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Friday, June 26, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, June 26, 2020

Community Health Workers during care package distribution in Kaʻū in May. Community Health Workers pictured from
 left to right: Chauncey Hatico, Kirra Tomori, Keamalu Waltjen, and Jovena Moses. See more below.
Photo from Hui Mālama

A ONE TIME RENT OR MORTGAGE PAYMENT is available through County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing & Community Development. Mayor Harry Kim made the announcement today, noting that the funding comes from a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus funds.
     The county is partnering with Hope Services Hawai‘i, Inc. to launch this Emergency Rent & Mortgage Assistance Program for eligible households whose income has been impacted by COVID-19. This program will provide a one-time rent or mortgage payment, not to exceed $2,000, for eligible households at or below 80 percent of the area median income, who were affected by COVID-19. Information on the qualifications and requirements of the program is available online at hopeserviceshawaii.org/RMAP. Applications will be accepted online or by phone starting July 1.
     The mayor said, "Our Thank You to the staff of the County's Office of Housing and Community Development, who have worked on this proposal since March and finally received approval in late May. Mahalo to Hope Services for continuing to be a great partner in helping those in need.
     "The County is pursuing other financial grants, and information about eligibility will be made available when we receive it," said Kim.
     For questions regarding this Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program, visit hopeserviceshawaii.org/RMAP or contact Hope Services Hawai‘i, Inc. at 935-3050 or RMAP@hopeserviceshawaii.org Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

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Hui Mālama staff during care package distribution in Kaʻū. Photo from Hui Mālama
MĀLAMA KE ALOHA, THE PROGRAM OF HUI MĀLAMA KE OLA, reaches out to many kūpuna, mākua, and keiki during the pandemic. Assisting are their Kaʻū Community Health Workers, Keamalu Waltjen and Jovena Moses. Along with the Hui Mālama team and partners, they run a care package distribution that began in May.
     In Kaʻū, Waltjen distributes packages around the district, collaborating with Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council. In Kona, Moses distributes packages around the district, collaborating with Lanakila Congregational Church.
     A statement from Hui Mālama says, "The Mālama Ke Ola program was designed to meet the needs of our Hawaiʻi island community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These care packages promote upliftment of the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of Hawai‘i Island's kūpuna (elders), mākua (parents), and kamali‘i (children). The program is carried out in three distribution phases, reaching all of Hawaiʻi Island in May, June, and July."
Care package pick-up at Hawaiʻi Academy of
Arts & Sciences. Photo from Hui Mālama
     In May, the first package distributed was called Olakino. It focused on the physical well-being and safety of the entire ‘ohana. Through the Olakino, hundreds of clients in need received paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, gloves, and more. With the help of donations from the community, clients in need also received canned goods and face masks.
     In June, the second package distributed was the Noʻonoʻo. It focused on the mental well-being of the entire ʻohana. By the end of June, Hui Mālama distributed 1,000 care packages to clients across the island.
     In July, the third and final package will be the Ola Olakino. It will focus on providing families with education and resources to promote spiritual well-being.
     To reach all districts, the Community Health Workers of Hui Mālama are distributing hundreds of bags to clients in their designated ʻāpana (district). In addition to Kaʻū and Kona, Hui Mālama reaches other districts. In North Hawaiʻi, CHW Chauncey Hatico distributes, collaborating with The Salvation Army of Honokaʻa. In Hilo and part of Puna, CHW Kirra Tomori distributes. In Lower Puna, Kirra Tomori distributes, collaborating with Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science.
     Hui Mālama Interim Executive Director Noe Scott said she extends her mahalo "to all community members, businesses, and other organizations that provided assistance, donations, and space for the Mālama Ke Ola program. Continue to stay safe and healthy during these times. Visit hmono.org/services or Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi at (808) 969-9220 to learn more ways we can live longer and feel better, together!"

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HUI MĀLAMA OLA NĀ ʻŌIWI WILL RECEIVE MORE THAN $3 MILLION FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard made the announcement today. The money comes U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Health Resources and Services Administration's Health Center Program. The total is $3,034,982 for healthcare and wellness services to Native Hawaiians. The funds are part of a continuing grant. Two weeks ago, HHS issued similar awards to Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi on Kauaʻi ($3,067,651), Hui No Ke Ola Pono on Maui ($3,331,410), and Nā Puʻuwai on Molokaʻi ($2,561,902).
     Gabbard said she has continually advocated in Congress for robust funding of Native Hawaiian health care programs and has made it a top priority during the annual appropriations process to ensure that Native Hawaiian Health Centers receive federal support they need to serve their communities across the state.
Hui Mālama participates in most community events with opportunity
 for health education in Kaʻū, from Kaʻū Rural Health Community 
Association's annual meeting to Pāhala's Christmas Parade. 
Photo by Julia Neal
     The Native Hawaiian Health Care Act was created by Congress in 1988 (42 U.S.C. 11701) and most 2009. The program was created in recognition of the United States' special political, trust relationship with the Native Hawaiian community to address serious health needs exhibited by the Native Hawaiian population, and better the health status of the community.
     Gabbard said that Native Hawaiian Health Centers improve the health status of Native Hawaiians by providing access to health education, health promotion, and disease prevention services. Services provided include nutrition programs, screening and control of hypertension and diabetes, immunizations, and basic primary care services.

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MIKE LAST, THE LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT FIVE of the state House of Representatives - which covers west Kaʻū into Kona - and an Ocean View resident for more than a quarter-century, issued a statement on Wednesday about his candidacy:
     "I am well informed about the shortcomings of government workers, and the absolutely incredible benefits of working for governments. As a member of the legislature, I will never be just another 'Yes' man. I will represent the constituents who are my fellow citizens, even if that means going against the party in power. I will never be beholden to any contributor to my campaign, because I never accepted campaign contributions, nor will I change that. I cannot be bought.
Mike Last
     "As private citizens, we must live within our means. I cannot depend on government assistance to tide me over some unforeseeable hurdle. The State should not rely on the Federal Government to take care of it during hard times. And why does the Federal Government have a multi-trillion dollar deficit? And who will this tremendous burden fall on? Our children and grandchildren, not us.     
     "I believe that less government equals more individual freedom! Why do the governments, both county and state, worry about victimless (consensual) crimes? This is any activity, currently illegal, in which we, as adults, choose to participate, which does not physically harm the person or property of another; like smoking. I do not smoke (anything), yet who am I to dictate how another adult lives their life? Or gambling, same argument. The police should focus on real crimes, done by real criminals such as murder, rape, theft, arson, and others that have non-consenting victims. Because if they have consenting victims, it is not a crime. Think about that.
     "If you think that my arguments have merit, then do consider voting for me. I believe you are adults and can make up your own minds based on the facts. Just remember, I don't take contributions from people or organizations. Never! I am beholden to you the voters and no one else! Think how the other candidates will vote when something comes up that is against the principles of a contributor. Will they do the same as me? And disregard the interests of donors?"
     Candidate Last also reviewed his background, having been employed in numerous positions during 50 years in the workforce. He worked for AT&T in 1964; the City of New York from 1964 to 1981, where he retired and earned a pension; the federal government as a draftee from 1966-68; and a private company in 1980 and from 1991-2001. He worked as a consultant intermittently during the 1980s to 2010, and was self-employed from 1981 to 1992 and from 1997 to 2000. He worked for the county from 1993 to 1997 and state of Hawaiʻi intermittently from 1998 to 2003.
     Contact Last at 929-8422; email LAST_PL@yahoo.com.

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DETECT AND ERADICATE ASIAN GIANT HORNET in Hawaiʻi, urges Hawaiʻi congressional delegation. This week, Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case wrote U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to utilize USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service emergency funding, if necessary, to quickly detect and eradicate the Asian giant hornet.
A bald-face hornet, native to Washington state, compared to an Asian
Giant Hornet. Photo from Smithsonian
     A message from Hirono's office says, "Sometimes referred to as the 'murder hornet,' these giant hornets' arrival to the United States was first documented earlier this year in Washington State. If the hornets become established, they could quickly make their way to Hawaiʻi and decimate honeybee populations, as the state receives shipments of goods from Washington State, Canada, and across Asia. Currently, ports in Asia do not have processes in place to detect or trap the hornet.
     The delegates wrote, "To immediately stop further introduction and spread of these giant hornets to all U.S. ports, USDA APHIS should consider putting forward a portion of this emergency funding to not only enhance inspections and surveys at ports of entry, but also develop effective traps, place these traps at major ports of entry, and establish an approved treatment method to quickly deploy should these giant hornets be detected.
"The arrival of the giant hornet would be devastating to our local agricultural industry. Hawaiʻi has a thriving queen bee breeding industry that brings in $10 million a year to Hawaiʻi's economy, and 80 percent of crops grown here are pollinated by bees. Hawaiʻi also supplies the honeybee queens used in pollination services of 40 percent of the hives used in the continental United States." Read the letter 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.

JULY FOURTH PUBLIC FIREWORKS DISPLAYS ARE CANCELLED due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, according to Hawaiʻi Fire Department. However, Fire Chief Darren Rosario announced that consumer fireworks may be purchased beginning on Monday, June 29 through Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. from retailers on the island.
     Firecrackers (with a valid permit), and consumer fireworks are allowed to be set off between 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4 only. Permits are not required for novelties and paperless firecrackers.
     According to American Promotional Events/TNT, who will supply these retailers, there will be no paper firecrackers (which require permits to purchase and use) available for sale, said HPD. Hawaiʻi Island residents who have firecrackers on hand and would like to set them off during this time may purchase a permit from the fire department by calling 808-932-2911 to set up an appointment.
While aerial public firework shows are canceled for July Fourth this year, consumer fireworks go on sale
next Monday from licensed retail sites around the island. Photo by Julia Neal
     HFD reminds the public that it is illegal for anyone to buy, sell, possess, or set off any Aerial Luminary Device such as Sky Lanterns or Hawaiʻi Lanterns. It is illegal to remove the powder or pyrotechnic contents from any firework or throw a firework from a vehicle. It is illegal to set off any firework within 1,000 feet of any operating hospital, nursing home, home for the elderly or animal hospital; in or on any school building or property; on any highway, alley, street, sidewalk or other public way; in any park, or within 1,000 feet of a church during the periods when services are held. It is also illegal for any person to offer for sale, sell, or give any firework to minors, and for any minor to possess, sell, set off, ignite, or otherwise cause to explode any firework, except under the immediate supervision of an adult.
     HPD asks everyone to do their part to prevent fires and injuries caused by fireworks by having a water hose connected to a water source or a fire extinguisher readily available; wetting down surrounding brush prior to setting off fireworks if need be; making sure children playing with fireworks are under adult supervision at all times – even the smallest of fireworks can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries; setting off fireworks in a safe area away from dry grass, buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials; and disposing of used fireworks properly by soaking in water prior to disposal.
     Anyone interested in disposing of unwanted or damaged fireworks can call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911 for further information to schedule a pick-up. Do not drop off fireworks at local fire stations.
     For more information on the purchasing of firework permits, disposal of fireworks, or tips on the safe use of fireworks, please call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 932-2911.

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THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY WILL OPEN ITS DOORS FOR IN-PERSON SERVICE WEDNESDAY, JULY 1. DWS' customers and members of the public may schedule an appointment to start a new water service, obtain help with an existing water account, or other in-person assistance. In-person payment collections and other unscheduled services remain suspended through July 31. Customers wanting to pay their water bill are asked to do so remotely using the no-fee payment options, while walk-in visitors lacking an appointment will be asked to schedule one for assistance.
Pāhala's water tank, fed by a well, both built by county Department of Water
 Supply. DWS reopens its walk-in services in Hilo and Kona
Wednesday, July 1. Photo by Julia Neal
     To make an appointment, call weekdays, excluding holidays for Hilo to (808) 961-8060 or (808) 961-8070; Waimea, (808) 887-3030; or Kona, (808) 322-0600.
     Before entering a DWS facility, all visitors must answer a short questionnaire about their health, apply provided hand sanitizer, and wear a face covering. Anyone feeling ill or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms on the day of their appointment will be asked to reschedule in the interest of public safety.
     To maintain social distancing, visitors should limit their companions to essential attendees only.
     DWS is continuing to accept only telephone, online, auto-payment, mail, or non-cash payments left in a secured DWS payment dropbox. Pay a water bill online at hawaiidws.org, click either the Pay Your Bill Online or Pay Online tab, and follow the self-service portal. Customers wishing to pay by telephone, call toll-free 844-216-1994 any time. For more information about no-charge payment options, call a Customer Service office during operating hours. Email correspondence to: dws@hawaiidws.org.
     DWS issued a statement thanking customers and the Hawai‘i Island community "for remaining patient and understanding while it works to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Throughout the ongoing pandemic, DWS has not wavered from the commitment to provide a reliable supply of safe drinking water in compliance with all state and federal drinking water requirements."

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.

Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. White is 
zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange (not pictured) 
is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. 
Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
THE EIGHTEENTH DEATH IN HAWAIʻI FROM COVID-19 was reported on Oʻahu today. An elderly Honolulu man's passing is the first death from the virus in Hawaiʻi in 54 days, since May 3.
     Gov. David Ige expressed his condolences today to the family and friends of the man. He said, "This is the worst way to emphasize the need for all of us to continue safe practices such as physical distancing, wearing of masks, and hand washing. We must protect our kūpuna and others who are at high risk, by practicing personal responsibility, especially around others outside our own immediate family or household."
     Hawai‘i has one of the best statistical records for COVID-19 management in the country, says a message from the governor's office. However, a survey released by Department of Health today "suggests that many residents are becoming lax in their practices and attitudes about the infection," says Ige's office. "The number of people who considered the virus as a very serious health concern, fell from 73 percent to 54 percent in less than two months.
     "More alarming is changing attitudes on preventive behaviors." DOH says 42 percent of survey respondents said they are social distancing "all of the time" – a statistic that is steady compared to a previous survey. "However, fewer residents are following recommendations 'most of the time' or 'part of the time,'" says DOH.
     One new COVID-19 case on Hawaiʻi Island is reported today. There are three active cases on-island. The patients are being monitored by DOH. The newest case is travel-related, says DOH.
     Oʻahu reported 13 new cases today, Kauaʻi reported one new case, and two residents were diagnosed out-of-state. The state's new case total is 230 in 21 days.
     Hawaiʻi Island recorded its three active cases over the last two weeks. One case was removed from the count today, as one was added. All other 83 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were two hospitalizations on-island; both patients have been released.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 608 cases, Kauaʻi 34, and Maui County 122. Sixteen victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 866 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Eighteen people died.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "Please know the importance of continuing to follow the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, and cleanliness. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 2,467,554 cases have been confirmed – an increase of about 50,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 125,039. Worldwide, more than 9.8 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is more than 494,181.

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.

Cold Wax Painting Class by Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. $65/$60 VAC member. Must wear CDC-recommended face covering, required to use provided cleaning supplies after class. Artists of all levels welcome. Limited to six people, advanced registration required: volcanoartcenter.
org/events, 967-8222.

Feedback from Parents and Guardians of Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Students is requested by Principal Sharon Beck: "As we plan for the opening of the 2020-21 school year, we would like to gather feedback from our parents/guardians about what that might look like for our students." Deadline is June 30: KHPES Parent Survey: Planning for
 the 2020-21 School Year.

Sponsors Needed to Feed Keiki in low-income communities during the summer. Schools, public agencies, churches, and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program. Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to youth who are 18 years old and younger. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, June 30. Contact Daniel Sutcharitkul at 808-587-3600 or daniel.sutcharitkul@k12.hi.us with questions or to apply. Visit hcnp.hawaii.gov for more information.

Enter the RevʻULUtion Student Art Contest by Tuesday, June 30. Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative invites all students residing in Hawaiʻi in PreK through 12th grades to create and submit original artwork that will be featured in an upcoming traveling art exhibit, a 13-month calendar, and across the internet on the cooperative's partners websites and social media. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness of ʻulu as a "resilient cultural and agricultural resource" that is a "viable option for increasing food security and self-sufficiency across the Hawaiian Islands.
     Each student may submit as many pieces as they wish on 8.5 by 11 paper, in the landscape (horizontal) orientation. Any art medium, except computer graphics and photographs, may be used as long as the artwork is flat and can be scanned. Each entry must be accompanied by a short – 75 words or less – explanation of ʻUlu's Place in Hawaiʻi: Past, Present, and Future, and an entry form.
     Visit eatbreadfruit.com/pages/artcontest for more information and to submit an entry.

Apply for Energy Assistance through June 30 for help to pay energy bills. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Credit Assistance Program assists eligible people with a one-time payment towards their electric or gas bill. See humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap.

Eco-Tour at Shaka Forest Farms, Friday, July 3 at 10 a.m. in Volcano Village. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Independence Day Community Barbecue, Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or as long as supplies last at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Free grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken and ribs plates available for purchase. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Celebrate 4th of July with OKK at its Market space in Nāʻālehu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. ʻO Kaʻū Kākou will offer shave ice, hot dogs, and watermelon, free to the public, either grab-and-go or during the event. Attendees must observe social distancing, sanitize hands at the entry, and wear face masks. OKK will thank Brawny for naming OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi a Brawny Giant and donating $10,000 to the non-profit group.

Dine In or Grab-and-Go at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, July 4. Ready-to-Go Family BBQ Special will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes 8 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, 16 pieces of Local Style Fried Chicken, 8 pieces of 6 oz. Corn on the Cob, 2 lbs. of Coleslaw, 2 lbs. of Steamed Rice, and 2 lbs. of Mashed Potatoes, all for $55.95. Individual To-Go Lunches will also be available for purchase at $12.95 per person. Reservations for dine-in and take-out are required, call 967-8356. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

Apply for Small Grants to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, urges The Kohala Center. Deadline to submit a letter of interest is Friday, July 10. Visit the program website or refer to this fact sheet for more information.

Zentangle with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Grow Food From Wood: Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, separate workshops on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing by Jacquolyn McMurray and Kristin Wolfgang, a virtual workshop via Zoom, will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2020 the year you finally get started or restarted? This class is perfect for all writers seeking new inspiration and strategies." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

ONGOING
Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary on weekdays (no holidays) through Friday, July 17. 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 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered on Wednesdays to students in Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and 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 provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. Nāʻālehu's final ʻOhana Food Drop is Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are Open for Pick-Up Services Only. 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 are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

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 will be kept anonymous. Results will be 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.

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.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming from two free modules of a virtual training program. Accessible online, additional modules will be added. The course is presented by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village is 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 an 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. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at VolcanoArt 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

Exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Aug. 8. 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 features two prominent female artists from Volcano Village "who find deep inspiration in Hawaiʻi's natural environment and specifically the native bird populations found within it." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced.
     A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.

Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.
     Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program that provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.
     The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"
     See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
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