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| Kaʻū High Class of 2020 before the pandemic shut down the school campus. A virtual graduation will be available for the public to view online, this Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m |
A VIRTUAL CEREMONY CELEBRATING KAʻŪ HIGH SCHOOL 2020 GRADUATES will take place this Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m. on Nā Leo TV, on Spectrum Channel 53/54, and online at naleo.tv/channel53, and streaming via Nā Leo TV mobile App. With strict guidelines required by the state Department of Education, the graduation event is not open to the public.
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WEDNESDAY IS THE OPENING DAY FOR PUNALUʻU, WHITTINGTON, and most other county beach parks around the island, with pavilions remaining closed. Gov. David Ige today approved yesterday's request from Mayor Harry Kim for the reopening. Other county parks in Kaʻū, such as Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Community Centers, Waiʻōhinu Park, and Kahuku county park in Ocean View will remain closed.
The Mayor's amendment to COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 4 lays down the safety restrictions through June 30: No group shall exceed ten persons. All persons using opened beach and shoreline parks who are not members of the same household or living unit must comply with State and County social distancing requirements (six feet apart), provided that a caregiver may accompany a dependent.
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| Whittington and Punaluʻu Beach Parks open Wednesday, but pavilions remain closed. Photo from American Travel Journal |
Commercial activities are not allowed and all other State or County restrictions related to COVID- 19 must be followed, including but not limited to, applicable quarantine restrictions.
A statement from the Mayor today said that he is working with the Department of Parks & Recreation to determine the next phase of County facilities to reopen, such as tennis court, pickleball courts, and more.
"Although the County beach parks will reopen, the threat of COVID-19 is still present and we must do all we can to remain safe." The Mayor said that all beachgoers must follow the safe practices stated in the CDC guidelines and Hawai‘i County Rules.
"Know the importance of staying mentally, physically, and socially healthy with these rules," said Kim. "Please keep up your good work as we continue to reopen in a safe way."
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HAWAI‘I COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY invites residents and other stakeholders to review and comment on the recently completed draft update to the Hawai‘i County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan. The 14-day public review period of the Draft Plan began May 18 and ends June 2 at 5 p.m.
In October 2019, the Civil Defense Agency embarked on a planning process to prepare for and lessen the impacts of specified natural hazards by updating the Hawai‘i County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Responding to federal mandates in the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-390), Hawai‘i County Civil Defense began to pool resources to create a uniform hazard mitigation strategy that can be consistently applied to the defined planning area and used to ensure eligibility for specified grant funding success.Access a copy of the draft Muti-Hazard Mitigation Plan and narrated Power Point presentation.
The 610-page plan, prepared by Tetra Tech, of Honolulu, with community and agency input, presents a wealth of geographical, population, and historical information about Ka‘ū and other Districts around the island as background for making the hazard plan. The Hawai‘i County Profile includes overviews of Geography, History, Major Hazard Events, Geology and Topography, Climate, Natural and Cultural Resources, Land Use and Development, Critical Facilities, Demographics, and the Economy.
A brief live virtual presentation regarding the Draft Plan and opportunities for public comment will be provided on Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. on the Virtual Meeting Platform, WebEx.
Register at https://arcg.is/1Pb9mb to receive an invitation to the hosted meeting.
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WILLE K LOVED TO PLAY AT THE OLD SOUTH POINT BAR & RESTAURANT. He described it as a wild west place, deep in the heart of Ocean View. It was sometimes called the Knife & Gun Club - Willie K arrived and turned that energy positive.
With a reputation as the Hawaiian Jimi Hendrix, an amazing Hawaiian falsetto, and renditions of O Holy Night and the National Anthem, Willie K was famous for an extraordinary range of voice. He was also known for many instrumental talents, interests and moods. He was often described as someone who could have soared to international superstardom, but chose emersion into his Hawaiian homeland. Superstars became his friends and he performed with Willie Nelson, Prince, Santana and many more. He entertained Pres. Barack Obama.
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| Willie K passed away at age 59, leaving a rich legacy of musical recordings and live-performance memories. |
During his 59 years, Willie K won Grammy nominations and 19 Nā Hoku Hanohano awards. Some of his most familiar songs are Kachikachi Music Makawao, You Kuʻipo, and Waterfall. He is also known for his many collaborations with Amy Halanaiialiʻi Gilliom.
More recently, he became involved with the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, co-owned by Kaʻū Coffee Mill founder Ed Olson. They named its music venue Willie K's Crown Room and he flew over from Maui to play there.
Willie K continued to perform in Hawaiʻi and beyond for most of his two years of treatment for lung cancer. The music committee for the Kaʻū Coffee Festival hoped Willie K might be able to come here this year. Though he always talked about feeling better and getting ready for more live performances, his illness prevented travel, and COVID-19 canceled the event,
Willie K - William Awihilima Kahaialiʻi - passed away Monday evening, May 18, at home with his family on Maui. He is survived by his wife, Debbi Kahaialʻi, and their four children, Karshaun, Max, Lycettiana, and Antoinette. See Willie K's Facebook for more.
Public officials released numerous messages about the life of Willie K today. Sen. Mazie Hirono wrote: "Willie K was not just a unique artist with diverse range - I also considered him a friend. Whenever we met, he would sing my favorite aria – Nessun Dorma – which is not a song found on the setlist of many artists. It's not the only aria he performed, as people will also remember his renditions of Ave Maria. Willie's talent allowed him to expand beyond
"Two of his most memorable performances, to me, were a sunset performance he held at a private residence on
Gov. David Ige wrote, "Willie K was a unique talent whose huge voice effortlessly ranged from Hawaiian music and the blues to opera – all in one performance. Recognized locally and nationally, his songs touched our hearts."
VEHICLE REGISTRATION & LICENSING will start up again on Monday, June 1. The County of Hawai‘i Department of Finance announced its first phase of reopening today for its Division of Vehicle Registration & Licensing offices for limited in-person services. While all Vehicle Registration & Licensing offices will remain closed to the public until June 1, citizens may renew
Vehicle Registration Renewals: Mail-in renewals can be sent to County of Hawai‘i, Motor Vehicle Registration, 101 Pauahi St., #5, Hilo, HI 96720. Online applications can be found at: https://mvr.ehawaii.gov/renewals/lookup.html?county=hawaii They can also be taken to kiosks at Safeway stores in Hilo and Kona as well as the Foodland store in Waimea. An In-wall drop off slot is located at the Hilo MVR office. DMV urges everyone to refrain from sending cash to pay for renewals.
Driver's License and State ID renewals (issued after May 1, 2014): Mail in renewal applications to 349 Kapi‘olani St., Hilo, HI 96720. Duplicate license requests for lost licenses will also be accepted by mail. See www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/finance/vehicle-registration-licensing for application details and forms.
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For further information, call Civil
Defense at 935-0031. See other opportunities for testing in Kaʻū in the Ongoing
section, below.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of May.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.
The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Kehau at 443-4130.
The Nāʻālehu location Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
The Ocean View location for May was Kahuku Park on Monday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Call The Food Basket, 933-6030, for the next date.
Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seating limited due to social distancing. Dinner also available to go. The main course is Prime Rib and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake, with side dishes and dessert, for $27.95 per person. Call 967-8356 for dine-in reservations, to-go orders, and current event information. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
FREE COVID-19 TESTING will be provided at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. by a team from Aloha Critical Care in
Kona.
To bypass the screening queue, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5
at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet
testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of
Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response
Task Force.
Testing for antibodies may be available at this testing site. The cost, $43, is usually not covered under insurance, and is given under discretion of a physician.
Testing for antibodies may be available at this testing site. The cost, $43, is usually not covered under insurance, and is given under discretion of a physician.
Those visiting screening clinics will be
asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health
insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their
own pen to fill in forms. Wearing masks is required for everyone.
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No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano,
Pāhala, and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light
yellow indicates one to five cases. The 96772 area in
Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH
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ONE NEW CASE OF COVID-19 ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND is reported today,
the only new case reported in the state. Seventy-eight cases of COVID-19 have
been confirmed on Hawaiʻi Island since the pandemic began, with 76 recovered. The
remaining two are quarantined and monitored by the Department of Health.
Statewide, 641 people have been confirmed positive for the virus since the
pandemic began.
The daily message
from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "The
Island and State of Hawaiʻi are
moving forward in removing some of the restrictions established to address the
coronavirus. The State of Hawaiʻi
has done well in minimizing the spread and impact of COVID-19 but we must be
well aware that the virus is out there.
"In moving forward, we need to
continue to get better in following the preventive policies of distancing, face
coverings, cleanliness, gatherings, and personal health to keep Hawaiʻi
Safe. Thank you for doing your part. Thank you for listening. This is
your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
In the United States
Worldwide, more than 4.89 million have contracted COVID-19. The
death toll is over 323,000.
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Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar
directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
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Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of May.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.
ONGOING
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through May. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.
The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Tuesday, May 26, 10 a.m. to noon. Call The Food Basket, 933-6030.
A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
Wearing masks is required for everyone.
To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
Wearing masks is required for everyone.
Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.
Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center Wright Road , off of Old Volcano Highway , is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. , with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.
The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Kehau at 443-4130.
The Nāʻālehu location Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
The Ocean View location for May was Kahuku Park on Monday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Call The Food Basket, 933-6030, for the next date.
On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.
Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. Join a virtual tour of the award-wining Hīpuʻu program on Wednesday, May 20 at1 p.m. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School
See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. Join a virtual tour of the award-wining Hīpuʻu program on Wednesday, May 20 at
Kua O Ka Lā
offers a specialized program which provides students with core curriculum,
content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi
requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based
approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school
opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right
and balanced path.
The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.
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