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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Captain Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, of Honuʻapo in Kaʻū, sailed The Golden Rule by Waikiki this week, calling for 
the demilitarization of Hawaiʻi and the end of the RIMPAC war games. Photo from Veterans for Peace
HONUʻAPO'S KIKO JOHNSTON-KITAZAWA is captain of The Golden Rule, the Veterans for Peace sailboat that cruised the shore of Oʻahu this week in support of ending the biannual Rim of the Pacific that brings military ships, planes, helicopters, and missiles from many countries for war games in Hawaiʻi's nearshore waters.
Veterans for Peace sponsors The Golden Rule voyages to demilitarize,
denuclearize, and neutralize. Photo from The Golden Rule Project
     On local network TV this morning Kitazawa-Johnston told Hawaiʻi News Now about the peace mission of The Golden Rule. He mentioned that in history, Hawaiʻi earned a reputation for neutrality and he called for Hawaiʻi and Pacific Island nations to further develop that reputation.
     The Golden Rule Project has taken the boat to ports around Hawaiʻi, welcoming the public with presentations on promoting peace and denuclearization. The captain said The Golden Rule had planned a trip to the Marshall Islands and other destinations on its way to Japan, where the crew planned to participate in commemoration ceremonies regarding the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II 75 years ago. on Aug. 6 and 7.  However, the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on the sailing plans. He said the schedule of sailing to Japan may resume in January.
     Helen Jacard, who manages The Golden Rule Project, told TV news this morning that demilitarization and neutralization of Hawaiʻi and other Pacific islands would provide protection for island people in the long run. She said that $4.7 trillion spent on nuclear weapons could be transferred to helping to solve such problems as the pandemic.
     On Sunday, The Golden Rule sailed along the Oʻahu shore as the Cancel RIMPAC Coalition conducted a vehicle convoy form Pearl Harbor from Sand Island to Pearl Harbor to Ft. DeRussy in Waikiki with banners saying Cancel Rimpac.
Capt. Kiko Johnston-Kitazawa, left, explains the mission of
 The Golden Rule this morning on Hawaiʻi News Now.
Photo by Helen Jaccard
     The Golden Rule's first peace mission was in 1958, in opposition of nuclear testing in the South Pacific. The leader of the mission was a former U.S. Navy Commander who pledged to stop the nuclear testing that displaced islanders and made their homes uninhabitable. He faced arrest, the testing went forward. He continued his mission with talks around the U.S. The boat was restored by Veterans for Peace and returned to its peace mission. See more at vfpgoldenruleproject.org. See #cancelRIMPAC Cancel Rimpac Coalition Veterans For Peace Hawaiʻi - Chapter 113 Hawaiʻi Peace and Justice.

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FUNDING AND HEALTH CARE GUIDANCE FOR FOR CHILDCARE PROVIDERS during the pandemic are sorely needed, according to Sen. Mazie Hirono. "The child care system is instrumental to our nation's recovery. By offering work support for essential workers and families, the child care system ensures that families can safely return to work. Equally paramount is the role providers play in fostering children's healthy development and providing supplemental education for our nation's youth," says the letter from Hirono, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Corey Booker, and others.
     Hirono noted that more than one in three child care facilities could be at risk of permanent closure due to the financial strain of the pandemic. The National Women's Law Center estimated the child care system would need $9.6 billion per month to provide emergency relief and prevent permanent closures. A Bipartisan Policy Center nationwide survey reported in April that 60 percent of the child care facilities and family child care providers in the United States had to close their doors because of COVID-19 and, for 30 to 50 percent of these providers, the closures will remain permanent.
     Hirono has called for Congress to provide support. In June, she cosponsored the Child Care is Essential Act to provide $50 billion for child care providers. She cosponsored the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act to provide the same amount.
     To develop better guidance, Hirono and colleagues wrote to the Office of Child Care at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
     The letter follows Hirono's recent conversation with Hawaiʻi child care providers, who said current guidance is oftentimes conflicting and unclear. Hirono said that nationally, child care centers and family-based child care providers have also asked for updated guidance, as they work to keep children healthy and safe while maintaining high-quality child care programs. The Senators asked that the OCC work with the CDC and relevant health and child development experts to issue new recommendations for center-based and family child care providers.
     They asked for specific guidance, including technical assistance to child care centers and family child care providers for translating guidelines from the CDC into actionable measures; recommendations for how to use and find publicly available information on infection rates and community spread and make decisions on whether to remain closed, reopen, or close temporarily, such as what to do if community infection rates spike; and detailed information on how and whether to request COVID-19 testing of employees, vendors, and children. The letter can be found here.

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ACCELERATED CONTACT TRACING EFFORTS from Department of Health now include 50 Hawai‘i National Guard members. In a ballroom converted for contract tracing at Hawai‘i Convention Center on Oʻahu, Gov. David Ige today addressed the efforts to track down close contacts of people who've been diagnosed with COVID-19. He was joined by Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Hara, DOH Director Dr. Bruce Anderson, and Dr. Emily Roberson, the recently appointed DOH Disease Investigation Branch Chief.
     The governor said, when Hawai‘i began seeing the triple-digit surge of cases over the past two weeks, he directed DOH to ramp up contact tracing efforts. "I'm confident DOH has what it needs and will continue to accelerate contact tracing and support. Expanding contact tracing is critical and just one of the measures needed to control the virus."
     DOH says this complements existing tracer training in conjunction with the UH John H. Burns School of Medicine. DOH said a "significant hurdle" for expanding the DOH contact tracing team was the lack of physical space at DOH. 
     Roberson addressed the restructuring of the State's contact tracing efforts for peak performance. Among the enhancements: Restructured case investigations with Hawaiʻi National Guard for peak performance; clerical tasks delegated to support staff; data collection with improved forms; focus only on data "that is actionable." She said they are prioritizing cases where there is rapid outbreak and focusing on four groups to identify and screen close contacts: those in high-risk occupations, settings, or with high-risk factors, like underlying health issues, and on those who "are sick with symptoms. She said, "The overarching goal when prioritizing groups is to focus our efforts. We're continuing to improve our process for better efficiency."
     Anderson said 56 of today's reported cases are associated with the cluster at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility and 37 that were not reported yesterday due to a lab reporting backlog. He said, "Subtract those out… still significant but fewer than we projected a week ago. Our statewide hospital census is stable and we are not experiencing any crisis situations in any of our hospitals." He said he remains confident that with new restrictions on gathering and enhanced enforcement "we'll see case numbers drop in the next several weeks."

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CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OVER THE STATE'S USE OF COVID MONEY for testing and contact testing ramped up this week with a letter from the U.S. House of Representatives Chair of the Subcommittee on Health, House Energy & Commerce Committee. Rep. Anna Eshoo wrote a letter to Gov. David Ige, asking for details on the expenditure of more than $50 million. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard called for the investigation.
     Eshoo says Hawaiʻi has received over $50 million through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Epidemiology and Lab Capacity Grants program. "This funding was intended to be used to develop, purchase, administer, process and analyze COVID-19 tests, scale-up laboratory capacity, trace contacts, support employer testing, and support other testing-related activities, which are essential to containing the virus."
     She asks Ige to issue a response to the committee by next Friday "to better understand the exponential increase in COVID-19 cases in Hawaiʻi." She asks for the numbers of contact tracers on staff weekly since COVID-19 was declared an emergency by the governor's office, how many have been trained, and how many volunteered. She asks for details on the training process and qualifications, duties, and benchmarks for each case.
     Eshoo also asks for DOH's guidelines for testing, quarantining, and tracing visitors, residents, medical professionals, and staff. She asks for an accounting of federal funds for testing and contact tracing, to provide a detailed timeline of state testing rates, contact tracing records, and funds allocated.
     She asks Ige to provide "specific actions" to be taken "to bring your State's testing and contact tracing efforts up to nationally recommended standards." 
     Gabbard said, "The crisis we face today is a direct result of our state's failed leadership. Governor Ige and his team had months to hire, train, and deploy a robust contact tracing team to prevent the very situation we face today. Months ago we worked in Congress to deliver over $50 million in
funding to the state so that they had the resources to trace, test, and contain future COVID-19 cases. Yet, we have around a dozen people doing contact tracing today, who are so overwhelmed that they can only reach a small number of individuals who have contracted COVID-19. If Governor Ige and his team had done what they were supposed to do, we could have prevented the major outbreak we are experiencing today that has taken more lives and resulted in so many of our kūpuna, families and keiki getting infected and sick.
     "This is a punch in the gut to Hawai‘i residents who have sacrificed so much to try to prevent the spread of this virus, only to see our state leaders failing the people. This is inexcusable. The people of Hawai‘i deserve better, and they deserve answers. So far, we are getting none. I want to thank Rep. Anna Eshoo for her leadership in seeking the truth and getting answers to determine where over $50 million in federal funding has gone, and what specifically is our state doing with contact tracing," said Gabbard.

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STRONGER MEDICINE IN SOCIAL PRACTICES TO TAMP DOWN THE RAPID COVID-19 RISE are needed, according to Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD. He responded today to Gov. David Ige's new rules for O‘ahu where the pandemic has exploded. In a Hawai‘i News Now interview, Green said that O‘ahu should be under a "safer at home order," which would have more people work from home and shut down gatherings and large venues. He said he is concerned that hospitals could become overwhelmed. Green posted on his Facebook today: "With 3,590 active cases currently, we can expect to see about 394 hospitalizations (give or take a few) about 10 days from now."

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Gov. David Ige at Hawaiʻi Convention Center, where a contact tracing
center is established with help from Hawaiʻi National Guard.
Photo from State of Hawaiʻi

MORE EVIDENCE OF COMMUNITY SPREAD IN HILO comes from four new cases reported there today and three elsewhere on the island. A statement from Civil Defense says the four cases "have been identified as Hilo-based. These new cases are not associated with any known clusters and are considered community spread. These cases are now isolated and monitored by the Department of Health." Hawaiʻi Island reports the first hospitalization on-island since the end of July.
     Two more people have died from the virus on Oʻahu, for a state death total of 43. Both were over 60 years of age. Gov. David Ige said the deaths are "another tragic reminder" of the consequences of coronavirus. He extended condolences to the family and friends of the victims.
     Monday, there were 158 adult and 16 children new cases in the state. Tuesday, there are 129 adult cases and 5 children. Child cases are household contacts of adult cases, indicating the virus is spreading within households, says DOH.
     Investigations and contact tracing are continuing to identify cases connected to gatherings or "hanging out with close friends" or co-workers. There are also cases of residents who traveled recently or hosted out of state visitors. One recent case on Hawai‘i Island has a history of travel to O‘ahu.
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code.
White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 25 cases. Light orange
is 26 to 50 cases (not pictured). Dark orange (not pictured)
is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     From March through Aug. 18, DOH says 58 cases were reported from skilled nursing facilities, 20 cases from community care foster family homes, 11 cases from adult residential care homes, three cases from developmental disability residential settings, and two cases from assisted living facilities.
     Hawaiʻi Island reports seven new cases today. Statewide, 261 new cases are reported, with 20 on Maui and 233 on Oʻahu.  
     There are 23 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 159 since the pandemic began. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū or Volcano zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 5,111 cases, Maui County 262, and Kauaʻi 54. One case from Maui was recategorized to Oʻahu, and one Oʻahu case was removed. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. The state has tested 168,672 people, for a 3.32 percent positive rate.
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Again, Hawaiʻi Island has seen a daily increase of positive cases for the past two weeks. Most of these recent cases are not travel related which means the virus is being transmitted within the community. Data from the Department of Health indicates the majority of these new cases originated in Hilo. It has been noted that many have not been following the policies of gatherings, distancing, and wearing of face coverings. A review is now underway to see what policy changes, if any, need to occur to address the growing spread of the virus.
     "Know that person to person close contact is the main method that the virus is spread and we need your help in following the guidelines of gatherings, distancing and face coverings. Thank you for listening, be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,516,639 – about 25 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 172,667 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 22.24 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 783,525.

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.
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.

EVENTS
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach Park
 through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.

Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book a reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

ONGOING
Apply for a Crossing Guard Position at Nāʻālehu Elementary, to help keiki cross the street safely before and after school. Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii or contact Officer Torey Keltner of the Traffic Services Division at 961-2305 for more information.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.


The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry, Cooper Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, 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.

Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.

Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

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. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f.

Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round. Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13. Schatz may also nominate exceptional students for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Applications due Friday, Oct. 23. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through 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. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 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

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 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. 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.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Volcano Art Center patron Elizabeth Ramsey views the biennial quilt show Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change. 
See the winner and more below. Photo by Jesse Tunison
THE TWO-WEEK QUARANTINE WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ANYONE COMING TO THE STATE UNTIL AT LEAST OCT. 1. Gov. David Ige revealed today that he is pushing back opening up tourism to those with negative COVID tests. He made the announcement during a press conference today where he announced more restrictions on Oʻahu, where the pandemic grows more rapidly than on the Neighbor Islands.
     The state is also paying more attention to waivers given to "essential workers." The military and their family members were recently notified to abide by quarantine rules. Migrant farmers who come to Hawaiʻi seasonally during coffee picking time, and those who hire and house them, were warned about following directives. Those include going nowhere but work during their quarantine and to observe face mask and distancing rules during and after quarantine. See story and posters below.

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A MESSAGE TO MIGRANT COFFEE PICKERS AND FARMERS came from the county this week. Glenn Sako, Agriculture Specialist at the county's Department of Research & Development, sent out a message regarding agricultural workers: "State of Hawai‘i is in the midst of a severe outbreak of COVID-19, which threatens to shut down our state again. The County of Hawai‘i has received reports of hired farmworkers traveling to Hawai‘i County and giving incorrect farm addresses and not adhering to the self-quarantine requirements.
Warnings for migrant agriculture workers coming onto the island are issued in Spanish,
above. See English and Marshallese versions below.
  
     "These workers are being brought in to harvest coffee and other agricultural crops. They are considered Essential Workers and are allowed to work on the host farm that they are staying at during their self-quarantine period and must follow the face covering and social distancing requirements.
    " If the work on the host farm is completed during the self-quarantine period, the worker(s) may break self-quarantine to only work on farms. No other activities are allowed. They must wear face covering and maintain social distancing and return to their self-quarantine location. The host of the guest worker(s) is responsible for the adherence to the self-quarantine requirements."
     See information on the rules at left in Spanish and below in Marshallese and English.

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YOUNG BROTHERS RATES CAN INCREASE BY UP TO 46 PERCENT, according to Monday's emergency ruling from the state Public Utilities Commission. The decision requires the interisland tug and barge shipping company to restore its schedule to two weekly cargo hauls between Hilo and Honolulu, and Kahului and Honolulu, by Tuesday, Sept. 1. No additional rate increases are allowed during the next year; a six-month notice is required, should Young Brothers decide to discontinue interisland service; they must develop and implement a customer service plan; and undergo an audit by an independent entity chosen by the PUC.
     Young Brothers asked the state legislature for help to make it through the pandemic, but its appeal was rejected. Hawaiʻi Island legislators have called it a lifeline for local agricultural and other industries to send product to Oʻahu and to receive supplies on this island, as well as food and other goods to distribute during the COVID-19 crisis.

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REVERSE COURSE AND STRENGTHEN THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE AS A CRITICAL CORE GOVERNMENT SERVICE was the demand from Congressman Ed Case today. He and colleagues called for restoration and improved postal services to weather the COVID-19 crisis and assure a full, fair, and free election. U.S. Postmaster Louis DeJoy issued a public statement saying that post office reforms would be delayed until after the election to assure ballots arrive in time to comply with the November General Election deadlines.
     Case said, "The Administration's various actions to date, though explained as necessary to 'improve' the USPS, can in fact only be viewed a direct and coordinated attack on the USPS. I also consider the Administration's actions as motivated, at least in part, to disrupt and call into question voting by mail in this year's crucial elections, and that is an attack on our democracy itself.
     "The USPS is a creature not of statute but of our Constitution because our founders recognized it as critical to a functioning government, democracy, economy, and society. The USPS is not a business; it is a service that we all contribute to as a core function of government. The COVID-19 crisis has only magnified that importance. Now more than ever, the USPS is essential to continuing to address so many goals and needs, from business (especially small businesses) to health care (especially prescription drugs), Social Security, disability, veterans, unemployment and other benefits and assistance, tax returns and refunds, and more.
     "Let's take Hawaiʻi's over 110,000 veterans and their ‘ohana as just one of many examples. For those receiving medicines, some 80 perecent do so by mail; delaying these critical prescription deliveries could seriously jeopardize their health. More broadly, a fully functioning USPS was critical to so many Americans receiving desperately needed CARES Act assistance in the initial months of this crisis.
     "But nowhere this year is the USPS more essential than to ensure a full, free and fair general election. In a time of required social distancing, when in-person voting is not a safe option for whole segments of our country, vote-by-mail is the only practical option to ensure the widest possible access to the ballot box for all voting Americans. Any claim that vote-by-mail does not result in higher election accessibility and results in widespread fraud is specious, as we in Hawai‘i just demonstrated to ourselves and the rest of the country with a very smooth all-mail election with virtually no fraud claims or disputed election results and the highest voter turnout in our history."
     Case said the Trump Administration's "antipathy to the USPS" predated COVID-19, "but the current crisis has only heightened a series of highly questionable decisions taken under the guise of responding to COVID-19 which taken together are far more than attempts to improve the USPS. For example, the USPS directive eliminating overtime for mail carriers and instructing them to deliver the days' remaining mail the following day is contributing to a slowdown of mail delivery at a critical time when delivery must remain constant and dependable.
     "The USPS Inspector General is examining potential ethics violations within the USPS, and our President has politicized efforts to help the USPS by saying his opposition to emergency funding to the USPS 'means you can't have universal mail-in voting because they're not equipped to have it.' Any President who was committed to a strong USPS through such a critical time would not have undertaken those actions. Instead, she or he would have fought for the $25 billion in assistance urged by the USPS' own bipartisan Board of Governors, and already passed by the U.S. House. She or he would further have long ago convened an emergency committee to assure that the USPS is fully prepared in all of resources, equipment, personnel, and funding to not only handle voting by mail without delay but to achieve the same result nationally as we were able to achieve in partnership with the USPS here in Hawai‘i. This President has done none of that.
     "To avoid any claim or excuse by anyone that the $25 billion of emergency funding is entangled in the ongoing larger negotiations over the next COVID-19 emergency assistance package, this Saturday my U.S. House is poised to pass our Delivering for America Act, focused exclusively on implementing the Board of Governors' recommendations on assuring the continued viability and full functioning of the USPS through the 2020 general elections and beyond. Our bill will aim to block any change that would delay mail or increase the volume of undelivered mail. Any refusal by the Senate majority to pass this bill or further opposition from the Administration can only then mean opposition to the critical functioning of the USPS not only for so many in need but to the right of all eligible Americans to vote."

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Go Online or Call Any Nonprofit Partner to Apply Starting August 24th

HCA/HCL
808.934.0801

HOPE

HFFCU
808.933.6600

NPP

HIHR
808.640.4443
808.934.7852

HFHHI
808.450.2118
rmap@habitathawaiiisland.orgRMAP nonprofit partners encourage Hawaii Island residents at least 18 years old who lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply.
LOCAL NONPROFITS WILL BRING MORTGAGE AND RENT HELP through grants provided to Hawaiʻi County from the federal government. Six organizations will offer the Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. Program applications starting Monday, Aug. 24 at 8 a.m.
     RMAP nonprofit partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents at least 18 years old who lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 to prepare ahead to apply.
     RMAP is funded by the County of Hawaiʻi with Federal CARES Act dollars and will provide a rent or mortgage payment of up to $1,000 per month for an estimated 1,445 households that income qualify and can prove hardship due to COVID-19 for each month for which they could receive assistance from March 2020 to December 2020.
     Funding will be limited to households' primary residence on Hawaiʻi Island. Households will be limited to one grant of up to $1,000 per month.
     Applications will be processed by six Hawaiʻi Island-based nonprofit partners and payments will be made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants will also have access to financial counseling services. Hawaiʻi County RMAP nonprofit partners are:
Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union; Neighborhood Place of Puna; Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery and Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island.     Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see list, right.
    Households impacted by COVID-19 and with past due rent or mortgage notices are encouraged to apply at one of the nonprofit partners. Persons without internet access or a computer are encouraged to call one of the RMAP nonprofit partners to request a paper application or to complete an application over the phone. To apply, see the partners at right.

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SAMMI FO WILL PERFORM AT THE WEDNESDAY NĀʻĀLEHU MARKET beginning at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Aug. 19.  Each Wednesday, Fo joins two top Kaʻū musicians in entertaining customers under the trees at the farmers' market sponsored by ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.
     Fo, who has been dancing hula since her teens, will join Keoki Sereno and Bobo, who play a large selection of Hawaiian classic and other favorite songs as she dances hula in her inimitable style.
     Fo was a featured dancer during the heyday of Waikiki when, as she remembers, Hawai'i abounded with love and romance and Hawaiian hospitality.
Sammi Fo joins the musicians with her dance each Wednesday at Nāʻālehu Market.
Photo by Annie Bosted
     She was 19 years old when she danced in the famous Hawaiian Room in the prestigious Lexington Hotel in New York City - a tropical escape where the rich and famous could experience the islands' best entertainment from 1937 to 1966. Hundreds of Hawaiian dancers, singers, and musicians were recruited to share their native Hawaiian culture while guests enjoyed coconut cocktails and a chef-prepared Polynesian luau. Fo also danced in the original cast of the Broadway show, Flower Drum Song.
     Perhaps she is best remembered for dancing with Elvis Presley in the Blue Hawaiʻi TV special and for being in three of his movies in the early sixties. She was also in several episodes of the original Hawaiʻi Five O with Jack Lord.
     She married Buddy Fo, leader of the legendary group, The Invitations, a big part of the movement to popularize Hawaiian music. She danced with that group for many years. She has also choreographed and performed in big shows for "big" names like Don Ho, Tommy Sands, Martin Denny, Dick Jenson, John Rowles, and others.
     Among the favorite and classic Hawaiian songs that will be sung by Keoki and Bobo and danced by Fo, are Blue Hawaiʻi, Lei of Stars, Hanalei Moon, Little Grass Shack, Lovely Hula Hands, Mua Mana, and Ke Aloha.
     Keoki's regular gig is at the Punaluʻu Bake Shop, when it is open. He also plays for local events. Bobo, who was once recognized as one of the state's two top surfers, teaches ukulele. The ‘O Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Fo will dance sets on Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m.

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 People's Choice Award-winning
 Quilt titled Light and Shadow 

by Phan Nguyen Barker. 
Photo by Jesse Tunison
QUILT ARTIST PHAN NGUYEN BARKER IS THE WINNER OF VOLCANO ART CENTER'S Viewer's Choice Award from its third biennial quilt show, Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change. Barker is well known for her hand-dyed silk and abstract silk paintings which often include stunning textural needlework. Her works range from simple, elegant hand-dyed silk to labor-intensive, complex, three-dimensional works that borrow stitches and techniques from a range of fabric arts.
     Gallery Manager, Emily Weiss, says, "It is no wonder that Phan's work was selected, even amongst the other strong quilt entries. Watching people view Phan's work, they often spend a little more time, allowing their thoughts to meander along the complex stitchery. The fact that her works are abstract allows viewers to bring their own experiences to the work and create their own interpretation. This allows her work to become much more personal to the viewer."
     Barker's artwork is available through the VAC gallery. Beginning in early December, she will open her fourth solo-exhibition at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center/Hawaiʻi Museum of Contemporary Art in Hilo. The work she is creating for the upcoming exhibition will focus on her early life in Vietnam, from 1946 to 1969.
     Barker was born in 1946 in Tu Chau, a predominantly Catholic village north of Hanoi, Vietnam. When Vietnam was partitioned in 1954, she fled with her father and siblings to South Vietnam. She grew up with the Vietnam War raging around her and learned English as a clerk/typist at Bien Hoa Air Base. She volunteered as an interpreter for an Air Force chaplain, who encouraged her to come to America to study. After endless paperwork and delays, she arrived in the United States in 1969. Her time in Vietnam has provided inspiration for many powerful works of art.
     A statement from Volcano Art Center says it wishes "to thank its supportive members and community who viewed the exhibition," says Weiss. "It was wonderful to see our community out and enjoying the arts. Patrons were patient and respecting of social distancing and the extra safety measures in place to keep the space clean and safe for enjoyment. We were pleased that many people came to see the exhibition in person and for those that didn't, the exhibition was popularly viewed online. The arts are alive and well, and are continuing to play a very important role in our community during these challenging times."
     Volcano Art Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization created in 1974 whose mission is to promote, develop, and perpetuate the artistic, cultural, and environmental heritage of Hawaiʻi through arts and education. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more information.
 Interior of exhibition Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change at VAC's Niʻaulani Campus.
Photo by Jesse Tunison
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HAWAIʻI OFFERS STATE FUNDED PRE-KINDERGARTEN to families of a broader income range than any other state, according to a WalletHub study released today. Families earning up to $58,380 can qualify. The state providing pre-K to only those with the least income is Minnesota, which pays for those with incomes of $8,455 or less. Hawaiʻi, however, has the highest co-pay rate –  up to 17 percent of family income. In comparison, New York and Maryland have a co-payment of one percent.
     District of Columbia spends the most on preschool – $19,710 per child – with a one-percent co-pay. D.C.'s preschool program is rated by WalletHub as the top in the country.
     Hawaiʻi ranks 48th in share of children three and four years old enrolled in a pre-K program or Head Start.
     See more at wallethub.com/edu/e/states-with-the-best-and-worst-early-education-systems/62668/.

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PREGNANCY INFORMATION for new and experienced mothers is offered through virtual Healthy Hāpai Program. Held by Hui Mālama Nā ʻŌiwi, the free five-session prenatal education program engages and educate mothers throughout their pregnancy and after giving birth. Expecting mothers wanting to learn more about their pregnancy, postpartum, and positive parenting, sign up at hmono.org/services/.

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NURSING, SOCIAL WORK, PUBLIC HEALTH, and other health care students are invited to compete in the Sixth Annual Hawaiʻi Journal of Health & Social Work Writing Contest. The prize is $500 and publication in the Journal. The competition is open to research articles relating to health and welfare of the people of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Rim. Writers can be students and recent graduates. See more at hawaiijournalhealth.org/contest.htm.

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COVID-19 COMMUNITY SPREAD CLUSTERS in Hawaiʻi "are a result of workplace social interactions," reports Department of Health. "While safe practices have become a part of our new workplace routines, let's not let our guard down whether in the workplace, on a break, or off the clock," says a message from DOH.
     Hawaiʻi reports triple-digit new case numbers for the 17th day in a row. State total 1s 5,349 since the pandemic began. Statewide, 134 new cases are reported. Department of Health reports Hawaiʻi Island has three new cases, Maui seven, and Oʻahu 122. One more person, an O‘ahu man, 40-59 years-old, with underlying health conditions, has died from the virus, for a death total of 41. DOH extends its sympathies, along with all of Hawai‘i, to the family and friends of the latest coronavirus victim.
 A recent outdoor gathering at Ocean View drew many comments and several photos submitted to The Kaʻū Calendar, 
with reports of no masks nor social distancing at this open space along Hwy 11.
     There are 20 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 152 since the pandemic began. No one is hospitalized from the virus. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū or Volcano zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 4,591 cases, Maui County 226, and Kauaʻi 54. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. A total of 161,948 individuals have been tested in the state. Of 5,349 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi six percent have required hospitalization and 93 percent were residents.
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code.
White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 25 cases. Light orange
is 26 to 50 cases (not pictured). Dark orange (not pictured)
is 51 to 150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     DOH says "We continue to see cases associated with the remaining bars that are still open. It is difficult to wear a mask while drinking and as people become impaired, they naturally stop physically distancing and begin to congregate together.
     "We have heard reports that people are still doing rigorous activities in gyms while wearing masks. This may be contributing to spread of infection as the consistency of mask wearing is unclear, specifically if they are worn all the time or correctly. The effectiveness of mask wearing while the mask is wet with sweat or vapor is unclear at this time. Some gyms have done a good job with rigorous protocols for cleaning, spacing, etc., while others are problematic as we’ve seen in, for example, a circuit gym cluster.  Lastly and especially, we continue to see COVID-19 clusters involving parties or gatherings in private homes (e.g., birthday party, funeral, religious gather etc.). These gatherings have no masking and no distancing, mostly involving families and friends.
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Hawaiʻi Island has seen daily increases of positive cases over the past two weeks.  Most of these recent cases are not travel related which means the virus is being transmitted within the community. As other islands begin measures to slow the spread of the virus by limiting activities, we ask for your help in maintaining our beautiful lifestyle on Hawaiʻi Island by following the preventive policies. As a reminder, outdoor gatherings are limited to 100 people and indoor gatherings are limited to 50 people. Within these groups, please continue practicing the policies of physical distancing, cleanliness, and wearing of face coverings. By following these guidelines, we can continue enjoying our parks, beaches, and time with our family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you for listening, have a safe week and be well. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."

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.
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.

EVENTS
Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach Park through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.

Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book a reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

ONGOING
Apply for a Crossing Guard Position at Nāʻālehu Elementary, to help keiki cross the street safely before and after school. Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii or contact Officer Torey Keltner of the Traffic Services Division at 961-2305 for more information.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.


The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry, Cooper Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges, at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, 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.

Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.

Avocado Growers Survey Open. Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names kept anonymous, results shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

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. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minority Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers, at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f.

Apply for Internships with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round. Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13. Schatz may also nominate exceptional students for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Applications due Friday, Oct. 23. See schatz.senate.gov/services.

Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through 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. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 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

Volcano Farmers Market, Cooper Center, Volcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 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. 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.

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