Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, August 30, 2020

The lone submarine leads the fleet of RIMPAC in Hawaiian waters for war games. See story below.
 Photo from RIMPAC

FIRST COVID-19 DEATH ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND was reported this morning and another victim is in an Intensive Care Unit. In Pāhala Village, there is at least one active case. In Nāʻālehu zip code 96772 there is at least one; in Volcano zip code 96785 there is at least one - diagnosed in the last 28 days. The state reported 22 newly diagnosed for Hawaiʻi Island today. Islandwide, the county reports 151 active cases for today. Eighteen are hospitalized. Free testing continues in Hilo, where much of the surge is taking place.
     A statement from Civil Defense today says, "Remember the purpose of testing is to identify positive cases as early as possible and in this way help stop the spread of the virus. The turn-out along with the courtesy and patience of the people in Hilo has been tremendous. The County of Hawaiʻi is very appreciative of the teamwork with the Department of Health, National Guard, and the Community of Hawaiʻi. Thank you.
     "In efforts to control the spread of Coronavirus, the Hawaiʻi Police Department will be increasing their patrols and enforcement of the preventive policies of wearing face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. With your help, we will stop the spread of the virus to keep Hawaiʻi safe."

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Campaigners for a contact tracing app for all residents who volunteer are John Kevin Vaccarello, Kumu Ramsay Taum,
and Maui Surgeon Dr. Stephani Yan, whose efforts are the subject of a resolution before Hawaiʻi County Council
this coming Tuesday; testimony invited. Images from the Island Family Surgeon Facebook

A VOLUNTEER CONTACT AND TRACING APP may soon be available on Hawaiʻi Island to track movements of people. It could message them after they visit a place at the same time as a person later diagnosed with COVID. In some countries, for example, people are notified that they were in a market at the same time as another person, later diagnosed with COVID-19. The message suggests or tells them to be tested.
     In the case of using such an app in Hawaiʻi County, signing up would be voluntary. A resolution supporting the app comes before the County Council on Tuesday. It asks Mayor Harry Kim to allow Google and Apple to use it for contact tracing on the island. The author of the resolution is Puna council member Matt Kanealiʻi-Kleinfelder. His resolution says the surge in recent cases statewide and limitations on access to hospital beds, Intensive Care Units, and ventilators are reasons to quickly move to more contact tracing and testing. He says they have been "shown to minimize and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus." The resolution also notes that the app is already approved by Apple for a pilot program with Kauaʻi.

Some of the attributes of the COVID SafePaths programs
developed by MIT which could be used for volunteer
app for this island to fight the virus.
Image from MIT

     A partner in providing the app is nonprofit Sustain Hawaiʻi, in cooperation with such supporters as Maui surgeon Stephanie Yan, John Kevin Vaccarello, Kumu Ramsay Taum, and SafePaths from MIT. "Contact tracing is a huge piece of the infrastructure to control this virus and to open up the economy for good without the intermittent shutdowns," Yan wrote to the County and state Department of Health.
     The app would create a digital location diary through GPS that would be kept only on each person's phone, unless the person approves sharing with health, Civil Defense officials, or others. Those who test positive for COVID-19 would be prompted to voluntarily release their anonymous location data.

     The app would enable the private keeping of schedules and reminders. It could upload health records, physician videoconferencing, and other files with consent of the user.
     All testimony must be received no later than noon on Monday, Aug. 31. Sumbit oral testimony by video via WebEx. Email Jeanette Aiello at jeanette.aiello@hawaiicounty.gov or call 961-8255.
     Written testimony may be emailed to

counciltestimony@hawaiicounty.gov, faxed to 961- 8912, or mailed to the County Clerk's Office in Hilo at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720. All written testimony, regardless of time of receipt, will be made a part of the permanent record.
      The meeting will be available for live viewing through Council Meetings at hawaiicounty.gov.  No in-person attendance is allowed during the pandemic.

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RESORT BUBBLES SHOULD START ON THE NEIGHBOR ISLANDS, says Mufi Hannemann, President of Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association. He gave his opinion on TV news shows across the state this weekend. A result bubble would allow people to visit resorts that are contained, with the guests unable to leave the grounds, but not locked in their rooms, which is the current protocol.
     There are those who don't want any visitors to come back and others who are afraid of ten million visitors showing up, said Hannemann, who called for a middle ground. He said he supports such carefully orchestrated, bubble visitations as film productions. "We have had a history of film production," said Hannemann, naming Hawaiʻi Five-O and Magnum P.I. "We need to move this forward."
     Hannemann talked about commercial lodging to house people for quarantine when they come to the islands and separate lodging for residents with COVID-19 who cannot quarantine at home without exposing others. He said he is working with the state and hoteliers to provide more hotel units for both. See the interview on KITV4 here. See more from Hannemann and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association.

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THE LOST WAGES ASSISTANCE PROGRAM will soon add another $300 a week to unemployment during the pandemic. Gov. David Ige announced on Saturday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the state's application to participate in the unemployment insurance plus up program. "We pursued the additional funds because we know the added $300 per week will help many in our community who are struggling. I have directed the department to implement the program as quickly as possible while maintaining the program’s integrity."

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Red Flag Warning covers all of Kaʻū, except for some mauka areas,
through Monday at 6 p.m. Map from National Weather Service.

ALL OF KAʻŪ IS UNDER A RED FLAG WARNING FOR FIRES. The conditions making fire risk extremely high are gusty winds and low humidity. The National Weather Service reports, "Provided the lack of any significant rainfall through the summer months, fuels have become very dry across portions of the state. These dry conditions combined with breezy trades and relative humidities" dipping below 45 percent to as low as 35 percent "through the afternoon hours will support extreme fire behavior through Monday." The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Monday with trade winds expected at 20 to 25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. "Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.
     "A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior." On Maui, a wildfire on Sunday required evacuation of homes before it was contained.

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HMAS Hobart became the first of the Hobart-class guided-missile destroyers to conduct live-fire during RIMPAC,
making it the most sophisticated and lethal warship ever operated by the Royal Australian Navy. RIMPAC war
games are ongoing in Hawaiian waters. Photo by Shaun Donnelly, Royal Australian Navy 

RIMPAC IS WAR-GAMING HAWAIIAN WATERS after sailing in with 22 surface ships, one submarine, multiple aircraft, and approximately 5,300 personnel from 21 nations. The Rim of the Pacific biannual event can be followed in videos, stories, and photos on its own website and social media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service. It runs through tomorrow.
     The logo for RIMPAC 2020 states a theme of Capable, Adaptive, and with Partners. The theme continues, "To enhance the interoperability of the combined RIMPAC forces across the full spectrum of military operations improve individual warfighting competencies."
     Its Facebook says RIMPAC is "the world's largest multi-national marine exercise and occurs every two years." Its website gives the news, with photos and stories of achievements, such as the Australian military frigate HMAS Arunta firing Surface-to-Air Missiles alongside U.S. and Canadian military ships to test upgraded radar and other warfare systems. "These sorts of complex warfighting exercises with multinational partners demonstrate that the Royal Australian Navy is able to operate seamlessly with other highly-advanced navies in our region," said the Arunta's Commander Troy Duggan.

Guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) launches an SM-2 missile in Hawaiian waters during the ongoing
biannual RIMPAC exercises. Image from video by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer

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HAWAIʻI POLICE DEPARTMENT'S 92ND POLICE RECRUIT CLASS RECOGNITION CEREMONY was held in August at the Public Safety Building in Hilo. In accordance with social distancing restrictions, it was private, limited to police personnel and guest speakers. Friends, family, and the public were able to view it live by visiting the Hawaiʻi Police Department's Facebook page. Watch the recording here.

     The 92nd Police Recruit Class began their training on Feb. 18, 2020. The announcement from HPD says, "They started off as 27 strangers who had come together from as far away as New York and Arizona, from all over the Big Island, and even some from Oʻahu. In the end, after six months of intensive training, 21 police recruits remained and graduated."

     Class Officers are President Joshua "Kaipo" Stender, Vice President Rickielee "Pauahi" Kamakau, and Treasurer Laura Torres. Other class members are Krimsen Abilla, Charles Caldwell-Kaai, Dylan Chaves, Cody Correia, Craig Derasin, Joseph DiNapoli, Malik Durden, Bailey Langsner, Andrew Love Jr., Keanu Lumwon, Devon Manuel, Greg Matias, Axtan Mattos, Dustin Medeiros, Victoria Rios, Manuel Soares IV, Dayn Suguitan, and Ekahi Travaso.

Hawaiʻi Police Department's 92nd Recruit Class. Photo from HPD

     Recognition went to recruits who achieved outstanding performance. Officer DiNapoli won the Academic Award. He attained and upheld the highest grade point average on weekly and certification examinations. Officer Matias won the Firearms Award for his interest and proficiency and highest rating in firearms training. The Police Department's Training Room will display their names on a perpetual plaque.

     Officer Kamakau won the Physical Fitness Award for excelling and maintaining conditioning. Officer Stender received the Overall Outstanding Recruit Award for motivational and leadership qualities while serving as the Class President.

     The newly-graduated officers will undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers to qualify to work alone.

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POLICE HAVE CHARGED THE MAN ARRESTED FOR LAST TUESDAY'S MURDER on North Kulani Road near Highway 11. Dwayne Cory Wallace, 29, arrested in Orchidland, is charged with second-degree murder, methamphetamine possession, carrying a loaded firearm on a public road, and possession of a firearm. His bail is $1.9 million. Wallace allegedly used a shotgun to kill 26-year-old Peter Cyrus Grammer, of Mountain View, and left him in the middle of the road. Wallace was carrying a rifle when police arrested him, running from his vehicle.

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Ken Love, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers,
will be the featured speaker at the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union
United Meeting on Wednesday, through Zoom, at 6:30 p.m.

KEN LOVE, HAWAIʻI TROPICAL FRUIT GROWERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR will be the speaker at the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United zoom meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
     The event will also provide entertainment with Mike Love's message-based Reggae and Rastafari music. He currently creates music with his band The Full Circle.
     The event features a fundraiser, with Slow Money providing a donation for every Zoom participant who toasts an Ola Brewing beverage.
     The Wednesday, Sept. 16 virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m. will feature ʻUlu expert and author Dr. Noa Lincoln and musician Makana. Zoom in to join the meeting.

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MERGING GALAXIES DISCOVERED AT THREE MAUNAKEA TELESCOPES are getting international attention in the scientific community. A statement from the collaborative team at the telescopes describes the find as a "cosmic dance between two merging galaxies, each one containing a supermassive black hole that’s rapidly feeding on so much material it creates a phenomenon known as a quasar."

      Astronomers have discovered several pairs of such merging galaxies, or luminous "dual" quasars, using Subaru Telescope, W. M. Keck Observatory, and Gemini Observatory. Dual quasars are so rare, a research team led by the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe at the University of Tokyo estimates only 0.3 percent of all known quasars have two supermassive black holes that are on a collision course with each other. The study published in the August 26, 2020 issue of The Astrophysical Journal.
     "In spite of their rarity, they represent an important stage in the evolution of galaxies, where the central giant is awakened, gaining mass, and potentially impacting the growth of its host galaxy," said Shenli Tang, a graduate student at the University of Tokyo and co-author of the study.

One of three rare dual quasars discovered by teams from three Muanakea

Observatories. Image from John Silverman and crew

     Quasars are one of the most luminous, energetic objects known in the universe, powered by supermassive black holes that are millions to billions of times more massive than our Sun. As material swirls around a black hole at the center of a galaxy, it is heated to high temperatures, releasing so much light that the quasar can outshine its host galaxy. This makes a merging pair of galaxies with quasar activity hard to detect; it is difficult to separate the light from the two quasars because they are in such close proximity to each other. Also, observing a wide enough area of the sky to catch these rare events in sufficient numbers is a challenge.
     To overcome these obstacles, the team took advantage of a sensitive wide survey of the sky using the Hyper Suprime-Cam camera on the Subaru Telescope.
     "To make our job easier, we started by looking at the 34,476 known quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with HSC imaging to identify those having two (or more) distinct centers," said lead author John Silverman of the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe. "Honestly, we didn't start out looking for dual quasars. We were examining images of these luminous quasars to determine which type of galaxies they preferred to reside in when we started to see cases with two optical sources in their centers where we only expected one."
     The team identified 421 promising cases. However, there was still the chance many of these were not bonafide dual quasars but rather chance projections such as starlight from our own galaxy. Confirmation required detailed analysis of the light from the candidates to search for definitive signs of two distinct quasars.

     Using Keck Observatory's Low-Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) and Gemini Observatory’s Near-Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer, Silverman and his team identified three dual quasars, two of which were previously unknown. Each object in the pair showed the signature of gas moving at thousands of kilometers per second under the influence of a supermassive black hole.

One of three rare dual quasars discovered by teams from three Muanakea Observatories.
Image from John Silverman and crew

     SDSS J141637.44+003352.2, a dual quasar at a distance for which the light reaching this planet was emitted 4.6 billion years ago. The two quasars are 13,000 light-years apart on the sky, placing them near the center of a single massive galaxy that appears to be part of a group, as shown by the neighboring galaxies in the left panel. In the lower panels, optical spectroscopy has revealed broad emission lines associated with each of the two quasars, indicating that the gas is moving at thousands of kilometers per second in the vicinity of two distinct supermassive black holes. The two quasars are different colors, due to different amounts of dust in front of them. Credit: Silverman et al.
     The statement from the astronomers says, "The newly-discovered dual quasars demonstrate the promise of wide-area imaging combined with high-resolution spectroscopic observations to reveal these elusive objects, which are key to better understanding the growth of galaxies and their supermassive black holes." See more at keckobservatory.org.

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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 25 cases. Light

orange is 26 to 50 cases. Dark orange is 51 to

150 cases. Red (not pictured) is 151+ cases.

Hawaiʻi Department of Health map

THE WORLDWIDE COVID-19 CASE COUNT EXCEEDED 25 MILLION today. The death toll is more than 844,695. COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,994,624 – about 24 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 183,039 – about 22 percent of worldwide deaths.

     Hawaiʻi Island reports 22 new cases today. There is at least one active case in the last 28 days in Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777, and Volcano zip code 96785. Hawaiʻi Island reported 340 cases since the pandemic began. Since the pandemic began, one person died from the virus on this island. Their death, reported today, is the only one for the state.

     Lt. Gov. Josh Green said today there are 5,757 active cases statewide, 272 of them hospitalized with COVID-19. With 196,719 people tested since the pandemic began, the state positivity rate is 4.2 percent. However, recent testing positivity, from the last 2,784 people to be tested, is 7.2 percent. He said that the positivity rate lowering is a good sign.

     Statewide, 200 new cases are reported today, with four in Maui County and 174 on Oʻahu. That brings the total cases since the pandemic began to 8,339. Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 7,584 cases, Maui County 334, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-four victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places.

     Statewide, 482 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,520 have been released from isolation.

     See the Hawai‘i County COVID-19 webpage at

https://coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/. 

Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. 

Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.

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Lowe's Project Heroes volunteers, some paint-spattered after some hard work sprucing up Pāhala Preschool 

last Summer. Photo from Kathy Andrade

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year

Ebby, the Lowe's employee who spearheaded the project. 

Photo from Kathy Andrade

Last Summer, Lowe's Heroes Project volunteers spruced up Pāhala Preschool. The preschool has served Kaʻū for over 25 years, under the direction of the Andrade family, beginning with Judy Andrade and currently operated by her daughter, Kathy Andrade.

     The school, where staff teach their students "the core values of being a Christian along with development and preparedness for entrance into kindergarten," has welcomed more than 750 keiki for early training in the classrooms and grounds. The school is in session now, despite the pandemic.

     Over the last quarter-century, on grounds owned by the Methodist Church, the building has withstood numerous hurricanes, earthquakes, and high winds, and was in need of several repairs. Last year, through Lowe's Heroes Project, Pāhala Preschool "has been blessed with a makeover," said Andrade.

Rolling and edging, it took many hands last Summer to transform Pāhala 

Preschool into its newly painted, colorful self. Photo from Kathy Andrade

     Lowe's Heroes Project encourages Lowe's employees to volunteer and positively impact their communities. The program is designed to motivate employees to adopt a volunteer project with a local nonprofit organization or school, and make a difference.

     Said Andrade, "This momentum of blessings has made a positive improvement to Pāhala Preschool. Lowe's employees have come to Pāhala Preschool as volunteers and have left as family."

     Donations from Lowe's helped volunteers transform the school. Colorful new paint covers the interior and exterior, including the children's tables and cubbies. New fixtures, lights, and rugs replaced worn versions. New swings for playtime were placed outside, along with two new table and bench sets, used for snack time, lunch, activities, and fellowship.
    Andrade said the Lowe's Heroes Project volunteers donated "hours of hard work, sweat, love, and friendship, as they rejuvenate Pāhala Preschool, to serve children of the Kaʻū district in the future."

Pāhala Preschool's classroom, became shiny with bright colors through a makeover last year this time, with 
help from Lowe's Heroes Project and volunteers. The building and grounds have served Pāhala's 
pre-Kindergarten keiki for over half a century through the efforts of the Andrade family. 
Photo from Kathy Andrade

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.

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.

EVENTS
Hui Mālama Free Online Home Gardening Class, Tuesdays, Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Mala 101 is sponsored by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi and Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The announcement says, "Learn to garden at home! Whether you have a large backyard or a few pots to grow in, anyone can learn to grow some of their own food at home! In this introductory series, learn the basics of selecting plants to grow, building healthy soil, and growing on a budget." Receive several plants and A Grow Your Own Laʻau guidebook for participation. The class will meet four times, once a month, from Sept. 8 through Dec. 8. Sign up at hmono.org/services.

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

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

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

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



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

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

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

Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by Sept. 30. Designs highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters must be entirely the artist's own creation. To ensure the design looks its best when printed, submit as a high definition PDF, .AI, .EPS or PNG with a quality of at least 1500px x 1500px and 300 DPI (dots per inch) with dimensions no greater than 11.5 inches by 14 inches. Top finalists' designs will appear on oceancount.org, the winner's design on the back of the shirt. The winner will also receive $500. Email the design and completed registration form to oceancount@marinesancutary.org.

ONGOING

St. Jude's Episcopal Church services and worship are posted online at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays, us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.

One-Time Emergency Food for people is available through Big Island Giving Tree. Emergency food for pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

The Food Basket, last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

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

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

Free Book Exchanges, at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

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

Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues, through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

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

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

Ocean View Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 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.

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

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

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