Kaʻū News Briefs July 10, 2024

PUNALU'U SMA, PĀHALA WATER BOTTLING PLANT AND EVACUATION ROUTES FOR GREEN SANDS neighborhood are all on the agenda for Kaʻū Community Development Plan Action Committee on Thursday, July 11. The meeting is at 5 p.m. at Pāhala Community Center.
    Public testimony on the agenda items is limited to three minutes per item per person. According to the agenda, the Action Committee will have discussion and decision making on submitting testimony to the Windward Planning Commission regarding the proposed Special Management Area permit for Black Sand Beach, LLC's proposed development at Punalu'u.
    The CDP Action Committee is also scheduled to discuss hazard mitigation and evacuation routes Green Sands Subdivision.
    Another topic on the agenda is the planned Pāhala Water Bottling Facility on the old sugar plantation mill site.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

MAMAKI TEA, GROWN IN WOOD VALLEY, IS A KEY INGREDIENT IN A NEW SORBET produced by Shaka Tea Hawai'i and Asato Family Shop. It will be introduced this Friday at Puainako KTA in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again at Foodland Farms Ala Moana on O'ahu on July 20 at 11 a.m.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

HAWAI'I COFFEE ASSOCIATION ADVISES KA'U COFFEE FARMERS on two new truth in labeling measure that Gov. Josh Green recently signed into law. Chris Manfredi, Government Affairs Coordinator for HCA, said the organization strongly supported the legislation. At the signing, Kaʻū Coffee Mill representative Jeff Clark and Kaʻū's state Senator Dru Kanuha were in attendance.
    Regarding Act 198, the HCA announcement says:
    "While the original form of the bill was for 100% Hawaii-grown coffee to be used in products that use Hawaii's coffee growing regions on packaging and in advertising, a compromise was reached at a 51% minimum blend ratio.
    "This is part of an ongoing HCA effort to protect Hawai'i's coffee producers from the introduction of poor quality and foreign-grown coffee into the supply chain. The HCA believes that poor quality blends and counterfeit coffee that use Hawaii's origin names

Gov. Josh Green with coffee industry representatives, including

 Kaʻū Coffee MIll's Jeff Clark and Kaʻū's state Senator Dru Kanuha.

 The Governor signed laws protecting the integrity of Hawai'i coffee labeling.

Photo from HCA

undermine the generations of producers who continue to work to build Hawaii's coffee brands with high quality and integrity.
    "What this means for you - If you sell 100% Hawaii-grown coffee there will be no change as the results of this law.
    If you sell blends containing foreign-grown coffee, on and after July 1, 2027 your blends will be required to contain at least 51% Hawaii-grown coffee to be in compliance.
    "We are currently communicating with Hawai'i Department of Agriculture about the implementation and enforcement of this law, including its impacts on 'All Hawaiian"'blends, and will continue to update you."
    Regarding Act 211, HCA reports, "This truth-in-labeling measure was not an HCA initiative however we did support it and offered our amendments over time. It requires that coffee origins be better disclosed

on the label and in advertising."
    For more on its requirements, implementation and enforcement, visit the state Department of Agriculture post at
https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nnr2418coffeelabelinglaw/
For retail information and to report possible mislabeling or non-compliance, email the HDOA’s Measurement Standards Branch at: hdoa.ms.labeling@hawaii.gov or call (808) 832-0690.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. Support this news service with advertising at kaunews.com. 7,500 copies in the mail and on stands.

5,500 in the mail, 2,000 on the streets Volcano to Miloli'i
 See www.kaunews.com

Kaʻū News Briefs April 25, 2024

The drying of māmaki leaves for Shaka Tea, which had its start with māmaki from Wood Valley. See www.shakatea.com. 
 Photo from Shaka Tea Hawai‘i

See www.shakatea.com,

SHAKA TEA HAWAI‘I, WITH ITS ROOTS IN WOOD VALLEY'S MĀMAKI Native Hawaiian tea farms, has made it into another chain store with national distribution and also into this weekend's Mana Up event in New York. 

    Shaka Tea Hawai‘i sent out an announcement on Thursday, saying its tea is "brewed with sustainably grown māmaki leaves from Hawai‘i, bringing you island vibes with zero sugar, calories or carbs!" It is newly available at Target stores across the country, following its launch years ago in 7-11 convenience stores.

    Shaka Tea Hawai‘i will be on tap at Mana Up Hawai‘i's first shopping event in New York City on Friday through Sunday at Shopify Spaces in SoHo for The Aloha Market celebration of lei day. 

   Aloha Market will have many additional Hawai‘i products, interactive events and workshops led by Hawaiian entrepreneurs. There will be lei making, Hawaiian food tastings, live cooking demos, keiki activities and other special events. It will start at 10 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday.

    Shaka Tea, with its factory base in Hilo, is described on its website as "brewed with one of the rarest herbal teas in the world, only found in the Hawaiian Islands: māmaki. Shaka Tea practices direct trade, sourcing māmaki leaves from local farmers that are sustainably grown in volcanic, mineral-rich soil. Our teas are infused with premium botanicals in refreshing, tropical flavors to share with the world and provide herbal hydration to support your wellness journey."

    It notes that "Planting māmaki is an act of conservation providing critical habitat for the native, pollinator butterfly of Hawai‘i — pulelehua," the endangered Kamehameha butterfly.

Māmaki, the native Hawaiian tea and favorite food of the endangered Kamehameha butterfly is now 
in Target stores and this weekend at Mana Up in New York through Shaka Tea Hawai‘i.
 See www.shakatea.com. Photo from Shaka Tea Hawai‘i

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

A NEW SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP TIES HAWAI‘I ISLAND TO HATSUKAICHI, JAPAN. Mayor Mitch Roth made the announcement on Thursday. A statement from his office says the "partnership marks a significant step in strengthening cultural and economic ties between our communities, building on the deep historical connections many of our local Japanese families have with this region of Japan."
    The relationship was affirmed by a signing ceremony with Roth, Hatsukaichi Mayor Tarō Matsumoto, members of Hawaiʻi County Council, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi, Honorary Consul of Japan in Hilo, Art Taniguchi, and members of government from Hatsukaichi. 

Mayor Mitch Roth with new Sister City reps from 
Hatsukaichi, Japan.

    Roth said,  "Many of our residents have family roots that trace back to Hiroshima, making this partnership not just a formal relationship but a rekindling of familial bonds and history,. Through this sister city connection, we hope to honor and deepen the rich cultural heritage that many of our Japanese-American families bring to Hawaiʻi."

    Hatsukaichi, known for its picturesque Itsukushima Shrine and vibrant history, shares many cultural and environmental similarities with Hawaiʻi County. This relationship will foster exchanges in tourism, culture, education, and business, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation, says the statement from the Mayor's office.
    Hawaiʻi County and Hatsukaichi representatives said they plan to collaborate on student exchanges, business delegations, and cultural festivals, to promote global friendship and understanding.

    Hiroshima and Hawai‘i state libraries signed a sisters relationship in October of 2022. The Hiroshima Sister State relationship with Hawai‘i is more than a quarter century old.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FUND WILL disperse $62 million for solar

systems, the funding provided by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for homes in this state.
    The federal Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, is providing the money from a $27 billion federal investment top cut the cost of electric bills and carbon emissions nationwide.

    The funding will finance residential rooftop solar, storage systems, and community-owned solar systems for low-income households.
    "For years, the benefits of household solar — such as the significant savings on energy bills — have been out of reach for too many in Hawaiʻi,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “With this new EPA investment of over $62 million, residents across Hawaiʻi, including those in our disadvantaged communities, will now be able to adopt solar and reap the advantages of this climate change-fighting technology.”

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

A DECOMPOSED BODY IN OCEAN VIEW has led to a Hawai‘i Police Department investigation.
On Tuesday, April 23, shortly before 12:40 p.m., detectives assigned to the Area II Criminal Investigations Section responded to a property located on the 92-8700 block of Lotus Blossom Lane for a report of a decomposed body on the property. Upon their arrival, they discovered the body of a male which had injuries that were suspicious in nature. Due to the body being in advanced stages of decomposition, the identity of the male and the exact cause of death could not be determined.
    An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.

    Anyone with information relative to this investigation is encouraged to call the Hawai’i Police Department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311. They may also contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118; or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov.

A 60-YEAR OLD TRUCK DRIVER FROM NĀ‘ĀLEHU WAS ARRESTED AFTER HIS DUMP TRUCK OVERTURNED with a load of asphalt near Kawaihae. According to the police report, Jefferey Anderson was arrested for DUI and released pending further investigation. A statement from HPD says that Hawai‘i Island police are investigating this traffic crash that led to the closure of Akoni Pule Highway for three hours near Kawaihae Harbor on Wednesday, April 24.
    Responding to a 2:30 p.m. call, police determined that a 2001 Peterbilt dump truck was traveling west on Akoni Pule Highway near the 3-mile marker, when the driver lost control of the truck, veered off of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned, spilling its load of asphalt.
    The driver of the dump truck was able to extricate himself from the truck. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released at the North Hawai‘i Community Hospital.
    The incident closed Akoni Pule Highway until crews arrived to remove the vehicle and debris from the roadway.
   Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to contact Officer Richard Nery at 808-887-3080 or via email at richard.nery@hawaiicounty.gov.

  

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

Kaʻū News Briefs April 3, 2024

 

Royal Court takes the stage at the Merrie Monarch Festival Ho‘ike on Wednesday night. Photo by Tracey Nime

The official poster of the 2024 Merrie Monarch
Festival by Eddy Y. See merriemonarch.com

KAʻŪ PARTICIPANTS IN MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVITIES THIS WEEK include Kehau Ke, who will ride on horseback with her pāʻū unit as the princess to represent the Island of Hawai‘i in the Merrie Monarch Parade on Saturday. Her horse and riders' lei and dress will feature the island's official color red. Also on horseback from Kaʻū will be Lorilee Lorenzo and her pāʻū unit. She will represent the island of O‘ahu. Her horse and riders' lei and dress will feature that island's color yellow.
    Performing this week is Hālau Hula o Leonalani, under the leadership of Kumu Debbie Ryder. They danced on Sunday and Wednesday and will perform again this Saturday at noon at Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
    Among the many local entities promoted during Merrie Monarch Week are  Kaʻū Coffee Mill and Shaka Tea, with much of its mamaki tea grown in Wood Valley. Shaka is offering free samples of mamaki outside its Hilo headquarters on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 116 Keawe St. Also numerous crafters and artists with roots in Kaʻū will display and sell their creations at venues throughout Hilo.

    Upcoming Merrie Monarch events include the Merrie Monarch Invitational Hawaiian Arts Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 

    Miss Aloha Hula competition, which is sold out but covered live on television, starts on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Edith Kanakaole Stadium. The Group Hula Kahiko (ancient) hula competition is sold out but will be televised live and starts on Friday at 6 p.m. The Group Hula ‘Auana (modern) competition is sold out but will be televised late and starts on Saturday at 6 p.m.

    See more at merriemonarch.com. See the compeititions live on K-5 television and live streamed and archived at HawaiiNewsnNow.com/MerrieMonarch.

Hālau O Kekuhi - Nālani Kanaka‘ole during the Merrie Monarch Ho'ike on Wednesday evening. Photo by Tracey Nime

Awhina - Ora and Leilani Kihi, Maori dancing at Merrie Monarch Ho‘ike on Wednesday. Photo by Cody Yamaguchi

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

SHAKA TEA AND KAʻŪ COFFEE MILL are supporting the Merrie Monarch event and promoting locally-grown farm products this week. Kaʻū Coffee Mill is supporting statewide television promotions of Merrie Monarch, featuring employee and Pāhala resident Melinda Eder at Kaʻū Coffee Mill's farm. Shaka Tea, with products created from tea, much of it growing in Wood Valley, is offering free māmaki sampling at its headquarters in Hilo Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 116 Ke'awe St.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC'S ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY PROGRAM "launched a new framework that streamlines choices for customers," says a statement issued April 1. Called Smart Renewable Energy, "it represents the next step in Hawaiian Electric’s push to bring more customer-sited renewable energy resources onto the grid as Hawai‘i strives to achieve its ambitious clean energy goals," according to Hawaiian Electric.

    "Smart Renewable Energy, also known as Smart DER, was developed under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission. It consolidates and replaces all Hawaiian Electric’s previous rooftop solar programs except for Net Energy Metering (NEM). For solar customers who want to pair their rooftop systems with energy storage, Hawaiian Electric is also offering a new incentive program called Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), which is replacing Battery Bonus. 

    "Going forward, customers who apply to install a grid-connected solar system must do so through Smart Renewable Energy, which offers an export and a non-export track. Customers enrolled in one of Hawaiian Electric’s rooftop solar or energy storage programs prior to today have several options to choose from as the company transitions to Smart Renewable Energy and BYOD": 

     For Net Energy Metering and NEM Plus: No changes will be required for customers in these programs.     

     Customers with Grid Supply, CGS Plus and Smart Export: Customers enrolled in these programs must transition to the Smart DER export track no later than seven years after their initial agreement date, starting Oct. The transition will be done automatically by Hawaiian Electric.

    For Customer Self Supply or Standard Interconnection Agreement, customers are not required to switch to Smart Renewable Energy, but if they choose to do so they will transition to the program’s non-export track. 

New programs to offset electric bills by feeding
solar into the grid are offered by Hawaiian Electric.
Photo from Hawaiian Electric

    Customers in any of the above programs have the option of transitioning to Smart Renewable Energy before their agreement end date by filling out a form on Hawaiian Electric’s website. 

    Battery Bonus customers are not required to transition to the new BYOD program but have the option to do so prior to their Battery Bonus agreement ending. 

    “We are excited to offer our customers Smart Renewable Energy and BYOD, which give them an opportunity to offset their energy bills while helping make the grid more resilient,” said Kaiulani Shinsato, Hawaiian Electric Customer Energy Resources co-director. “Hawaiian Electric is thankful to all the stakeholders who worked so hard to bring this to fruition.” Smart Renewable Energy and BYOD are the culmination of a multi-year regulatory effort that included input from the PUC, Hawaiian Electric, solar industry representatives and the Consumer Advocate. The Smart Renewable Energy export rates and other information about the new programs are available at hawaiianelectric.com/smartprograms

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

RESTRICTION FOR VEHICLES IN TREE MOLDS RECREATIONAL AREA OFF MAUNA LOA ROAD has been announced by the National Park Service. Due to recent safety concerns, restrictions have ALSO been imposed on accessing Tree Molds Road via the northern gravel road from the horse corral.
    The temporary closure of Tree Molds Road and recreational area to vehicles is due to heavy equipment operations. Pedestrians and bicyclists will be allowed access on paved sections of Tree Molds Road but must use caution and yield to trucks and machinery on the roadway. Access to Tree Molds Road via the northern gravel road from the horse corral is closed to pedestrian and bicyclist during times of construction.  
     The restrictions will begin Thursday, March 21 through early April, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The road and Tree Molds area will be open to vehicles at all other times.  
     The statement from NPS says, "Work continues on Phase One of the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Disaster Recovery Project and traffic safety and infrastructure upgrades. The latest project updates include establishing a materials staging area at the former horse corral off Mauna Loa Road."
    Construction closures and delays are updated on the park's new construction webpage:   https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/construction-closures.htm.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

KAʻŪ BOYS BASEBALL boys team beat Kealakehe 6-3. Kealakehe took the Girls Softball game 20-1, both played on Wednesday.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar. See upcoming events, print edition and archive at kaunews.com. See 7,500 copies the mail and on stands.

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022

MāmakiTea at Wood Valley Māmaki Farm, which sells most of its harvest to Shaka Tea.
Photo by Julia Neal

 MAMAKI TEA FROM WOOD VALLEY MADE A BIG SPLASH in a Honolulu Civil Beat story on Sunday. Agricultural writer Thomas Heaton notes that, "māmaki is only grown in Hawai'i and was first used by early Polynesian settlers. Now you can find it in 7-Eleven, Costco and soon, Whole Foods." He writes, "Given the strong market for herbal teas, worth $401 million last year worldwide, māmaki provides farmers with a promising crop for a well-established market." Read the entire article about the soaring business of māmaki and learn about its connection to native Hawaiian culture 
at https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/02/this-ancient-hawaiian-plants-popularity-has-soared-not-everyone-is-
pleased/

Shaka tea got its start with māmaki from Wood
Valley, its biggest supplier of the native leaf.
Photo from Shaka Tea

    The Kaʻū part of the story involves the Wood Valley māmaki farm managed by Matt and Andy Drayer with its 8,000 māmaki trees on 25 acres. The Civil Beat story says it is "the largest mamaki farm in Hawai'i" and largest supplier to Shaka Tea in Hilo, which takes almost all of the Drayers' harvest to make its bottled mamaki drinks that are sold nationwide. Shaka Tea recently sold to King's Hawaiian on the mainland, reports Civil Beat.
    Heaton writes about the farm in Wood Valley, saying, "māmaki is naturally a companion plant, so grows well with others. Drayer’s māmaki is  interspersed with nitrogen-fixing plants such as perennial peanut, nasturtium, marigold and teosante, the forbearer of corn. More nitrogen collected from the atmosphere means healthier soil."
    Heaton writes, "Drayer, who hails from California and is also president of the Hawai'i Farmers Union United’s Kaʻū chapter, values the land and its integrity and wants his future children to have security and healthy food at their fingertips.
    "Over the course of his time working closely with māmaki, Drayer has also found other potential uses for the plant, including a sap-like residue that he thinks could be used like pectin or a thickening agent."        Drayer is quoted as saying, "The fact that māmaki is getting popular is great. But for someone like me, it’s important to keep it from going extinct.”
    The story also points to māmaki being a favorite food of the state insect, the increasingly rare Kamehameha butterfly. Heaton also writes about māmaki's role in Hawaiian culture.
    See the Civil Beat story at https://www.civilbeat.org/2022/02/this-ancient-hawaiian-plants-popularity-has-soared-not-everyone-is-pleased/
    See The Ka'u Calendar stories on Shaka Tea, with its start in Wood Valley at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/search?q=Shaka+Tea and its mention in a Hawai'i governor's State of the State address at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2017_01_23_archive.html.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See February events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

A TRUTH-IN-LABELING BILL FOR KA'U AND OTHER HAWAIIAN COFFEES is before the Hawai'i Legislature and Hawai'i Farmers Union United urges support.
    HB1517 would require coffee blend labels to disclose geographic and regional origins and percent by weight of the blended coffees. The measure would prohibit using geographic origins of coffee in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee that contains less than a certain percentage of coffee by weight from that geographic origin. The regulation would be phased in to requires a minimum of 51 percent after July 1, 2024. 

A bill in the Hawai'i Legislature would prevent blends of less than 51
 percent local coffee from using the regional name. 

    The bill would also prohibit use of the term "All Hawaiian" in labeling or advertising for roasted or instant coffee not produced entirely from green coffee beans grown in Hawai'i. It would appropriate money to purchase equipment to test coffee content or the percentage of coffee from green coffee beans grown in Hawai'i.

      A statement from Hawai'i Farmers Union says that "the way in which Hawai'i's current law allows a 10% coffee blend to be labeled "Kona," (or "Kaʻū," "Hamakua," "Maui," or "Kauai") is 'misleading.' The Legislature's 2007 Concurrent Resolution called it 'consumer fraud.' Hawai'i County's 2014 Resolution called it 'inherently deceptive and misleading.'" 

     Farmers Union states "It is also economically harmful to Origin coffee farmers." It points to a 2018 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization conclusion that Hawai'i Origin brands do "not enjoy any strong protection" of their names, and that "downstream stakeholders, rather than farmers, reap the economic benefits of the fame" of the coffee using the origin in its branding of blends of 10 percent Hawai'i Origin coffees.

    Hawai'i Farmers Union United requests testimony to be submitted at HB1517  before 2 p.m. Thursday Feb, 10. A public hearing will take place on Friday, Feb. 11.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See February events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

VOLCANO VILLAGE IS MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD, but "no one has ever told its whole story - until now," says a statement from The Volcano Community Foundation. The non-profit organization has launched a history project to document the people, places and events that have made the village a special place to live and work. "We're looking for photos, memorabilia and stories from people who are interested in contributing to the project."

    Volcano Community Foundation says its members are especially interested in hearing from long-time residents who have seen changes over the years, but we also want to hear from current and former business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, folks involved in agriculture, ranching, eduction and more.
    "Ultimately, we plan to share some of these stories on our website that is under construction and social media and, eventually, publish them in book form. If you have old photos, family stories or even just an opinion about the village that you want to share, please contact us by email or phone."

        Email volcanocommunity@gmail.com, or call Lorna Larsen-Jeyte at 808-937-2079 or Kathy English at 808-895-1011. "We will make arrangements to receive your input."

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See February events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

ZONTA IS OFFERING SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS FOR WOMEN ISLANDWIDE. Called Hilo Zonta Club, the organization serves all of Hawai'i Island and reaches out to women to provide support for education.    

    "Zonta is pleased to offer a total of $15,000 in cash assistance on Hawai'i Island in 2022," said Nina Buchanan, Scholarship Chair. "We encourage women to apply for financial support for brighter futures in their chosen fields, and look forward to reading applications from a diverse pool of applicants."
    The Young Women in Public Affairs Awards encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements, and a dedication to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.    

     It is open to to women who will be between the ages  of 16 and 19 on April 1. Deadline to apply is March 1.
    Women's Nursing Degree Scholarships are for women who demonstrate interest in continuing their nursing studies toward an advanced degree or leadership track. Open to women of any age, students must be currently enrolled full-time in the first year of a nursing degree program at University of Hawai'i - Hilo or Hawai'i Community College HH with an above-average record in scholastic standing (3.0 or better GPA) and who show a financial need. Deadline is April 15.
   The Barbra Ann Pleadwell Scholarships are for female Hawai'i Island or O'ahu residents who are currently enrolled as full-time students in college/university or high school seniors. Preference is given to Women's Studies and/or Communications majors who demonstrate financial need. This is the first year this scholarship is offered, thanks to donations made in memory of Pleadwell. Deadline is May 1.

  The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships are awarded to women undertaking business studies who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field. Open to women of any age, students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a master's program at the time the application is submitted. Deadline is May 1.
    Top winners of the YWPA Award and JMK Scholarship will be advanced from the club level to compete for additional awards and scholarships at the district and international levels of Zonta. To apply, see www.zontahilo.org/scholarships-grants/.
   Zonta Club of Hilo is member of Zonta International, whose mission is to empower women through service and advocacy. Applications are available at www.zontahilo.org/scholarships-grants/.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see www.facebook.com/kaucalendar/. See latest print edition at www.kaucalendar.com. See February events and Kaʻū Calendar newspaper sponsors at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html.

SEE FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS & SPONSORS

http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2022/02/events-of-february-2022.html

See the February Print Edition of The Kaʻū Calendar at

www.kaucalendar.com

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, February 20, 2021

A close-up of the inlet along the western margin of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea Volcano
on Feb. 17..Lava originating at the small upwelling zone rapidly develops a thin flexible crust as itmoves away from the
source. A small island also has been present just south of the inlet. See more below.
USGS photo by M. Patrick

A MĀMAKI TEA COMPANY THAT SOURCES IN WOOD VALLEY, VOLCANO and beyond is expanding its national reach. Shaka Tea announced this week that it has secured a contract from 7-Eleven stores to distribute across the U.S. mainland. The Shaka Tea company describes māmaki as an "ancient, adaptogenic superleaf that is only found one place in the world: the Hawaiian archipelago. With a commitment to the health of our customers and the health of our ʻāina (land), Shaka Tea is a naturally caffeine-free, project non-GMO verified, 0cal/0g sugar product, supporting sustainable agriculture and economic abundance in Hawaiʻi."
   Shaka Tea co-founder and President Bella Hughes told The Ka`u Calendar this week that her company began with māmaki tea from Wood Valley Ranch and still sources it from Matt and Andy Drayer through

Shaka Tea got its start with māmaki grown
in Wood Valley. Photo from Shaka Tea

their Ancient Valley Growers in Wood Valley. Sources also include: Hawai`i Forest Farms in Volcano, Puna Chicks in Mountain View, Waiholokui Gardens in Puna, Faceplant Farms in HPP,  and Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Coop in Captain Cook. New farmers include Mala Wāhine in Ninole and Dragonheart Farms in Hawi. The 
company is based in Hilo.
   The Shaka Tea venture was one of the subjects of Gov. David Ige's State of the State Address in January of 2017. See The Ka`u News Briefs story at http://kaunewsbriefs.blogspot.com/2017_01
_23_archive.html
    This week's announcement describes Shaka Tea as "the first line of bottled iced teas on the market brewed with sustainably-grown, Hawaiian māmaki leaves," and states that Shaka Tea's "award-winning, herbal iced teas support healthy hydration and mindfulness without any calories, carbs or sugar and are 
naturally caffeine-free." Hughes said the
national launch in March follows a successful rollout in Hawai`i 7-Eleven stores.
    Hughes said, "We are thrilled to be available in 7-Eleven stores across the country with this new partnership. Growing with 7-Eleven enables us to reach new customers across the country offering health and wellness through the convenience of being available in 7-Eleven. Complementing our 7-Eleven debut, we will be launching our Shaka Staycation, digital wellness campaign."
    The Shaka Staycation campaign is described as allowing people far from Hawai`i to experience "the Shaka state-of-mind within reach from your own neighborhood," and as helping people to experience the lifestyle of places like Hawai`i. "Working with lifestyle ambassadors from Hawaiʻi, Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Austin and New York who will take customers beyond the bottle and share their best wellness

Shaka Tea, with its māmaki base, comes in many flavors.
Photo from Shaka Tea

practices, each ambassador will film vlog-style content following their ideal staycation with tips unique to their locale on how to find serenity in today's current climate while adventuring close to home – all starting with a convenient trip to their neighborhood 7-Eleven to grab an essential Shaka Tea for the 'trip' ahead."
    The announcement says that "All four, tropical-botanical SKUs, Mango Hibiscus, Pineapple Mint, Guava Gingerblossom and Lemon Lokelani Rose will be available. Shaka Tea is a clean-label, Project Non-GMO Verified tea that is gently sweetened with monk fruit."
      Shaka Tea was founded in 2016 by Oʻahu born and raised Hughes and her husband Harrison Rice. "The company's supply chain helps restore native ecosystem habitat through the planting of māmaki, which is the host plant for the Hawaiian native and endangered Kamehameha pollinator butterfly. Shaka Tea practices direct trade, sourcing their sustainably-grown and hand-harvested māmaki from 18, small, family farms on Hawaiʻi Island," says the announcement for the national launch with 7-Eleven.
    Shaka Tea was recently declared 2020 U.S.A. Taste Champion and 2020 U.S.A. Beverage Champion by Chefs in America; won Best Low/No Sugar Drink Award in the 2020 InnoBev Awards presented by Zenith Global; and is the #2 Fastest Growing Company in Hawaiʻi by Pacific Business News 2020.
    It is found in major retailers in the US, in Japan and online. To learn more, visit www.shakatea.com and follow on Instagram @drinkshakatea

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.

A call for prayer in Ocean View for Pastor Lance Ako, who has shown some recovery after
being hit head-on when while riding an ATV and listed in critical condition.. A GoFundMe page is online.

A GOFUNDME PAGE IS SET UP FOR PASTOR LANCE AKO, who has shown some recovery after being flown to Queens Hospital in critical condition following a head-on collision while riding an ATV in Ocean View on Wednesday. 

    His wife, Pastor Pam Ako, said today that their work goes on. Family and community volunteers are continuing the Akos' free meal service in Ocean View, Mondays through Fridays, 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the hardware store parking lot. They feed some 200 people a day. "We still have a team that continues to serve the people. The church has gathered together to continue serving. They are also meeting in the morning at church to pray. The outpouring of love has been a strength to my children and me. 

Pam and Lance Ako from Hope DIA-mend
Ministries in Ocean View.

    "My children and I have a saying to stand on: 'Pray and Believe only 100% Guaranteed! Fighting the Good Fight of Faith. Healed!!' Lance's saying would be, 'Whaaaat A RUSH for Jesus!'"
    Pam Ako reported today that Lance Ako faces a broken spine in several places. Ribs were fractured. "It is important for blood pressure to be normalized - wounds to be healed - need good blood flow," but internal bleeding has stopped and the swelling in his head has diminished. "Prayers are being heard," she said, asking  folks to pray for "wisdom for doctors and staff. He is receiving the best care ever from Queens. We are very grateful for everyone's outpouring Love and Caring hearts."

     Lance Ako is known for his role as Santa Clause in parades and Christmas events throughout Kaʻū. He and Pam Ako have fostered hundreds of children and and taken in many adults who need shelter. They offer regular church services and food programs for Thanksgiving and other holidays. They lead youth camps and accomplish much other social services outreach in Kaʻū.

     The GoFundMe page has been set up by Myya Ching Auld for the medical expenses of Lance Ako. See https://www.gofundme.com/f/20ridn7r80?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cf%20share-flow-1&fbclid=IwAR3HymNGS6G6Y8mmWZbVgyqzlevpzbCpuUx2g1JRE0SxYhcpim9Ya2yX004

     Donations can also be sent through Pamela Ako, P.O. Box 6393, Ocean View, HI 96737. The Hope DIA-mend Church is located at 92-898 Ginger Blossom Lane in Ocean View.

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.

TWO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON THIS ISLAND WERE REPORTED by the state Department of Health today. Thirty-five were reported on Oʻahu, 12 on Maui, and zero on Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi and Lanaʻi. Ten Hawaiʻi residents were diagnosed out of state.

 

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.

Lava continues to erupt from the west vent in Halema‘uma‘u, at the summit of Kīlauea. On Wednesday

 morning, Feb. 17, small pieces of spatter were occasionally ejected from the vent, landing on the

slope below. This type of activity has decreased significantly over the past several weeks. Lava from the

west vent continues to enter the lava lake at an inlet near the base of the spatter cone.

USGS photo by B. Carr

WHAT'S GOING ON AT THE LAVA LAKE? That's the question answered by this week's Volcano Watch, produced by USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory:
    Kīlauea’s current lava lake formed on December 20th and rose rapidly within Halema‘uma‘u crater during the dynamic first week of the ongoing summit eruption. Near the end of December, the eruption stabilized and the lava lake has been slowly changing since then. The vent on the north wall of Halema‘uma‘u shutdown about one week into the eruption and a narrow ledge of lava began to solidify around the perimeter of the lava lake. As the days went by, it became clear that a “perched” lava lake was beginning to form. Lava lakes become perched as crust that solidifies around the lake perimeter, along with the accumulation of surface crust at the lake margin, is frequently resurfaced by small lava overflows. These overflows build up a levee that surrounds the lava lake. As the lake level rises, overflows continue to resurface and heighten the levee. Perched lava lakes have been common at Kīlauea over the past 200 years.

Active surface lava has been limited to the western portion of the lava lake in Halema‘uma‘u

crater, at the summit of Kīlauea. This photo shows a large portion of this western zone. The

 surface is composed of a patchwork of small, angular crustal plates separated by darker

 spreading zones. USGS photo by M. Patrick

    

    A “permanent” crust began forming on the eastern surface of the lava lake in mid-January. The large island that had spent the previous month drifting about the lava lake became locked in place with a dozen or so smaller islands, trapped by the cooling crust. In an odd twist, the solidified crust contains bubbles and is more buoyant than the molten lava, which continues to degas and become increasingly heavier.
    As lava continued to erupt from the west vent, the active western portion of the lava lake built up perched levees above the stagnant eastern surface crust. The active lava lake remains perched above its base by several meters or yards.
    The crust on the eastern portion of the lava lake has remained solidified for about a month now, but it continues to rise within the crater. How is this possible? The main mechanism driving the rise of the crust is active lava from the perched lake seeping down underneath the solidified crust to force it upward.
As the eastern crust rises, lava squeezes up in areas between the solidified crust and the crater walls, forming small ooze-outs around the perimeter of the lake. These ooze-outs are evidence that this “apparently solid” ground is a thin crust lying on top of molten lava.
    The rise of the lava lake has been interrupted by several plateaus, and even drops, in level over the past few weeks. These have been recorded by a USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) continuous laser rangefinder—which records the level of a fixed area of the active lava lake surface. How is a drop in lava lake level possible while the vent continues to erupt lava into the lake?
    There are several factors that can contribute to the leveling off, or even decrease, in the lava lake level. First, the lava level mirrors the summit tilt closely. As the summit magma reservoir decreases in pressure (deflation) there is typically a lower effusion rate—or less lava entering the lava lake. When the supply rate is down, ongoing processes that cause the active lava surface to drop become more apparent.

The lava lake within Halema‘uma‘u crater, at the summit of Kīlauea, remains active. The active
 lavawas retained by a levee several meters (yards) high along the west margin. The
levee is formed from numerous small rafted crustal plates that have stacked upon
 one another, and likely fused together. USGS photo by M. Patrick 

    Smaller short-term drops in lava level could be due, in part, to minor collapses of the perched levee walls allowing some of the lava to drain down into an area of lower elevation. Another process mentioned earlier, is lava seeping below the eastern, solidified crust to promote uplift of the stagnant lava surface.
    Volcanic gases also play a large role in these processes. Most gas is released when the gas-rich lava is first erupted in Halema‘uma‘u, though some remains in the lava as bubbles. Over time, some of those bubbles slowly escape from the lava lake, and the lake level may drop in response—like foam being compressed.
    Despite occasional drops in the lava lake level, the overall trend of the lava level is rising. Most recent lava level measurements were about 217 m (712 ft) on February 18. This level is still approximately 45 m (148 ft) below where the lava is expected to be visible from Kīlauea Overlook within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
    Similar lava lake behaviors were also reported at Kīlauea during the 1800s and 1900s. As HVO scientists continue to closely monitor Kīlauea’s ongoing summit eruption with modern equipment, we learn more about how these processes work and develop a better understanding of past and potential future eruptions.
    Volcano Activity Update Kīlauea Volcano is erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level is at WATCH (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued daily. Lava activity is confined to Halemaʻumaʻu with lava erupting from a vent on the northwest side of the crater. As of the morning of February 17, the lava in the western, active potion of the lake in Halema'uma'u was about 215 m (705 ft) deep, with the eastern portion of the lava lake solidified at the surface. Summit tiltmeters show neither inflation or deflation over the past day. Sulfur dioxide emission rate measurements made on February 16 were about 1,200 t/d, below the range of emission rates from the pre-2018 lava lake. Seismicity remains elevated but stable, with elevated tremor and a few minor earthquakes. For the most current information on the eruption, see

This thermal image from the February 1 helicopter overflight shows features of the lava lake in Halema'uma'u, at the summit of Kīlauea. The eastern portion of the lake is solidified at the surface, with active surface lava mostly limited to the western side. Nevertheless, small ooze-outs of lava occasionally appear along the eastern lake perimeter. The western lake is perched several meters (yards) above its base, impounded by a levee of solidified lava. Lava erupts at the western fissure and enters the lake at a small inlet. A large overflow breached the northern levee and flowed along the northern lake margin towards the east. The temperature scale is in degrees Celsius. USGS image by M. Patrick

https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/current-eruption.  

Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly. This past week, about 209 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at depths of less than 6 kilometers (about 4 miles). Global Positioning System (GPS) measurements show continued slow summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. A slight increase in the rate of inflation at the summit, that began in January, is continuing. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures at both the summit and at Sulphur Cone on the Southwest Rift Zone remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. See: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.

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.
   

IN-PERSON EVENTS

THE LIBRARY AT OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER has extended its hours. Beginning March 5, it will be open Friday mornings 8 a.m. to noon and Saturdays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

KAʻŪ ART GALLERY IS OPEN TO IN-PERSON TRAFFIC in Nāʻālehu, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 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. Should anyone have an interest in being featured at Kaʻū Art Gallery and Gift Shop, contact gallery owner and director Corrine Kaupu at kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz

GOLF & SOCIAL MEMBERSHIPS for Discovery Harbour Golf Course and its Clubhouse: The new 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.

HIKE ONE OF THE MANY open trails, drive to the overlooks in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park at Volcano and Kahuku units. See nps.gov/havo.

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, 967-8222 

VOLCANO GARDEN ART'S SECRET GARDEN WALK is on free trails to the public. Sponsor Ira Ona describes the “Historical garden with many native plants. We have just created a self-guided nature walk in my new secret garden which is carved out of an upland native Hawaiian forest. Open to walk throughout the week, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. www.volcanogardenarts.com, 985-8979, Located on Old Volcano Hwy in Volcano Village.

KAILOKI'S, at the old Mehe's location in Ocean View, offers live music and karaoke on a to-be-determined schedule, along with a locally-sourced menu and bar. See facebook.com/KaiLokis.

FREE LIFETIME ENTRY for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Details at rb.gy/k3evh6.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

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.

=ʻO 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 SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES CALENDARS, t-shirts, and sweatshirts sales raise money for the school. Review the calendar at rb.gy/tmxzva. Order the Calendar using this form: rb.gy/ytekoz. Send payment or donations to VSAS PayPal, 

paypal.com/paypalme/VolcanoSchool. To buy t-shirts and sweatshirts, order from here: rb.gy/2a4cim. Send in order forms and payment to the main office: VSAS, PO Box 845, Volcano, HI 96785. For a printed copy of the order form to be mailed, contact Kaye at 985-9800, knagamine@volcanoschool.net. Contact Kanani at kwylie@volcanoschool.net for more information and assistance with ordering.

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, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 pm.

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. Call 808-939-9089.

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, at rb.gy/3jfbzd, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Check the webpage for Christmas services.

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 Pam and Lance Ako at 808-937-6355, or call the Ministry at 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

HELP FOR HEALTH & COVID TESTING

KAʻŪ HOSPITAL offers COVID testing referral from the ER, a physician or a Kaʻū Clinic health provider.

FREE DRIVE-THRU COVID Testing, Saturdays at Kea‘au High School in Puna, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays at Konawaena High School from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Civic Auditorium in Hilo from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (enter from Kuawa Street entrance). No co-pay, no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Social distancing must be observed and face coverings must be worn at all times. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

MICRONESIAN COVID-19 Helpline is supported by We Are Oceania, weareoceania.org, to help with identifying COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment. Call (808) 913-1364. Watch the video at facebook.com/watch/?v=989579144844697.

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.

RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub at health.hawaii.gov/camhd/lgbtq-safe-spaces.

TALK STORY on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. on Spectrum Channel 53, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.

HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR KUPUNA at 808b-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.

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.

FOOD RELIEF

PICK UP FOOD WEEKDAYS n the parking lot of ACE Hardware in Ocean View from Hope DIA-mend Ministries TLC at 4:45 p.m. About 300 meals available each day, coordinated by pastors Pam and Lance Ako. For help or to donate, call or text Ako at 808-937-6355, or call 808-920-8137. See them on Facebook and at hopedia-mendministries.com.

EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800. 

FREE FOOD FOR KEIKI offered at Resilience Hub, Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, noon to 4 p.m. The Hub also features drop-in WiFi and laptop access. Location is 95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927, for more.

EDUCATION

Virtual presentation, Sea Turtles in Hawaiʻi. Register to watch at rb.gy/rkd2fd. 

Free WiFi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, 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 & Pāhala 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.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, 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. 

Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration at rb.gy/b53jgn.

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.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and the senior class at bit.ly/2YvFxsl. 

Apply for Utility Assistance to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter. Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681.

Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Contact RMAP partners: Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935- 3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933- 6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808- 934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.

Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits, up to $10,000, support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See rb.gy/v2x2vy.

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. Complete webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.

AGRICULTURE

QUALIFY TO BECOME A BEGINNING FARMER OR RANCHER and receive benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture To qualify for status as a beginning farmer or rancher: Applicants must be an individual. Business entities may receive benefits only if all of the substantial beneficial interest holders (ten percent or more) of the business entity qualify as beginning farmers or ranchers. For example, a son moves home to take over the family farm and incorporates with his spouse and neither have previous farming experience. Their corporation would qualify as a beginning farmer/rancher. However, if a son moves home and forms a corporation with his father, who has had an insurable interest in crops or livestock for more than five crop years, the corporation cannot receive beginning farmer and rancher benefits. Although the son qualifies as a beginning farmer or rancher, the father does not so the corporation cannot receive benefits; and

    Applicants must not have actively operated and managed a farm or ranch anywhere, with an insurable interest in any crop or livestock for more than five crop years (ten years for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection). This includes an insurable interest as an individual or as a substantial beneficial interest holder (ten percent or more) in another person who has an insurable interest in any crop or livestock. Applicants may exclude a crop year's insurable interest if they were under the age of 18, enrolled in post-secondary studies (not to exceed five crop years) or on active duty in the U.S. military.

CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM enrollment ends Feb. 12. Agricultural producers and private landowners interested in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Conservation Reserve Program can sign up for the program until Friday, Feb. 12. The competitive program provides annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation. 
     Contact AskUSDA at (833) ONE-USDA with representatives available 4 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. The website, ask.usda.gov is available 24/7 and includes live chat agents available 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Inquiries can also be sent via email at any time to askusda@usda.gov.

Women Farmers can Register with Hawaiʻi Women Farmers Directory, a statewide online directory of women-operated farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Visit the program website to register, rb.gy/87fn9d.

Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.

Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more at rb.gy/exzuk1. 

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website, ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begin and Ends with Seed, where Education by Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog at rb.gy/ijai3y.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature. Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii.

Learn Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules at rb.gy/4wio2y.

PETS & WILDLIFE

One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

Report Humpback Whales in Trouble at NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline, 1-888- 256-984. Also report distressed sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins.

For free Veterinary Care, Spay & Neuter, visit hihs.org, Services Tab, Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or email petsupport@hihs.org. Call 808-217- 0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy dogs and cats. Two pets per family will be accommodated, each pet with own appointment. Unavailable to animals other than dogs and cats. Unavailable to strays and those with contagious illnesses.

Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call 961-8270. 

Ocean View Transfer Station is open Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org or call 961-8270. 

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at rb.gy/iemgrc for site closures, service hours, and more.