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| The Rev. Marlon Belmonte oversees the first on-site Sunday Mass at Holy Rosary Church in Pāhala since the pandemic began. Photo by Julia Neal |
CATHOLIC
CHURCHES REOPENED THIS WEEKEND in Pāhala and Nāʻālehu, with mass on Saturday
and Sunday. Greeters took names of people coming in, making sure they wore
masks and directing them to seating that provided distancing. Rev.
Marlon Belmonte, the priest for both Holy Rosary Church in Pahala and
Sacred Hearts Church in Nāʻālehu entered through a
side door rather than coming down the aisle with church leaders.
A message from the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, which oversees churches statewide, says,
"The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is extended
through June 30, 2020 . This will
allow those who are not comfortable attending Mass at this time to stay away
with a clear conscience. Masses will continue to be live-streamed, at least
from some locations. Log-in information can be found at www.catholichawaii.org. Before June 30,
we will evaluate whether or not to extend the dispensation longer.
"As an act of charity,
anyone who is sick, who is particularly vulnerable to infection, or is in a
high-risk group, should not attend Mass at this time."
The Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, said, "Now
that it has been deemed safe for us to gather again in our churches to
physically encounter the risen Lord in Holy Communion, we rejoice that the
Spirit will open the way for us once again. Our gathering for the Eucharist
after so long a time without being able to celebrate together, while it will be
a joyful event, will also have restrictions, because we want to be sure that
all who attend are kept as safe as possible from infection."
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| Ushers ready to sign people in and direct them to seating in Holy Rosary Church this morning in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal |
The rules include: The social distancing protocol will mean that
not everyone who would like to go to a particular Mass may be able to do so,
because of the limited space in the church. Each parish will have a way of
limiting the number of people who attend each Mass. Some will issue tickets in advance for the number of
spaces available; others may have an on-line or call-in reservation
system. Parishes are free to use a lanai area adjacent to the church or to
move Mass from the church to a larger gathering space (such as a parish hall or
school gym), as long as the Mass can be seen and heard, and proper social
distancing is maintained.
Time will be needed to clean and sanitize the church between
Masses, and dismissal will be by rows, so that people can maintain social
distancing as they exit, so this may necessitate a greater amount of time
between Masses. Some parishes may decide to add Masses to accommodate more
people throughout the day. Priests may celebrate three Masses per day under
these circumstances.
Masks or face coverings will be worn by all who attend Mass. The only exceptions will be the priest-celebrant, while he
is speaking, and the lectors and cantors, while they are reading or singing.
Particular care should be taken to maintain social distancing for cantors,
since the projection of the voice can carry particulates a longer distance. "Cry
rooms" or other enclosed spaces will be closed while these health
restrictions are in place. "And we all love children, even those who may
be a little noisy!" Baptismal fonts and holy water fonts will be emptied.
Hymnals, missalettes, and other worship material will be removed
from the church before Mass. If hymns need to be printed, each sheet should be handled
by only one person, then discarded. Parishioners are free to bring their own
missals with them, if desired.
The collection will be taken only with a long-poled basket (whose
handles should be sanitized before and after use); or offerings may be placed
in a locked box, guarded by at least two unrelated people.
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| Archbishop of the Cathlolic Churches in Hawaiʻi, Larry Silva. Photo from the Catholic Diocese |
The normal presentation of the gifts of
bread and wine will not take place, but these elements will be brought to the
altar from the credence table. There will be no physical contact during the
Lord's Prayer or the Sign of Peace. "A bow, a smile, or a wave will serve
as a true sign of peace to one's neighbor."
For Holy Communion, all ministers of Holy Communion will wear
masks. Those receiving Communion will be ushered row by row so that a six-foot
distance will be maintained at all times. Just before arriving at the Communion
station, the communicant will remove their mask, receive Communion reverently,
then immediately replace the mask. Communion on the hand (one hand held open
above the other) is encouraged for the greater health and safety of all, though
Communion on the tongue is not prohibited. The Precious Blood will only be
taken by the priest. All ministers of Holy Communion, including the clergy,
will sanitize their hands immediately before distributing Communion and
immediately after doing so. A small table or stand may be placed next to each
Communion station, so that if a minister feels his or her hands may have been
contaminated, the paten/ciborium can be placed on the table momentarily while
the minister sanitizes his or her hands.
People should leave the church according to the directives given
by the ushers or the priest in order to maintain social distancing during the
leave-taking. Congregating in the parking lot or elsewhere is discouraged,
unless social distancing is maintained. No social gathering such as for coffee
and donuts may be held after Mass. Immediately after Mass, the church will be
sanitized according to the protocol adopted by the parish.
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.
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| Young Brothers began with a family of brothers named Young. They started their business by ferrying passengers and goods around Honolulu Harbor in 1900. Read the history. Photo from Young Bros. |
YOUNG
BROTHERS BARGE FROM HILO WILL ONLY SHIP OUT ONE DAY A WEEK, on Thursdays,
according to a new schedule posted by Young Brothers. In the meantime, state
Sen. Loraine Inouye is pushing Young Brothers to return to two days a week, or
maintain the Monday sailing schedule from Hilo Honolulu Kawaihae Harbor
She said there is always
talk "about sustainability in the agriculture industry, and so our farmers
are working really hard to make that happen and grow more produce for
sustainability through the entire island." She also said that sending food
from Hawaiʻi Island to Oʻahu "helps reduce importing food from the
mainland."
Young Brothers
is asking the state for funding to help it through the pandemic. The PUC will
convene a virtual status conference this Wednesday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
via WebEx. Young Bros will present a report on its access to financing, the
financial impact of the pandemic, and contingency plans. On May 26, Young Bros.
sent the PUC a notice regarding its liquidity crisis and potential suspension
of operations. The PUC's virtual conference will be available for the public to
view. WebEX details will be posted tomorrow on the PUC website, where there is more info
about Young Bros.' predicament.
Young Brothers
is asking the state for funding to help it through the pandemic. The PUC will
convene a virtual status conference this Wednesday, June 10 from
Read the history
of Young Brothers, with operations beginning more than a century ago,
in 1900.
The free monthly event is intended to help small business owners network, learn from the guest speaker, and give the opportunity to introduce themselves and their businesses to other owners.
Email Jason@hiplan.biz for Zoom link.
Email Jason@hiplan.biz for Zoom link.
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.
CRITICAL RESILIENCE PROJECTS by Hawaiian Electric will resume. Work normally done before hurricane season – such as replacing utility poles – was delayed due to COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders. Customers will be notified if the scheduled work requires outages.
Hurricane season officially started on Monday, and Hawaiian Electric is ramping up infrastructure upgrades to ensure public safety and system reliability. Customers should pay close attention to outage notifications from Hawaiian Electric. Notices are mailed or delivered to affected customers several days before the scheduled work takes place to allow time to make alternative plans. With many customers still working from home or taking online classes, these notices will provide information such as the expected duration of the outage.
Crews continue to follow social distancing guidelines while in the field. The public is asked to refrain from approaching Hawaiian Electric workers while they are on the job. If interaction is necessary, maintain a safe distance of at least six feet.
See hawaiianelectric.com.
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| 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 |
NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, but two more new
cases on Oʻahu bring the state's new case total to 20 over the last three days.
All 81 cases on-island since the pandemic began are recovered.
Since the
pandemic began, Oʻahu has reported 441 cases, Kauaʻi 21 cases,
and Maui County 120 cases. Twelve cases are included in
Hawaiʻi's count, residents diagnosed while in other places. Statewide, 675
people have been confirmed positive for the virus since the pandemic
began. Seventeen people have died – none on this island, where there was
only one overnight hospitalization.
The daily message from Hawaiʻi
County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "As the Island and
State of Hawaiʻi goes forward,
please know the importance of continuing to follow the policies of physical
distancing, gatherings, face coverings, and cleanliness. As an example of
the importance of continuing these policies the Department of Health has
reported that the Island of Oʻahu Island of Hawaiʻi
In the United
States , more than 1.97 million cases have
been confirmed. The death toll is over 112,000. Worldwide, more than 6.96
million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is over 401,000.
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.
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The annual Hilo Orchid Society Show and
Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org
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Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
Last year, Kaʻū growers were preparing to head to the annual
Hilo Orchid Society Show and Sale .
Held over three days, Friday through Sunday, at Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo ,
the annual event is the largest and most comprehensive orchid show and sale in
the state of Hawaiʻi. The event is postponed due to COVID-19 concerns, but
there is a possibility the show will go on in September – see hiloorchidsociety.org.
Phonecia Zeller of Pele's Island Plants
in Ocean View was a ribbon judge for the show last year. Kona Orchid Society
displayed some of her plants.
Attendees were treated to thousands of orchids on display,
including exotic species and hybrids not typically found at major
retail and grocery store chains. Orchids suited for beginning growers to
experts, and orchid-related items, were for sale.
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Creative displays, such as a ship sailing between islands of orchids, give attendees a feast for the eyes.
Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org
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A silent auction raised funds for scholarships
for students at University of Hawaiʻi Hilo ,
and went to support orchid conservation and orchid education. Auction items
included rare orchids, Hawaiʻi Island attractions, jewelry, original artwork,
original photography, restaurant gift certificates, and more.
The event also featured lectures
and demonstrations, food from local sources, and Hawaiian musical entertainment.
Learn more at hiloorchidsociety.org/hilo-orchid-show.html.
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Cascading orchids give example of the variety at the annual Hilo Orchid Society Show and
Photo from hiloorchidsociety.org
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Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar
directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
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Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
ONGOING
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
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.
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.
The Food Basket's ʻOhana Food Drop is available once a month at four Kaʻū and Volcano locations. People can receive a multi-day supply of shelf-stable and fresh food, depending on supply. Call The Food Basket at 933-6030 for Pāhala and Volcano or at 322-1418 for Nāʻālehu or Ocean View. Food can be picked up from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at:
The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wearing masks is required for everyone. Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wearing masks is required for everyone. Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
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.
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.
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.
Nāʻālehu's Sacred Heart Church 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy was June 1; the July date will be announced later.
Ocean View's Kahuku Park
Volcano's
Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, June 30.
On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.
Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. 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.
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.
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.
Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seating limited due to social distancing. Dinner also available to go. The main course is Prime Rib and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake, with side dishes and dessert, for $27.95 per person. Call 967-8356 for dine-in reservations, to-go orders, and current event information. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.
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
See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.
Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.
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