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Viewing from the closest vantage point, the Keanakākoʻi side of Kīlauea caldera, requires a one-mile walk each way. Masks required. See tips for visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park below. NPS Photo/Janice Wei |
HAWAI'I ISLAND COULD END UP WITH AN EIGHTH MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, if enough people testify, according to Sharon Matson, a redistricting advocate. She issued a statement reminding voters of proposed district maps that could alter the required residence of
those representing Ka'u and other places. She urges folks to join Zoom meetings Wednesday and Thursday.
See the proposed redistricting maps at https://histategis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?
appid=8d8913dba1174e8d9d7c8953b16a10f=
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| Shannon Matson advocates for eight House members. |
Here is the link to understanding more for the upcoming zoom meetings: https://elections.hawaii.gov/about-us/boards-and-commissions/reapportionment/
The meetings for Hawai'i Island are West Side: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1; Video: Zoom; Meeting ID: 996 6312 0815. East Side: 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2; Video: Zoom; Meeting ID: 969 9109 6001.To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Plan ahead. Explore the park website, www.nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes well before arrival. Ferracane notes, "It’s like a stocking stuffed with favorite things: what to bring, information on uncrowded park areas away from the eruption site, directions, how to dress and more."
Download the free app. The NPS has a free app with tools to explore more than 400 national parks across the country, and "the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes app is as sweet as a candy cane," says Farracane. "Self-guided tours, alerts and other valuable information is like having a ranger in your pocket. You can even send a postcard without a stamp right from your phone!" Download the app in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Be respectful. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are cherished by many people, including kānaka maʻoli (Native Hawaiians). Consider others before taking photos, and use an "indoor voice" when sharing
overlooks with others. Listen for rumbling lava, the singing forest birds and the wind through the trees.
Stay safe and recreate responsibly. Erupting volcanoes can be dangerous and activity can change at any time. Volcanic gas, sinkholes, steep unstable cliff edges and earth cracks all present hazards. Stay on trail and do not enter closed areas. Maintain social distance of six feet from others and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If sick, visit another day. Masks are required in all park buildings and several overlooks.
"With a little planning and plenty of flexibility, the first-time visitor or the long-time resident can have a memorable visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this holiday season. Please recreate responsibly, respect wildlife and each other, and wear a mask when in crowded outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained," says Ferracane. See www.nps.gov To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
UNWRAP THOSE RANGER TIPS BEFORE VISITING HAWAI'I VOLCANOES. National Park spokesperson Jessica Ferracane says, "It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but when parking lots are full, roads are temporarily closed due to congestion and visitors bump into each other on trails and overlooks, the holiday spirit can take a dive. This season, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park helps you plan like a park ranger with five insightful tips to help you navigate the festive season." Here are the five tips for visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes:
Be flexible. Have a Plan B and even a Plan C. The eruption at the summit of Kīlauea is showing no signs of taking time off for the holidays. During peak times, expect parking lots to be full and for temporary road closures when parking lots at Devastation Trail and Puʻupuaʻi overflow with vehicles backed up onto roadways. Avoid the peak times of sunrise and sunset and come at an unconventional time, like 4 a.m., or after 8 p.m. If there is no parking, visit another area in the park and try again later. HVNP is open 24 hours a day.
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| Crowded Crater Rim Drive. NPS photo |
Download the free app. The NPS has a free app with tools to explore more than 400 national parks across the country, and "the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes app is as sweet as a candy cane," says Farracane. "Self-guided tours, alerts and other valuable information is like having a ranger in your pocket. You can even send a postcard without a stamp right from your phone!" Download the app in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.
Be respectful. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are cherished by many people, including kānaka maʻoli (Native Hawaiians). Consider others before taking photos, and use an "indoor voice" when sharing
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| Keanakakoi side of Kilauea and visitors. NPS Photo by Janice Wei |
overlooks with others. Listen for rumbling lava, the singing forest birds and the wind through the trees.
Stay safe and recreate responsibly. Erupting volcanoes can be dangerous and activity can change at any time. Volcanic gas, sinkholes, steep unstable cliff edges and earth cracks all present hazards. Stay on trail and do not enter closed areas. Maintain social distance of six feet from others and wear a mask to reduce the spread of COVID-19. If sick, visit another day. Masks are required in all park buildings and several overlooks.
"With a little planning and plenty of flexibility, the first-time visitor or the long-time resident can have a memorable visit to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park this holiday season. Please recreate responsibly, respect wildlife and each other, and wear a mask when in crowded outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained," says Ferracane. See www.nps.gov To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
AN EASE OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS was announced Tuesday by Mayor Mitch Roth, following
Gov. David Ige agreeing to let counties make their own rules without his approvals.
A statement from the Mayor's office noted that since the beginning of November there has been gradual reduction in the number of new COVID-19 cases, declining to a seven day average of 12 new cases per day and a test positivity rate of 2.4 percent on Nov. 29 when more than 63 percent of Hawai'i Island residents had completed vaccinations.
The new rule says businesses, operations and activity sponsors can protect their employees and customers by requiring proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test of employees or customers as as condition of entry.
Restaurants, bars, food courts and other eating establishment must still require face coverings for employees and customers, except when actively eating or drinking.
The new rule allows social gatherings up to 25 persons indoors and 100 outdoors. Except when special permission has been granted, larger indoor and outdoor venues must remain closed. Nightclubs remain closed. Road races, including marathons and triathlons are not allowed unless special permission is approved. Those seeking special permission must show insurance and a plan.
At county parks and recreational facilities, face coverings are not required at indoor and outdoor venues when people are actively participating in recreational and exercise activities. When not exercising, even at beach parks, face masks are required.
In places of worship, persons of different households must remain at least six fee apart and everyone must wear a mask.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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. "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 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.
