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Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Kaʻū keiki under the tutelage of Kumu Hula Debbie Ryder performed at the Merrie Monarch Festival last year.
 The world's largest hula festival hangs in the balance, as COVID-19 fears continue to influence cancellations of
events, around the globe. Photo by David Berry
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC across the planet is leading to cancellations of conferences, festivals, and other gatherings involving Hawaiʻi residents traveling to the mainland and out of state people coming here.
     Today, Mayor Harry Kim took up the question of cancelling the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world's top hula festival, held in Hilo each year. Mayor asked the County Council that he met with organizers to talk about the possibility of calling it off. The mayor told the council, "If we make it, can we make it with acceptable risk?" He said the decision has to be made soon. Organizers of Merrie Monarch - which includes a parade, ceremonies, cultural demonstrations, craft sales, hula performances and competitions across many venues in Hilo - said they plan to go forward unless told to cancel the week of events, April 12-18.
     Cancellations due to COVID-19 include a half marathon and a meeting of wildfire management organizations from Hawaiʻi and the mainland, which was scheduled for Maui. Justin John Moniz, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Performing Arts Festival, said travel restrictions imposed by Stanford University will prevent its Fleet Street male a cappella vocal group from traveling to Hawaiʻi Island to perform.
     Possible cancellations include sporting events at University of Hawaiʻi, public running events, a convention of 20,000 Rotarians, and the First Hawaiian Auto Show. One event not cancelled is the Pacific Risk Management Conference, ongoing on Oʻahu, after organizers encouraged anyone with illness to keep away.
     Traveling outside the state is restricted by some institutions. The state Department of Education announced today that, as of Thursday, March 12, all school and DOE-related travel to the U.S. mainland and international destinations is cancelled, through the end of the 2019-20 school year. Private and public schools, colleges, and universities made plans for the possibility of distance learning.
     A group of 200 Hawaiʻi high school students paid thousands of dollars each to go to Washington D.C. this week to participate in the Student Television Network Convention. It was canceled today, after they arrived.

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COMMUNITY SPREAD OF COVID-19 remains unconfirmed, according to updates from the state Department of Health and Civil Defense today. The only two confirmed COVID-19 victims in Hawaiʻi – both on Oʻahu under quarantine – are believed to have contracted disease while traveling abroad. A new case on the mainland involves a woman who recently traveled to Hawaiʻi and was diagnosed when she returned home to Hamilton, Canada. According to Canadian Broadcasting Company, she left Hawaiʻi last Saturday, March 7, was tested Monday, received a positive result yesterday, and is in self-isolation. CBC did not report where in Hawaiʻi she visited.
     The state Department of Health announced it will receive $4.5 million in federal funding to support testing for COVID-19 and tracking possible victims of the virus.
     Mayor Harry Kim announced a COVID-19 county task for today. Chaired by Deputy Fir Chief Lance Uchida, it will include representatives of the Mayor's Office, county Department of Civil Defense, state Department of Health, and Hilo Medical Center, the sister to Kaʻū Hospital. The group will focus on kūpuna, keiki, educational institutions, businesses, homeless, civic groups and churches, public safety personnel, and large gatherings.

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THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DECLARED A COVID-19 PANDEMIC today, the first  since the H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said he is "deeply concerned, both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction" by world leaders. The U.S. reports at least 1,000 cases, with at least 29 deaths, in 38 U.S. states and D.C. There are more than 115,000 cases globally, with at least 4,200 deaths, in more than 114 countries.
     Yesterday, Kaʻū's Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard said "red tape" around COVID-19 should be eliminated with testing widely available for those with and without health insurance. She called for an emergency federal aid package to protect small business jobs and to provide paid sick leave. She said it will cost money, but "save countless lives and it will also help our economy by slowing the spread of this virus."
     Donald Trump made the second Oval Office speech of his presidency today and banned travel to the U.S. from all European countries except Great Britain, staring midnight Friday, for 30 days or until the spread of COVID-19 lessens. "These restrictions will be adjusted subject to conditions on the ground. There will be exemptions for Americans who have undergone appropriate screenings, and these prohibitions will not only apply to the tremendous amount of trade and cargo, but various other things as we get approval. Anything coming from Europe to the United States is what we are discussing," said Trump.
     He also promised "financial relief" to "workers who are ill, quarantined or caring for others due to coronavirus." He called on the Small Business Administration to make "economic loans in effected states and territories. These low interest loans will help small businesses overcome temporary economic disruptions caused by the virus." He said he will ask Congress for some $50 billion.
     In regards to COVID-19 testing, Trump said, "I met with the leaders of health insurance industry who have agreed to waive all copayments for coronavirus treatments, extend insurance coverage to these treatments, and to prevent surprise medical billing. We are cutting massive amounts of red tape to make antiviral therapies available in record time. These treatments will significantly reduce the impact and reach of the virus."
     Sen. Brian Schatz responded: "The lack of testing should be a career ending mistake. I've never seen Dow futures plummet like that when a President speaks. People need testing, social distancing, beds, respirators, good advice, food, paid leave, oxygen tanks, and scientific integrity, not a payroll tax cut."
     Sen. Mazie Hirono said: "The coronavirus is already in the United States. Mr. President, where are the test kits? Still no straight talk from @realDonaldTrump. Auwe!"
      A recent WHO report that draws on more than 70,000 cases in China states that signs of the virus are fever in 88 percent of cases; dry cough, 68 percent; fatigue, 38 percent; sputum/phlegm production, 33 percent; shortness of breath, 20 percent; and 13 percent had a sore throat or headache.

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TULSI GABBARD RETAINS TWO DELEGATES FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL RACE, with candidates Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden earning many more yesterday, during voting in Idaho, Michigain, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, and Washington state. Biden has 864 delegates, Sanders710. Sanders and Biden canceled rallies in Ohio yesterday due to novel coronavirus transmission fears. They debate in Phoenix, AZ, on Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Hawaiʻi time on CNN-Univision. There will be no audience due to COVID-19 fears. The debate takes place in advance of the Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio vote on Tuesday, March 17, with 577 delegates at stake. Hawaiʻi casts its vote, to distribute 24 delegates, on Saturday, April 4. 

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VSAS ENROLLMENT LOTTERY DEADLINE is Friday, March 13. Families looking to enroll their children in the Volcano School of Arts and Sciences PreKindergarten through grade 10 campus program need to turn in their Enrollment Forms by this Friday in order to be entered into the lottery for classroom openings. Contact Kaye, 985-9800, volcanoschool.net.

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TESTIMONY FOR THE FOOD HUB PILOT PROGRAM is due at the Hawaiʻi Legislature Thursday and goes to hearing Friday. Co-sponsored by east Kaʻū's Sen. Russell Ruderman, Senate Bill 2272 SD2 would establish a five-year food hub pilot program to increase access to local food. It calls for grants to qualified applicants wishing to establish or expand a food hub. To submit testimony online by Thursday, March 10 at 9:45 a.m., login to capitol.hawaii.gov before clicking the Support button for SB2272SD2. The hearing is Friday, March 13 at 9:45 a.m.
     Companion House Bill 1892 was co-sponsored by Kaʻū's Representatives Richard Creagan and Richard Onishi.

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HOW TO MAKE WISE PLANT CHOICES in Hawaiʻi will be the subject of a free class on Thursday, March 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus. The announcement from VAC about Taking Care of Hawaiʻi asks "What can we do to help restore some level of environmental integrity" to Hawaiʻi? "What we choose to plant in our own backyard has tremendous implications on the future of Hawaiʻi."
     The class, given by Jaya Dupuis, will teach attendees the distinction between native, Polynesean-introduced, and invasive species of plants. See hawaiienvironmentalrestoration.org for more.
     This evening is part of a once-a-month Thursday night series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture, and environment. The series is intended to inspire, enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections. A $5 donation is appreciated.

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KAʻŪ TROJANS BOYS VOLLEYBALL team hosted Makua Lani Christian Academy's Varsity team yesterday. The Trojans fought hard but the Lions prevailed, winning all three sets, 25-12, 25-7, and 25-13.

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TROJANS TRAVELED TO KEALAKEKUA today for a Girls Softball game against the Wildcats. The game was called at the bottom of the 5th by umpires, with 1 out to go. Final score: Kaʻū 9, Konawaena 11.

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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
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
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
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
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.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17
St. Patrick's Day Buffet, Tuesday, March 17, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, located in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. $24.95 Adults, $13.95 children 6 to11 years old. In-house guests & military ID holders, 20% discoun. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8356

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
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.

Sign Up to Be a Vendor at the Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar by Wednesday, March 18. Event is Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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.

S.T.E.M. Family Night be held at Kaʻū District Gym Multipurpose Room on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Deadline to register at bit.ly/2Trk8N8 is Wednesday, March 18. For students in Kindergarten through 6th grade and their families, this event will allow exploration of science, technology, engineering and math in an interactive and engaging environment. A light dinner and refreshments will be served. Contact Jen Makuakane at 808-313-4100 for more.

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.

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