventures helping to weed eggplant, kalo and lettuce, as students get ready to come back to campus next Wednesday. Photo by Julia Neal |
KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL OPENED ITS CAMPUS TO TEACHERS TODAY and invites students back in person next Wednesday, Aug. 4. Ninth and tenth graders will be enrolled in the new on-campus Kaʻū Global Learning Lab, Academy for Agri-preneurship, involving the school farm, creating new products and learning math, science, the trades and other subjects through working toward career and educational goals. The mission is to prepare "students to be environmentally responsible community members and independent entrepreneurs who practice mālama 'āina (conservation and sustainability) and contribute to the socio-economic resiliency of Ka'ū, Hawai'i, and the world."
The vision: "Academy for Agri-preneurship students are successful creators and innovators prepared for college, careers, and community who possess the skills, knowledge, and passion to care for their family, the Ka'ū community, and others." See much more at https://sites.google.com/k12.hi.us/khpesgll/home, including opportunities for local business and community involvement and public volunteer workdays each month, including one this Saturday. See poster below.
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| Hydroponic lettuce growing at Ka'u High. Photo by Julia Neal |
Students can start to sign up by filling out the interest form at
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejMTjwTQdiyI6nL9Nz-wXzE3VXNzvyGeOyARTsggeUS8z7SQ/viewform.
In addition to new learning opportunities for students on campus, part time jobs are open for adult community members. See poster below.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
EAST KAʻŪ'S STATE SENATOR VOTED AGAINST A NOMINEE TO THE state Court of Appeals today. The nominee is Dan Gluck, a caucasian man who has worked as an attorney and legal staff director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i. He has been administrator and counsel for the state Ethics Commission for the last five years. Gluck has also served as adjunct professor, Civil Rights Seminar at University of Hawai‘i William S. Richardson School of Law. Gluck earned a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School. Gluck was president of the
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| Dan Gluck, state Ethics Commission administrator, nominated for judgeship. |
According to a story in Civil Beat today, Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, herself an attorney, asked Gluck during his interview Tuesday, “If you really do truly believe in diversity and historic biases … shouldn’t you withdraw your nomination?” Some testifiers called on him to withdraw his nomination, suggesting the confirmation of a female person of color. The pool of attorneys from which Gov. David Ige picked Gluck includes people of color with three women, one a sitting judge, noted Civil Beat.
Senators Mike Gabbard, Chris Lee and Karl Rhoads voted for Gluck. Sens. Jarrett Keohokalole, Laura Acasio, Donna Kim and Kurt Fevella cast no votes. The full Senate votes Thursday on Gluck's confirmation.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
FORTY INMATES FROM HILO JAIL AND KULANI CORRECTIONAL FACILITY moved to Halawa Correctional Facility on O'ahu on this week. They were airlifted by two CH-47F helicopters operated by Hawai'i Army National Guard. All were sentenced felons.
The effort was to alleviate overcrowding. National Guard Maj. Gen. Ken S. Hara said, “The Hawai'i National Guard has worked with the Department of Public Safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an example of one state department successfully partnering with another. This transport mission is critical to reduce the spread of
COVID-19 in Hawaii’s prison system.” Twenty inmates were from HCCC and 20 from KCF.
“Moving these sentenced felons helped to free up more space for the pre-trial custodies at HCCC,” said PSD Director Max Otani. “We couldn’t have done this without the coordination and collaborative relationship with our federal, executive and judicial partners.”
Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director for Corrections added, “The National Guard and PSD’s Deputy Sheriffs, along with ACOs and health care staff from OCCC, HCF, HCCC and the Kulani Correctional Facility all worked together to provide a successful and safe air and ground transport. I want to give a big Mahalo to everyone for all their hard work and for helping to expedite this necessary transport.”
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| An inmate being transported from overcrowded Hawai'i Island correctional facilities to O'ahu. Photo from Hawai'i National Guard |
“Moving these sentenced felons helped to free up more space for the pre-trial custodies at HCCC,” said PSD Director Max Otani. “We couldn’t have done this without the coordination and collaborative relationship with our federal, executive and judicial partners.”
Tommy Johnson, Deputy Director for Corrections added, “The National Guard and PSD’s Deputy Sheriffs, along with ACOs and health care staff from OCCC, HCF, HCCC and the Kulani Correctional Facility all worked together to provide a successful and safe air and ground transport. I want to give a big Mahalo to everyone for all their hard work and for helping to expedite this necessary transport.”
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Similar conditions were observed on Mauna Loa Road, which will also be closed to vehicles from the gate at Kīpukapuaulu to the Mauna Loa Lookout at 6,662 feet.
In addition, open fires will be prohibited at Nāmakanipaio campground, Kīpukapuaulu picnic area, and Kilauea Military Camp until further notice. Propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted.
“Staying safe while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the park is our top priority,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Fire Management Officer Greg Funderburk. “Fire danger indexes in both areas are above the 90th percentile and any ignitions that occur would be difficult to suppress and likely to result in a large fire,” he said.
Pedestrians and bicyclists may continue to use both roads, and backcountry permit holders will be provided access to trailheads.
On average, human-caused wildfires make up 98 percent of all wildfire occurrences in Hawaiʻi annually. Many of these wildfires occur in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threats to public safety, said the Park statement.
CHURCH SERVICES
PREVENTING WILDFIRES IS THE AIM OF HAWAI'I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, as it restricted campfires and closed parts of Mauna Loa Road and Hilina Pali Road to motorized vehicles today, Wednesday, July 28 until further notice.
Despite ample rainfall in other parts of East Hawaiʻi, Hilina Pali Road has only received about half an inch of rain since June 1. Dry grasses and shrubs along the road exacerbate fire danger. Hilina Pali Road will be closed to motorists from the Kulanaokuaiki Campground to the Hilina Pali Lookout.
Despite ample rainfall in other parts of East Hawaiʻi, Hilina Pali Road has only received about half an inch of rain since June 1. Dry grasses and shrubs along the road exacerbate fire danger. Hilina Pali Road will be closed to motorists from the Kulanaokuaiki Campground to the Hilina Pali Lookout.
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| Dry conditions prompted temporary road closures in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, effective July 28. NPS Photo by G.Funderburk |
In addition, open fires will be prohibited at Nāmakanipaio campground, Kīpukapuaulu picnic area, and Kilauea Military Camp until further notice. Propane or gas cooking stoves are permitted.
“Staying safe while protecting the natural and cultural resources of the park is our top priority,” said Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Fire Management Officer Greg Funderburk. “Fire danger indexes in both areas are above the 90th percentile and any ignitions that occur would be difficult to suppress and likely to result in a large fire,” he said.
Pedestrians and bicyclists may continue to use both roads, and backcountry permit holders will be provided access to trailheads.
On average, human-caused wildfires make up 98 percent of all wildfire occurrences in Hawaiʻi annually. Many of these wildfires occur in proximity to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing considerable threats to public safety, said the Park statement.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It starts Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net. See more on Page 6 of the The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
SIGN UP FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL IN KA‘Ū. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
VOLUNTEER AT KA‘Ū SCHOOL GARDEN on Saturday, July 31 at 9 a.m. as part of the Hawai`i Island Community Food Summit. See more on Page 5 of the July Kaʻū Calendar newspaper.
SIGN UP FOR EXPERIENCE VOLCANO FESTIVAL, which happens on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 15 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR VOLCANO’S OHIA LEHUA RUNS, which happen on Saturday, Aug. 14. See more on Page 5 of The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper's July edition.
REGISTER FOR THE KA‘Ū COFFEE TRAIL RUN, which returns on Saturday, Sept. 18. See more on the OKK event at https://www.kaucoffeetrailruns.com/
WALK THROUGH A GUIDED 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. www.volcanoartcenter.org. Call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ ART GALLERY is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Nāʻālehu. It features and sells works by local artists and offers other gift items. Kaʻū Art Gallery's website has 24/7 access online and is frequently updated to show current inventory items. "We are always looking to collaborate with local artists in our community," said assistant Alexandra Kaupu. Artists with an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.bi
GOLF & MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The Club offers Social Memberships, with future use of the clubhouse and current use of the pickleball courts as well as walking and running on specified areas of the golf course before 8 a.m. and after 3 p.m. to enjoy the panoramic
ocean views. Golf memberships range from unlimited play for the avid golfer to casual play options. Membership is required to play and practice golf on the course. All golf memberships include Social Membership amenities. Membership fees are designed to help underwrite programs and improvements to the facilities.Call 808-731-5122 or stop by the Clubhouse during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 94-1581 Kaulua Circle. Email clubatdiscoveryharbour@gmail.com. See The Club at Discovery Harbour Facebook page.
Aloha Friday Marketplace every Friday from 9am to 2pm on the beautiful grounds of Kauaha'ao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St., Wai'ohinu,
ALOHA FRIDAY MARKETPLACE, hosted by Kaʻū Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of Kauahaʻao Congregational Church 95-1642 Pinao St. in Waiʻohinu, corner of Kamaoa and Hwy 11. Farmers Market, Arts & Crafts, Health Practitioners, Food, Music, Yoga, Keiki Fun & More. Inquiries: AlohaFridayMarket@gmail.com.
VOLCANO FARMERS MARKET, Cooper Center, Volcano Village on Sundays. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, baked goods, food to go, island beef and Hawai‘i Coffee. Cooper Center's EBT Machine, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps. Call 808-967-7800.
OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY MARKET, open Saturdays and Thursdays, 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 Council. 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.
O KAʻŪ KĀKOU MARKET, in Nāʻālehu, open Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Limit of 50 customers per hour, 20 vendor booths, with 20 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing 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. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.
OCEAN VIEW SWAP MEET is 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 required.
BUY LOCAL GIFTS ONLINE, IN-PERSON
VOLCANO ART CENTER ONLINE, in person. Shop at Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime.
Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. See volcanoartcenter.org/events, call 967-8222.
KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL & VISITOR CENTER. Buy online at kaucoffeemill.com and in person at 96-2694 Wood Valley Road, daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PUNALUʻU BAKESHOP online at bakeshophawaii.com and in-person 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in Nāʻālehu.
ALIʻI HAWAIʻI HULA HANDS COFFEE. Order by calling 928-0608 or emailing alihhhcoffee@yahoo.com.
AIKANE PLANTATION COFFEE COMPANY. Order online at aikaneplantation.com. Call 808-927-2252
MIRANDA'S FARMS KAʻŪ COFFEE. Order online at mirandafarms.com or, in person at 73-7136 Mamalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu.
KUAHIWI RANCH STORE, in person. Shop weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 11 am to 3 p.m. at 95-5520 Hwy 11. Locally processed grass-fed beef, live meat chickens, and feed for cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, horses, dogs, and pigs. Call 929-7333 of 938-1625, email kaohi@kuahiwiranch.com.
CHURCH SERVICES
OCEAN VIEW EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY CHURCH holds services on Sundays beginning with Sing-Along on the Square at 10:15 a.m., followed by Sunday Morning Service at 11 a.m. In-person services following CDC Guidelines and Hawaii mandates by using hand sanitizer, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
Music and Sermons are posted to FaceBook.com/OVECC. Also see FaceBook.com/OVECC for more. The church campus for Ocean View Evangelical Community Church is 92-8977 Leilani Circle. ovecchurch@gmail.com
ST. JUDES'S IS HOLDING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, with COVID protocol in place, including wearing masks. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is offered at
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798655114?pwd=QW5YSmQwNFAyWVZud3QvSVBiNXJ0Zz09. Meeting ID is 857 9865 5114. Passcode is Aloha.
St. Jude's offers free food and showers, live church services and community outreach in Ocean View. St. Jude's Episcopal Mission is at Paradise Circle - mauka at Keaka. The Sunday service is also broadcast on Facebook through the St. Jude's web page at http://www.stjudeshawaii.org.
Free hot showers are open to anyone on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Last sign up is at 11:30 a.m. There are two private stalls. The church provides body wash, shampoo and a clean towel.
Attendants take the temperatures of the shower users and ask that all wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The monitors sanitize the shower stalls after each use. However, St. Jude's assumes no liability in the transmission of any illness and posts the cautionary, "Use at Your Own Risk." On Saturdays, free lunches (take out only) are available between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
St. Jude's is also working with Kaʻū High & Pahala Elementary for educational outreach and better internet for the entire Ocean View Community.
HOPE DIA-MEND MINISTRIES holds outdoor services Sundays at 9:45 a.m. at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View. Masks and distancing required. For help and/or to donate, call or text 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.
DEPRESSED, ANXIOUS, NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO? 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 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 at facebook.com/bhhsurg
KAʻŪ WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAMS. 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. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
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 at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home.
EDUCATION
Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Kaʻū, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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.
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs at rb.gy/o1o2hy. For keiki grades 1-6. 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.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads at rb.gy/8er9wm. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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.
Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Ka'ū Elementary, 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.org for Live WebEx link.
Public Libraries are 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. Pahala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., limited entry into library with Wiki Visits. 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. See 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.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption.
View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report at rb.gy/awu65k.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.
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.ECONOMIC RELIEF
Online Directory at shopbigisland.com, co-sponsored by County of Hawai‘i, has a signup sheet for local businesses to fill in the blanks. The only requirement is a physical address on this island.
COMMUNITY
Food Assistance: Apply for The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences COVID-19 Family Relief Funds. Funded by Volcano Community Association, and members of the VSAS Friends and Governing Boards, who have donated, the fund supplies KTA or Dimple Cheek Gift Cards, or gift cards to other locally owned business, to VSAS families in need. Contact Kim Miller at 985-8537, kmiller@volcanoschool.net. Contributions to the fund can be sent in by check to: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785 – write Relief Fund in the memo. See volcanoschool.net.
