Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, September 3, 2020

Shut down of county beach parks for two weeks begins Friday, to control COVID-19. Allowed are water activities like 

surfing, fishing, paddling, and snorkeling. The most popular beach in Kaʻū is Punaluʻu. Photo by Julia Neal

MAYOR HARRY KIM SENT OUT A MESSAGE ON CLOSING BEACH PARKS FOR TWO WEEKS, beginning tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 4. He said on Wednesday that "All County and State Beach Parks on Hawai‘i will be closed for two weeks, from Sept. 4 through Sept. 18, amid a spike in COVID-19 cases. The intent of the closures is to prevent the further spread of the virus by limiting gatherings at the beaches.

     "Department of Health contact tracing has shown that large gatherings are a key source of the virus's spread, with several clusters being linked to social gatherings.

     "We are at a critical stage, and we must stop the spread of the virus. Beach parks can only be used to access the ocean (for) exercising, fishing and gathering food, and using the bathrooms and shower facilities. Everybody has kuleana to end the spread of COVID-19 on Hawai‘i Island, and by rallying as a community we can beat this."

     Beach parks and coastal parks may be used for direct access to and from the ocean in order to engage in exercise, fishing, and gathering food. Park restrooms and showers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

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REFRAIN FROM TRAVELING HERE TO GATHER TOGETHER AND CAMP ALONG THE KAʻŪ COAST during Labor Day weekend. That's the message released today by the board of Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo, following weekends of large groups coming into the area to set up camps along the remote coastline for recreation. Much of the Kaʻū Coast is in public ownership, preserved for natural, archaeological, and cultural sites as well as fishing and other food gathering.
     The board of Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo is comprised of John Replogle, Kalāhoʻohie Mossman, Ken Sugai, Daniel Dierking, Nohea Kaʻawa, and Megan Lamson. The message says:
     "The people of Kaʻū and the caretakers of this special coastline humbly ask for your attention. As our mayor has already closed down public beach access on Hawaiʻi Island from this Friday for two weeks, we are requesting that you do NOT come camp and gather along our shorelines to recreate. The Kaʻū community is strong, fierce, and diverse, and we have fought many battles here together... but this Coronavirus crisis is something new. Please respect Kaʻū people and the very limited hospital capacity in Pāhala. We humbly ask you to please stay home over this holiday weekend. Please mālama our place, our winds, our rains, and the many natural and cultural resources that exist here and feed our people both spiritually and physically. We ask you to please let our rugged wilderness and coastal habitats rest. We have experienced undue traffic along our coastlines from Kāwā to Kaʻaluʻalu, from Ka Lae to Pōhue, since March. 

     "Please consider us when you are making your decisions as to where to holoholo this weekend, and maybe opt to stay a little closer to home for a time... at least until this pandemic settles down, to gather your own subsistence resources from your own ahupuaʻa, from your own special places that you are pili to. And if you do choose to come to Kaʻū please be prepared to give back more than you take and practice aloha ʻāina wherever you roam. Help set the example to fish, gather, and camp pono (no take more than you need, don't leave ʻōpala and doodoo paper all over the place!) and to keep your gatherings small and for ʻohana and close family networks only. Mahalo for listening and sharing this post widely."

     Learn more about Ka ʻOhana O Honuʻapo at honuapopark.org.

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A FACEBOOK GROUP called Kiʻekiʻe Kaʻū promises to call public authorities and have people removed from the Kaʻū Coast, should they illegally camp and gather in large groups this weekend. The group's poster says, "In an attempt to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in Kaʻū and in the most humble way possible, our Kaʻū Community is kindly asking that if you are not from Kaʻū and have no important function to be in our Moku (district), please do not come!
     "If you decide to come to Kaʻū and camp at any area along our coastline, enforcement will be called and you will be removed! Just as tourists impact the lifestyle of many, outsiders have the same effect. Let our Kaʻū people be free in our own Moku to relax and heal from this pandemic. We are not comfortable sharing our space with unfamiliar faces that could further expose any more of our community members to COVID-29.
     "Please spread this message and know that we are thankful for your understanding. We honor the wishes of your community if you feel the same for your moku." See more about the issue and other Kaʻū concerns at https://www.facebook.com/KiekieKau/posts/2381261972183332.

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Meals provided Wednesday afternoon to support the frontline workers at 

Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home. Right to left: Stacy Sakuma, home Activities
Director; Deb Lewis, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3830; and 

Doug Adams, Boys & Girls Club Board Member. BGCBI photo

YUKIO OKUSTU STATE VETERAN'S HOME is receiving help from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island. Chad Cabral, Chief Executive Officer, told The Kaʻū Calendar hot evening meals are being provided on weekdays to those who "continue to selflessly risk their own health during this pandemic… so that they can continue to focus on the level of care that is now required. All meals provided are free, as our way to show our community support, gratitude, and to thank those that care for our treasured Hawaiʻi Island Veterans. Our community Veterans mean a lot to us as they have served and sacrificed so much to ensure our freedoms. Thank you, frontline professionals and the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home for everything that you are providing during these challenging times."

     Cabral said 40 to 50 hot meals will be provided each day through Boys & Girls Club Hilo kitchen facilities and transported up to the Veterans Home by the Board of Director volunteers. The first day of delivery was Wednesday.
     See more on the veteran's home, below.

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Hilo's Yukio Okutsu State Veteran's Home saw another
death related to COVID-19 yesterday.

A FIFTH DEATH at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home occurred Wednesday evening, Sept. 2 and was not included in yesterday's update, reports Hilo Medical Center. All five victims of COVID-19-related deaths on this island were residents of the home, and all had "significant, underlying health issues. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of these veterans who served our country," says HMC.

     The state reports 46 residents and 15 employees of the home have tested positive for COVID-19.

     Today, Hilo Medical Center reported nine COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, four in ICU.

     See COVID statistics, below.

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STOP U.S. POST OFFICE SERVICE DELAYS IN HAWAIʻI. That is the message from Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Tulsi Gabbard and Ed Case, who wrote to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy this week, requesting reversal in changes that led to service delays for Hawaiʻi mail. Hawaiʻi's congressional delegation also calls for DeJoy to suspend further changes to U.S. Postal Service operations until there is no longer a nationally declared public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

     They also express concern that DeJoy is considering price increases for service in Hawaiʻi, Alaska, and U.S. territories. The letter emphasizes that, as an island state, Hawaiʻi is dependent on the Postal Service for prompt, reliable deliveries of food, medicines, and other goods, and residents lack the option to drive to another state for these services.

     "We are especially alarmed that proposed additional changes may increase mail delivery costs for Hawaiʻi in particular," wrote the lawmakers. "These service delays have the potential of affecting the 120,000 veterans in Hawaiʻi, especially the 50,000 who receive their medication through the mail from the Veteran's Health Administration. Hawaiʻi's small business owners, who have already been impacted by COVID-19, are now having to work around delayed supplies or deal with late deliveries to customers. We have also heard from several constituents who were not able to cast their ballot and vote in Hawaiʻi's primary election on August 8, 2020, as some ballots took weeks to reach the voter or did not arrive at all." The letter can be found here.

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HAWAIʻI FIRE DEPARTMENT is warning that the western half of the County of Hawai‘i is receiving frequent National Weather Service Red Flag Warnings. A Red Flag Warning means that conditions pose a high risk for catastrophic wildfires to occur.

     These conditions include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, and possible dry weather lightning strikes. All mauka areas on the western half of the Island are experiencing hazardous fuel loads of dry brush conducive to wildfires.

     Fire Chief Darren Rosario is asking the public's assistance in minimizing wildfire risk in all areas. Keep vehicles on paved roadways, do not start campfires, do not smoke, and do not use spark-producing equipment in these high-risk areas. 

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A FORM LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE HŪ HONUA BIOFUEL PLANT on the Hāmākau Coast has come into question by the Public Utilities Commission, the agency responsible for permission for the factory to burn eucalyptus and other fuels to make electricity.

     PUC reported Wednesday that it received emails showing the same letter was sent from seven persons who contend that they never sent the email nor gave permission to use their email addresses. The PUC statement says, "The Commission is gravely concerned about this matter, as: it impacts and risks violating the privacy of those who have had their email accounts used to file public comments they did not authorize; and calls into question the credibility and legality of other public comments filed in this docket, which the Commission notes number in the thousands."

     In response to the situation, PUC attorney Mark Kaetsu wrote that "in the interest of protecting the privacy of those whose emails may have been compromised, the Commission will redact from public view the public comments filed in this proceeding from Sept. 1, 2020, going forward, unless or until such time that a reliable and practical means of verifying the authenticity of the public comments can be implemented."

Eucalyptus from two years of harvesting tree farms above Pāhala on Kamehameha School lands remains piled 

for shipping to the new biofuels plant. Photo by Julia Neal

     The form letter says, "I am resident of Hawaii and a strong supporter of renewable energy and goodpaying jobs. I strongly support the Honua Ola project. If the project is unable to move forward, many good-paying jobs will be at risk. Many of my family and friends are unemployed right now and are struggling to find quality employment. Please consider the thousands of people who need good-paying jobs now.

     "As you know, we are in one of the worst economic periods since the Great Depression. Unemployment is at historic highs and hundreds of thousands of workers are struggling to find jobs and make ends meet. Simply put, this is a difficult and challenging time with an uncertain and likely turbulent future ahead.

     "Honua Ola will provide that boost and will help diversify the economy and provide good-paying jobs to hundreds of workers on the island of Hawaii. To be clear, Honua Ola will not fix our economy by itself, but it is projects like Honua Ola that will move us in a positive direction both environmentally and economically.

     "Our State still relies too heavily on fossil-fuels that are harmful to our planet. Hawaii has a commendable clean energy goal to be 100 percent clean energy by the year 2045. To accomplish this goal, Hawaii needs a diverse clean energy portfolio. Honua Ola along with other projects will help Hawaii achieve its goal.

     "It would be a travesty to see a project that has spent hundreds of millions of dollars and is 99 percent complete only to be told their operation cannot move forward. More workers will be sent to the unemployment line and investors may reconsider investing in Hawaii. Our economy will be less diversified, and more workers will struggle to make ends meet.

     "We cannot allow that to happen. As such, I hope you reconsider the power purchase agreement. Good-paying jobs are in jeopardy. Sincerely, Honua Ola Supporter"

     The PUC has asked Honua Ola to compete with other lower priced sources of renewable energy, even though some $350 million has already been invested into building the plant. The rejection of the contract to sell electricity to Hawaiian Electric from the biofuel plant came after a state Supreme Court ruling that the project is not the best option at this time for affordable energy.

     Read more details on the issue in the July 9, July 21, and July 26 Kaʻū News Briefs, where Hū Honua asks for community support to preserve jobs and open its biofuel operation, and Sen. Russell Ruderman responds. Also read Life of the Land's response to Hū Honua, asking the PUC to reconsider rejection of their contract. See lifeoftheland.org.

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ʻOHANA HELP DESK offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads given out to distance learning students enrolled in Kaʻū public schools. The website is open to the public here. ʻOhana Help Desk is also available to students and parents by phone, Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and state holidays.

     ʻOhana Help Desk is sponsored by the state Department of Education, through a contract with Hawaiian Telcom.

     ʻOhana Help Desk began its services on Aug. 4 and is expanding. Services promised include phone and chat support in multiple languages to include English, Hawaiian, Ilocano, Tagalog, Chuukese, and Marshallese. Available support is connectivity related issues such as network and wifi connectivity; access and security

issues; device, applications and software updates, general IT; and assisting with connection to schools and offices for specific support and troubleshooting.

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Learn to write for inner exploration

at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani

Campus in a workshop with Tom

Peek this Saturday. 

WRITING FOR INNER EXPLORATION AND LIFE REFLECTION is the workshop by author Tom Peek to be held this Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. The aim of the workshop is to "help discover ways to stimulate the creative regions of the mind and unearth the meatiest memories, highest aspirations, zaniest ideas, and most incandescent insights." No previous writing experience is necessary, just the desire to explore. Cost is $80 for the general public and $70 for Volcano Art Center members. Register at VAC.

Tom Peek

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ʻO KAʻŪ KĀKOU HAS RELEASED A FOOD GIVEAWAY SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER.

     Ingredients for a hamburger steak dinner for four will consist of 2 lbs. of ground beef, gravy mix (just add 1 cup of water), onion, and rice to be distributed in: Pāhala – Saturday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the back store; Ocean View – Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the Park and Ride parking lot; and Nāʻālehu – Friday, Sept.18 at 10 a.m. Pick-up will be at the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market location.

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KAʻŪ WOMEN'S HEALTH COLLECTIVE ANNOUNCES TWO PROGRAMS. Its director Tara Compehos, a midwife, explains them: 

     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.

     Pilina: This intergenerational community capacity building and empowerment program aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. "The directions of our long term efforts will ultimately be led by this community," said Compehos. Funding for Pilina comes, in part, from Papa Ola Lokahi and Hawaiʻi People's Fund.

     Kaʻū Womenʻs Health Collective was started in 2019 by a group of moms to address reproductive justice issues impacting health; from teen pregnancy to childbirth trauma to high rates of cancer and diabetes. Compehos said, "Our mission is empowering the women of Kaʻū to improve our health and that of our community by holding space for active listening, knowledge exchange, and collective action."

     Kaʻū Women's Health Collective meetings will be held on Sundays at 2 p.m. on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

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WAIʻŌHINU'S KAUAHAʻAO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH WILL CONTINUE DRIVE-IN SERVICES. Kahu Debbie Wong Yuen wrote, "The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled churches to look at alternate means to provide a safe way for individuals and families to gather and worship, and to hear God's Word." She says the drive-in services follow all CDC and state safety guidelines. In consideration of folks with health concerns, including those unable to wear face coverings, and those uncomfortable gathering for public worship in a sanctuary, Kauahaʻao provides its Drive-In/Outdoor Worship Service every Sunday. It is open to anyone.

Kahu Debbie Wong Yuen invites all to a Drive-In church 

service at Kauahaʻao Congregational Church in Waiʻōhinu.

Photo from Facebook

     Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m., with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. The only time a face covering is needed is when the usher comes to the vehicle to pass out the worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give.

     During the service, face coverings are not required, except when leaving vehicles for the restroom. The church recommends bringing bottled water for those in the vehicle. The church provides paper fans to stay cool.

     Wong Yuen said, "This is not a new idea on how to Worship and hear God's Word. In the 1950s, Drive-in-Worship was the way to worship. People drove up to the place of outdoor worship, stayed in their vehicles, and listened to the Word and message, honking their horns to say, 'Amen.'"

     "The people are the Church, not a building, so we don't need to be in a building to have worship service. We can worship God anywhere. God is with us no matter where we are, and, where two or three are gathered together in His name, He will be in our midst. Churches are learning the meaning of 'home church' since COVID-19 altered our lives. But we are not alone in this pandemic… we are all in this together, and God is with us."

A Praise Jam runs from 9:15 a.m.

on Sundays, on Zoom.

     Kauahaʻao Church live streams the Worship Service at 10:10 a.m. on the Church's Facebook page: Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Like the church on Facebook for reminders. Also live on Facebook is a Praise Jam which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

     The worship service is also recorded on Zoom and emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing Kahu Wong Yuen at atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com to be added to the list or call her at 928-8039 or 937-2155.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND HAS 227 ACTIVE COVID-19 CASES according to Department of Health. Today's new on-island case count of 17 brings the Hawaiʻi Island total to 435 since the pandemic began.

     DOH said, "All individuals associated with a gathering at Miloliʻi have been identified and contacted by the Department of Health. All positive cases from this cluster are now isolated and being monitored by the Department of Health. The investigation of this cluster is ongoing."

     One new death on-island yesterday brings the island death toll to five, all residents of Yukio Okutsu State Veteran's Home in Hilo. See article, above. The state death toll is 80, with the passing of four more O‘ahu residents, two men and two women. All had underlying health conditions. One of the men and one of the women were older than 80. Another man was in the 60 to 69-year-old age group, and the other woman was in the 70 to 79-year old age group.

     In the last 28 days, active cases have been reported in zip codes 96704 with Miloliʻi; 96737 with Ocean View; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96718, covers Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, reports a population of 129, and has no reported cases.

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 (not pictured) is 51 to 150 cases. 

Red is 151+ cases. Hawaiʻi Department of Health map

     In his daily update, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said there are 6,227 active cases statewide, 272 of them hospitalized with COVID-19. With 213,722 people tested since the pandemic began, the state positivity rate is 4.3 percent. Recent testing positivity, from the last 6,291 people to be tested, is 3.35 percent. Green asks everyone to make sure to wear a mask over their nose and mouth.

     Statewide, 211 new cases are reported today, with four in Maui County and 190 on Oʻahu. That brings the total cases since the pandemic began to 9,202. Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 8,339 cases, Maui County 346, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-five victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places.

     Statewide, 573 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began, and 2,778 have been released from isolation, a 30 percent recovery rate.

     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense said the Police Department will continue their enforcement of preventative polices. "We need everybody to be responsible and follow the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. With your help, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe."

     Civil Defense says Premier Medical Group will provide free drive-thru COVID-19 testing from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4 at Pāhoa Regional Park; and Saturday, Sept. 5 at Prince Kuhio Shopping Center's Ohuohu Street parking lot (across from Macy's Menswear Department). No copay; no insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have; wear a face covering at all times; and observe social distancing. "Increased testing will continue throughout the island. 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 as well as to provide early treatment. Turn-out and the patience of the public has been very good. Thank you!" See hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.

     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.

     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6,149,265 – about 23 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 186,785 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 26.2 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 867,219.

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.

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.

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, the second Tuesday of the 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

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/482552460607505#/signup. 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.

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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