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| Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park expands its open days starting Thursday. See details, below. NPS photo |
WHETHER TO END THE 14-DAY QUARANTINE for traveling to Neighbor Islands is the big discussion this week among the mayors of Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, and Maui Counties. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, fresh off his 14-day quarantine after contracting COVID-19, said he thinks quarantines could end.
Quarantines are set to end Oct.15 for those coming from out of state, who show a negative COVID-19 test approved by the state Department of Health, taken within 72 hours of arrival. Interviewed on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's Spotlight Hawaiʻi program livestream Monday, Green said, "We don't need the 14-day quarantine." While some people question whether there should be one test prior to coming to the islands and another test after arrival, Green recommended one test per person before coming from out of state. He said additional tests, including testing for interisland travel, would be extremely expensive and generate few positive COVID results. He noted that the number of cases have been going down in Hawaiʻi.
There is also a question of whether there is capacity to carry out tests in Hawaiʻi for everyone coming here. If 7,000 persons a day arrived to the state, only a fourth of incoming tourists before the pandemic, the cost could be $800,000 a day, said Green.
He said he supports individuals, airlines, and other entities paying for testing. "One of the challenges is that it is not cheap," said Green. The alternative will remain a two-week quarantine after arriving in Hawaiʻi.
In a story published by the Star-Advertiser, Mayor Harry Kim addressed the possibility of testing for those coming to this island, where a 14-day quarantine is required, even for residents returning from another island. He said, "I'm am told, at this point, it's not very practical or better yet not even possible because of the availability of testing. If you times the number of tourists that may come in and you post testing or interisland traveling, there's just not enough testing to do that." He said it is a serious consideration and that the two-week quarantine will remain in place for now.
The Neighbor Island mayors are expected to announce later this week their plans to test or not to test and whether to end the interisland quarantine.
The state plans a press conference this Thursday to roll out all aspects of pre-testing for those coming from the mainland. Green said that new partners to administer COVID tests on the mainland are joining in. They include CVS, Walgreens, Kaiser, Hawaiian Air, United Airlines, and Quest Labs, which will enable testing at Walmart. He said children under five will be exempt from testing since they are usually with their parents and the parents' test would cover them. Children over five often go to school and other places, with separate COVID risks from their parents, he said.
AS THE WORLDWIDE DEATH COUNT FOR COVID- NEW COVID-19 CASES REACHED ONE MILLION TODAY, HAWAIʻI ISLAND reported zero cases for the first time since Aug. 10. The state reported no deaths for the first time since Sept. 22. See more COVID statistics below.
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| This chart from Dept. of Health shows each county's COVID case curve, plus the state average. Hawaii Island is teal. |
AS THE WORLDWIDE DEATH COUNT FOR COVID- NEW COVID-19 CASES REACHED ONE MILLION TODAY, HAWAIʻI ISLAND reported zero cases for the first time since Aug. 10. The state reported no deaths for the first time since Sept. 22. See more COVID statistics below.
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.
TIGHTER CONTROL OVER RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR REOPENING ON-CAMPUS public school classes is the aim of the chair of the state Board of Education. BOE Chair Catherine Payne will bring her proposals before the BOE during a live stream meeting this Thursday, Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Her proposal would require, for on-campus classes, that schools "Successfully implement and consistently enforce at least six feet of physical distance between all individuals on campus at all times; consistently enforce mandatory, proper mask wearing for all individuals on campus; and implement proper ventilation strategies" as outlined in the state Department of Health Guidance for all indoor area on a campus occupied by more than one person.
The proposal would require principals seeking approval to transition schools from distance learning to hybrid or in-person learning, or from hybrid learning to in-person learning, to demonstrate that the school can adequately implement all COVID-19 mitigation strategies required by the Board of Education, Department of Education, and applicable collective bargaining agreements, with the anticipated number of students and staff that will be on campus in the new instructional delivery mode.
To switch between distance, hybrid, and on-campus learning, a week's notice to student families and school staff would be required. Additional proposals include the rules be added to the school Principal Handbook, and Health and Safety Handbook.
The BOE will also consider giving teachers more flexibility in teleworking during distance and hybrid learning classes, provided they have good internet connectivity, a place to work without distractions, and can keep in touch with their administrators.
Send testimony to testimony.BOE@boe.hawaii.gov by noon this Wednesday, Sept. 30. The meeting will livestream this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube. See more at HSTA.org.
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.
HAWAIʻI RANKS NUMBER ONE IN SEATBELT USEAGE in the U.S., according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hawaiʻi's seat belt usage is 97.1 percent. According to National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the national use rate was at 90.7 percent in 2019.
Department of Health said in a recent statement, "One of the safest choices drivers and passengers in Hawaiʻi County can make is to buckle up. Statistics show that the majority of people in Hawaiʻi understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is an easy way to help prevent a family member, a friend, or yourself from being seriously harmed.
"We all must understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and properly buckle up every time. Seat belts are one of the best defenses against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly."
Hawaiʻi's universal seat belt law requires that all front and back seat motor vehicle occupants buckle up. Adults and children must use their seat belts and child passenger restraints at all times. The fine for unrestrained occupants on Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui is $102. On Kauaʻi it's $112. Drivers receive one citation for each unrestrained occupant in the vehicle.
Her proposal would require, for on-campus classes, that schools "Successfully implement and consistently enforce at least six feet of physical distance between all individuals on campus at all times; consistently enforce mandatory, proper mask wearing for all individuals on campus; and implement proper ventilation strategies" as outlined in the state Department of Health Guidance for all indoor area on a campus occupied by more than one person.
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| Board of Education Chair Catherine Payne suggests tighter rules for in-person schooling. HSTA photo |
To switch between distance, hybrid, and on-campus learning, a week's notice to student families and school staff would be required. Additional proposals include the rules be added to the school Principal Handbook, and Health and Safety Handbook.
The BOE will also consider giving teachers more flexibility in teleworking during distance and hybrid learning classes, provided they have good internet connectivity, a place to work without distractions, and can keep in touch with their administrators.
Send testimony to testimony.BOE@boe.hawaii.gov by noon this Wednesday, Sept. 30. The meeting will livestream this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube. See more at HSTA.org.
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.
HAWAIʻI RANKS NUMBER ONE IN SEATBELT USEAGE in the U.S., according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Hawaiʻi's seat belt usage is 97.1 percent. According to National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the national use rate was at 90.7 percent in 2019.
Department of Health said in a recent statement, "One of the safest choices drivers and passengers in Hawaiʻi County can make is to buckle up. Statistics show that the majority of people in Hawaiʻi understand the lifesaving value of the seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is an easy way to help prevent a family member, a friend, or yourself from being seriously harmed.
"We all must understand the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt and properly buckle up every time. Seat belts are one of the best defenses against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly."
Hawaiʻi's child passenger restraint law requires children younger than four years of age to ride in a child safety seat. Children four through seven must ride in a child safety seat or booster seat. Violators of the child restraint law are required to appear in court. If convicted, they must attend a four-hour class and may be assessed a penalty of $100 to $500.
Hawaiʻi Police Department is dedicated to protecting the community in many ways, including strictly enforce the seat belt and child restraint laws. DOH says, "Every day, officers stop vehicles for traffic violations. If you are observed not properly wearing your seat belt, you will be issued a citation. We are proud that we have ranked number one in seat belt usage, but that's not enough. We want everyone to wear their seat belts all time. That simple act will save even more lives."
The breakdown includes 70 critical care nurses, 61 telemetry nurses, 71 medical-surgical nurses, 17 respiratory therapists, nine emergency department nurses, and five dialysis nurses.
Dr. Elizabeth A. Char, Director of Health, said, "As Hawai‘i faces increases in hospitalizations due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Health wants to be sure our hospitals have sufficient surge capacity. During their time here, these experienced healthcare staff will be providing critical patient care as well as respite for our dedicated local healthcare workforce."
Hirono said, "During this time of great uncertainty for our community, we should be doing everything we can to support workers – including those who decide to seek new careers in resilient industries like health care, technology, and the skilled trades. This funding will provide much-needed support for workforce training programs to help workers throughout the state."
Key partners include UH Community Colleges, Chaminade University, Hawaii ED Community School for Adults, Castle Foundation, the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi P-20, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Elemental Excelerator, and CIO Council of Hawaiʻi.
Earlier this year, Hirono cosponsored the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (S. 4112), which would provide additional substantial funding for education programs through the ESF – including $175 billion for K-12 schools, $132 billion for colleges and universities, and $33 billion for states.
KEIKI CAN ACCESS WIFI AND LAPTOPS, as well as a free meal, at Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji. Open Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For more info, contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
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.
JOIN PRENATAL HEALTHCARE PROGRAM PIKO. Kaʻū Women's Health Collective's director Tara Compehos, a midwife, says Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. This year, the Piko program is mobilizing to distribute sterilized prenatal care kits to the doorsteps of pregnant people, with an instructional video, Zoom classes, and access to midwifery support and childbirth education. Piko is funded, in part, by Papa Ola Lokahi, Hawaiʻi People's fund, and the Groundswell fun. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.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.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK'S KAHUKU UNIT WILL BE OPEN FOUR DAYS A WEEK. Hours for the expansion from three to four days are Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Oct. 1. The Visitor Contact Station window will be open, but services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit including water, meals, and hand sanitizer.
Visitors are encouraged to #RecreateResponsibily by: Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other visitors. Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover mouth and nose to cough or sneeze. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. If feeling sick, choose to visit another day.
For more information on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, please visit the park website, www.np.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
All beach and shoreline parks on Hawaiʻi Island are closed through Sept. 30. The activities of exercising, fishing, food gathering, use of restroom, shower facilities, and access to the ocean will continue to be allowed. Use of pavilions, barbecues, tents, or other shade devices, tables, hibachis, coolers, picnicking, camping, and commercial operations are all prohibited.
Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. Civil Defense says, "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced. While on patrol, police officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one. Mahalo for your help."
Civil Defense says the number of new cases of coronavirus on this Island "reflects the need and importance of continuing testing throughout the Island as the virus remains a threat. With all accepting kuleana, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. With the community's involvement, we can keep Hawaiʻi Safe."
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage at coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 7,143,521 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 205,003 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 33.23 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 999,667.
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.
Hawaiʻi Police Department is dedicated to protecting the community in many ways, including strictly enforce the seat belt and child restraint laws. DOH says, "Every day, officers stop vehicles for traffic violations. If you are observed not properly wearing your seat belt, you will be issued a citation. We are proud that we have ranked number one in seat belt usage, but that's not enough. We want everyone to wear their seat belts all time. That simple act will save even more lives."
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.
ADDING NURSES AND OTHER PROFESSIONAL STAFF to Hawaiʻi's hospitals will be paid for by $14 million of CARES Act funds. Hawaiʻi Department of Health will allocate the funds to provide more than 200 nurses and other specialists for hospitals over the next four months. Some of the out-of-state personnel began arriving this weekend.
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| Dr. Elizabeth Char backs allotment of CARES Act funds for professional hospital staff. |
Dr. Elizabeth A. Char, Director of Health, said, "As Hawai‘i faces increases in hospitalizations due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Health wants to be sure our hospitals have sufficient surge capacity. During their time here, these experienced healthcare staff will be providing critical patient care as well as respite for our dedicated local healthcare workforce."
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.
WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS through the University of Hawaiʻi have been awarded nearly $13.4 million from the U.S. Department of Education, announced Sen. Mazie Hirono. The funding, created by the CARES Act, will be administered through ED's Education Stabilization Fund. UH will develop programs focused on high-paying, in-demand jobs within the health care, technology, and skilled trades industries.
The funding will support Hana Career Pathways, which UH will develop with the Hawaiʻi Workforce Development Council to increase short-term training that leads to industry-valued credentials, increase employment opportunities within high-paying, in-demand jobs, expand high-quality apprenticeship opportunities throughout Hawaiʻi, and develop post-apprenticeship career pathways and advancement opportunities.
Key partners include UH Community Colleges, Chaminade University, Hawaii ED Community School for Adults, Castle Foundation, the Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi P-20, Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Elemental Excelerator, and CIO Council of Hawaiʻi.
Earlier this year, Hirono cosponsored the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act (S. 4112), which would provide additional substantial funding for education programs through the ESF – including $175 billion for K-12 schools, $132 billion for colleges and universities, and $33 billion for states.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
JOIN PRENATAL HEALTHCARE PROGRAM PIKO. Kaʻū Women's Health Collective's director Tara Compehos, a midwife, says Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. This year, the Piko program is mobilizing to distribute sterilized prenatal care kits to the doorsteps of pregnant people, with an instructional video, Zoom classes, and access to midwifery support and childbirth education. Piko is funded, in part, by Papa Ola Lokahi, Hawaiʻi People's fund, and the Groundswell fun. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.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.
HAWAI‘I VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK'S KAHUKU UNIT WILL BE OPEN FOUR DAYS A WEEK. Hours for the expansion from three to four days are Thursdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Oct. 1. The Visitor Contact Station window will be open, but services are limited, and visitors should bring everything they might need for a safe visit including water, meals, and hand sanitizer.
Visitors are encouraged to #RecreateResponsibily by: Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other visitors. Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover mouth and nose to cough or sneeze. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. If feeling sick, choose to visit another day.
For more information on Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, please visit the park website, www.np.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
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.
NO NEW CASES ON HAWAI‘I ISLAND AND NO NEW DEATHS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, is today's news from the state Department of Health. The Hawaiʻi Island case count is 700 since the pandemic began. Total 28 deaths are reported on Hawaiʻi Island, 26 of them residents at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. The state reports 90 new cases today, all on Oʻahu.
The state reports no new deaths today, for the first time since Sept. 22. The state's official death toll is 132. Department of Health states some deaths are still being verified before being counted.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 12,203 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 10,215 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 1,850 active cases in isolation. There are 15 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 11,026 cases, Maui County 388, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 819 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 11,026 cases, Maui County 388, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 819 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
In the last 28 days, active cases have been reported in zip codes 96704 with Miloliʻi; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96737, with Ocean View, has had no cases in the last 28 days. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray have no or very little population and no cases.
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients. The hospital's long-term care ward is closed to new patients for now.
Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients. The hospital's long-term care ward is closed to new patients for now.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray areas have zero or few residential addresses. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 20 cases. Pale orange is 21 to 30 cases. Medium orange is 31 to 80 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 81 to 110 cases. Bright red is 111 to 150 cases. Dark red (not pictured) is 151 to 340 cases. Department of Health map |
Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. Civil Defense says, "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced. While on patrol, police officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one. Mahalo for your help."
Civil Defense says the number of new cases of coronavirus on this Island "reflects the need and importance of continuing testing throughout the Island as the virus remains a threat. With all accepting kuleana, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. With the community's involvement, we can keep Hawaiʻi Safe."
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage at coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 7,143,521 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 205,003 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 33.23 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 999,667.
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Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com. |
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
EVENTS
Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt forHawaiian 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 1500 pixels by 1500 pixels 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.
Take Free Courses and Certifications for Hawaiʻi Residents through Coursera are offered by state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. More than 3,000 options. Registration open until Oct. 31. Recommended courses for picking up technology skills, see https://www.htdc.org/covid-19/learning-tech/. To view more: https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-25/.
Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center. Partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank system, the 2020 Small Business Credit Survey provides vital information to policymakers and lenders who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. Ten-minute-long survey open to businesses currently in operation, recently closed, or about to launch. Survey closes Oct. 31. Responses are confidential. Click here to complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
Learn How to Practice Self-Care through Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. In partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Health, the program seeks to "remind the community that now more than ever, it's important to be gentle with yourself. Be present, limit the amount of news and media, listen to your body, and most importantly, ask for help if you need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please reach out to friends and family for support, and seek professional help for serious or persistent symptoms."
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.
Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.
Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at10 a.m. , with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. Face coveri required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.
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, here, 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 Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Volcano Village's Cooper Center, from 10 a.m. until pau. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
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
Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. , on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.
Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up here.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 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.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. Coffee included; see funding updates and resources hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Local Ag Producers can Sign Up for a Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, in partnership with County of Hawai‘i and non-profit entities, has developed a program to purchase product from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. The Food Basket and other channels will distribute the products. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website for more information and to register.
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, andCalifornia Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo .
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29 in Cleveland, Ohio. The single Vice Presidential Debate will be held Wednesday, Oct. 7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The second Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, Florida. The final Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each debate will air from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on. Each debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC, among others. All the major news networks will offer a free live stream, as will YouTube and Twitter. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast at 89.1, or stream the audio here, on the HPR mobile app, or on a smart speaker.Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for
Register to Vote online, olvr.hawaii.gov, or by U.S. Mail. Print a registration form. Forms must be postmarked no later than Monday, Oct. 5. As during the Primary, all ballots will be mailed, but voters can still vote in-person and may register the same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Ballots should start to arrive around Oct. 16. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy from Oct. 14, 24 hours a day until 7 p.m. Nov. 3. See other locations here. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. See tips on helping others to register to vote at nationalvoterregistrationday.org. Find more information at elections.hawaii.gov. Check voter registration status here.
Attend Hawaiʻi Children and Youth Summit on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a watch party on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For ages 24 and younger. Register here. The annual event brings together youth from across the islands to discuss key issues that they believe the Hawaiʻi State Legislature needs to address to make Hawaiʻi a better place to live and work. Priorities that come out of the Summit are used by legislators to create bills and resolutions in the following year. Some of the things that have come out of the Summit are things like expanding afterschool programs, lowering the age of consent for Mental Health Services, and planting over one million trees.
Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center. Partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank system, the 2020 Small Business Credit Survey provides vital information to policymakers and lenders who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. Ten-minute-long survey open to businesses currently in operation, recently closed, or about to launch. Survey closes Oct. 31. Responses are confidential. Click here to complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Artists and Vendors, sign up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center on Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will help raise funds for the Center, as well as benefit local artists and crafters. Booths are $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Face masks required. Free admission for attendees. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.
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Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. Other questions about health insurance, housing, or unemployment, helpline available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WAO helpline: (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.
Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. Other questions about health insurance, housing, or unemployment, helpline available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WAO helpline: (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.
Anyone Feeling Depressed or Anxious, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.
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The State of covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov |
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
Student Athletes of Kaʻū High interested in participating in athletics during the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to call Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 313-4161 to sign up for the Student Athlete Google Classroom.
The program offers "fun, engaging and educational activities, crafts, games, outdoor exploration, and observations grounded in Hawaiian culture, science, math, and art. Explorations from deep ocean to deep space, and everything in between – all from ‘Imiloa's facilities and outdoor gardens.
Enrollment limited to seven pods for K-5th grade students with one instructor, one assistant, and up to eight participants, who will remain together for all seven weeks. Participant's required synchronous and asynchronous school distance learning needs will be addressed. Students will bring their own lunch, two snacks, and two bottled water each day.
Cost per member child is $695; registration starts Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. Non-member cost per child is $995; registration starts Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. Enrollment open through Oct. 7, first-come, first-served. Scholarship applications are open; proof of financial need required. See imiloahawaii.org/halau-lamaku to register, apply for a scholarship, become a member, and find out more.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For more info, contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Sign Up for ‘Imiloa's Hālau Lamakū Place- and Culture-based Fall Enrichment Program at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Held for seven weeks, Oct. 19 through Dec.4, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays.
The program offers "fun, engaging and educational activities, crafts, games, outdoor exploration, and observations grounded in Hawaiian culture, science, math, and art. Explorations from deep ocean to deep space, and everything in between – all from ‘Imiloa's facilities and outdoor gardens. Enrollment limited to seven pods for K-5th grade students with one instructor, one assistant, and up to eight participants, who will remain together for all seven weeks. Participant's required synchronous and asynchronous school distance learning needs will be addressed. Students will bring their own lunch, two snacks, and two bottled water each day.
Cost per member child is $695; registration starts Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. Non-member cost per child is $995; registration starts Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. Enrollment open through Oct. 7, first-come, first-served. Scholarship applications are open; proof of financial need required. See imiloahawaii.org/halau-lamaku to register, apply for a scholarship, become a member, and find out more.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For more info, contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.Pre-Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach Program in Ocean View here. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families, to complete the registration process. Questions? Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org.
Free Tutors for Keiki in Pāhala, for grades one through six, available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Reading , Writing, Math, Spelling, Test Taking Strategies, Organizational Skills, and more. Contact Boys & Girls Club at info@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.
Free Wifi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.
In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.
In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.
In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind and Mrs. Marcia Masters. No restrooms available at this location.
Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Mrs. VanNewkirk, Mrs. Heather Naboa, Mrs. Marcia Masters, and Mrs. Ebanez.
All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? Call 313-4100.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at
One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Volcano Village's Cooper Center, from 10 a.m. until pau. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.
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
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, ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon . Limit of 50 customers, 25 vendor booths, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required, social distancing 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. facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. O
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books replenished weekly at both sites.
Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Meetings held Sundays on Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.
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. Complete webform here or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.
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.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.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 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.Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. Coffee included; see funding updates and resources hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Local Ag Producers can Sign Up for a Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, in partnership with County of Hawai‘i and non-profit entities, has developed a program to purchase product from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. The Food Basket and other channels will distribute the products. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website for more information and to register.
Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19 from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. 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.
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
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