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| ʻO Kaʻū Kākou honored 97-year-old veteran Iwao Yonemitsu on Veterans Day for his Go for Broke contribution to the community and the U.S. military, as a soldier of Japanese ancestry with service during World War II in the 442nd. The 442nd is the famed army unit of Japanese American soldiers who served in Europe and helped reduce the stigma against Americans of Japanese ancestry. Photo from OKK. See more on Veterans Day below in Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year. |
INSTITUTING A STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE through the legislature is under discussion this week as the state Senate's Judiciary Committee holds a special session Monday. Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association CEO and President Mufi Hanneman is asking that the Legislature hold a special session to draft a measure to require wearing masks. The bill would be taken up when the 2021 Hawaiʻi Legislature opens in January. Lt. Gov. Josh Green is also asking for a state mask mandate.
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| Incoming mayor Mitch Roth, who has worked on Neighborhood Watch in Kaʻū, and runner-up community organizer and South Point rancher Ikaika Marzo wear masks. Discussion remains on whether a statewide mask mandate should be unified between the counties with one set fine for failure to wear a mask in public. Photos from #OurKuleana |
Saiki said it is unnecessary for the legislature to make a mask-wearing law as it would take the legislature to repeal it should the pandemic end.
The session on Monday will consider Gov. David Ige's nominee for Associate Judge on the Supreme Court, Judge Todd W. Eddins, and nominee for Intermediate Court of Appeals, Judge Karen Tooko Nakasone.
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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| Trump supporters wave flags in front of the old Nāʻālehu Theatre on Friday. Photo by Julia Neal |
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In front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre Friday, Trump supporters yelled "We love you!" at motorists. Photo by Julia Neal |
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PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO FEED KEIKI urges Hawaiʻi's Congressional delegation. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and Representatives Ed Case and Tulsi Gabbard, wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, urging USDA to provide more resources for state agencies, school districts, and nonprofits as they continue to serve meals to students in Hawaiʻi and across the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this year, the Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation wrote a letter requesting USDA extend child nutrition flexibility waivers. They then requested USDA work with state agencies, school districts, and nonprofits to feed additional students during the 2020-2021 school year, which has been repeatedly interrupted due to the coronavirus.
The legislators wrote, "In Hawaiʻi, these waivers have helped the Hawaiʻi Department of Education provide tens of thousands of meals per day at certain times during the pandemic. It was important for Congress and USDA to extend these waivers, and school districts like HIDOE have already indicated that they plan to continue using them.
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| Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary supplies food to those 18 or younger, under USDA-extended child nutrition flexibility waivers. Photo by Julia Neal |
"Given the potential for budget cuts, the federal government should be working with state and local governments during this time – especially to make sure they can feed students. USDA has a responsibility to make sure local communities can effectively use the child nutrition waivers provided, and the Department can take steps to support communities in need."
Read the full letter here.
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CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE is now accepted at East Hawaiʻi Regional Sort Station and West Hawaiʻi Sanitary Landfill.
At East Hawaiʻi Regional Sort Station, located at 1651 Ho‘olaulima Rd. in Hilo, a maximum of five cubic yards per load will be accepted (a five cubic yard load will fit in a standard size pickup truck with an 8-foot long bed filled to the top of the cab). No item shall exceed four feet in any dimension or weigh more than 50 pounds. No rocks, concrete, or grading and grubbing materials will be accepted. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. daily, closed from noon to 12:30 p.m.
At West Hawaiʻi Sanitary Landfill, located at 71-1111 Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, construction, demolition, grading and grubbing materials will be accepted Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. If disposing of more than 50 cubic yards of waste per day, notify the West Hawaiʻi scalehouse at 886-8059 at least 24 hours in advance.
Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website for more information and locations, or call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division office, at 961-8270.
At West Hawaiʻi Sanitary Landfill, located at 71-1111 Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, construction, demolition, grading and grubbing materials will be accepted Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. If disposing of more than 50 cubic yards of waste per day, notify the West Hawaiʻi scalehouse at 886-8059 at least 24 hours in advance.
Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website for more information and locations, or call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division office, at 961-8270.
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.
Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.
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REPORT HUMPBACK WHALES IN TROUBLE is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
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| Report entangled humpbacks and other ocean creatures in distress. NOAA photo |
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AERIAL INSPECTIONS OF OVERHEAD TRANSMISSION LINES to improve system reliability will be conducted Monday, Nov. 16, through Thursday, Nov. 19 by Hawaiian Electric. The islandwide, quarterly inspections are scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, exact times and routes will depend on weather conditions. Inspections will be conducted in a Manuiwa Airways helicopter and require the aircraft to fly low and slow which may cause some noise disturbances. The utility apologizes for any disruption this may cause and sincerely thanks the community for their cooperation and understanding. Call 969-6666 with questions or concerns.
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USING HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS TO UNDERSTAND VOLCANISM ELSEWHERE in the U.S. is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
Kīlauea's key—Using Hawaiian eruptions to understand volcanism in northern California
USGS has five volcano observatories tasked with monitoring low to high threat volcanoes throughout the United States.
Some regions monitored by the volcano observatories had geologically 'young' eruptions that are nonetheless old enough to lack written documentation, eyewitnesses, or first-hand accounts. This creates a dilemma for geologists interested in how a future eruption might occur and how long it could last.
The magmas that erupt from these different regions are formed in different ways, and eruptions can range from days, weeks, months, years to as long as several decades in duration. USGS volcano observatories, which include the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Cascades Volcano Observatory, Alaska Volcano Observatory, Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, and California Volcano Observatory, monitor many different types of volcanoes and eruptions—from Mount St. Helens in Washington that commonly erupts lava of relatively low fluidity to the more recent eruptions of Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, where more-fluid lavas move relatively easily downslope.
California, for instance, has the classic-looking mountainous stratovolcano of Mount Shasta and the large caldera of Long Valley, but neither has erupted historically though each has evidence of geologically young activity. The most recent eruption in California was from 1914–1917 at Lassen Peak, creating a lava dome and related ash deposit, in what is now Lassen Volcanic National Park. An area east of Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak is relatively flat but contains 'young-looking' lava flows.
Brushy Butte Volcano is part of this region, and recent field research shows that it contains at least 29 volcanic deposits consisting of scoria, and spatter cones and lava flows. One of the outstanding questions surrounding Brushy Butte Volcano is how long did it take to erupt these 29 cones and lava flows?
USING HAWAIIAN VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS TO UNDERSTAND VOLCANISM ELSEWHERE in the U.S. is the focus of this week's Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
Kīlauea's key—Using Hawaiian eruptions to understand volcanism in northern California
USGS has five volcano observatories tasked with monitoring low to high threat volcanoes throughout the United States.
Some regions monitored by the volcano observatories had geologically 'young' eruptions that are nonetheless old enough to lack written documentation, eyewitnesses, or first-hand accounts. This creates a dilemma for geologists interested in how a future eruption might occur and how long it could last.
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| Colored, shaded-relief terrain map of approximately 490 feet (150 meter) tall Brushy Butte Volcano made using 1 yard (1 meter)-resolution LiDAR data and showing the vents as black dots with channels and levees winding across the landscape. USGS map |
California, for instance, has the classic-looking mountainous stratovolcano of Mount Shasta and the large caldera of Long Valley, but neither has erupted historically though each has evidence of geologically young activity. The most recent eruption in California was from 1914–1917 at Lassen Peak, creating a lava dome and related ash deposit, in what is now Lassen Volcanic National Park. An area east of Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak is relatively flat but contains 'young-looking' lava flows.
Brushy Butte Volcano is part of this region, and recent field research shows that it contains at least 29 volcanic deposits consisting of scoria, and spatter cones and lava flows. One of the outstanding questions surrounding Brushy Butte Volcano is how long did it take to erupt these 29 cones and lava flows?
The problem is that the Brushy Butte eruptions took place approximately 35,000 years ago, and to answer this question CalVO geologists have used the old geologic axiom of 'uniformitarianism' or 'the present is the key to the past.' This describes the theory that geologic processes occurring now are likely to have occurred in the past, particularly the recent past. To better understand how Brushy Butte erupted and how long it might have taken, active volcanoes of a similar type and setting were used as an analog.
The Brushy Butte Volcano is located in a rifting area, and the type of magma erupted there is called tholeiitic basalt. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, though not exactly the same, are close in that their lavas erupt commonly from rift zones and are usually of a similar tholeiitic basalt type. So, the recent volcanic eruptions from these Hawaiian volcanoes offer a promising glimpse of how lavas erupted from Brushy Butte Volcano may have occurred and how long it might have taken.
One of the most helpful tools used to understand the Brushy Butte eruptions is a method called Light Detection and Ranging or commonly just referred to as LiDAR. The resulting dataset creates a detailed picture of the surface of a lava flow showing the different landforms created as a volcano erupts and lava moves downhill away from its vent.
Much like a river, lava flows can develop channels, levees, breakout channels over the tops of their levees, impoundments that create lava ponds, and lava deltas. These different features formed by lava flows are created over different lengths of time.
Hawaiian volcanoes are very active, and in particular the decades-long eruption of Puʻu ʻŌʻō on Kīlauea's middle East Rift Zone displayed many types of landforms that tholeiitic basalts can form and over what sort of timeframes. Using Puʻu ʻŌʻō as an analog, CalVO geologists estimated that the 29 closely-spaced vents and lava flows of Brushy Butte Volcano erupted over at least 20 years, based on the different lava flow landforms created and their placement around the interior of the volcano.
The Brushy Butte Volcano is located in a rifting area, and the type of magma erupted there is called tholeiitic basalt. Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, though not exactly the same, are close in that their lavas erupt commonly from rift zones and are usually of a similar tholeiitic basalt type. So, the recent volcanic eruptions from these Hawaiian volcanoes offer a promising glimpse of how lavas erupted from Brushy Butte Volcano may have occurred and how long it might have taken.
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| Hawaiian volcanoes may hold keys to understanding still-active volcanic places like Brushy Butte Volcano. USGS photo |
Much like a river, lava flows can develop channels, levees, breakout channels over the tops of their levees, impoundments that create lava ponds, and lava deltas. These different features formed by lava flows are created over different lengths of time.
Hawaiian volcanoes are very active, and in particular the decades-long eruption of Puʻu ʻŌʻō on Kīlauea's middle East Rift Zone displayed many types of landforms that tholeiitic basalts can form and over what sort of timeframes. Using Puʻu ʻŌʻō as an analog, CalVO geologists estimated that the 29 closely-spaced vents and lava flows of Brushy Butte Volcano erupted over at least 20 years, based on the different lava flow landforms created and their placement around the interior of the volcano.
Tholeiitic basalt lava flows in Hawaiʻi and California behave in similar ways. HVO observations from monitoring the 35-year-long Puʻu ʻŌʻō eruption help geologists understand the processes and timeframes that can result in certain volcanic landforms. Kīlauea is a natural laboratory for active processes which help provide the key to understanding how volcanic deposits elsewhere formed in the past!
Volcano Activity Updates
Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.
Kīlauea monitoring data for the past month show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information on the lake, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/k-lauea-summit-water-resources.
Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
This past week, about 26 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at shallow depths of less than 8 kilometers (about 5 miles). Global Positioning System measurements show long-term slowly increasing summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.
There were 3 events with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.2 earthquake 5 km (3 mi) SSW of Volcano at 1 km (1 mi) depth on Nov. 11 at 4:05 p.m., a M2.9 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) WNW of Kailua-Kona at -2 km (-1 mi) depth on Nov. 10 at 10:33 p.m., a M1.9 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) WNW of Kalaoa at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Nov. 7 at 4:50 p.m.
HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.
Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://www.usgs.gov/natural-hazards/volcano-hazards/about-alert-levels). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.
Kīlauea monitoring data for the past month show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information on the lake, see https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/k-lauea-summit-water-resources.
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Puʻu ʻŌʻō through the years, documented in real time, may help scientists understand volcanology in other places. USGS photos |
Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
This past week, about 26 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at shallow depths of less than 8 kilometers (about 5 miles). Global Positioning System measurements show long-term slowly increasing summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see: https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna-loa/monitoring.
There were 3 events with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M3.2 earthquake 5 km (3 mi) SSW of Volcano at 1 km (1 mi) depth on Nov. 11 at 4:05 p.m., a M2.9 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) WNW of Kailua-Kona at -2 km (-1 mi) depth on Nov. 10 at 10:33 p.m., a M1.9 earthquake 8 km (4 mi) WNW of Kalaoa at 7 km (4 mi) depth on Nov. 7 at 4:50 p.m.
HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.
Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.
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 U.S. REPORTED MORE THAN 160,487 NEW COVID CASES in the last day. Since the pandemic began, the U.S. reported 10,727,885 cases – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 245,574 – a one-day increase of 1,291 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths.
Hawaiʻi Island reports 12 new COVID cases today. There are at least ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 108, with 89 on Oʻahu, one on Maui, three on Kauaʻi, and two residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,519 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,261 total cases, Maui 444, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 80. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 140. Statewide, 1,209 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
Department of Health reports 1,454 new cases have been diagnosed in the state the last 14 days, a daily average case rate of 104. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 12 new cases per day over the last 14 days.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 94 in Kona zip code 96740, 11 in zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – and 13 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
The worldwide cumulative COVID count is 53,843,270. The death toll is more than 1,309,784.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 14
days, by zip code. Gray areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases.
Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light
orange is 11-50 cases. Dark orange is 51-200 cases. Department of
Health map |
Hawaiʻi Island reports 12 new COVID cases today. There are at least ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
New cases reported statewide today total 108, with 89 on Oʻahu, one on Maui, three on Kauaʻi, and two residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 48 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island by Hawaiʻi Civil Defense. At least 222 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,519 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,261 total cases, Maui 444, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 80. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 140. Statewide, 1,209 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
Department of Health reports 1,454 new cases have been diagnosed in the state the last 14 days, a daily average case rate of 104. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 12 new cases per day over the last 14 days.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip codes 96772 and 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 94 in Kona zip code 96740, 11 in zip code 96743 – which includes Waikoloa, Kawaihae, Waimea, Puako, Waikui, and Akona – and 13 in zip code 96738 – which includes Waikoloa Village and Puako.
See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311. Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies.
The worldwide cumulative COVID count is 53,843,270. The death toll is more than 1,309,784.
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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| Congressman-elect Kai Kahele, last year on Veterans Day, with his wife and three daughters. |
Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
"Please join me in thanking the millions of men and women who have donned a uniform in service to our country. Today, we remember all veterans who have bravely safeguarded our daily freedoms and democracy that are the pillars of our society, to which we have gratefully grown accustomed. We honor their sacrifices, commitment, and selfless service. We also honor the sacrifice of men and women who do their jobs to protect the freedoms we all are fortunate to have today.
"On this Veterans Day, we honor all who have served. We thank you and your families for your service to our country. May God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America."
This year, Kahele leaves his state Senate seat and he and his family will move to Washington, D.C. He won a seat in Congress to represent rural Hawaiʻi, after Rep. Tulsi Gabbard opted to run for president instead of campaigning to hold onto her seat in congress.
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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
Watch Live Concert of Willie Nelson & The Boys Sunday, Nov. 15 at 12:25 p.m. Purchase tickets without attending the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United convention here.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. Group sizes limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. 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.
Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing Monday, Nov. 16, testing will be at Keauhou Shopping Center from 9 a.m. to noon. No co-pay or insurance necessary to be tested but bring insurance card if have. Face covers and social distancing required at all times. Questions? Call Civil Defense at 935-0031.
Kīlauea Military Camp Thanksgiving Dinner, Dine-In or Grab-and-Go, for Thursday, Nov. 26 – order by Monday, Nov. 16. Choice of turkey or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, salad, pumpkin squares. $19.95 adults, $12.95 6-11 yrs old for Dine-In. Turkey dinner to go, $59.95. Ham dinner to go, $69.95. Call 808-967-8356.
Get Books Into the Hands of Keiki at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Virtual Book Fair, Nov. 16 through 29. This link, https://www.scholastic.com/bf/volcanoschoolofartssci, is for VSAS and will allow all purchases through this site to be credited towards VSAS's fundraiser. In addition, teachers will set up individual ʻeWalletʻ accounts for teacher wishlist funds: The eWallet allows parents, guardians, and community members to donate funds (not books) from which teachers can purchase books. There is free shipping on book purchases over $25.
Attend or Testify Environmental Rules Public Hearing on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The hearing will address the Department of Environmental Management's proposal to repeal its existing rules and adopt a new set of proposed Rules of Practice and Procedure. Attend the meeting via Webex Conferencing, meeting number (access code) 126 195 1374, meeting password v2uNh8nZS2w; or by phone: call 1-408-418-9388, access code 126 195 1374, password 82864869.
Proposed rules will be emailed or mailed at no cost by contacting Mary Fujio at 961-8099. Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed or obtained at the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only or through emailing cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Provide written testimony by email to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov, fax to (808) 961-8086, or mail to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. Testimony must be received by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18. To provide oral testimony, email cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8099 by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with your name, phone number, and email address of testifier.
Proposed rules will be emailed or mailed at no cost by contacting Mary Fujio at 961-8099. Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed or obtained at the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only or through emailing cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov.
Provide written testimony by email to cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov, fax to (808) 961-8086, or mail to the Department of Environmental Management, 345 Kekūanāoʻa Street, Suite 41, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720. Testimony must be received by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18. To provide oral testimony, email cohdem@hawaiicounty.gov or call (808) 961-8099 by noon on Wednesday, Nov. 18, with your name, phone number, and email address of testifier.
Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required.
Beadweaving in the Round with Phyllis Cullen, Thursday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Christmas in the Country 21st Annual Wreath Exhibition opens Saturday, Nov. 21 through Thursday, Dec. 31 at Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Paint Your Own Silk Scarf workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Small Businesses and Nonprofits can Apply for Reimbursement Grants through the Business Pivot Program to cover expenses up to $10,000 that they incurred implementing changes to their operations, products, and services. Grant application open until Nov. 23, as funds are available. Click here for eligibility requirements and to apply. Click here for frequently asked questions.
Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Fundraiser for Kaʻū Hospital Charitable Foundation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 25, noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 26, noon to 2 p.m. Drive-thru pickup at lanai gate at the hospital parking lot. Each plate is $10 and includes turkey, dressing (stuffing), mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Tickets are available through Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., cash or check, in the business office or clinic reception. Questions? Contact Jennifer Grace at 808-932-4372.
Holiday Open House at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, Friday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy viewing of handmade wreaths, cider, music, door prizes, and gifts. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
Watch Hawaiʻi International Film Festival Online through Sunday, Nov. 29. Tickets for individual screenings as well as all-access passes are available here.
Volcano Garden Arts' Think X-Mas! Exquisite Gift Sale, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 27, 28, and 29 features special plate lunch at Cafe Ono. Held at 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd. See ShopVGA.net, CafeOno.net, and VolcanoGardenArts.com.
Volcano Village Art Hui: Creative Adaptations 2020 34th Annual Studio Tour & Sale, adapted to fit pandemic circumstances, will be held over Thanksgiving weekend – Nov. 27-29, Friday through Sunday. Participating artists will offer various ways to acquire art using safety guidelines, including online orders, scheduled appointments, and/or modified on-site studio tours. Many artists will continue these opportunities throughout December and beyond. See VolcanoVillageArtistsHui.com or Instagram: @VolcanoArtHui for updates and individual artists' contact information.
Hawaiian Islands Challenge Virtual Run through Dec. 31. Registration closes Nov. 30. Individuals or teams can register to traverse some or all of 808 kilometers on six different courses, one on each main island. Register here.
Renew or Apply for Membership in Experience Volcano Hawaiʻi for $20 until Nov. 30. Details available at experiencevolcano.com/2020special. Membership offers perks such as free 25-word classified ads in the newsletter. Buy, sell, trade or donate. Members can send ads to experiencevolcano@gmail.com. Deadline is the 15th of the month. Ads will publish until canceled. No artwork or logos allowed.
Give Input on Cleaning up the Former Quarry Firing Range in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Engineering evaluation and cost analysis will address surface soils impacted with heavy metals. The EE/CA document is available through Dec. 1. Executive Summary of the EE/CA and the Community Involvement Plan are available online at parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkId=307&projectID=92898. View them in person, by appointment only – call 808-985-6073 – at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Headquarters Building, 1 Crater Rim Drive, in the Park, weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Electronically submit comments via the website above or writing to Ms. Danielle Foster at danielle_foster@nps.gov or Environmental Protection Specialist, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaiʻi National Park, HI 96718.
Receive Help Signing Up for Med-Quest Health Insurance via nonprofit organizations starting Sunday through Dec. 15. Local contacts through the community organization Kalanihale include Kaʻimi Kaupilo, of Miloliʻi, who can be reached at 808-937-1310 and Donna Kekoa, of Pāhala, at 808-769-1334.
The state's Med-Quest provides eligible low-income adults and children access to health and medical coverage through managed care plans.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA helps through Shon Araujo at 808-854-0152 and Carrie Fernandez at 808-854-0256. West Hawaiʻi Community Center assists through Beonka Snyder at 808-327-0803, Tina Evans at 808-640-8587, Charles Kelen at 808-491-9761, and Walter Lanw at 808-785-8201. Hawaiʻi Island HIV/AIDS Foundation helps through Rachelle Hanohano at 808-896-5051, Paul Thome at 858-876-5154, Melani Matsumoto at 808-854-1877, and Jennifer Reno-Medeiros at 808-333-6443.
Kokua Services will help with virtual appointments through the Certified Assisters above.
Homeowners, Apply for Affordable Rental Housing Tax Reduction through Dec. 31. Application, requirements and benefits are at hawaiipropertytax.com/misc.html or call the county Real Property Tax office at 961-8201 or 323-4880.
ONGOING
COMMUNITY
Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.
ONGOING
COMMUNITY
Support Volcano Emergency Response Team's Efforts to supply a newly-developed plan to manage potential disasters in the community of Volcano until other assistance arrives. In order to address these disasters quickly and efficiently, such as hurricanes, COVID-19, and volcanic issues, supplies and equipment are needed to assist the Volcano community in the event a disaster. VERP has set up a GoFundMe website to address these needs and would be "extremely grateful" for any contribution in any amount. See gofundme.com/volcano-emergency-response-plan or the VERP page at thecoopercenter.org.
Volunteer in the Community urges Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: "You can make Hawaiʻi better with your time. Whether you help pull invasive species from the coastline, pick up rubbish from the beach, deliver food to seniors, or read to keiki, just a couple hours of your time make a huge difference in your community! If you've ever considered volunteering, now is the time your community needs it most." Connect with community partners and get resources on where to volunteer at hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/participate.Free Lifetime Entry for Veterans and Gold Star Families to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes and other national parks. Free entry applies to national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other Federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior. Learn more details, and how to apply and receive a Gold Star Family voucher, at https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm.
New Operating Hours for Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Recycling services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "White goods" appliance collection services will accept one appliance per resident per day. Customers need to check in with the facility attendant before dropping an appliance off at the facility. No unattended drop-offs allowed. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
New Operating Hours for Ocean View Transfer Station are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. HI-5 deposit beverage container collection will continue as usual on Saturdays only, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit hawaiizerowaste.org website or call 961-8270.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here for 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.
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. on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
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 Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m. , with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. Face coverings 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.
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.
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
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.
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. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See health.hawaii.gov.
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
FREE FOOD
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Nov. 20, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. There is no service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
Bulk School Meal Service for those 18 and under will be held at Volcano and Pāhala on alternating weeks. Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., pick up food at Kaʻū District Gym. Friday, Nov. 20, pick up food at The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Keakealani Campus located at 19-4024 Haunani Road in Volcano. There is no service on Friday, Nov. 27. The program runs through June 30, 2021. Pick up food items such as eggs, cereal, dry pasta, rice, beans, tortillas, milk, and canned vegetables and fruit. As the program grows, a variety of fresh products like meats, fruits and vegetables may be on offer. Each distribution will provide enough food for every person 18 years and under to eat breakfast and lunch. No income requirements to participate. Youth do not need to be present to receive bags but be prepared to give their names and birthdates. See https://www.volcanoschool.net/ or call 808-985-9901.
One-Time Emergency Food For Pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.
Food Pickup through Hope DIA-mend Ministries, weekdays, 5 p.m. in the Ace parking lot in Ocean View and lunches on Mondays. In Nāʻālehu, meals distributed in front of old Nāʻālehu Theatre at 4 p.m.
Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.
FINANCES
Apply for Utility Assistance, to pay for electricity, non-government water, or gas. Applicants must be a Hawaiʻi Island resident, at least 18 years old, lost income or work hours due to COVID-19, and not previously received assistance from other COVID-19 federal or state-funded programs. Funded by CARES Act and distributed by Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, required documents for application are government-issued identification, income verification documents for all household members, utility statement with address of services, lease/rental agreement or mortgage document, and proof of hardship. Hardship may include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, or layoff letter. Apply at HCEOC.net or call 808-961-2681.
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, including quitting or reduced hours to provide childcare, may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. Payments made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
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.
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.
Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs here. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families for keiki grades 1-6, 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 or info@bgcbi.org.
HEALTH
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
RMAP nonprofit partners are Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
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.
Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.
EDUCATION
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 Crystal Mandaquit. 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, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann 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? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
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 Crystal Mandaquit. 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, Arianrhod VanNewkirk, Heather Naboa, Marcia Masters, and Breeann 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? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.
Invite Park Rangers to Virtually Visit Classes, through connecting with teachers and home-schoolers with distance learning programs and virtual huakaʻi (field trips). Contact havo_education@nps.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.
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. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org
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.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. See dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.
Appointments for free Veterinary Care or Spay & Neutering can be scheduled by visiting hihs.org and clicking on the Services Tab, then selecting Spay and Neuter or Community Vet Care, or by emailing petsupport@hihs.org or calling 808-217-0154. All appointments must be scheduled in advance and are open to healthy owned dogs and cats only. Two pets per family will be accommodated. Each pet must have its own appointment. Animals other than dogs and cats, unhealthy animals, or those with contagious illnesses will not be accepted.
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. (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. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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
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
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.
Report Humpback Whales in Trouble is the reminder from Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale and National Marine Sanctuary: "If you spot a humpback whale in trouble (entangled, being harassed etc.) please call the NOAA Fisheries 24 hour hotline at 1-888-256-984. The line also works for reports for sea turtles, monk seals and dolphins."
AGRICULTURE
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/638VWS6.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. See funding updates and resources for coffee growers, hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.
Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
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. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.