Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, Nov. 8, 2021

Mixed Flock is the name of this multiple plate woodblock print by Margaret Barnaby, a member of Volcano Village Artists

 Hui, which will host studio tours live and online over Thanksgiving weekend. See more on the artists below.

KAʻŪ RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION IS A KULEANA HEALTH PROJECT PARTNER, reports KRHCA founder Jessie Marques. She told The Kaʻū Calendar today that Hawai'i County, Community First Hawai'i and University of Hawai'i - Hilo recently launched the Kuleana Health Project to lead a consortium of local health organizations focused on improving health outcomes through increasing health literacy. The two-year project is made possible through a $3 million grant from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office of Minority Health. The grant is awarded to County of Hawaiʻi.

    Other Kaʻū health care providers in the Kuleana Health Project are Bay Clinic and Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi. Islandwide, additional Kuleana partners are Kīpuka O Ke Ola Waimea; Hamakua-Kohala Health; West Hawaiʻi Community Health Center, which is merging with Bay Clinic, and District Office  of the state  Department of Health.
    In addition, Hawaiʻi County was selected competitively to be part of a $250 million, two-year initiative to identify and implement best practices for improving health literacy to enhance COVID-19 vaccination and other COVID-19 mitigation practices among underserved populations. The Advancing Health Literacy to Enhance Equitable Community Responses to COVID-19 initiative is part of the Biden/Harris Administration's National Strategy for COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, says a statement from Hawai'i County.

    Mayor Mitch Roth said, "Securing these funds is critical to ensuring the health and prosperity of our community through the pandemic and beyond. Our administration is focused on a thriving Hawaiʻi Island, and adequate healthcare plays a large role in that. By working diligently with all branches of government and the private sector to tackle the growing health disparities faced by many islandwide, we can and will create a sustainable county where our keiki and raise their keiki for generations to come."
    Health literacy is a person's ability to find, understand and use information and services to help them make health-related decisions for themselves and others. Health literacy is a central focus of the Healthy People 2030 blueprint for improving the health of the nation, which is sponsored by the federal HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. The county statement says, "Healthy People 2030 has elevated health literacy within one of its overarching goals: Eliminate health disparities, achieve health equity, and attain health literacy to improve the health and wellbeing of all."

    Under the County's administrative leadership, Community First Hawaiʻi has initiated project activities while collaborating with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on program evaluation and quality improvement. Over the next two years, the Kuleana Health Project will work with local consortium partners to develop a health literacy plan to increase the availability, acceptability, and use of COVID-19 public health information and services by racial and ethnic minority populations.
    The projects will also focus on underserved and rural communities by addressing chronic disease disparities through improved utilization of telehealth by community members. The Kuleana Health Project is also expected to leverage local data to identify racial and ethnic minority populations at the highest risk for health disparities and low health literacy and populations not currently reached through existing public health campaigns.

    "A thriving community is made up of individuals and families that are empowered to take responsibility for their health," said Randy Kurohara, executive director of Community First Hawaiʻi. "The effort to increase health literacy is, at its core, about removing barriers between patients and providers so that every one of us can make informed health care choices for ourselves."

The late Barry Taniguchi, of KTA,
who founded Community First Hawai'i.
Photo from U.H.

    County of Hawai'i Department of Research & Development Director Doug Adams said, "Through this islandwide consortium, we aim to address health disparities among Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, Native Hawaiians, and Hispanics as well as individuals living in rural communities. The Kuleana Health Project is currently in the process of formalizing consortium partnerships with local community health organizations. We are very pleased to have established this co-leadership with Community First Hawaiʻi and the University of Hawai'i at Hilo, and are very excited to announce the consortium partners in the coming weeks."
    Community First Hawaiʻi is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit founded in 2014 by the late Barry Taniguchi, of KTA Superstores, to serve as a neutral forum for the community to come together and as a catalyst for solutions to improve health and lower medical costs on Hawaiʻi Island based on the community good. Through its programs, "Community First hopes to shift the model of healthcare from reactively treating disease, to proactively caring for the health of every person on Hawaiʻi Island," says the statement issued by the County.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

PUBLIC ACCESS ROOM, an arm of the Hawai'i Legislature, will host a webinar this Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. on Using the Legislature’s Website. PAR's Zoom presentation and discussion is for those interested in tips on searching for bills, using the interactive features of the website (testifying, tracking, and hearing notification), and navigating the website. RSVP by emailing par@capitol.hawaii.gov or call 808-587-0478.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

VOLCANO VILLAGE ARTISTS HUI MEMBERS are getting ready for their Annual Studio Tour this Thanksgiving weekend. The three studio sites will open for regular hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 26 - 28 from 10 a.m. to 4pm.

    Margaret Barnaby will display her woodblock prints at her studio, joined by Mike and Misato Mortara with their hand-blown art glass and Lisa Louise Adams with her quilts, pots, watercolors and books.
    Ira Ono will be on hand with his Exquisite Gifts & Treasures at Volcano Garden Arts.
    Emily Herb with her pottery and sculptural clay vessels and guest artist Joan Yoshioka with her nature paintings, prints and cards will be at the 2400 Fahrenheit Glass Studio.
    Erik Wold with his pottery, Chiu Leong with porcelain and tea, Elizabeth Miller with her paintings and prints, and Ricia Shema with vintage silk can be contacted through their websites and email.
    Pam Barton and Zeke Israel have opted not to participate this year. Hui members said they continue to make art and look forward to the time when the annual studio tour and sale can continue as it was before the pandemic, hopefully in 2022.
    Check The Volcano Village Artists Hui website in November for up to date information and maps, as changes are possible up to the last minute due to the ongoing public health issues. Covid protocols with be observed at all open studios, including masking, hand sanitizing and social distancing. "The Hui would like to thank our community for their continued understanding and support!" says a statement from the artists. See www.VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com

Field-Notes: Hawai'i `Alala Contemplates the Void from which It Came

Multi-media by Elizabeth Miller 

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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 x.

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. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com..

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.

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

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

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.

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. Pāhala 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.

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

ENROLL CHILDREN, from first through eighth grade, in Kula ʻAmakihi, a program from Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences. It started Aug. 3. Call 808-985- 9800 or visit www.volcanoschool.net.

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.Vendor applications are being accepted for its Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale on Saturday, Nov. 13. 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.biz.

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 panoramiocean 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, hosted by The old tennis center at Punalu'u is being repaired to become part of a Welcome Center, according to 
an SMA minor permit filed with the county Planning Director. Photo by Julia Neal Main Street, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grounds of The Old Shirakawa Estate in Waiʻohinu. It features: Made in Hawai'i Products, Organic Produce, Creative Crafts, ARt, Flower and Plants, Food, Ka`u Coffee, Gluen Free Low Carb Goodies, Wellness Services and Products, Clothing, Hand Crafted Treats, Music and more. Vendor and customer 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.