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Monday, March 09, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, March 9, 2020

Testimony for GoFarm Hawaiʻi is due at the state legislature on Tuesday. See more below.
Photo from Hawaiʻi Public Radio
COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI PLANS TO FLOAT $103 MILLION IN BONDS FOR SEWER LINES, SOLID WASTE FACILITIES, AND ROADS. The council Finance Committee will review Bill 145 Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Hilo council chambers. Kaʻū residents are invited to testify remotely at the Nāʻālehu state office building.
     Funds for the projects would also come from .5 percent of the state General Excise Tax that is pegged for Hawaiʻi County through the year 2030, explained County Council Chairman Aaron Chung.
     County Finance Director Deanna Sako said bonds are generally issued for 20 years, but issuing ten-year bonds and seeking funding from other funding sources are possible, particularly should the legislature refrain from extending the half-cent General Excise Tax surcharge that goes to Hawaiʻi County.
     Even without Bill 145, the county's debt service – principal and interest payments on loans – is projected to increase to 12.9 percent, nearing the 15 percent ceiling recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association, for the fiscal year that starts July 1. That would bring county debt service to $59.5 million in the upcoming year's $625.9 million budget. Most of the increase is attributed to new sewer and solid waste projects.
     Mayor Harry Kim's county capital improvement budget calls for 37 projects costing $175.7 million over the next five years.

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ALL PHYSICIANS IN HAWAIʻI WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE COVID-19 TESTING beginning Tuesday, according to a report on Hawaiʻi News Now today. The testing over the next two weeks would be conducted by swabbing nasal and throat areas, then sending the samples to Clinical Labs and onto Texas, with results available in three days.
Rep. Richard Onishi is on a Committee
on Economic and Financial Preparedness
for COVID-19
     Premiere Medical Group President, Dr. Scott Miscovich, made the announcement, saying the testing service will give the state time to gear up for more widespread testing.
     Hawaiʻi has two cases of COVID-19, both from people exposed out-of-state, one of them a passenger on a Grand Princess voyage. There are at least 650 cases in the U.S., in at least 34 states, with at least 26 people killed by the virus. Worldwide, there have been more than 112,000 cases, more than 58,000 recoveries, and more than 3,900 deaths.

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EAST KAʻŪ REP. RICHARD ONISHI IS ON THE THE COVID-19 Select Committee on Economic and Financial Preparedness. Speaker of the House Scott Saiki made the announcement today, naming the committee for the state House of Representatives. Members will begin meeting on Thursday. In addition to legislators, the committee includes leaders in the businesses of lodging, food and beverage, travel, economics, labor, shipping and construction, as well as Chambers of Commerce. Onishi chairs the House Committee on Tourism & International Affairs.

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Sen. Brian Schatz proposed that Disaster Unemployment Assistance
cover workers who have to stay off work because of COVID-19
PROVIDING DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS is the focus of legislation promised by Sen. Brian Schatz. He said he is concerned about people who will lose their income if they can't go to work. "It is vital to public health that people who feel sick are able to stay home without losing their job or
going broke."
     Schatz said being quarantined might not be a problem for the "uber wealthy" who can work from home. He said many people can not afford to take off work during a 14 day quarantine. Some would lose their health insurance, and many can't afford the copay on the insurance they have. Many have no health insurance at all. If this were a hurricane or a flood, impacted workers would be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. The same should be true for coronavirus and I’m working to fix that. Will introduce a bill on this," this week, he said.

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THE NEXT GRAND PRINCESS CRUISE TO HAWAIʻI HAS BEEN CANCELLED. The ship would have left San Francisco, March 7 and would have stopped at Hilo. With the ship held up in San Francisco Bay for novel coronavirus testing, Princess Cruise Lines issued a statement saying that passengers booked for the March 7 departure "will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, Princess Air, Princess Cruise Plus pre- and post-cruise hotel packages, prepaid shore excursions and other prepaid items purchased through Princess. Unexpected expenses, such as air change fees, reimbursement of reasonable non-refundable out-of-pocket expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Guests will also receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 100 percent of the cruise fare paid on this voyage."
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TESTIMONY FOR THE GOFARM HAWAIʻI PROGRAM is due at the Hawaiʻi Legislature Tuesday and goes to hearing Wednesday.  Senate Bill 2723 SD1 for the  GoFarm Hawaiʻi program would support Hawaiʻi organizations and groups seeking to train the next generation of local food producers, sustained growth of Hawaiʻi ag industry, and long term use and protection of agricultural lands for agricultural use.
     To submit testimony online by Tuesday, March 10 at 9 a.m., login to capitol.hawaii.gov before clicking the Support button for SB2723 SD1. The hearing is Wednesday, March 11 at 9 a.m.

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FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS are asked to fill out a survey: Needs Assessment for Agricultural Economics, Finance, and Business in Hawaiʻi 2020. The survey is designed by University of Hawaiʻi – College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource Extension Agents, Sarah Rehkamp, who specializes in  agricultural economics, and Shannon Sand, who specializes in agricultural finance and business.
     The survey is designed to help the agents "gain a better understanding of needs related to Hawaiʻi's food and agricultural system as well as your needs as a part of that system." The information will be used to develop programs statewide.
     Deadline to complete the survey is Wednesday, March 18, at surveymonkey.com/r/MD9TYFK. The survey should take less than ten minutes to complete. Contact Rehkamp at 808-969-8221 or srehkamp@hawaii.edu, or Sand at 808-969-8217 or srsand@hawaii.edu.

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REUNITING KOREAN FAMILIES is the goal of legislation introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). Senate Bill 3395, the bipartisan Korean War Divided Families Reunification Act, would direct the U.S. Secretary of State to prioritize helping divided Korean American families reunite with family members in North Korea.
Sen. Mazie Hirono is pushing for more reunifications between North
Korean and American Korean families divided by war.
Photo from Voice of America
     Since the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, there has been little to no contact between Korean Americans and family members who remain in North Korea. Since 1985, North and South Korea have held twenty face-to-face reunions and multiple video link reunions, allowing more than 22,000 Koreans to briefly reunite with loved ones. The last reunion took place in August 2018. This legislation aims to include Korean Americans in future reunions.
     Hirono said the bill "is an urgent moral imperative… The reality is, most divided family members are in their 80s and 90s, so we must act swiftly."
     Wonseok Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Grassroots Conference, the largest nationwide network of Korean American voters, said, "It has been over 70 years since the last time Korean Americans were able to contact, let alone meet, their family members left behind in North Korea. It is long overdue that a humanitarian measure with a concrete plan like a family reunion is prioritized in our policy toward the Korean peninsula." He said this bill is the first "to propose a substantial action plan."
     Paul Lee, President of Divided Families USA, a partner organization of KAGC, said, "This is a historic step forward in healing the scars from the Korean War and prioritizing the universal human right of family reunion. These elderly Americans of Korean descent are a direct human link between the United States and North Korea that deserve closure before it is too late."
     Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives.

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PARENTS AS PARTNERS, a Choose Aloha Parent Night event, will be held at Friday, March 13 at Kaʻū District Gym - Multi-Purpose Room from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Register by Wednesday, March 11 at http://bit.ly/3cfvf4m. Special guest speaker is Dawn O'Brien.

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BIG ISLAND GIVING TREE will be back at St. Jude's on Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to noon, with "lots of goodies," clothing, shoes, linens, household items – lots of children's clothing, mostly for girls – and dog and cat food provided by the Hawaiʻi Island Humane Society. Toiletries and cleaning products will be provided in April.
     Giving Tree is a 501c3 non-profit run by volunteers who show up during the free shower and meal times at the church every third Saturday of the month. The group accepts cash, checks, and clean items. Checks sent to the main office should include a note that money is for Kaʻū.
     Volunteers will pick up donations in the days leading up to the third Saturday of the month. They will also pick fresh fruit. Contact TheBigIslandGivingTree@gmail.com, or call Rhonda Bell, 808-880-1984 or Nancy Carr Smith, 808-896-2239.
     St. Jude's lower parking lot driveway was resurfaced with cement on Feb. 6, fixing the pot holes. There are plans to resurface the rest of the parking lot in the future.

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Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is free to 6,250 mailboxes 
throughout Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano, and free on 
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com
See daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more at kaucalendar.com.

Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball
Wednesday, March 11, 3 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m., host Kealakehe
Tuesday, March 17, 3 p.m., host Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Boys Baseball
Tuesday, March 10, 1 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 14, 1 p.m., host Kealakehe
Wednesday, March 18, 3 p.m., @Pāhoa
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m., host Makualani
Friday, March 13, 6 p.m., host Konawaena
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Judo
Saturday, March 14, 10:30 a.m., @Hilo
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Track
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea

UPCOMING
TUESDAY, MARCH 10
Paper Plate Rainbow Craft Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 10. Program Wednesday, March 11, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

Legacy of Magic in Hawai‘i, Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Some of the world's most famous touring magicians traveled the world by steamship and performed in Hawai‘i. Some made Hawai‘i their home, and their legacy lives on today in local talented magicians, slight-of-hand artist,s and other performers. Join local award-winning magicians Bruce and Jennifer Meyers for an evening of history, mystery, and magic. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

Spring Flower Wreath Craft Registration, open Wednesday, March 11 to 18. Program Friday, March 20, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kahuku Park in HOVE. Ages 6 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

Lomilomi Demonstration, Wednesday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. Lomilomi is a style of massage that incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means to love, unify and breathe. Michelle Wall-O'Conner demonstrates the important spiritual components of lomilomi to promote personal harmony. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. nps.gov/havo

Family Reading Night, Wednesday, March 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nāʻālehu School Cafeteria. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12
Family Reading Night, Thursday, March 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ocean View Community Center. Family reading, make & take activities, snacks provided. Free.

Caring for Hawai‘i: How to Make Wise Plant Choices, Thursday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Jaya Dupuis teaches distinctions between native, Polynesian-introduced, and invasive plant species. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

FRIDAY, MARCH 13
CANCELLED: Community Dance, Friday, March 13, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Cooper Center, Volcano Village. Minors allowed with supervision only. Alcohol-free event. Variety of music. Snacks provided; additional pūpū welcome. Free. thecoopercenter.org, 967-7800

Deadline to Enter the 2020 Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest, held by Dept. of Water Supply, is Friday, March 13. "Conserve to Preserve" is the theme contest, open to all Hawaiʻi Island schoolchildren enrolled in kindergarten through the fifth grade. Free entry. Submit original artwork by keiki on flat, 11 by 17 inch paper. No computer graphics or photographs; any medium may be used, except three-dimensional renderings, chalk, charcoal, and oil-based crayon. Each submission must be accompanied by a completed entry form available online at hawaiidws.org, via email by contacting dws@hawaiidws.org, or by calling DWS at 961-8050. Entries may be mailed to or dropped off at DWS offices in Kaʻū, at 95-6041 Māmalahoa Hwy in Waiʻōhinu, and in Hilo, Kona, and Waimea. Additional contest rules are listed on the entry form and the DWS website. DWS 2020 Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest flyer/entry form.

LEGO Robots Migrant Education Program, March 16 through 20, 8 a.m. to noon, for keiki in grades 3 through 8, at Pāhala Elementary. Registration deadline is Friday, March 13. The program is free. Held during Spring Break, the Lego Education WeDo 2.0 program offers to "engage and motivate elementary school students' interest in learning science- and engineering-related subjects." The program used motorized LEGO models and simple programming. Register online at bit.ly/2VaaPUi or khpes.org. Pick up a registration form in the school's main office. Call 808-313-4100 for more.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Stewardship at the Summit, March 14, Saturday, and Friday, March 20 and 27, 8:45 a.m. Meet project leaders Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Volunteer to help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants. Bring a hat, rain gear, day pack, snacks and water. Gloves and tools are provided. Under 18? Parental or guardian accompaniment or written consent is required. Additional planning details at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.

Kaʻū Plantation Days, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nāʻālehu Community Center. Organized by Kaʻū Multicultural Society. Marlene Hapai, 808-557-4540

Pastel On-Site Landscape Painting Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson, Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Zentangle: Enso Circle Techniques with Lois & Earl Stokes, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

Second Saturday in Volcano Village, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monthly event showcases business throughout the village. Volcano Garden Arts will hold self guided "Secret Garden" tours of its famous gardens, with 10% off in the art gallery, which showcases the works of many local artists. Special menu selections will be featured at Café ʻOno, serving lunch daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Mondays. experiencevolcano.comvolcanogardenarts.comcafeono.net, 808-985-8979

Miranda's Grand Opening of New Kaʻū Coffee Store, Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the mauka side of Hwy 11 between South Point Road and the Kahuku Section of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event will feature music and hula, ribbon cutting, tacos, tamales, Miranda Kaʻū Coffee, and cake. mirandasfarms.com

MONDAY, MARCH 16
Spring Break, Monday through Friday, March 16 thorough 20.

Fix-A-Leak Week will be held March 16 through 22. Pick up free leak detection tablets, one pack per household, at the county Department of Water Supply base in Waiʻōhinu, 95-6041 Māmalahoa Hwy. Additional detection and water conservation tips are available at epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week and hawaiidws.org.

OKK Farmers Market in Nāʻālehu, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the future Nāʻālehu Senior Housing Site. Contact Sue Barnett for vending, 808-345-9374.

Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 16 and 23, 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council, 95-5635 Māmalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi offers sliding-fee payment scale sessions with experienced Licensed Massage Therapist and lomilomi practitioner Lehua Hobbs. "Improve circulation, alleviate muscle pain, and improve your overall well-being." Call for appointment, 808-969-9220.

ONGOING
Kaʻū Art Gallery is looking for local artists. Call 808-937-1840

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. The annual event will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The church is located on the corner of Mamalahoa HwyKamaoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu.
     Individuals, schools, clubs, and sports/athletic groups are invited to be vendors at the "flea market" that will be located on the church lawn. The charge for a 10' X 10' space is $10. Vendors are responsible for bringing their own tent, table and chairs, and if power is needed, generator. Vendors can sell anything except hot foods or plate lunches.  
     Vendors must fill out and submit a Vendor Application with the $10 fee by Wednesday, March 18. Call Debbie Wong Yuen at 928-8039 for the application.
     The Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts.
     For more information, call 928-8039.

Sign Up Keiki for the Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, to be held Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Open to young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 to share their talents by selling handmade items and services. One application may be submitted for each business. Children can sign up for booth space at no charge. Children working as a group submit one application that includes each child's information; no more than three children per business.
     Kaʻū Children's Business Fair guidelines are designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. Parents of younger children (under eight years old) may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales. Parents may aid a child, but the child runs the business.
    Learn more about participating at childrensbusinessfair.org/pahala. Visit Kaʻū Children's Business Fair's Facebook event page facebook.com/KAUCBF/. RSVP to the event at facebook.com/events/925342784527676/. Text KAUKIDSFAIR to 31996 for updates and information (message and data fees may apply).

Check Out Nāʻālehu Elementary Student Artwork from the 32nd Annual Young At Art Juried Exhibit through Friday, March 27 at the East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center in downtown Hilo. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Register for Ocean View Classic Car & Bike Show, Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners of classic cars and bikes are encouraged to register early, as space is limited.
     This second annual event, a fundraiser for Ocean View Community Association, will also feature food and live music, and prizes for the most impressive cars and bikes.
     Contact organizers Dennis Custard at 831-234-7143 or Ron Gall at 808-217-7982 to register or for more info.

Prince Kuhio Hoʻolauleʻa will be held Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nāʻālehu County Park. Reborn after a 20-year hiatus through the efforts of local non-profit Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū, the event will feature Hawaiian music and cultural demos, hula, crafts, food, and more. The drug- and alcohol-free event will offer entertainment with live entertainment from Gene Akamu and G2G, Uncle Sonny & Bro Tui, Braddah Ben, Lori Lei's Hula Studio, and more. Local personality Kurt Dela Cruz will emcee, and several lucky number prizes will be announced throughout the day.
     Hawaiian culture demos and activities, showcasing cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area, include lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, waʻa kaulua (double-hull canoe) tours, kākau (tattoo) artistry, ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamps), traditional Hawaiian games, and more.
     Travel through time by walking through a photo exhibit showcasing the history of Kaʻū, set-up within the Nāʻālehu Community Center. Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū representatives said they intend this to be like a visit to a mini version of their proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, which has been their goal for the last 20 years. Visit Hana Laulima's booth at the hoʻolauleʻa to learn more about the revival of the Cultural Center project and membership.
     Choose from a variety of ono food including shave ice, korean chicken, roast pork plates, chili bowls, Kaʻū coffee, Big Island Candies Crunch Bars, and more. Local entrepreneurs will have pop-up shops displaying wares such as Hawaiian arts and crafts, jewelry, shirts, and hats.
     Learn more about Junior Rangers, and natural resource management, with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park rangers; ways to help free the coast of marine debris with Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund; staying healthy with state Dept. of Health; native Hawaiian healthcare with Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi; ʻōpeʻapeʻa monitoring with Friends of the Kaʻū Bats; and more.
     The organization's new logo, symbolizing its rejuvenation, was created by Kaʻū High graduate and local artist Kaweni Ibarra, who is also a Hana Laulima board member. Newly elected board members also include Lisa Derasin, Kupuna Jessie Ke, president Terry-Lee Shibuya, vice-president Elizabeth Naholowaʻa Murph, secretary Nālani Parlin, and treasurer Kehaulani Ke. Membership is $10 per year. For more information about the hoʻolauleʻa, contact Terry Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.
     Hana Laulima Lāhui O Kaʻū promises that the Prince Kuhio Day Hoʻolauleʻa will continue as an annual event.

Mixed Flock Volcano Art Center Exhibit, daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Features prints by Margaret Barnaby and pottery by Emily Herb. Glazing techniques demo Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

AdvoCATS, Saturday, April 25, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Ocean View Community Center. Free spay/neuter for cats. Reserve spot in advance. 895-9283, advocatshawaii.org

Sign Up to Vend at the New ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Nāʻālehu Farmers Market, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the site of the old Fruit Stand, mauka of Hwy 11 in Nāʻālehu. Vending focuses on Kaʻū products, including mushrooms from the new farm in Nāʻālehu, fresh breads, vegetables, fruits, and other products. The market may offer music in the future, and there are plans to acquire picnic tables for market goers. Call Manager Sue Barnett at 345-9374 to sign up.

Register for Volcano's ʻŌhiʻa Lehua Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Keiki Dash by Wednesday, July 22. The second annual event will be held on Saturday, July 25. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to University of Hawaiʻi for furthering research of Rapid ‘Ōhiʻa Death and The Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. See webscorer.com to register.
     Half Marathon registration is $70 through May 24, $80 May 25 through July 22, and $90 for late registration. Registration for the 10K is $50 through May 24, $55 May 25 through Jul 22, and $60 for late registration. Registration for the 5K is $35 through May 24, $40 May 25 through July 22, and $45 for late registration. Keiki Dash registration is $10. All registrations are non-transferable and non-refundable.
     Late registration is only available at packet pickup or race day morning. Shirts are not guaranteed for late registration.  Race Shirts will be included for Half Marathon and 10K participants only. For all other participants, shirts are available to purchase online.
     Packet pick-up is scheduled for Thursday, July 23 in Hilo; Friday, July 26 in Volcano; and Saturday, July 27, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the race start.
     Half Marathon will start at 7 a.m. Other distances follow shortly after. Keiki Dash will begin at 10 a.m. on VSAS grounds, with the option of one or two laps – about 300 meters or 600 meters. Race cut-off time for the Half Marathon is four hours. The races will begin and end in Volcano Village at VSAS.
     See ohialehuahalf.com.

Cultural Understanding Through Art & the Environment, features classes on block printing, lauhala weaving, ti leaf lei making, and more. A free guided Cultural Forest Tour, and a Mele and Hula ‘Auana performance are also slated. Visit the website events calendar for the full lineup. volcanoartcenter.org

Tūtū & Me Home Visiting Program is a free service to Pāhala families with keiki, birth to five years old. This caregiver support program offers those taking care of young keiki "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources" from Tūtū & Me Traveling Preschool. Home visits are one hour in length, two to four times per month, for 12 to 15 visits. Snacks are provided. See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.