About The Kaʻū Calendar

Sunday, November 01, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Sunday, November 1, 2020

A farm stand becomes a Halloween fun house Saturday night at Kumu Debbie Ryder
and Hawaiian agriculture and fishing practitioner Kaewhi Ryder's cultural house in Pāhala.
Photo by Julia Neal

DELAY NEW STATE-MANDATED BUILDING CODES is the request of Hawai‘i County Council. 
Full masks adorn Laura Diaz and Michelle Chacon, coffee industry equipment
and processing experts, who live in Pāhala. The two above AnPaul Leon dressed
as Lock, Shock and Barrel from Disney’s Nightmare Before Christmas.
Photo by Julia Neal
      The state is requiring the county to update building codes for the first time in eight years by Friday, Nov. 13. However, Council Chair Aaron Chung and Councilmember Sue Lee Loy ask Gov. David Ige for an emergency deadline suspension "to allow for ample public involvement," according to a statement from the County Council. 
     The State Building Code Council was established by the State Legislature to adopt amendments to international fire, plumbing, building, and electrical codes. Once the SBCC adopts its version of the codes, counties have two years from that adoption date to make further amendments and adopt its own update. If a county does not amend the state building codes within the two-year time frame, the state building codes are applied. 
For safe distancing, candy is released down a slide, from
 the yard at the Diaz and  Leon family home in
Pāhala, to be caught by trick-r-treaters on street side.
  Photo by Julia Neal


    Hawai‘i County Department of Public Works would have released a public draft of the updated building code, held public hearings islandwide, accepted written comments, made amendments, and sent a bill to the Council. The Council would have held at least one Committee hearing and two readings of the Council prior to sending it to the Mayor for approval. Restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 delayed that work, preventing public hearings and shortening the public comment period. Revised building codes are still in development and have not been released for public review.
    Chung said, "As Hawaiʻi County continues work to improve the building permit process, the last thing we need is to change the building code in the middle of a public health emergency that has made public engagement challenging. These updates to the building code could necessitate changes in designs before building permits are approved. That's why public engagement is critical to a smooth update."
    Hawaiʻi County Council has been working to modernize codes related to construction, and adopting energy conservation, electrical and plumbing code updates. In August, the council passed a measure to reorganize the construction codes to help streamline the law.
    Lee Loy said, "We have construction codes to ensure that homes, schools, business, and gathering places on our island are safe for the people who live in and use them. While updates to these codes are important, the more important question is whether we are ready for this change that may be coming with no public notice. We are asking Governor Ige to help us by suspending a deadline that will bring more challenges to families trying to build homes, and to businesses trying to put working families back to work. She is chair of the Public Works and Mass Transit Committee, which oversees construction codes and building permitting.
    The councilmembers' request is shared with Kauaʻi and Maui counties, which face the same deadline. The request for the delay went to Ige was also sent to State the Building Code Council, the Hawaiʻi State Energy Office, construction industry stakeholders, and Hawaiʻi Island business associations.

Gravestones for Zero, Jack Skellington, and Sally from Nightmare 
Before Christmas give a spooky Halloween vibe. Photo by Julia Neal
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UP TO FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS UTILITY ASSISTANCE is available to households at or below 100 percent Area Median Income (see chart). Funds can be used 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.

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CELEBRATE VETERANS DAY at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Marketplace property on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans will receive $15 gift certificates to use at OKK food vendors on site and the Farmer's Market will also be in progress. Lucky Lizards band will play from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Shootz will play from 10 a.m. to noon. Masks and social distancing required. A few shade tents and chairs will be set up, first-come, first-served. Attendees are welcome to bring their own. Free watermelon will be given away to all. Food will be available to purchase from OKK Market vendors.

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LISTEN TO ELECTION COVERAGE this Tuesday and Wednesday on Hawaiʻi Public Radio, online or on the radio at 88.7 or 89.1 FM. The station will include special coverage from National Public Radio, plus live coverage of key races around the islands – from the mayor's office on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island to council races around the state, and coverage of county ballot initiatives.
   Watch election coverage on PBS Hawaiʻi, KHET channel 11, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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VOTE IN THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION in person, with same-day registration at two locations on Hawaiʻi Island on Monday, Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Vote in Hilo at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, #1. Vote in Kona at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy.
    For those who received ballots in the mail, but did not send them in, drop off ballots at Nāʻālehu Police Station 24 hours a day until 7 p.m. election day, this Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mailed ballots will not arrive in time to be counted, as all ballots must be received no later than Nov. 3. See more dropoff locations at elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit.
    See if mail-in ballots have been received at ballotstatus.hawaii.gov/ballotreceipt.
    See more at elections.hawaii.gov.

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How to use this map: Hold this map over your head so that the northern horizon points toward the north on the Earth. 
For best results, use a red flashlight to illuminate the map. If you are looking east, hold it in front of you so that east is 
on the bottom. For south views, south at the bottom, and for west, west at the bottom. Use this map at the times shown 
on in its upper left corner. Keep this page handy and show it to your keiki next month. They probably have bedtimes 
before the time of the chart shown here. 
The constellations are presented with their 3-letter abbreviations, with their common names shown in the margins. This 
is done to take advantage of the truly dark skies Ka‘ū is blessed with when there is no bright moon and the skies are clear 
of vog. The star charts are produced from a sky Atlas program written by Jerry Hudson, who has given us permission 
to publish it. Thank you, Jerry.

STARS OVER KAʻŪ – November 2020, by Lew & Donna Cook
    The Solar System
    Mars is in Pisces (PSC), crossing the meridian just before chart time (10 p.m. on Nov. 15). The meridian is the imaginary line running from north, thru overhead, to the south. My friends, Dan VanDerZanden, and Robert Minor, each posted fantastic images of Mars that they took using modest 8- and 11-inch telescopes, reproduced here. They took video images and combined the best of them.
    Jupiter has set at chart time and Saturn will follow soon. Both are still in eastern Sagittarius (SGR is off the star chart). These two giant planets will appear in our morning skies in April when they will be in Capricorn (CAP).
Dan VanDerZanden and Robert Minor took these
images using the "video" settings on their cameras
and each of them combined the best of the images,
giving these spectacular results! Mars presents
 somewhat different faces in these images due
 to Mars's day being 39.6 minutes
longer than an earth day.
    
Constellations and Deep Sky Objects

    Who's in the sky this month? We've covered the animals last month, and promised a discussion of humans this month. So who's up there now? Starting in the northern sky, (in ancient Greek mythology) we've got royalty! Crossing the meridian is Queen Cassiopeia (CAS) shaped like an "M" (or a "W" depending on just how you look at it). She ruled Ethiopia along with her husband, King Cepheus (CEP). They are joined by their daughter, Andromeda (AND) whom the King of the Sea, Poseidon (no constellation), chained to a rock near the ocean's shoreline to feed Cetus (CET), the monster of the ocean.
    But his attempt was foiled! Perseus (PER), on his way home, carrying the head of the Gorgon Medusa, noticed Andromeda. (Gorgons weere mythical creatures with human-like faces but whose hair was poisonous snakes!) He warned Andromeda not to look into Medusa's eyes as even dead, the head of Medusa had the power of turning whoever gazed into its eyes into stone! Such a warning was not given to Cetus, and when the sea monster looked upon the severed head of Medusa, it was turned to stone and sank. Andromeda and Perseus married and had seven sons and two daughters.
    We can still see the head of Medusa in the sky winking at us. The star Algol, an eclipsing binary pair of stars, was likely the first such pair recognized. It varies with a period of two days 20 hours and about 49 minutes. Algol varies from 2.1 magnitude to 3.3 and back to 2.1 in a single night.
    Cetus also has a naked eye variable, too, but not the eclipsing kind. Instead, it is a star called Mira, but with an 11 month period. It varies much slower than Algol. It is a pulsating star that goes from just below magnitude 2 to magnitude 10. It is visible now. 
    Orion (ORI), the mighty hunter has risen in the east followed by the twins (GEM). Not to be forgotten, though, is the constellation we've been looking at all summer: Aquarius! He's been carrying water for us throughout the summer! A faint constellation, the sculptor (SCL) is also shown. It's brightest star is only magnitude 4.3, but it does contain a dwarf galaxy. 
Rick Taft took this shot of the trifid nebula by taking his
 10" telescope up to an elevation of 12,500 feet in
California. The object shown here is a combination
of a star cluster and a gaseous nebula.
    The Trifid nebula (meaning divided in three parts) has set well before the time of our chart, but look for it next year! Actually there are two distinct portions: The north part (blue in the color version- see http://www.kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_
September2020.pdf ) and the south part (pink in the same image) which often appears in four rather than three parts. This image comes from another friend, Rick Taft, who captured this image from about 12,500 feet. It is about 4,100 light-years away. Isn't it great to have a portable telescope? 
    We have redrawn two constellations for the chart: Cetus and Phoenix, to look like the whale and the bird they represent.
    Moon Phases
Phase                 Date                     Moonrise      Moonset
Last Quarter      Nov. 8 (LEO)      11:53 pm*     1:17 pm
New Moon        Nov. 14(LIB)      5:58 am         5:42 pm
First Quarter     Nov. 21(AQU)    12:46 pm       12:20 am**
Full Moon         Nov. 29(TAU)     5:32 pm         6:04 am**
*day prior **next morning
    Fridays Sunrise and Sunset times:
Date                   Sunrise          Sunset
Nov. 6, 2020      6:25 am         5:46 pm
Nov. 13              6:29 am         5:44 pm
Nov. 20              6:33 am         5:43 pm
Nov. 27              6:37 am         5:43 pm
    Local Attractions
    The ‘Imiloa Planetarium in Hilo continues its closure to the public, but there is a wealth of information at ʻimiloa@home. See imiloahawaii.org/imiloaathome for information.

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HAWAIʻI ISLAND HIT 1,300 TOTAL COVID-19 CASES today. The new case count is 26. There are at least ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    New cases reported statewide today total 83, with 53 on Oʻahu, one on Kauaʻi, and three residents diagnosed out-of-state.
    Since the pandemic began, 46 deaths have been reported by Hilo Life Center (12); Kona Community Hospital (one); Hilo Medical Center (six); and Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (27). Hawaiʻi Island's death toll, as reported by the county, is 40 since the pandemic began. Some Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 219 people have died in the state, according to state records, none new today.

Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 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

    There have been 15,154 total COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11,824 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 3,100 active cases in isolation.
    Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu has reported 13,186 cases, Maui 408, Lanaʻi 99, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 65. Seventy-nine victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,107 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
    No new cases have been reported in the last 28 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip code 96772. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96777, and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
    In the last 28 days, 14 active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 35 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 101 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Puako/Waikoloa zip code 96738, 23 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Pepeʻekeo zip code 96783, 27 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
    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.
    COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 9,187,062 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 230,865 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 46.38 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,198,717.

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USGS scientists and UAS operators prepare the sampling mechanism and inspect the unmanned aerial system a few
minutes before mission start and takeoff. Precautions were taken to ensure the aircraft and sampling mechanism
were sterile, and would return safely from the pond. USGS photo

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
A drone carries a line and scooper to take water
from the summit lake. NPS photo
    This time last year, U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists measured the water in Halemaʻumaʻu's "scalding hot" lake for the first time. Using a specialized hexacopter drone, HVO sought to unlock "the secrets of a lake of water that has risen over the last few months from deep within the summit of Kīlauea Volcano." Scientists took photographs, gas measurements, and a sample of the water by lowering in a sterilized plastic sleeve attached by a long line to a specialized unmanned aircraft system.
    The sample from the lake in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park was subjected to preliminary tests by HVO scientists, minutes after it was collected. Initial testing revealed a pH of 4.2. This value is acidic, though not as low as at some other volcanic lakes around the world, which can have pH values near or lower than zero. The conductivity of the water, related to the amount of dissolved solids, was above the upper limit of the available sensor. Scientists were unsuccessful in obtaining a direct measurement of the lake's temperature, but measurements by a thermal camera on the rim of the crater indicate a maximum water temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Celsius (149 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit). More in-depth analyses of the water was conducted by USGS California Volcano Observatory, revealing high concentrations of dissolved sulfur and magnesium.
USGS scientists check out the water sample from the new hot green lake
in Halemaʻumaʻu. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS
    A body of water like this had never been observed in Halema‘uma‘u crater in the history of monitoring Kīlauea Volcano. The lake, as a small pond, was first seen in July of 2019 and is believed to be filling with water from the water table, which HVO scientists say has been there for decades, if not centuries. This time last year, the lake was estimated at 140 m (460 ft) long. In October 2019, HVO scientists said they expected the lake to rise another 60 or 70 m (180 to 210 ft) before reaching hydraulic equilibrium with the groundwater around it. The groundwater underneath the crater is confined by structures around it and does not extend to the ocean. 
    Today, the lake is 153 feet (47 m) deep, nearly the height of a ten story building. It is approximately 430 feet (131 m) wide by 885 feet (270 m) long, with a volume of nearly 125 million gallons and growing. The water has a maximum temperature of about 80–85 degrees Celsius (176–185 degrees Fahrenheit). Its color, initially a bright green, has mostly shifted to a rusty orange. Learn more about the summit lake.

Still far above the water, a UAS on a mission to collect a sample of the water is dwarfed by the huge, hot lake 
at Kīlauea summit. Watch the USGS video.

UAS flies over Kīlaeua Caldera to drop down to the scalding hot lake in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater to take photos, 
a water sample, and to measure gases. Photo by Janice Wei/NPS

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 
free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 
Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 
kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 
business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing at Civic Auditorium in Hilo, Monday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to noon. Enter from Kuawa Street entrance. No insurance necessary, but bring insurance card if have. No co-pay for those tested. Face covering required at all times and observe social distancing. For more, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy 24 hours a day, until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day. See other locations here. 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 15th year of the festival features 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.

Manu, the Boy Who Loved Birds Virtual Book Release with author Caren Loebel-Fried and special guests all day Thursday, Nov. 5. Option to order books with personalized inscriptions. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Artists and Vendors, Sign Up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., helps raise funds for OVCC and benefit local artists and crafters. Booths $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Free admission for attendees. Face masks required for all. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.

PETFIX and Hawaiʻi Rainbow Ranger Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. Microchips available. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.


AdvoCATS Free Spay and Neuter Clinic will be held Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Ocean View Community Center. To make a reservation, to reserve traps, to volunteer, or with questions, e-mail Cindy Thurston at cindyt@hawaii.rr.com, or call or text (808) 895-9283. See advocatshawaii.org.

Celebrate Veterans Day at ʻO Kaʻū Kākou's Marketplace property on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans will receive $15 gift certificates to use at OKK food vendors onsite. Farmer's Market will be in progress. Lucky Lizards band will play from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Shootz band will play from 10 a.m. to noon. Masks and social distancing required. A few shade tents and chairs will be set up, first-come, first-served. Attendees are welcome to bring their own. Free watermelon will be given away to all. Food will be available to purchase from OKK Market vendors.

Veterans Day Ceremony and Dinner, Kīlauea Military Camp, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Ceremony held live on KMC Facebook page at 3 p.m. Veterans Day Dinner at Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations required, limited number of complimentary meals available. Call 967-8371 for either Dine-In or Grab & Go. Menu: prime rib au jus, vegetable stir fry & black bean sauce, roasted red potatoes, cheesecake, and drink. Adults $26.95, $16.95 Vegetarian Option (w/o prime rib), children 6-11 years old, $14.95. Proof of eligibility (Military ID, DD214 with photo ID, 100% DAV, or Hawaiʻi Veterans driver license) required to receive complimentary meal. Face coverings and 6 feet distancing required in common areas. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. 

Introduction to Beadweaving, new series of beading classes with Phyllis Cullen, begins Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Kaʻū Art Gallery First Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kaʻū Art Gallery (behind Ace, across from Punaluʻu Bakery, in Nāʻālehu – the old Kamaʻaina Cuts building). Free admission, face masks required for all. Contact organizer Corrine Kaupu at 808-937-1840 or kauartgallery@hawaiiantel.biz to vend.

Second Saturday Barbecue Fundraiser, Saturday, Nov. 14 in the parking lot of Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Come get barbecued turkey legs and more. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Basics of Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222


Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Annual Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. via Zoom, meeting code 450 691 6693. No password. Attend by phone at (669) 900-6833, code 450 691 6693#. Delegates elect HFUU president, and adopt policies and bylaw amendments. Nominations for president due by Friday, Oct. 30 or at meeting; send to Nominations Committee Chair, David S. Case, at casedavids@gmail.com. Review and comment on proposals from Friday, Oct. 30. Enjoy world-class educational and musical presentations Nov. 12, 13, and 14. See hfuuhi.org.

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.

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 poataoes, 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.

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.

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

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

ONGOING
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.

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. Watch the mayoral forum on PBS at youtube.com/watch?v=uneuqwEPH7s.

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.

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.

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.
    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.

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.

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.

The State of Hawai'i requires a Letter of Exemption for Farm Workers. Requests should be submitted to 
covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov

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.

Free Monthly Online Breastfeeding Support Group MOMs to MOMs, fourth Wednesday, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Presented and facilitated by Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi's Leila Ryusaki. Open to pregnant women and new breastfeeding moms with babies from birth to one year old. Sign up at HMONO.ORG/SERVICES.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

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

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna808b-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.

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.

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.

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 for Chromebooks and iPads here. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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 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 Issuesthrough 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.

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.

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/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture
 through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. 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. 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.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website.

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.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at 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. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.


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