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| County Council members praised Mayor Harry Kim for involving himself in community planning, as in this meeting at Ocean View Community Center. Kim leaves office on Dec. 7, after 12 years as mayor and 24 years as chief of Civil Defense. Photo by Annie Bosted |
A MAILE LEI AND PRAISE FOR MAYOR HARRY KIM came Wednesday from the Hawaiʻi County Council. Council Chair Aaron Chung talked about the spirituality of the mayor and recalled a story of years ago: Kim received a white maile lei in Kalapana from an unknown woman and never saw her again. The unusual white maile lei stayed fresh for all the years Kim served as Director of Hawaiʻi County's Civil Defense. On the day Kim left the office, the lei "sort of crumbled," said Chung. Councilwoman Karen Eoff talked about Kim being more spiritually and community-driven rather than politically driven.
Kaʻū's County Council member Maile David said Kim helped pave the way for the future of the island, through creating a process for community partnerships with developers and government. She pointed to his close association and love of the native Hawaiian community and culture. "I believe that is what basically drove you in respecting the culture of this island, the people of this island and the diverse nature of the people that make up this island," she told Kim.
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| Mayor Harry Kim was presented with a framed letter of appreciation and a maile lei at the County Council meeting on Wednesday. FB photo |
Chung said Kim's life story is "one for the books," and presented him a message entitled Lifetime of Dedicated Service to the People of Hawaiʻi. It says Kim was born of humble means, the youngest of eight children raised in a one-bedroom shack in the ʻOlaʻa Forest, which is now known as Keaʻau.
Kim graduated from Hilo High School in 1957, enlisted in the Army and became a medic. After military service, he enrolled in Southern Oregon University and earned a bachelor of science degree in education and master's of science in economics. He returned to Hawaiʻi and taught at Honokaʻa High School. He was then hired to run a program for the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration for the U.S. Department of Justice.
In 1976, Kim was named Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director, a post he held for 24 years. After retiring in 2000, he successfully ran for Mayor of Hawaiʻi County. He served as mayor for 12 years – 2000-2008 then 2016-2020. While serving as mayor, he employed his emergency management experience during lava disasters, hurricanes and the pandemic.
Chung also pointed to Kim's administrative achievements. The framework for creating community development plans, such as the Kaʻū Community Development Plan, was conceived by Kim, said Chung.
Ige said, "We're taking this added safety precaution now in response to the dramatically increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the continental United States and around the world. The health of our residents and visitors is our primary concern, especially as more people travel to Hawaiʻi to celebrate the holidays."
THE DATE FOR TRAVEL FROM CANADA TO RESUME is mid-December. Gov. David Ige made the announcement today, after reporting earlier this week that arrangements were underway with Canada, Korea and Taiwan to approve their pre-flight COVID tests. See above for rules for testing to avoid the 14-day quarantine. Air Canada and WestJet are the approved Canadian carriers.
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.
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.
Big Island Giving Tree will have a booth at St. Jude's in Ocean View on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Available to those in need will be free clothing, linens, shoes, household items, cleaning products, and hygiene products.
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.
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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form at hawaiianelectric.com/
Ocean View Swap Meet open 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.
Volcano Art Center Volcano Village
Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
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.
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.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
Kim graduated from Hilo High School in 1957, enlisted in the Army and became a medic. After military service, he enrolled in Southern Oregon University and earned a bachelor of science degree in education and master's of science in economics. He returned to Hawaiʻi and taught at Honokaʻa High School. He was then hired to run a program for the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration for the U.S. Department of Justice.
In 1976, Kim was named Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director, a post he held for 24 years. After retiring in 2000, he successfully ran for Mayor of Hawaiʻi County. He served as mayor for 12 years – 2000-2008 then 2016-2020. While serving as mayor, he employed his emergency management experience during lava disasters, hurricanes and the pandemic.
Chung also pointed to Kim's administrative achievements. The framework for creating community development plans, such as the Kaʻū Community Development Plan, was conceived by Kim, said Chung.
Kim said in a Facebook post Wednesday, "The Hawaiʻi County Council today surprised me with a very nice presentation to thank me for my years of service to the community. With just over two weeks before my term ends, this was a gracious gesture that I really appreciate."
Watch the presentation here, time stamp AC: Mayor Harry Kim.
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A 'LOOMING MONSTER' UNEMPLOYMENT TAX HIKE is in store for Hawaiʻi, unless the government acts quickly, according to Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. Grassroot Institute predicted this week that the unemployment tax hike will "further debilitate Hawaiʻi businesses, extend unemployment and delay Hawaiʻi's recovery from the Great Lockdown Crash of 2020."
Watch the presentation here, time stamp AC: Mayor Harry Kim.
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| Grassroot Institute President Keliʻi Akina urges lawmakers to change the upcoming unemployment tax hike. |
Grassroot sent out messages to state policymakers, business leaders and others saying "they need to act soon if they hope to avoid a tripling of the state's unemployment insurance tax to its highest level ever."
Grassroot Institute explained that the unemployment tax, paid by employers, "moves up or down automatically depending on the funded ratio of the state unemployment fund. Because the state's unemployment trust fund has plummeted in the wake of the coronavirus lockdowns — spiking unemployment to historic levels and pushing the fund $664 million into the red — the rates for 2021 on average are going to increase to the highest level allowed, basically triple the current rate. For a company with five employees, that means an increase from $2,670 to $8,785; for a company with ten employees, from $5,340 to $17,570.
"Gov. David Ige's administration is aware of the situation and is working on a bill to limit the increase. It also is looking at using its remaining federal relief funds to help restore the unemployment fund to black. But neither of those options address the irony that raising taxes to rescue the unemployment fund hurts both employers and employees."
Grassroot Insitute President Keliʻi Akina said, "Lawmakers should rethink the structure of the unemployment system, which punishes businesses and prospective employees during economic downturns. At the very least, they should reduce spending as much as possible to allow more wiggle room to reduce taxes."
See more at grassrootinstitute.org.
"Gov. David Ige's administration is aware of the situation and is working on a bill to limit the increase. It also is looking at using its remaining federal relief funds to help restore the unemployment fund to black. But neither of those options address the irony that raising taxes to rescue the unemployment fund hurts both employers and employees."
Grassroot Insitute President Keliʻi Akina said, "Lawmakers should rethink the structure of the unemployment system, which punishes businesses and prospective employees during economic downturns. At the very least, they should reduce spending as much as possible to allow more wiggle room to reduce taxes."
See more at grassrootinstitute.org.
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| A political cartoon by Dave Swan for Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi. |
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MAUNA LOA'S ASTEROID TERRESTRIAL-IMPACT LAST ALERT SYSTEM detected an asteroid some 16 to 32 feet across, sailing within 250 miles of Earth over Pitcairn Island in the Southern Pacific last Friday. According to physics.com, "This sets a record for the closest documented non-meteoric asteroid pass versus the Earth. This record was already broken once this year, with the passage of asteroid 2020 QG 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from the surface of the Earth on Aug. 16."
Another "brilliant bolide was captured on video on the afternoon of Aug. 10, 1972, as it became a brilliant daytime fireball over the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming before skipping back out of the Earth's atmosphere. Another recent record was set in October 2008, when astronomers spotted 4-meter (13 foot) asteroid 2008 TC3 19 hours prior to impact, and later recovered fragments in the Nubian Desert in northern Sudan two months later, making 2008 TC3 the first asteroid that was documented before and after impact." See more at phys.org/news/2020-11-asteroid-vt4-skimmed-earth.html.
MAUNA LOA'S ASTEROID TERRESTRIAL-IMPACT LAST ALERT SYSTEM detected an asteroid some 16 to 32 feet across, sailing within 250 miles of Earth over Pitcairn Island in the Southern Pacific last Friday. According to physics.com, "This sets a record for the closest documented non-meteoric asteroid pass versus the Earth. This record was already broken once this year, with the passage of asteroid 2020 QG 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) from the surface of the Earth on Aug. 16."
Another "brilliant bolide was captured on video on the afternoon of Aug. 10, 1972, as it became a brilliant daytime fireball over the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming before skipping back out of the Earth's atmosphere. Another recent record was set in October 2008, when astronomers spotted 4-meter (13 foot) asteroid 2008 TC3 19 hours prior to impact, and later recovered fragments in the Nubian Desert in northern Sudan two months later, making 2008 TC3 the first asteroid that was documented before and after impact." See more at phys.org/news/2020-11-asteroid-vt4-skimmed-earth.html.
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| Artist's impression of an asteroid passing the Earth. Credit: ESA/P. Carril |
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NEGATIVE COVID TESTS MUST BE IN HAND BEFORE BOARDING FLIGHTS TO HAWAIʻI in order to avoid 14 days of quarantine. The new policy applies to domestic transpacific and international flights departing from locations in which the State of Hawaiʻi pre-testing programs are in place.
Gov. David Ige released his new rule today, following requests from mayors of the counties who have seen travelers and accommodation owners stuck with quarantined COVID victims when their tests come in positive, following their arrivals to the Islands. The rule is designed to deter people from coming here without a negative COVID test from one of the state's "trusted partners."
If travelers board a plane to Hawaiʻi without negative results of a test, the travelers must stay in quarantine the entire 14 days or the length of their stay in Hawaiʻi, whichever is shorter. They cannot leave the 14-day quarantine even if negative tests results arrive within the first two weeks of their stay.
NEGATIVE COVID TESTS MUST BE IN HAND BEFORE BOARDING FLIGHTS TO HAWAIʻI in order to avoid 14 days of quarantine. The new policy applies to domestic transpacific and international flights departing from locations in which the State of Hawaiʻi pre-testing programs are in place.
Gov. David Ige released his new rule today, following requests from mayors of the counties who have seen travelers and accommodation owners stuck with quarantined COVID victims when their tests come in positive, following their arrivals to the Islands. The rule is designed to deter people from coming here without a negative COVID test from one of the state's "trusted partners."
If travelers board a plane to Hawaiʻi without negative results of a test, the travelers must stay in quarantine the entire 14 days or the length of their stay in Hawaiʻi, whichever is shorter. They cannot leave the 14-day quarantine even if negative tests results arrive within the first two weeks of their stay.
Ige said, "We're taking this added safety precaution now in response to the dramatically increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the continental United States and around the world. The health of our residents and visitors is our primary concern, especially as more people travel to Hawaiʻi to celebrate the holidays."
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.
Ige said, "Many Canadians love to visit Hawai‘i during the winter months to escape the cold weather, so the timing for this works well. Hawai‘i has the most rigorous pre-testing program in the U.S., and we are grateful to Air Canada and WestJet for making it available to their passengers."
Lt. Gov. Josh Green said, "The Safe Travels Hawaiʻi pre-travel testing program has been a valuable extra layer of safety for the state of Hawaiʻi and is being emulated across the country by other states. We look forward to welcoming our friends and family from Canada and appreciate the efforts of WestJet and Air Canada to make the process as safe and smooth as possible."
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority president and CEO John De Fries said, "The resumption of transpacific travel from Canada will strengthen Hawaiʻi's gradual economic recovery; and HTA extends its gratitude to Air Canada, WestJet and to all of our travel partners across Canada. Concurrently, the stricter test result requirement announced by the governor today is a prudent and urgent response to thwarting the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi, while our local visitor industry sustains its leadership efforts in restoring jobs and the economy of Hawaiʻi."
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REMAIN VIGILANT AGAINST SCAMS AND PHISHING, is the warning from Hawaiʻi utilities during Utility Scam Awareness Week. A national event created to spotlight ripoffs aimed at utility customers, the warning comes as scam calls and phishing – already more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic – ramp up heading into the holidays.
Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaiʻi Gas, Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, along with the state Office of Consumer Protection and Honolulu Police Department, are working to combat scammers who target customers by posing as bill collectors and utility workers. Customers are advised to be alert and recognize scams, especially when criminals threaten to disconnect service unless a payment is made.
REMAIN VIGILANT AGAINST SCAMS AND PHISHING, is the warning from Hawaiʻi utilities during Utility Scam Awareness Week. A national event created to spotlight ripoffs aimed at utility customers, the warning comes as scam calls and phishing – already more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic – ramp up heading into the holidays.
Stephen Levins, executive director of the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection, said, "Consumers should never wire money, purchase gift cards, or give out personal or financial information to anyone who initiates contact. Remember that utility scammers will say anything, including threatening disconnection, to trick consumers into making payments."
Scammers target residents and businesses that rely on essential services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications.
The utilities offer the following tips:
If the caller says a utility account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it's a scam. Don't be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
If someone calls from a utility demanding immediate payment over the phone, via money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it's a scam.
Scammers target residents and businesses that rely on essential services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications.
If the caller says a utility account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it's a scam. Don't be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
If someone calls from a utility demanding immediate payment over the phone, via money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it's a scam.
If the caller asks to meet the customer in person to pick up a payment, it's a scam.
If receive an email from a utility, urging to click on an embedded link or attachment to resolve a utility issue or pay a bill, think before clicking. It's likely a scam.
If a utility worker shows up at a home or place of business, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call the utility's customer service center.
If receive an email from a utility, urging to click on an embedded link or attachment to resolve a utility issue or pay a bill, think before clicking. It's likely a scam.
If a utility worker shows up at a home or place of business, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call the utility's customer service center.
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KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY WILL DISTRIBUTE FREE FOOD next Tuesday, Nov. 24 in the upper parking lot of the Kahuku County Park, in Ocean View on Paradise Circle. The time is from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Organizer Allan Humble of Kaʻū Food Pantry said he thanks Food Basket of Kona for sponsoring food.
KAʻŪ FOOD PANTRY WILL DISTRIBUTE FREE FOOD next Tuesday, Nov. 24 in the upper parking lot of the Kahuku County Park, in Ocean View on Paradise Circle. The time is from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Organizer Allan Humble of Kaʻū Food Pantry said he thanks Food Basket of Kona for sponsoring food.
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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| The Farmer's Market at Cooper Center in Volcano cannot process EBT for the foreseeable future. Photo pre-pandemic. Photo by Julia Neal |
COOPER CENTER'S EBT MACHINE, used at the Farmer's Market, is out of service until further notice. EBT is used for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly Food Stamps.
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COASTAL RESILIENCE PROJECTS in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa will be funded by more than $2 million in federal grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced the grants, issued by the 2020 National Coastal Resilience Fund.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received $337,037 to create a living shoreline project in American Samoa that will protect critical infrastructure, improve water quality by increasing filtration, and enhance biodiversity. Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife received $1,861,422 to build community resiliency by restoring native ecosystems and constructing strategic firebreaks on Molokaʻi. Hanalei Watershed Hui received $250,000 to address flooding in Hanalei Basin and to begin designing mitigation strategies on Kauai.
COASTAL RESILIENCE PROJECTS in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa will be funded by more than $2 million in federal grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced the grants, issued by the 2020 National Coastal Resilience Fund.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received $337,037 to create a living shoreline project in American Samoa that will protect critical infrastructure, improve water quality by increasing filtration, and enhance biodiversity. Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife received $1,861,422 to build community resiliency by restoring native ecosystems and constructing strategic firebreaks on Molokaʻi. Hanalei Watershed Hui received $250,000 to address flooding in Hanalei Basin and to begin designing mitigation strategies on Kauai.
Said Hirono, "Island communities in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region continue to experience more frequent and extreme weather events due to climate change. Investments in natural infrastructure are critical in helping to mitigate adverse impacts from climate change. This funding will contribute to increased resiliency across the islands by helping communities protect our eroding shorelines, conserve our coastal and marine ecosystems, mitigate wildfires, and preserve our biodiversity."
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HAWAIʻI HAS THE LOWEST COVID RATE IN THE U.S. and the second-lowest death rate.
Hawaiʻi Island reports 12 new COVID cases today. There are ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 9 new cases per day over the last 14 days.
New cases reported statewide today total 107, with 75 on Oʻahu, nine on Maui, four on Kauaʻi, and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 223 people have died in the state, according to state records, none reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,841 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,506 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,499, Maui 463, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 86. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 164. Statewide, 1,228 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip code 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, and zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 80 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 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.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 11,689,545 – about 20.5 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 252,290 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 56.75 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,357,641.
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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 ten people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus. Hawaiʻi Island reports an average of 9 new cases per day over the last 14 days.
New cases reported statewide today total 107, with 75 on Oʻahu, nine on Maui, four on Kauaʻi, and seven residents diagnosed out-of-state.
Since the pandemic began, 49 deaths have been reported on Hawaiʻi Island. At least 223 people have died in the state, according to state records, none reported today.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 16,841 total COVID cases in the state. Oʻahu has reported 14,506 total cases, Hawaiʻi 1,499, Maui 463, Lanaʻi 106, Molokaʻi 17, and Kauaʻi 86. Residents diagnosed while out-of-state, 164. Statewide, 1,228 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases have been reported in the last 14 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip code 96777. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, and zip code 96772, which includes Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, and Discovery Harbour.
In the last 14 days, 15 cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737, 20 in Hilo zip code 96720, 80 in Kona zip code 96740, and 12 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.
COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 11,689,545 – about 20.5 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 252,290 – about 18.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 56.75 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,357,641.
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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
Free Drive-Thru COVID Testing, no co-pay and no insurance necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. People do not have to have symptoms in order to be tested. Face coverings and social distancing required at all times. Call Civil Defense at 935-0031 for more. Testing locations are Friday, Nov. 20, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon; Saturday, Nov. 21, West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Hilo Civic Auditorium, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Monday, Nov. 23, Keauhou Shopping Center, 9 a.m. to noon.
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
Virtual ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest through Saturday, Nov. 21. ʻŌhiʻa lovers of all ages will be treated to a fun-filled and educational week of workshops, videos, arts, crafts and cultural sharing. All activities are free, but some require advance registration. Included in the week's activities will be information about how ROD spreads and the actions needed to protect remaining healthy ʻōhiʻa. See UH-CTAHR's website.
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
Get Books Into the Hands of Keiki at the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Virtual Book Fair, through Nov. 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.
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.
Apply or Donate to Full Calabash Fund to support vulnerable Hawaiʻi families and food producers impacted by the pandemic through The Kohala Center. Organizations and foundations can donate to the Full Calabash Fund through Dec. 31 by contacting Nicole Milne, The Kohala Center's vice president of food and agriculture initiatives, at (808) 987-9210 or nmilne@kohalacenter.org. Nonprofit organizations and meal preparation services can apply for grants through Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. online at koha.la/calabash or by calling 808-887-6411.
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.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Event Saturday, Dec. 19. Group size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
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.
Purchase Stay Home, Cook Rice – A Pandemic Limited Edition cookbook by Hawaiian Electric employees and retirees, their families and friends. Cookbook is $14 and includes more than 160 recipes. Benefits Hawaiʻi Island's United Way chapter partners, which includes Boys & Girls Club Big Island. Find order form at hawaiianelectric.com/
unitedwaycookbook, call 543-4601 on weekdays from 8 a.m to 3 p.m., or email karen.garcia@hawaiianelectric.com. Cookbooks can only be mailed within the U.S. USPS Priority Mail rates will be applied. Delays may be due to the pandemic.
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.
Watch Hawaiʻi's 28th Annual Filipino Fiesta and 8th Flores de Mayo virtual celebration here, hosted by the Filipino Community Center, at filcom.org/center/hawaiis-annual-filipino-fiesta.
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.