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Jeff Peterson at Nāʻālehu Library in 2016. Find out what award he won, and the other winners, at the 2020 Hawaiʻi Academy of Recording Artists 43rd annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, below. Photo by Sara Kamabayashi |
WHILE THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS OPEN UP on Thursday, Oct. 15 - for transpacific travelers with a negative pre-travel COVID test and probably an additional arrival test on Neighbor Islands - the question of interisland travel remains up in the air.
Neighbor Island mayors say they want an arrival test for anyone coming in from the mainland and other islands. Currently, anyone arriving from other islands must quarantine for 14 days. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, says the quarantine seems unfair to locals. Why can transpacific travelers go direct to any island with their pre-travel tests, and arrival tests where required, but locals have to quarantine to go to those same islands? Being considered are rapid tests for anyone traveling interisland and for those coming from out of state. Mayor Harry Kim said he wants to make those arrival tests free.
Green told Hawaiʻi News Now that making the tests available for interisland travel is "a measure of fairness, and I think it will be well received in a time where there's been a fair amount of conflict." He proposed "courtesy testing centers," at Neighbor Island airports with antigen rapid tests. He said a machine called the BD Veritor could be used for testing. It "has only a three percent false-positive rate," said Green. He said that arrival COVID testing for interisland travel and for transpacific travel is important to Neighbor Island communities since they have less healthcare capacity than Oʻahu.
Green also suggested more rapid tests for first responders, teachers, and other frontline workers.
Neighbor Island mayors say they want an arrival test for anyone coming in from the mainland and other islands. Currently, anyone arriving from other islands must quarantine for 14 days. Lt. Gov. Josh Green, MD, says the quarantine seems unfair to locals. Why can transpacific travelers go direct to any island with their pre-travel tests, and arrival tests where required, but locals have to quarantine to go to those same islands? Being considered are rapid tests for anyone traveling interisland and for those coming from out of state. Mayor Harry Kim said he wants to make those arrival tests free.
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| BD Veritor is one way to test for COVID-19 antigens. |
Green also suggested more rapid tests for first responders, teachers, and other frontline workers.
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WINNERS OF 2020 HAWAʻI ACADEMY OF RECORDING ARTISTS 43rd Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards are familiar to Kaʻū. On Saturday evening, Kenneth Makuakane won Best Instrumental Album for his Kauaheahe and best Hawaiian EP for his Hiki Mai E Ka La. Makuakane played for last year's 50th Anniversary of the Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club in Pāhala, where he introduced a new song about Hawaiian activism – from stopping the military test bombing at Kahoʻolawe to preservation of Maunakea. He is also a familiar performer at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park concerts at its visitor center auditorium.
Jeff Peterson won the Composer's Award for Instrumental Composition for Cyril's Mele on his Ka Nani O Ki Hoʻalu, The Beauty of Slack Key album, which also won Hawaiian Slack Key Album of the Year. Peterson has taught at Center for Hawaiian Music Studies workshops in Pāhala. He has performed at Kīlauea Military Camp Theatre and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park visitor center auditorium, Volcano Art Center, as well as Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Libraries.
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Kenneth Makuakane at the 50th Anniversary of Kaʻū Hawaiian Civic Club in 2019. Photo by Julia Neal |
The composer's award for Song of the Year went to Hinaleimoana Wong for Ku Haʻaheo e Kuʻu Hawaiʻi, performed by Kuhaʻo Maunakea, which became the anthem of Maunakea protectors. The Best Religious Music Album went to Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus for Ho‘onani Kakou Ia Ia.
Best Rock Album went to Larry Dupio, who has played at Kaʻū Coffee Festival events.
The winner of the most awards was Josh Tatofi, well known in the past for the band Ekolu. His transition into Hawaiian language music led him to six Nā Hōkū awards Saturday night.
The Ki-Hoʻalu Legacy Award went to slack key masters Kevin Brown and Ikaika Brown. The public vote for Favorite Entertainer chose Josh Tatofi. Here are the other awards:
Album of the Year for artists and producers - Ua Kui A Lawa, Josh Tatofi (Rockwall), Josh Tatofi and Kapena De Lima, producers; Male vocalist - Josh Tatofi, Ua Kui A Lawa (Rockwall); Best Female Vocalist - Natalie Ai Kamauu, 21°N 158°W (Keko);
Best Rock Album went to Larry Dupio, who has played at Kaʻū Coffee Festival events.
The winner of the most awards was Josh Tatofi, well known in the past for the band Ekolu. His transition into Hawaiian language music led him to six Nā Hōkū awards Saturday night.
The Ki-Hoʻalu Legacy Award went to slack key masters Kevin Brown and Ikaika Brown. The public vote for Favorite Entertainer chose Josh Tatofi. Here are the other awards:
Album of the Year for artists and producers - Ua Kui A Lawa, Josh Tatofi (Rockwall), Josh Tatofi and Kapena De Lima, producers; Male vocalist - Josh Tatofi, Ua Kui A Lawa (Rockwall); Best Female Vocalist - Natalie Ai Kamauu, 21°N 158°W (Keko);
Best Group - Na Wai ‘Eha, Lovely Sunrise (NWE Records); Most Promising Artist: Ei Nei, Hui! (Ei Nei); Best EP (extended play) - Higher, Kamuela Kahoano (Green Light Go HI Productions); Best Hawaiian EP - Hiki Mai E Ka La, Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane Music); Best Single: Desecration, Ekolu (Waiehu Records); Best Hawaiian single: Melia, Josh Tatofi (Rockwall); Best Music video – Hawaiʻi 78 - Song Across Hawaiʻi, Mana Maoli Collective (no label); Best Hawaiian music video - Ku Ha‘aheo e Ku‘u Hawai‘i, various artists (Kanaeokana); Best Instrumental composition (composer's award) – Cyril's Mele, Jeff Peterson from Ka Nani O Ki Ho‘alu, The Beauty of Slack Key, Jeff Peterson, composer (Peterson Productions);
Best Jazz Album - Renditions, Maggie Herron (Herron Song); Best Metal Album - III, Storm (Tin Idol Productions); Best R&B album - S.O.U.L. Songs of Unexpected Life, Kamaka Camarillo (no label); Best Reggae Album - Sense of Purpose, Maoli (Awong Entertainment); Best Religious Album - Ho‘onani Kakou Ia Ia, Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus (no label); Best Rock Album: Love and Lightning, Lightning Larry Dupio (no label);
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Hinaleimoana Wong won Song of the Year for Ku Haʻaheo e Kuʻu Hawaiʻi, which became the anthem of Maunakea protectors. |
Song of the year (composer's award) - Ku Ha‘aheo e Ku‘u Hawai‘i, various artists from Kuha‘o Maunakea Hinaleimoana Wong, composer. (Kanaeokana); Best Alternative Album- &Bougainvillea, Izik (Zeo Music); Best Anthology (producer's award) - 20 Year Anniversary 'Timeless,' Ekolu (Waiehu Records), Lukela Keala and Kapena De Lima, producers; Best Compilation Album (producer's award) - Hawaiian Lullaby, various artists (Haku Records), Kimie Miner and Imua Garza, producers; Best Contemporary Album - Ku Kia‘i Mauna Together We Rise, Hawane Rios (Religion Records A&C);
Best Contemporary Acoustic Album - Feel at Home, Kala‘e Camarillo (no label); Best Hawaiian Music Album - Lovely Sunrise, Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records); Best Hawaiian Slack Key Album - Ka Nani O Ki Ho‘alu, The Beauty of Slack Key, Jeff Peterson (Peterson Productions); Best Hip Hop Album - Kuleana, Thomas Iannucci (no label); Best Instrumental album - Kauaheahe, Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane Music); Best Island Music Album:- Ua Kui A Lawa, Josh Tatofi (Rockwall);
Best Contemporary Acoustic Album - Feel at Home, Kala‘e Camarillo (no label); Best Hawaiian Music Album - Lovely Sunrise, Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records); Best Hawaiian Slack Key Album - Ka Nani O Ki Ho‘alu, The Beauty of Slack Key, Jeff Peterson (Peterson Productions); Best Hip Hop Album - Kuleana, Thomas Iannucci (no label); Best Instrumental album - Kauaheahe, Kenneth Makuakane (Makuakane Music); Best Island Music Album:- Ua Kui A Lawa, Josh Tatofi (Rockwall);
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| Kamehamea Schools Children's Choir won Best Religious Music Album. |
Best Hawaiian Language Performance - Lovely Sunrise, Na Wai ‘Eha (NWE Records); Best Haku Mele (composer's award) - Na Pu‘uwai Haokila, Zachary Lum, composer, from Koha‘o Maunakea, Various Artists (Kanaeokana); Best General Engineering - Kapena De Lima for Island Beyond the Stars by Pena Bu (Bu Roc Records); Best Hawaiian engineering - Bob St. John for Island Style ‘Ukulele 3 by various artists (Neos Productions); Best Graphics - Wailani Artates and Kumu Micah Kamohoali‘i for Kalawai‘anui by Amy Hanaiali‘i (Ua); Best Liner Notes award - Kalikolihau Paik and Puakea Nogelmeier for Ka Lei Moana by Kupaoa (Hula Kupuna Productions); Best International album special recognition award - Ka‘apuni, Kaulana (Kaulana Entertainment).
See the pre-show and virtual awards ceremony with performances, and download the program here.
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ATTEND ʻIMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER'S 13TH ANNUAL WAYFINDING event, Hōkūleʻa: The Revival Begins, 1975-1980 on Friday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The live, online talk story session, presented by ‘Imiloa and the Ama Olukai Foundation, will focus on the history of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's formative years leading up to the iconic voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Register to attend this free online event for a chance to ask questions of the presenters at www.imiloahawaii.org.
The panel of five presenters are Captain Gordon Piʻianaiʻa, Billy Richards, John Kruse, Snake Ah Hee, and Kālepa Baybayan. Executive Director Dan Mclnerny, of the Ama Olukia Foundation, will introduce and moderate the presentation.
McInerny says, "The Ama Olukai Foundation has been a proud sponsor of ʻImiloa's annual Wayfinding celebration for the past several years and we are happy to continue our support of this important cause. Our mission is to partner with organizations that honor Hawaiian culture and traditions by preserving the ocean and land, and ʻImiloa is an incredible resource for our community that does just that." The Foundation supports programs that are designed to serve Hawaiian communities, partnering with organizations that promote the Hawaiian culture from its ancestral past to present day.
ʻImiloa Executive Director, Kaʻiu Kimura, says, "Keeping our voyaging stories and connections alive is a kuleana that ʻImiloa embraces. We are anxiously excited to be offering our first ever live virtual presentation to share these first-hand experiences and are so very grateful for the continued support of the Ama Olukai Foundation and all of the presenters in making this available to the wider public."
The event announcement gives a brief bio of each presenter:
Gordon Piʻianaiʻa is a geographer and an educator. He was the director of the Hawaiian Studies Institute at Kamehameha Schools and a retired naval officer. In 1976, 1980, and 1985 he served as captain on board Hōkūleʻa. Piʻianaiʻa has a strong personal and spiritual connection to Hōkūleʻa and hopes that more people become involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and deep sea voyaging. Piʻianaiʻa craves nothing while at sea; he only craves being at sea while back on land.
Billy Richards is a community servant who serves as a member of the ‘Aha Kāne, a Native Hawaiian Men's Health Program, the Bishop Museum Association Council, the Friends of Hōkūleʻa and Hawaiʻiloa, Kānehunamoku Voyaging Academy, and Maiden Voyaging Productions. He was elected to the Bishop Museum Board of Directors and also serves as the Hui Nohona administrator for the Partners in Development Foundation, a public not-for-profit company that supports Native Hawaiian communities through social and educational programs. He has been an integral part of Hawaiʻi's voyaging community since 1975 and has voyaged aboard Hōkūleʻa, Hawaiʻiloa, Makaliʻi, Hōkūalakaʻi, and Hikianalia throughout the Pacific and around the world.
John Kruse was introduced to Hōkūleʻa when she was only two hulls and cross pieces still being lashed together. Kruse began helping with the construction of Hōkūleʻa under master craftsmen Wright Bowman and Wally Froiseth. He was selected as a crewmember on Hōkūleʻa’s maiden voyage to Tahiti in 1976 and later went on to co-found Kauaʻi's voyaging society Nā Kālai Waʻa o Kauaʻi. His leadership on Kauaʻi led to many helping hands that built and launched the voyaging canoe Nāmāhoe in September of 2016. After many years of sailing, Kruse was invited to participate in the 2014 Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage and reunited with many of his old voyaging friends.
Snake Ah Hee was born and raised in Lāhaina, Maui. His family spent much time on the water – fishing, paddling, and surfing – from which he developed his water skills and a familiarity with the ocean. Ah Hee was first introduced to Hōkūleʻa in 1975 and was invited to sail on the return leg of her inaugural voyage to Tahiti. Since then, he has sailed on every Tahiti to Hawai’i voyage and is honored to have been a part of the Hōkūleʻa crew. Ah Hee looks forward to long periods of time at sea.
Born and raised in Lāhaina, Chad Kālepa Baybayan first sailed on the Hōkūleʻa in 1975 and has been an active member of the voyaging community. He has served as captain on the Hōkūleʻa as well as the voyaging canoes Hawai‘iloa and Hōkūalaka‘i. Baybayan is the former Site Director of Honuakai, the Exploration Sciences Division of the ‘Aha Pūnana Leo, which teaches the Hawaiian Language to participants that crew aboard Hōkūalaka‘i. He currently serves as the Navigator-in-Residence at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i developing wayfinding activities, curriculum materials, and conducting outreach. In 2007, Baybayan and four other Hōkūleʻa navigators were initiated into the order of Pwo (the three-thousand-year-old society of deep-sea navigators in Micronesia) by their teacher, Mau Piailug, on the tiny atoll of Satawal in the Caroline Islands, Micronesia.
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AVOID TRADITIONAL DOOR-TO-DOOR TRICK OR TREATING and other higher-risk activities this Halloween, recommends Hawai‘i Department of Health. High-risk activities where treats are handed to children or children take candy from a shared bucket "can result in close contact and crowding among people outside your household," says an announcement from DOH.
Moderate risk activities
Participating in one-way trick-or-treating, where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard). Those preparing goodie bags are urged to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade, where people are distanced more than six feet apart.
Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than six feet apart. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face.
Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than six feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing. Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least six feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised.
Higher risk activities
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating, where treats are handed to children who go door to door.
Having trunk-or-treat, where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.
Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in the same household.
Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors.
Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in the same community, if in an area with community spread of COVID-19.
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Learn about the formative years of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the birth of the Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Photo from ʻŌiwi TV/Jason Patterson |
ATTEND ʻIMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER'S 13TH ANNUAL WAYFINDING event, Hōkūleʻa: The Revival Begins, 1975-1980 on Friday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The live, online talk story session, presented by ‘Imiloa and the Ama Olukai Foundation, will focus on the history of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's formative years leading up to the iconic voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Register to attend this free online event for a chance to ask questions of the presenters at www.imiloahawaii.org.
The panel of five presenters are Captain Gordon Piʻianaiʻa, Billy Richards, John Kruse, Snake Ah Hee, and Kālepa Baybayan. Executive Director Dan Mclnerny, of the Ama Olukia Foundation, will introduce and moderate the presentation.
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| Ama Olukia Foundation Executive Director, Dan McInerny |
ʻImiloa Executive Director, Kaʻiu Kimura, says, "Keeping our voyaging stories and connections alive is a kuleana that ʻImiloa embraces. We are anxiously excited to be offering our first ever live virtual presentation to share these first-hand experiences and are so very grateful for the continued support of the Ama Olukai Foundation and all of the presenters in making this available to the wider public."
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| Gordon Piʻianaiʻa |
Gordon Piʻianaiʻa is a geographer and an educator. He was the director of the Hawaiian Studies Institute at Kamehameha Schools and a retired naval officer. In 1976, 1980, and 1985 he served as captain on board Hōkūleʻa. Piʻianaiʻa has a strong personal and spiritual connection to Hōkūleʻa and hopes that more people become involved with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and deep sea voyaging. Piʻianaiʻa craves nothing while at sea; he only craves being at sea while back on land.
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| Billy Richards |
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| John Kruse |
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| Snake Ah Hee |
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| Chad Kālepa Baybayan |
AVOID TRADITIONAL DOOR-TO-DOOR TRICK OR TREATING and other higher-risk activities this Halloween, recommends Hawai‘i Department of Health. High-risk activities where treats are handed to children or children take candy from a shared bucket "can result in close contact and crowding among people outside your household," says an announcement from DOH.
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| The annual Trunk-or-Treat, as held last year at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary's Halloween celebration, will be delayed until a safer time. Photo by Julia Neal |
Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char says, "It's more important than ever to put safety first. Gatherings on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day led to spikes in positive cases in Hawai‘i. This Halloween, be extra mindful as you navigate how to safely celebrate in order to keep the spread of coronavirus as low as possible during this holiday."
The announcement says, "Thankfully, people in Hawai‘i are creative and caring; some communities have planned fun and safe festivities – such as contactless trick or treating and drive-thru pumpkin patches – to be enjoyed throughout the month. Choosing these low-risk Halloween activities can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 illness, decrease the impact on our state's health care system, and save lives."
The announcement says, "Thankfully, people in Hawai‘i are creative and caring; some communities have planned fun and safe festivities – such as contactless trick or treating and drive-thru pumpkin patches – to be enjoyed throughout the month. Choosing these low-risk Halloween activities can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 illness, decrease the impact on our state's health care system, and save lives."
Other ideas from DOH for safer, low-risk activities include hosting a scary movie watch party online, organizing a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest and carving the pumpkins with people in your household, and hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest.
Most importantly, DOH encourages everyone to keep following safe practices – avoid large gatherings, keep a distance of six feet from others, wash hands often, and wear a cloth face covering.
Most importantly, DOH encourages everyone to keep following safe practices – avoid large gatherings, keep a distance of six feet from others, wash hands often, and wear a cloth face covering.
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| The culinary group at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary will wait until next year to show off their cooking skills for Halloween. Photo by Julia Neal |
Char says, "Carefully plan your costume. Because Halloween masks have nose and mouth holes, they will not protect you or others from COVID-19. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask or vice versa as it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth face mask."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a list of activities that are considered lower risk, moderate risk, and high risk. In addition to the above:
Lower risk activities
Decorating living space.
Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
Halloween movie night within a household. Scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with household members in or around the home rather than going house to house. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided a list of activities that are considered lower risk, moderate risk, and high risk. In addition to the above:
Lower risk activities
Decorating living space.
Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
Moderate risk activities
Participating in one-way trick-or-treating, where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard). Those preparing goodie bags are urged to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade, where people are distanced more than six feet apart.
Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than six feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing. Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least six feet apart. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised.
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating, where treats are handed to children who go door to door.
Having trunk-or-treat, where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots.
Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in the same household.
Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors.
Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in the same community, if in an area with community spread of COVID-19.
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.
SCHOOLS CAN CONTINUE TO OFFER FREE MEALS TO STUDENTS through the end of the 2020-2021 academic year, announced U.S. Department of Agriculture last week, whether students learn at home or on campus.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said, "We want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are."
Sen. Mazie Hirono posted Friday, "UPDATE: After I pushed USDA in August to extend child nutrition waivers, I'm glad to announce more free school meals will be available through the rest of the school year. Whether students are doing distance or blended learning, every child should have access to a healthy meal."
Recently, Pres. Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution to extend regulatory waivers that grant schools "maximum flexibility" in serving meals and designing menus.
By extending the Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option waivers, as they are officially called, schools can also serve those free meals outside of typical meal hours, and allow parents and guardians to pick up them up.
The School Nutrition Association, which represents the nation's nutrition directors, said in a press release that the waivers are needed to ease the challenge of feeding kids during a pandemic, due to "unanticipated school closures" or changes in instruction.
The group said its members needed regulatory certainty before placing orders for the spring, and to plan menus for the months ahead. The waivers also make their work safer and easier, by allowing for the speedier distribution of grab-and-go meals and reducing in-person monetary transactions.
SNA president Reggie Ross said, "Families struggling to make ends meet can be assured that their students will have access to healthy school meals, whether they are learning at home or in school. School meal programs can remain focused on safely meeting nutritional needs of children in their communities without having to worry about burdensome regulations."
Before the pandemic, children had to pay for school meals unless their family's household income was at or below 130 percent of the poverty level. But when outbreaks forced classes online, and as unemployment surged, USDA empowered schools to become de facto community feeding centers, allowing grab-and-go distribution and for parents to pick up free food for their children.
USDA had been reimbursing those meals, which were being given to all children, even if they weren't enrolled in the school. Without waivers, and the per-meal reimbursements, schools were briefly forced to deny food to hungry children, which a Cincinnati nutrition director called "heartbreaking."
Diane Pratt-Heavner, an SNA spokesperson, said, with the extension of the nationwide waiver for the duration of the year, the "overwhelming majority of schools" are likely to serve free meals to all.
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Learning from home or on campus, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary students can receive food through the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Photo by Julia Neal |
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue said, "We want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are."
Sen. Mazie Hirono posted Friday, "UPDATE: After I pushed USDA in August to extend child nutrition waivers, I'm glad to announce more free school meals will be available through the rest of the school year. Whether students are doing distance or blended learning, every child should have access to a healthy meal."
Recently, Pres. Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution to extend regulatory waivers that grant schools "maximum flexibility" in serving meals and designing menus.
By extending the Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option waivers, as they are officially called, schools can also serve those free meals outside of typical meal hours, and allow parents and guardians to pick up them up.
 |
Food distribution from Nāʻālehu can continue for enrolled students through the 2020-2021 school year even if in-person classes aren't in session. Photo by Nalani Parlin |
The School Nutrition Association, which represents the nation's nutrition directors, said in a press release that the waivers are needed to ease the challenge of feeding kids during a pandemic, due to "unanticipated school closures" or changes in instruction.
The group said its members needed regulatory certainty before placing orders for the spring, and to plan menus for the months ahead. The waivers also make their work safer and easier, by allowing for the speedier distribution of grab-and-go meals and reducing in-person monetary transactions.
 |
| Hawaiʻi Department of Education is cleared to feed all enrolled students meals through the end of the school year, regardless of distance learning. HIDOE photo |
Before the pandemic, children had to pay for school meals unless their family's household income was at or below 130 percent of the poverty level. But when outbreaks forced classes online, and as unemployment surged, USDA empowered schools to become de facto community feeding centers, allowing grab-and-go distribution and for parents to pick up free food for their children.
USDA had been reimbursing those meals, which were being given to all children, even if they weren't enrolled in the school. Without waivers, and the per-meal reimbursements, schools were briefly forced to deny food to hungry children, which a Cincinnati nutrition director called "heartbreaking."
Diane Pratt-Heavner, an SNA spokesperson, said, with the extension of the nationwide waiver for the duration of the year, the "overwhelming majority of schools" are likely to serve free meals to all.
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.
THE HAWAIʻI NEI ART CONTEST is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents. All artwork must be registered online by Friday, Oct. 16 at hawaiineiartcontest.org. Initial online screening and jurying will take place Oct. 17.
The Three Mountain Alliance, the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Reserves System, and the Wailoa Center State Park organize this annual, juried art exhibition, celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawai‘i Island. All artwork entries must depict a native (endemic or indigenous) species to Hawaiʻi Island.
Amateur and professional artists of all ages, who are residents of Hawaiʻi Island, are invited to submit original works. Categories are Adult, Elementary school (grades PreK-5), Middle school (grades 6-8), and High school (grades 9-12). Artists may enter more than one piece. A non-refundable fee for each entry will be collected with online submission. Entry fees are $15 per entry for adults. Youth under 18 may enter their artwork for free. Donations in any amount towards youth entry fees ($5 suggested donation) are welcome. Artists are encouraged to explore a variety of media, including the performing arts.
Artists will be notified by October 19 if their artwork has been selected for the exhibition. Final jurying and selection for awards will occur on Nov. 4 and will be announced at the opening reception on Nov. 6. Artwork may still be juried out despite adhering to all guidelines.
Learn more at hawaiineiartcontest.org.
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TWENTY-FOUR NEW COVID-19 CASES are reported for Hawaiʻi Island. The state's new case count is 103, with 79 on Oʻahu.
Hawaiʻi Island's death toll as reported by the county is 37: three at Hilo Life Center, one at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. At least 20 Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 169 people have died in the state, according to state records, one new today on Oʻahu.
THE HAWAIʻI NEI ART CONTEST is open to all Hawaiʻi Island residents. All artwork must be registered online by Friday, Oct. 16 at hawaiineiartcontest.org. Initial online screening and jurying will take place Oct. 17.
The Three Mountain Alliance, the Hawai‘i Island Art Alliance, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Reserves System, and the Wailoa Center State Park organize this annual, juried art exhibition, celebrating the native flora and fauna of Hawai‘i Island. All artwork entries must depict a native (endemic or indigenous) species to Hawaiʻi Island.
Artists will be notified by October 19 if their artwork has been selected for the exhibition. Final jurying and selection for awards will occur on Nov. 4 and will be announced at the opening reception on Nov. 6. Artwork may still be juried out despite adhering to all guidelines.
Learn more at hawaiineiartcontest.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.
TWENTY-FOUR NEW COVID-19 CASES are reported for Hawaiʻi Island. The state's new case count is 103, with 79 on Oʻahu.
Hawaiʻi Island's death toll as reported by the county is 37: three at Hilo Life Center, one at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. At least 20 Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 169 people have died in the state, according to state records, one new today on Oʻahu.
Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 948 cases, with recent surges at Hilo Life Center and University of the Nations Kona campus. There have been 13,472 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 10,750 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 2,530 active cases in isolation. There are at least nine people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Oʻahu reports 12,031 cases, Maui County 397, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty-seven victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 935 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases reported in the last 28 days for two Kaʻū zip codes and one in Volcano. 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96785 with Volcano Village; and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, have had no cases in the last 28 days. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, with Ocean View; and 96777, which includes Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date.
In Hilo zip code 96720, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
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 7,756,846 – about 21 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 214,742 – about 20 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 37.35 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,074,768.
This time last year, Little Fire Ants were almost eradicated in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The invasive, noxious pests had infested the popular Steam Vents. But they aren't gone yet.
LFA detections decreased by at least 99 percent at Steam Vents area off Crater Rim Drive, since the Park began treating the area in February 2019. Discovered in November 2018, LFA were abundant and readily observed on vegetation and along the edge of the parking lot. During surveys in September 2019, park pest control workers found LFA on just .1 percent of bait stations.
Park ecologist David Benitez said, "It's too early to declare victory just yet. If we don't continue our treatments, LFA populations will quickly rebound and could spread to new areas. These pests are a serious concern for human health and also for our natural resources, including endangered nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, which are currently entering their breeding season."
Today, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, the Park posted an update on the pests: "If you've driven by the park early in the morning you may have observed cars parked along the highway near the entrance and wondered, 'what's going on?' These are inspections for Little Fire Ants, one of the worst invasive species Hawaiʻi has ever seen.
"LFA are an extremely noxious invasive species, which can have devastating impacts to native ecosystems and human health. LFA don't travel very far on their own: they are normally first introduced to a new location when people bring them in with things, like gravel, dirt, equipment, or building materials. Since 2014, Hawai‘i Volcanoes has sought to prevent the introduction of LFA by monitoring equipment, construction material, and the vehicles that transport them, before they enter the Park."
Benitez said, "We are making great progress, and only small, isolated LFA populations remain. Our work will continue until LFA are no longer found, and we will continue to monitor this and other high-risk sites throughout the Park to detect and remove newly arrived LFA before they spread. We are thankful for the public's support, and remind visitors to help by checking their gear and vehicles for LFA before coming to the Park."
Pest control workers treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks. The Park announces closures in news releases, on nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. Visitors can help by checking their gear and vehicles for LFA before coming to the park.
For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com. Learn more about LFA at https://www.biisc.org/lfa/.
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.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Join Statewide Earthquake Drill The Great Hawaiʻi ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. Register as participants at http://shakeout.org/hawaii/register.
Attend Finding Solutions, Growing Peace free virtual talk Thursday, Oct. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. October's speaker is Lorenn Walker, on the topic Effective Approaches for Positive Adolescent Behavior: Alternatives to Grouping "At-Risk Youth." To get the Zoom link, register online. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org, or visit hawaiimediation.org.
Give Input on the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan Update by the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning from Oct. 13 through 28. The public is invited to participate in online sessions to learn about the strategic plan and contribute to the revision process. Free; advance registration required. Register online.
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. Complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Ballots for registered voters 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. on Nov. 3, Election Day . See other locations here. 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 Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Nov. 4 The 15th year of the festival takes off with a special set of in-depth presentations covering a variety of topics deeply impacting the local community. Featuring Hawaiʻi Public Radio's Burt Lum, host of Bytemarks Café, on several panels. More info & schedule.
Watch the Oct. 5 Debate between Mayoral Candidates Ikaika Marzo and Mitch Roth on Nā Leo TV, Spectrum Channel 54, online at naleo.tv/channel-54/, or via the free Nā Leo mobile app.
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.
COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. at 10 a.m. on Spectrun Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, and streaming via the Nā Leo's free mobile app. Watch all episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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.
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
Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.
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
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Using $10 million in federal CARES Act funds, Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism matches workers with companies in sectors such as conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, creative arts, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and STEM fields. The programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Eligible people are displaced workers, or recent high school or college graduates. There are two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. To learn more, go to https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
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.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The project will focus on repairing and/or replacement of critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and U.S. Geological Survey-operated facilities and equipment. Comments received are being considered and used for refining a design concept and developing the National Park Service and USGS's proposed action. Once the proposed action is developed, the NPS and USGS will seek additional community input through public scoping prior to the environmental analysis process, tentatively planned for early 2021. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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.
Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System, and the role seed plays in human health and nutrition, is the focus of a recent blog post from Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network. In It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. The site offers access to current research, industry news, educational events, and more about rangeland management in Hawaiʻi. The website is maintained by the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28
days, by zip code. Gray areas have zero residential
addresses. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 20 cases. Pale
orange is 21-40 cases. Medium orange is 41-60 cases. Dark orange is 61-120 cases. Bright
red is 121-180 cases. Dark
red is 181-290 cases. Department of Health map |
No new cases reported in the last 28 days for two Kaʻū zip codes and one in Volcano. 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96785 with Volcano Village; and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, have had no cases in the last 28 days. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, with Ocean View; and 96777, which includes Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date.
In Hilo zip code 96720, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
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 7,756,846 – about 21 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 214,742 – about 20 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 37.35 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,074,768.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
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Take a look back at Little Fire Ant eradication in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Read about progress this year and tips on how to help prevent the spread of the noxious pest. NPS photo |
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
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| Little Fire Ants are "one of the worst" invasive species that Hawaiʻi has ever seen, according to a statement from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. NPS photo |
Park ecologist David Benitez said, "It's too early to declare victory just yet. If we don't continue our treatments, LFA populations will quickly rebound and could spread to new areas. These pests are a serious concern for human health and also for our natural resources, including endangered nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, which are currently entering their breeding season."
Today, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, the Park posted an update on the pests: "If you've driven by the park early in the morning you may have observed cars parked along the highway near the entrance and wondered, 'what's going on?' These are inspections for Little Fire Ants, one of the worst invasive species Hawaiʻi has ever seen.
"LFA are an extremely noxious invasive species, which can have devastating impacts to native ecosystems and human health. LFA don't travel very far on their own: they are normally first introduced to a new location when people bring them in with things, like gravel, dirt, equipment, or building materials. Since 2014, Hawai‘i Volcanoes has sought to prevent the introduction of LFA by monitoring equipment, construction material, and the vehicles that transport them, before they enter the Park."
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| Using peanut butter on a chopstick, prest control staff bait Little Fire Ants to see how many show up. NPS photo |
Pest control workers treat Steam Vents every four to six weeks. The Park announces closures in news releases, on nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes, and via social media. The goal is to completely exterminate the ants from the area. Visitors can help by checking their gear and vehicles for LFA before coming to the park.
For more information on LFA, how to control them and how to prevent spreading them, visit littlefireants.com. Learn more about LFA at https://www.biisc.org/lfa/.
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| 2019 NPS map of LFA infestation shrinkage. |
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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
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events – with size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations – are on Monday, Oct. 12, survey; Saturday, Oct. 17, cleanup; Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. HWF says details are forthcoming but will be a blend of hiking, BYO-4wd, and limited HWF carpool options. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Attend College from Home Virtual Workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon to 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Zoom Connection Link: go.hawaii.edu/A9z, Meeting ID: 950 5113 4914 Password: palamanui. The announcement asks, "Want to come back to college but not leave home – or know someone who does? If so, you are invited to the UH Online and Hybrid Degrees workshop presented by the University Center West Hawaiʻi. Come learn about the 60+ UH two year, Bachelors, Graduate, and Certificate programs that you can access here on Hawai'i Island. Online Learning with Local Support. Stay Here… Go FORWARD!" For more information, email Carrie at carriekp@hawaii.edu.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Join Statewide Earthquake Drill The Great Hawaiʻi ShakeOut on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m. Register as participants at http://shakeout.org/hawaii/register.
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. 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.Attend a Free Conflict Resolution Workshop, Kū I Ke Aloha: Stand Up & Speak Out on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The interactive session explores examples of individual and community advocacy that resulted in positive change in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Take away some communication skills for the real world – no matter the media – to use with aloha. Register here or RSVP to Majidah at Kuʻikahi Mediation Center, (808) 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org.
Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi Annual Meeting online at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17. A statement from the nonprofit says, "Over the past seven decades, CCH has been able to protect our native plants, animals and ecosystems across the Hawaiian Islands because of your support, we are extremely grateful and as we navigate our path forward we rely on your support even more than ever." Register here.
Give Input on the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan Update by the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning from Oct. 13 through 28. The public is invited to participate in online sessions to learn about the strategic plan and contribute to the revision process. Free; advance registration required. Register online.
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. View more.
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. Complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Ballots for registered voters 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. on Nov. 3, Election Day . See other locations here. 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 Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Nov. 4 The 15th year of the festival takes off with a special set of in-depth presentations covering a variety of topics deeply impacting the local community. Featuring Hawaiʻi Public Radio's Burt Lum, host of Bytemarks Café, on several panels. More info & schedule.
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.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
ONGOING
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. 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. and 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.Watch the Oct. 5 Debate between Mayoral Candidates Ikaika Marzo and Mitch Roth on Nā Leo TV, Spectrum Channel 54, online at naleo.tv/channel-54/, or via the free Nā Leo mobile app.
Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. The previous grant limit was $1,000 per month. RMAP applicants must also have a current annual household income at or below 140 percent of area median income for the number of members in their household – $81,760/yr. for one person, $126,000 for five.
Payments are made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
Hawai‘i Community Lending and Hawai‘i County have modified RMAP to address barriers for applicants, application processing, and how to encourage more residents to apply. Other changes include reimbursement for payments made with personal resources, such as savings, credit cards, personal loans, or assistance from family or friends. In addition, households who entered into a forbearance or payment agreement with their mortgage lender or landlord for payments that were due between March and December 2020 may now be eligible. Residents who previously applied to RMAP and were rejected are encouraged to reapply.
RMAP nonprofit partners are: Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, www.HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, www.hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, www.neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, www.hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, www.habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey 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.
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.
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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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 |
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.
COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. at 10 a.m. on Spectrun Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, and streaming via the Nā Leo's free mobile app. Watch all episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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.
32nd Annual The Trash Show Hawaiʻi: Artists Recycle open through Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Features The TrashFace Collection by Volcano Artist Ira Ono. To attend, all visitors are required to wear a face mask, maintain six-foot social distancing, no physical contact when greeting people, a maximum of ten people in the gallery, and encouraging anyone who feels ill to stay home. See more art from Ono at Volcano Garden Arts & Café Ono, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., www.volcanogardenarts.com, www.cafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.org.
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
Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.
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.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Using $10 million in federal CARES Act funds, Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism matches workers with companies in sectors such as conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, creative arts, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and STEM fields. The programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Eligible people are displaced workers, or recent high school or college graduates. There are two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. To learn more, go to https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
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.Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The project will focus on repairing and/or replacement of critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and U.S. Geological Survey-operated facilities and equipment. Comments received are being considered and used for refining a design concept and developing the National Park Service and USGS's proposed action. Once the proposed action is developed, the NPS and USGS will seek additional community input through public scoping prior to the environmental analysis process, tentatively planned for early 2021. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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.
Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System, and the role seed plays in human health and nutrition, is the focus of a recent blog post from Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network. In It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
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.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. The site offers access to current research, industry news, educational events, and more about rangeland management in Hawaiʻi. The website is maintained by the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
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 San Luis Obispo .
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