 |
| Masks are the rule not only at the entrance to Kaʻū Hospital's clinic, lab, ER and wards. The rule requires the public to wear masks and sanitize hands at food and hardware stores, pharmacies, gas stations, take-out restaurants,and otherplaces of essential business. Penalties are up to $5,000 in fines and a year in jail. Photo by Lora Botanova |
STRICTER RULES REGARDING FACE MASKS, SANITIZATION, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING were clarified today by Mayor Harry Kim. Kim Issued Emergency Rule No. 3, which mandates face masks or coverings for all customers of essential businesses age 5 and older, and all employees who have contact with others, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Mayor's COVID-19 Emergency Rule No. 3 stipulates that a business shall disallow entry to anyone who refuses to wear a face mask or covering. Exemptions from wearing face masks are persons with health or medical conditions that prohibit the use of face masks or coverings.
Rule 3 also calls for all customers to sanitize their hands at entry, and hand sanitizing stations must be set up in the customers' path at the entrance.
Kim said the County's COVID-19 Prevention and Education Task Force will work with businesses to ensure compliance from employees and customers.
 |
"No mask, no entry," states a sign outside Mizuno
Superette in Pāhala, complying with Rule 3 handed down by Mayor Harry Kim. Photo by Julia Neal |
"We want these rules to be in place, while focusing on being reasonable so that people can make a living," said the Mayor.
The Rule strongly recommends that one customer per 250 square feet be allowed into an establishment to ensure the six-foot distancing requirement, and to increase social distancing.
Rule 3 calls for businesses to discourage hoarding of essential supplies, and mandates that businesses post signage and communicate special hours for high-risk populations.
Businesses that handle food production and consumption are to have employees use gloves while handling food, and employees who handle any payment transaction by cash or credit card must sanitize or change gloves before serving the next customer.
All businesses are required to assign, train, and schedule employees to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other common touch areas, the Rule says.
Employees must do a self-check prior to starting their shift to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If an employee feels ill, they must immediately notify their supervisor and leave the premises. Rule 3 stipulates that the employee must seek medical attention if symptoms persist, and shall not return to work until symptom-free a minimum of 72 hours. If an employee tests positive for the virus, they shall not return to work until they have stayed home and been symptom-free for 14 days.
On the County's Mass Transit buses, riders five years old and older must wear face coverings or masks to prevent the spread of the virus, with exemptions for people with health or medical conditions that prohibit their use. Riders who refuse to wear a mask will not be allowed to board or enter the bus.
Violators of Rule 3 may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or one year imprisonment, or both. The Rule remains effective throughout the pandemic emergency, or until terminated sooner by order of the Mayor. For further information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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.
The Rule strongly recommends that one customer per 250 square feet be allowed into an establishment to ensure the six-foot distancing requirement, and to increase social distancing.
Rule 3 calls for businesses to discourage hoarding of essential supplies, and mandates that businesses post signage and communicate special hours for high-risk populations.
Businesses that handle food production and consumption are to have employees use gloves while handling food, and employees who handle any payment transaction by cash or credit card must sanitize or change gloves before serving the next customer.
All businesses are required to assign, train, and schedule employees to sanitize carts, conveyors, counters, handles, knobs, and other common touch areas, the Rule says.
Employees must do a self-check prior to starting their shift to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If an employee feels ill, they must immediately notify their supervisor and leave the premises. Rule 3 stipulates that the employee must seek medical attention if symptoms persist, and shall not return to work until symptom-free a minimum of 72 hours. If an employee tests positive for the virus, they shall not return to work until they have stayed home and been symptom-free for 14 days.
On the County's Mass Transit buses, riders five years old and older must wear face coverings or masks to prevent the spread of the virus, with exemptions for people with health or medical conditions that prohibit their use. Riders who refuse to wear a mask will not be allowed to board or enter the bus.
Violators of Rule 3 may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 or one year imprisonment, or both. The Rule remains effective throughout the pandemic emergency, or until terminated sooner by order of the Mayor. For further information, contact Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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| Even this morning's venue for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou to gift fish to kūpuna and the needy required the wearing of face masks. Photo by Julia Neal |
STAY AT HOME UNTIL MAY 31 is the recommendation of West Kaʻū's member of the state House of Representatives, Dr. Richard Creagan. "We should clamp down more so we can get rid of it," said the physician. "Who wants to live in a place where you are looking over your shoulder?"
He said people shouldn't have to worry that they could still catch COVID-19. He said Hawaiʻi is in a special place unlike the other states. "We have a natural barrier, the ocean around us." With Hawaiʻi's isolation, the disease can be traced through the entire community. He recommended isolating everyone who tests positive until the new coronavirus is entirely gone.
Creagan also said that he is pleased that the state Department of Health has more help to trace cases, with some 70 workers and volunteers starting to track down each case, and all of the victims' contacts. He said it is easy to do but takes a lot of time, talking to people. Creagan recommended that once people are found to be positive for COVID-19, they should be taken out of their environments and quarantined to protect their family and friends. He said he supports putting those testing positive into empty hotel rooms for their recovery. He is unsupportive of putting those quarantined into gyms with cots or other crowded situations. "We shouldn't be punishing the people who are positive for the virus. We should be taking care of them."
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Gov. David Ige said, "We are saddened by these additional
deaths and the toll the pandemic is taking on the families and friends of those
affected. This is a serious disease especially for those with pre-existing
health conditions and older adults. It is critical that we all comply with the
stay at home order, practice social distancing, and continue to wear a mask
whenever we go out to protect others."
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PEOPLE WITH INCOME SO LOW THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES CAN APPLY TO RECEIVE $1,200 PLUS $500 PER CHILD PANDEMIC ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS. The deadline to apply to the federal government is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time. Also required to apply are those who receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and do not file taxes. For those who do not meet the deadline, the $500 per qualifying child will be paid with their 2020 tax year return filing.
Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "As we continue working to make sure all those eligible for direct payments receive this assistance, I urge those with qualifying dependent children to apply for these payments as soon as possible. Hawaiʻi residents and families who need economic relief from the financial toll of coronavirus can provide their information online."
U.S. taxpayers who will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments are those who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019; or those who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Apply at freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment. See more information at irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
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HAWAIʻI IS THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR SLOWING DOWN THE MOST during the pandemic, in terms of people going places and interacting with others, according to a study released by WalletHub today. New York, New Jersey, Vermont, and Nevada followed Hawaiʻi in the ranking. WalletHub reports that its statisticians used Google data to compare the 50 states across six key metrics. Each metric measures the percentage point increase or decrease in visits to various types of places due to coronavirus.
Hawaiʻi slowed the most in Residential Mobility Changes, Grocery & Pharmacy Mobility Changes, Parks Mobility changes, and Transit Stations Mobility Changes. It ranked third for slowing the most in Workplaces Mobility Changes and fourth in slowing the most in Retail & Recreation Mobility Changes. The state that has slowed down the least is Nebraska, with Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, and Alabama right behind it. See more at WalletHub.
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ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU NĀʻĀLEHU MARKET will be open tomorrow, Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon. The focus at the outdoor venue is fresh food. All vendors and customers must wear face masks and use sanitation stations to clean hands. Vendor locations are set up with distancing. The location is mauka of Hwy 11, in Nāʻālehu.
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL GIVE OUT FOOD IN OCEAN VIEW THURSDAY AT NOON near the bus stop makai of
Hwy 11. The offerings will include kalua pig cooked by Nāʻālehu Schoool, kalbi beef, and other food packaged to refrigerate or freeze, including spam, sausage, and jello fruit cups. OKK President Wayne Kawachi gave out fish today in Pāhala near the bus stop. Jana Kaniho delivered fish to kūpuna homes in the Nāʻālehu area. OKK accepts donations of money and foods. Call Kawachi at 808-937-4773.
THE COUNTY NUTRITION PROGRAM IS PROVIDING FIVE MEALS A WEEK TO SENIORS IN KAʻŪ. Instead of the seniors gathering at their senior centers, county staff members deliver five frozen meals once a week to their homes. About 37 bundles of prepackaged meals are going to Pāhala seniors, 22 to Nāʻālehu seniors, and 42 to Ocean View seniors.
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.
FIRST RESPONDERS AND LOCAL HOSPITALS are receiving assistance from Hawaiʻi Island Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experts during the COVID-19 crisis. The coalition – Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care – responds to needs raised by healthcare workers and fire/emergency response crews. The coalition is supported by staff and volunteers from across the Big Island, spanning the business, high tech, and educational sectors.
Christian Wong, Hawaiʻi Island firefighter and executive director of Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum, is one of the organizers. He said, "Working as a first responder, I know the critical need for PPE in our community. Connecting the needs of our first responders with our Big Island STEM community allows Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care to design and produce PPE that fits the specific needs of our health care community."
The Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care team is working to provide: face shields, mask sterilizers, mask tension relief bands, and door openers. "A committee for each project is working with members of the medical community to ensure these developed products meet the needs of the Big Island health care community," said Wong.
Dr. Craig Burger, a consultant for the group. said, "I appreciate the speed of these efforts. Iterating directly with local PPE designers and manufacturers allows us to meet an ever-changing need. Any reduction in anxiety or an increase in comfort we can provide, is so crucial for the physical heath and mental well-being of our frontline providers."
All the donations, to date, were designed and produced on Hawaiʻi Island. The face shields were designed to allow for rapid production of close to 50 per hour. Three hundred mask tension relief bands that were delivered to Hilo Medical Center through efforts in East and West Hawaiʻi, rallying 3D printer owners islandwide, including local schools. The first prototype mask sterilizer is undergoing testing at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's biology department, with plans to build units for local fire departments to extend the life of their current N95 masks if needed.
The door opener design is the result of a request from the local medical community for a simple device that minimizes the need for health care professionals to touch door handles in a hospital. A prototype just completed testing and is now beginning larger production for local healthcare facilities and first responders.
According to Wong, the group is dedicated to creating 'learning moments' – opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island students to contribute directly or indirectly to the solution design efforts. Local students brainstormed the design of the face masks and helped print the mask tension relief bands.
Gail Takaki, of NexTech Hawaiʻi, said, "We plan to share stories of how the team arrived at solutions with our NexTech students as a real world example of problem solving as well as the importance of giving back to our community in times of crisis. All our efforts are possible through the generous volunteer organizations and donors providing all items free of charge."
Hawaiʻi STEM Care is represented by leaders from Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, NexTech Hawaiʻi, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative, and the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems. Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care recently received a $5,000 grant from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation to continue producing and distributing their PPE donations.
"There are a lot of people who are passionate about the problem," said Kean Wong, co-coordinator of Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative. "We're finding, as we're able to coordinate with people and provide them resources they may not have, we're able to help out and have a larger impact than any single individual can."
For more information about Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care and to obtain plans for some of the above items, visit histemcare.org. Healthcare providers and first responders who would like more information about these items, or have a need for PPE, should email histemcare@gmail.com.
The report notes the short term food needs will be partially
funded by about $4 billion in COVID-19 funding through the CARES Act. The
report suggests establishing a Food Security Subsidy Fund and Program, to directly
provide funds to local food producers that provide free or discounted fresh
produce or prepared meals. The report recommends direct funding to local food producers for farm inputs and other production
costs.
SIXTY ONE MILLION IN FEMA DOLLARS will go toward fixing county roads damaged by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced today that a portion of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will help to repair Highway 137, Pohoiki Road, Leilani Avenue, Hinalo Street, Lauone Street, Honuaula Street, and Lighthouse Road. FEMA and the County of Hawaiʻi are engaged in additional discussions with the community to determine which other roads will be repaired using these funds.
"As we approach the two year anniversary of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, this federal funding will support ongoing recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island," Hirono said. "Even as we confront the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, I will continue to advocate for federal assistance that will help those impacted by the eruption work to rebuild their lives and communities."
Hirono advocated to support Hawaiʻi Island's recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. In March 2019, she pressed then-Acting Secretary Bernhardt for a commitment to rebuild Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaiʻi Island. Two months later, Hirono secured $72.3 million in the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Bill to fund both the continuation of U.S. Geological Survey operations in a temporary space as well as money to construct the new HVO facility. That same month, she announced that USGS Director Jim Reilly committed to rebuilding HVO on Hawaiʻi Island. Hirono also secured $21 million in additional funding to build a separate HVO field station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
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.
COMPOSER OF THE EARTH PATRIOT SONG for Earth Day has provided a link for readers of The Kaʻū Calendar. The Volcano resident, well known for his world peace, environmental, and sustainability work, sent this message for Wednesday's annual Earth Day:
"I hope that you are safe and well. I know that with what our country and the world is facing with the corona virus, that the 50th anniversary of Earth Day may not be receiving the attention it deserves. However, the work of protecting our Earth and all life that exists on our planet continues. In 1990, for the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, I wrote the song Earth Patriot, and in 2007, I recorded the album Earth Patriot with my group Kumanu. Please feel free to share with others." Hear the song on YouTube.
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 April.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, 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.
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 Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
The Discovery Harbour Community Center 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.Ocean View Community Center 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
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.
THE DEATH TOLL FROM CORONAVIRUS ACROSS THE STATE ROSE TO
TWELVE TODAY. The state Department of Health identified two elderly men who
passed away Monday night. The victims were older than 65, with one on Oʻahu
and the other on Maui , both with underlying health
challenges. Deaths during the pandemic total five on Maui
and seven on Oʻahu. There were no new cases reported on Hawaiʻi Island today, leaving the total number at 63. The two new cases statewide brought the caseload to
586.
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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 one to five cases. The 96772 area in Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH |
Talmadge Magno,
director of Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, issued his daily message focusing on the spread of the virus from three McDonald's restaurants in Kona: "The
Department of Health is continuing the investigation of this McDonald's cluster
and based on their findings thus far, believes this outbreak does not pose a
threat to the general public. It is noted that 32 of Hawaiʻi Islands' total
cases of 63 stem from this one cluster incident. The very hard lessons
learned, and we should all learn, is that critical importance of following the
health advisories of stay at home if you are sick, physical distancing, face coverings,
and social gatherings.
 |
Civil Defense director
|
"The testing
of non-symptomatic family members, associated with the fast-food restaurant
cluster, resulted in two positive cases. Clearly illustrates that anyone can be
a carrier without knowing it. All are strongly recommended to wear a face
covering. This is a community issue and we all need to do our part. Thank you
very much for listening and please be safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil
Defense."
In the U.S. ,
more than 824,700 people have been reported to have COVID-19. Of those, 45,297
have died and 75,050 have recovered.
Worldwide,
2,564,190 cases have been reported. More than 177,400 have died. Nearly 681,840
have recovered.
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.
PEOPLE WITH INCOME SO LOW THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PAY TAXES CAN APPLY TO RECEIVE $1,200 PLUS $500 PER CHILD PANDEMIC ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS. The deadline to apply to the federal government is tomorrow, Wednesday, at 6 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time. Also required to apply are those who receive veterans disability compensation, a pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and do not file taxes. For those who do not meet the deadline, the $500 per qualifying child will be paid with their 2020 tax year return filing.
U.S. taxpayers who will automatically receive Economic Impact Payments are those who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019; or those who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Affairs benefits, or Railroad Retirement benefits.
Apply at freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment. See more information at irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here.
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.
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.
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU NĀʻĀLEHU MARKET will be open tomorrow, Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon. The focus at the outdoor venue is fresh food. All vendors and customers must wear face masks and use sanitation stations to clean hands. Vendor locations are set up with distancing. The location is mauka of Hwy 11, in Nāʻālehu.
ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU WILL GIVE OUT FOOD IN OCEAN VIEW THURSDAY AT NOON near the bus stop makai of
 |
| Wayne Kawachi hands out Ehu to seniors and the needy in Pāhala today. Also contributing to the catch was Evan Enriques. Photo by Julia Neal |
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.
FIRST RESPONDERS AND LOCAL HOSPITALS are receiving assistance from Hawaiʻi Island Science, Technology, Engineering and Math experts during the COVID-19 crisis. The coalition – Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care – responds to needs raised by healthcare workers and fire/emergency response crews. The coalition is supported by staff and volunteers from across the Big Island, spanning the business, high tech, and educational sectors.
Christian Wong, Hawaiʻi Island firefighter and executive director of Hawaiʻi Science & Technology Museum, is one of the organizers. He said, "Working as a first responder, I know the critical need for PPE in our community. Connecting the needs of our first responders with our Big Island STEM community allows Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care to design and produce PPE that fits the specific needs of our health care community."
 |
| A no-hands door opener developed by Hawaiʻi Stem Community Care. |
Dr. Craig Burger, a consultant for the group. said, "I appreciate the speed of these efforts. Iterating directly with local PPE designers and manufacturers allows us to meet an ever-changing need. Any reduction in anxiety or an increase in comfort we can provide, is so crucial for the physical heath and mental well-being of our frontline providers."
All the donations, to date, were designed and produced on Hawaiʻi Island. The face shields were designed to allow for rapid production of close to 50 per hour. Three hundred mask tension relief bands that were delivered to Hilo Medical Center through efforts in East and West Hawaiʻi, rallying 3D printer owners islandwide, including local schools. The first prototype mask sterilizer is undergoing testing at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo's biology department, with plans to build units for local fire departments to extend the life of their current N95 masks if needed.
The door opener design is the result of a request from the local medical community for a simple device that minimizes the need for health care professionals to touch door handles in a hospital. A prototype just completed testing and is now beginning larger production for local healthcare facilities and first responders.
According to Wong, the group is dedicated to creating 'learning moments' – opportunities for Hawaiʻi Island students to contribute directly or indirectly to the solution design efforts. Local students brainstormed the design of the face masks and helped print the mask tension relief bands.
Gail Takaki, of NexTech Hawaiʻi, said, "We plan to share stories of how the team arrived at solutions with our NexTech students as a real world example of problem solving as well as the importance of giving back to our community in times of crisis. All our efforts are possible through the generous volunteer organizations and donors providing all items free of charge."
 |
| A face mask tension relief band to take the stress away from it hanging on the ears. |
"There are a lot of people who are passionate about the problem," said Kean Wong, co-coordinator of Big Island Community Coronavirus Response Initiative. "We're finding, as we're able to coordinate with people and provide them resources they may not have, we're able to help out and have a larger impact than any single individual can."
For more information about Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care and to obtain plans for some of the above items, visit histemcare.org. Healthcare providers and first responders who would like more information about these items, or have a need for PPE, should email histemcare@gmail.com.
A REPORT ON COVID-19 IMPACTS ON HAWAIʻI AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCERS was produced by a working group of farmers and ranchers, including members of Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. The working group submitted findings and recommendations to the House Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and
Financial Preparedness on Monday.
The report states that, after urgent health issues, "feeding our community is the most critical challenge we face in the continuing coronavirus pandemic. With no clear end to the crisis within sight, we are already seeing the attention of leaders from around the world shift as food producer markets contract and transportation networks are shaken to their core. Hawaiʻi's tenuous dependence on just-in-time delivery and importing 90 percent of our food has left our communities exposed to another heightened threat."
The report states that, after urgent health issues, "feeding our community is the most critical challenge we face in the continuing coronavirus pandemic. With no clear end to the crisis within sight, we are already seeing the attention of leaders from around the world shift as food producer markets contract and transportation networks are shaken to their core. Hawaiʻi's tenuous dependence on just-in-time delivery and importing 90 percent of our food has left our communities exposed to another heightened threat."
 |
| Their report on COVID-19 Impacts on Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers recommends more locally grown food for the schools. Above, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary cafeteria staff members sanitize a table as they bring out food to give to anyone 18 years and under during the pandemic. Photo by Lora Botanova |
The
report suggests there is a second curve to flatten: food insecurity. Food banks
and non-profits are struggling to feed Hawaiʻi families on a massive scale,
states the report. Food banks' usual sources of funds and donations are
diminished. In a typical month, states the report, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank
purchases roughly $33,000 in food. "Over the last four weeks, it has had
to make $640,000 in purchases to keep up with demand. It is also encountering
other challenges unique to these times, such as having to outbid other food
banks and grocers across the country due to demand for long shelf-life goods and
consumer hoarding."
With unemployment in Hawaiʻi at nearly a quarter million since
March 1, the reports states the public has "intensifying fears" and "uncertainty"
about access to "the basic necessity of food. Adding to this perfect storm
is the threat of a literal one, as hurricane season nears. We would be gambling
with lives to assume a pandemic is the only crisis Hawaiʻi may face in the
coming months. Local farmers serve as a lifeline. They are our greatest defense
against food insecurity and our greatest hope for future resiliency. They need
our support as much as we need theirs."
 |
| Food insecurity in Hawaiʻi is addressed in the Hawaiʻi Agricultural Producers Report. Photo by Lora Botanova |
The report recommends appointing a local farmer or rancher to the House Select COVID-19
Committee on Economic and Financial Preparedness.
The report also recommends expansion of programs like SNAP, the Paycheck Protection Program,
and USDA programs such as small producer grants, grants to organizations
facilitating direct farm to consumer delivery, loan forgiveness/forbearance,
technical assistance to navigate the federal opportunity process, reimbursement
of transportation cost payment program, and microgrants.
The report suggests requiring state food
programs to purchase a minimum of local food. For example, increase Department of Education
meals to have at least 25 percent be local food within five years.
The report also suggests
the state issue an official statement supporting and re-opening farmers'
markets that comply with health restrictions to protect vendors and customers
across the state. The report suggests a "certification"
classification for these markets.
For long-term
needs, the report recommends shovel-ready agricultural projects, especially in irrigation, food hub and aggregation site development, and future
harvesting facilities.
Read the report here.
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.
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.
 |
Highway 137 will be rebuilt with FEMA funds appropriated
to Hawaiʻi County, after destruction by lava in 2018.
Photo from USGS. Road ID by Extreme Exposures
|
"As we approach the two year anniversary of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, this federal funding will support ongoing recovery efforts on Hawaiʻi Island," Hirono said. "Even as we confront the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, I will continue to advocate for federal assistance that will help those impacted by the eruption work to rebuild their lives and communities."
Hirono advocated to support Hawaiʻi Island's recovery from the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. In March 2019, she pressed then-Acting Secretary Bernhardt for a commitment to rebuild Hawaiian Volcano Observatory on Hawaiʻi Island. Two months later, Hirono secured $72.3 million in the 2019 Disaster Supplemental Bill to fund both the continuation of U.S. Geological Survey operations in a temporary space as well as money to construct the new HVO facility. That same month, she announced that USGS Director Jim Reilly committed to rebuilding HVO on Hawaiʻi Island. Hirono also secured $21 million in additional funding to build a separate HVO field station in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
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.COMPOSER OF THE EARTH PATRIOT SONG for Earth Day has provided a link for readers of The Kaʻū Calendar. The Volcano resident, well known for his world peace, environmental, and sustainability work, sent this message for Wednesday's annual Earth Day:
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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. |
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 April.
MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED for the month of April, 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 Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through at least the end of April. 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.
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 Ocean View location for May is to be announced .
The Nāʻālehu location is Sacred Heart Church 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy , under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street , distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Thursday, April 30 at 11:30 a.m. Call 933-6030.
The Volcano location is Cooper Center 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, April 29 from 11 a.m. until food runs out. Call Kehau at 443-4130.
On Call Emergency Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center
The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, April 27. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
Distribution in the Nāʻālehu area is at Nāʻālehu Elementary, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour Community Center Kahuku Park Ocean View Community Center
At Nāʻālehu Elementary, campus pick-up will be from 9 a.m - 9:20 a.m. for A-H; 9:20 a.m. - 9:40 a.m. for I-P, and 9:40 a.m. - 10 a.m. for Q-Z.
The Waiʻōhinu pick-up: 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
The
Morning distribution at Kahuku Park 8 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. for A-H, 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
Evening distribution at Kahuku Park 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
Times for distribution in front of Malama Market are: 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration. Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo ; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village
See ohialehuahalf.com.
See ohialehuahalf.com.
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.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
