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Friday, March 20, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, March 20, 2020

This group hauled more than two tons of debris off a Kaʻū beach in one weekend. Beach cleanups have been
postponed due to the COVID-19 threat. See more below. Photo from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
PUNALUʻU, KĀWĀ, HONUʻAPO, WHITTINGTON, AND MILOLIʻI BEACH close Saturday, March 21 until further notice. Mayor Harry Kim made the announcement late Friday. Camping and pavilion permits are cancelled at all county beach parks and county owned coastal lands are off limits, as the county takes another step in staving off the threat of COVID-19 spreading on this island. County coastal lands are closed to all access and uses. For more information, call the county Department of Parks & Recreation at 961-8311.

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HEALTHY OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN OPEN IN HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, including all previously open trails and overlooks. All entrance fees, including commercial tour fees, are temporarily suspended until further notice.
     The Kahuku Unit is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Most of the backcountry is open for hiking and camping. Backcountry permits are processed by phone, 808-985-6178. Retrieve the permit in person through a slot in the Backcountry Office door.
     Commercial tours in the Park are limited to ten people or less and guides must enforce social distancing procedures.
     Visit the park website for the latest information, nps.gov/hawaiivolcanoes.
     Although a community talk-story event scheduled for Thursday, March 19 to discuss potential future uses of Kīlauea volcano's Great Crack area was postponed, the public is encouraged to submit comments via email to havo_planning@nps.gov, or in writing to Superintendent, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718.
Backcountry hiking and camping are open at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. This spot is at Halape.
Photo by Jacob W. Frank
     A statement from the Park says, "The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus  situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels."
     NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases "by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick."
Retrieve permits for backcountry hiking in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National
Park through the slot in the Back Country Office door, shown on the
map above. Map from HVNP
     For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, "we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness."
     Updates about NPS operations will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus.

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VOLCANO HOUSE HOTEL, THE RIM RESTAURANT, AND UNCLE GEORGE'S LOUNGE are shuttered, according to the National Park Service, which owns the historic building that is leased to a concessioner. Also closed is Nāmakanipaio Campground.
     Kīlauea Military Camp and its accommodations, also located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, remain open with reduced services for authorized patrons, including take-out food at its Crater Rim Café and retail at its store. Its Lava Lounge bar and bowling alley are closed, its luʻau cancelled. Events at Kīlauea Theatre on the grounds of KMC are postponed. Check the KMC website for details.
     Within the Park, all events and guided programs, including hikes, walks and talks, are canceled.
Kīlauea Visitor Center and the outdoor lānai are closed, but restrooms are open. The Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association store is closed; online shopping is open. Mauna Loa Summit Cabin and Red Hill Cabin are closed. Volcano Art Center Gallery is closed.

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POSTPONED IS THE PRINCE KUHIO DAY HOʻOLAULEʻA, scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at Nāʻālehu County Park. Terry Lee Shibuya, president of the sponsoring group Hana Laulima Lahui O Kaʻū, made the announcement today. "The Hoʻolauleʻa will be postponed due to concerns over COVID-19. Our main kuleana is to make sure everyone is safe and healthy. Mahalo to all of our partners and participants. We will keep everyone informed when we are able to set a new date. E malama pono kakou. Imua Kaʻū!"
     The event is the revival of an annual celebration last held in 2000. It is designed as a visit to a mini version of the non-profit's proposed Kaʻū Hawaiian Cultural Center, a goal for the last 20 years. Hawaiian culture demos and activities are planned, to showcase the cultural knowledge of Kaʻū people and those tied to the area. Also planned are Hawaiian music, hula, crafts, food, and more. The event is to be drug- and alcohol-free.
     For more information, contact Shibuya at 938-3681 or terrylshibuya@gmail.com; Trini Marques at 928-0606 or trinimarques@yahoo.com; or Kupuna Ke.

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HAWAIʻI WILDLIFE FUND is canceling all of its upcoming beach cleanings and other volunteers conservation activities. The community events included a Kamilo Beach Debris Survey #35 on Thursday.
     Here is the message: "Like many of you, our Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund team members have been following the global COVID-19 pandemic and keeping an eye out for CDC and Hawaiʻi Department of Health updates. While there are thankfully few confirmed cases in the state, we realize that people are contagious before they are symptomatic and for this reason and to protect our team, our volunteers, and our community, we've decided to cancel all of our scheduled in-person volunteer events for the next couple weeks through at least March 31st, 2020. Our Board and staff will re-evaluate this decision in late March and will be in touch as things develop. Please check out our website and social pages for weekly updates."
A group of volunteers removes one of many tangle of derelict nets from the shores of Kaʻū. HWF photo
     The following Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund events on Hawaiʻi Island have been cancelled and will be rescheduled asap: Thursday, March 19 - Kamilo Debris Survey #35; Saturday, March 21 - Kaʻū Community Cleanup; March 23 through 30 - Kaʻū Net (recovery) Patrols.
     Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund also put events on standby: Monday, April 6 - HWF mentors @ Mt. View Public Library (Visit #1); Friday, April 10 - Kaʻū Net (recovery) Patrol; Saturday, April 25 - 11th annual Manukā NARS Collaborative Cleanup; and  Monday, April 27 - HWF mentors @ Mt. View Public Library (Visit #2).
     Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund's message says, "In the meantime, we suggest that this may well be a good opportunity to get outside (away from crowds!) and enjoy our natural world. Take a walk along a beach or on a hiking trail, go for a surf or swim, and pick up any trash you find along the way. Sending much love and aloha and in the words of auntie Nadine, 'Wash yo hands - no touch your face! Shaka and no handshakes.'
     "Thinking positively, here are some silver linings in this crazy time: The global decline in travel may lead to a decrease in carbon emissions (think of the #fridaysforfuture movement): youtube.com/watch?v=fLfd4UpC3Fs. Our HWF education mentors will now have time to focus creating our virtual cleanup huakaʻi (fieldtrip) video, and other electronic conservation lessons and activities: wildhawaii.org/education.html."
     For more see Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.

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Breaching whales will have to show off for themselves, as the final Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary
Ocean Count of 2020 is cancelled for tomorrow. NOAA photo
THE LAST OF THREE 2020 HAWAIIAN HUMPBACK WHALE COUNTS IS CANCELLED. The volunteer event, sponsored by Hawaiian Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary Ocean Count, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, is called off due to coronavirus concern.
      Ocean Count promotes public awareness of humpback whales, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, and shore-based whale watching opportunities. Volunteer participants tally humpback whale sightings and document the animals' surface behavior during the survey, which provides a snapshot of humpback whales activity from the shorelines of Oʻahu, Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi islands.
     The counts normally take place three times during peak whale season: the last Saturdays in January, February, and March.
     Despite challenging sighting conditions, the count on Feb. 29, where volunteers collected data from 51 sites across all the main Hawaiian Islands, recorded 191 whale sightings during the 8:30-8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period in the day's count. Volunteers were also able to educate 647 members of the public who stopped by for more information during the count. The count in January 550 volunteers collected data from 53 sites across all the main Hawaiian Islands. A total of 279 whale sightings were seen during the 8:30-8:45 a.m. time period, the most of any time period throughout the day's count.
     The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, administered by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and the State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources, protects thousands of humpback whales and their habitat in Hawaiian waters, where they migrate each winter to mate, calve, and nurse their young. An "abundance" of humpback cows and their calves have been spotted this season, according to the sanctuary.
Humpback cows' newborn calves are especially vulnerable to human craft collisions. NOAA photo
     There have also been at least nine instances of vessel/whale collisions reported since December within the sanctuary and nearby waters. Ocean users are asked to use caution when navigating shared waters. Humpback whale season in Hawai‛i generally runs from November through May, although whales may be encountered in limited numbers during other months. According to the sanctuary, most of the whales reported with injuries this season are young, including calves and sub-adults.
     Boaters are reminded to post a lookout at all times when moving through the water, not just during humpback season. Humpback whales are protected in Hawaiʻi. Federal regulations prohibit approaching within 100 yards of whales when on the water, and 1,000 feet when operating an aircraft. These and other regulations apply to all ocean users, including vessel operators, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers, and divers throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
     Anyone coming across an injured or entangled marine mammal is asked to maintain the required safe and legal distance, and call the NOAA Marine Mammal Hotline at 1-888-256-9840 immediately, or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF channel 16. If reporting a suspected approach zone violation, please call the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline at 1-800-853-1964. Additional guidelines and safety tips can be found at hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.
     The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, established in 2000, is the official non-profit partner of the National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation directly supports national marine sanctuaries by protecting species, conserving ecosystems and preserving America's maritime heritage through on-the-water conservation projects, public education, and outreach programs and scientific research and exploration.

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FOOD DISTRIBUTION FOR KŪPUNA AND CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL is planned.
The Food Basket welcomes volunteers on Tuesdays at 10 a.m at Pāhlala Community Center for emergency food distribution, with recipients driving up to pick up.
     Kaʻū High and Pāhlala Elementary School is one of the Grab-and-Go meal school sites in the public school system, which has shut down classes into April due to the novel coronavirus situation. Co-sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture and Hawaiʻi Child Nutrition programs, the initiative will provide free food to students 18 years and younger. Parents can pick up the food when accompanied by the students.
     Breakfast will be served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Meals will be packaged and placed outside the cafeteria for pickup. The service is Monday through Friday, except for the upcoming Prince Kuho Day on Thursday, March 26.

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THE BIG SISTER OF KAʻŪ HOSPITAL IS ASKING FOR HELP. Hilo Medical Center is ramping up for the possibility of caring for many COVD-19 patients. Hilo Hospital will announce a community donation drive for people and businesses with extra N95 and surgical masks. It is taking on emergency hires for Hilo Medical Center and Hale Hoʻala Hamakua in Honokaʻa, and plans for a two-thirds growth in capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. Volunteers can also sign up to help at Hilo Medical Center.
Surgical masks are needed at Hawaiʻi
Island hospitals.
     A new Screening & Testing Site at the Puna Community Medical Center in Pāhoa will open on Monday, March 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays, with no physician lab order required. Screening will take place at the site. Testing continues at Hilo Medical Center, physician lab order required.
     Spokesperson Elena Cabatu said that an inventory of Hilo Hospital needs is underway.

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STATE LEGISLATORS URGE MAYOR HARRY KIM TO ORDER SHELTER-IN-PLACE. Hawaiʻi Island's state Senators and members of the House of Representatives sent the mayor a letter this week entitled Request for Immediate Action in Response to the Public Health Concerns Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
     "To protect the residents of the County of Hawaiʻi and the long-term stability of our island economy, we implore you to immediately order the shut-down of non-essential county government operations and the sheltering-in-place of all people throughout the County of Hawai‘i.
     "As Mayor of the County of Hawai’i, we strongly urge you to take the following immediate actions through an Emergency Proclamation and Emergency Rule(s): Institute an immediate countywide shut down for the next 15 days. Order all people in the County of Hawai‘i to shelter-in-place for the next 15 days and coordinate with the Joint Incident Center under the command of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency Director/Adjutant General Kenneth Hara to immediately use his authority under the March 16, 2020, Emergency Supplementary Proclamation by Governor Ige to take all necessary steps and required means to ensure that the supply chain for basic necessities — such as food, medicine, water, communications, gasoline, cargo, and public safety throughout the County of Hawaiʻi — is secure.
     "Request Director/Adjutant General Hara to secure and requisition any needed hospital and medical supplies that are necessary to assist with the coming need to treat individuals due to COVID-19, at all available Hawaiʻi Island medical facilities. In coordination with Governor Ige, order the quarantine of all travelers arriving from outside Hawaiʻi at the Hilo and Kona International Airports for a minimum of 15 days. Prohibit all non-essential inter-island and out-of-state travel from Hawaiʻi Island.
Hawaiʻi Island state legislators urge Mayor Harry Kim to
quarantine all travelers arriving from outside the state
for 15 days, among other measures.
     "In coordination with Governor Ige, require the immediate closure of all public and private schools, daycare centers, preschools, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, and Hawaiʻi Community College Pālamanui. Require the immediate closure of all County facilities and workspaces, and send home all non-essential County of Hawaiʻi personnel for the duration of the shut down.
     Limit County of Hawai‘i work to only essential personnel, provided they are equipped with the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adhere to spatial distancing guidelines and preventive measures as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
     The legislators, who include Kaʻū Senators Russell Ruderman and Dru Kanuha, as well as Rep. Richard Onishi and Rep. Richard Creagan, say "As Mayor, you are the only person who has the direct authority to institute these actions. As state legislators, we passed and continue to support the delegated authority provided to the counties under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes Chapter 127, which grants you, as Mayor, the power to act in emergency situations such as the unprecedented one we face today. The entire Hawaiʻi Island delegation is speaking with one collective voice, and we implore you to take immediate action for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County of Hawai‘i."

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GOV. DAVID IGE YESTERDAY APPLAUDED COUNTY MAYORS' "TAILORED ACTIONS" in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I want to thank mayors Caldwell, Kawakami, Kim, and Victorino for their swift actions in implementing the directives. These are hard decisions. We all understand the dire nature of the challenges facing our state due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are moving together in our response."
     Ige said each mayor understands "the unique needs of their communities" and are putting in place restrictions and guidance that best meet those needs, and that align with CDC guidelines, the direction provided by the state Department of Health, and the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.
     "They have my full support and commitment to continue to work cooperatively as we move forward in our efforts to fight COVID-19," said Ige. "We know these actions are extreme, but we know they will help flatten the curve and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery. The community needs to anticipate that more stringent measures may need to be introduced but we want to ensure everyone that any direction or mandates made will be based on facts and what's best for our communities. This is a community effort. Each of us has a part to play. And I know that the best way to get through this crisis is by working together for the sake of our entire state," added Ige.

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THE 91ST RECRUITMENT CLASS for Hawaiʻi Police Department held their Recognition Ceremony on Friday, March 13 in Hilo. Family and friends celebrated eighteen police recruits, all of whom just completed six months of intensive training. They will now undergo four months of on-the-job field training with veteran police officers before they are qualified to work alone.
     During the ceremony friends or family members pinned the new police badges on each police recruit.
Photo from HPD
     Members of the graduating class, above, are: Class President Curry McFadden, Kyle Murray, Chelsey Santos, Noah Serrao, Dorian Travers, Bradley Waiki, Calvin Furtado, Alysa Gamache, Christopher L. Hasegawa, Rodney N. Kekaualua Jr., Blane K. Kenolio, Meredeth L. Matsushima, Robert Bright, Rebecca P. Carruthers, Chezvis Carveiro, Eli Dominic M. Cayetano, Edward Costa, and Byron Freitas Jr.

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TŪTŪ & ME TRAVELING PRESCHOOL AND HOME VISITING PROGRAMS ARE CLOSED until at least April 6, to help prevent the COVID-19 cases on this island. The Home Visiting Program is a free service to Kaʻū families with keiki, birth to five years old, offering caregiver support, "a compassionate listening ear, helpful parenting tips and strategies, fun and exciting activities, and wonderful educational resources." See pidfoundation.org or call 808-938-1088.

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DAILY COVID-19 UPDATE:
     Department of Health reports that there are 37 positive cases of novel coronavirus throughout the state, with one case on Hawaiʻi Island - a visitor. Two new presumptive cases were identified in Kona today, according to West Hawaiʻi Today, which quoted Lt. Gov. and physician Josh Green as saying both cases are travelers, not from community spread. According to the World Health Organization, the U.S. has 10,442 cases, including 3,355 reported today, with 150 deaths, 50 reported today. Worldwide, there are more than 234,000 cases, including 24,247 reported today, and 9,840 deaths, including 1,061 reported today.

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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.

All Kaʻū High School and other public school sporting events are canceled until further notice, including:
Kaʻū Spring Sports Schedule
Girls Softball Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m., host Hilo
Wednesday, April 8, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Baseball Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 1 p.m., @Keaʻau
Saturday, March 28, 1 p.m., host Hilo
Tuesday. April 7, 3 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Boys Volleyball Cancelled
Tuesday, March 24, 6 p.m., host Kamehameha
Tuesday, March 31, 6 p.m., @Kohala
Thursday, April 2, 6 p.m., host Keaʻau
Tuesday, April 7, 6 p.m., @Honokaʻa
Friday, April 10, 6 p.m., @Ehunui
Judo Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 10:30 a.m., @Keaʻau
Track Cancelled
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., @Konawaena
Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m., @Waiakea
Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m., @HPA

Spring Break for Public Schools is extended through Monday, April 6 as COVID-19 spread mitigation.

UPCOMING
SATURDAY, MARCH 21
CANCELLED: Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Kaʻū Clean-Up, Saturday, March 21. Volunteer spaces are limited; RSVP to kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.

CANCELLED: Kauahaʻao Congregational Church Fundraising Bazaar, Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Mamālahoa Hwy, Kamaʻoa Road, and Pinao Street, just above the Wong Yuen Store in Waiʻōhinu. Church members will sell kalua pig and cabbage bowls, and smoked meat bowls, as well as baked goods, produce, and crafts. Other vendors will offer more items. For more information, call 928-8039.

CANCELLED: Sign Up for and Attend Second Annual Kaʻū Children's Business Fair, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to noon at Pāhala Community Center. Young entrepreneurs ages seven and 18 share their talents by selling handmade items and services. 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).

RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 20: Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection Workshop with Tom Peek, Saturday, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 16: Improv Comedy Show, Saturday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. Headlined by Keli Semelsberger and Matt Kaye. A Big Island Comedy Theater showcase. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222

MONDAY, MARCH 23
CANCELLED: 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.

CANCELLED: Hour-Long Lomilomi Massage, Mondays, March 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 24
CANCELLED: Registration for Charades, open Monday-Friday, March 23-27, for program at Kahuku Park in HOVE on Tuesday, March 31, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free. Teresa Anderson, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 929-9113

CANCELLED: Paper Straw Tulip Craft Registration Deadline, Tuesday, March 24. Program Wednesday, March 25, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Kaʻū District Gym. Ages 5 to 12. hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation, 928-3102

CANCELLED: The Third Voyage of Captain James Cook, Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Captain James Cook once wrote that he intended to go not only "farther than any man has been before me, but as far as I think it is possible for a man to go." Join local guide and historian Rob Kitsell as he looks closer at the man who was Captain James Cook, and the fateful third voyage when Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay, February 14, 1779. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ongoing After Dark in the Park series. nps.gov/havo

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
CANCELLED: 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.

CANCELLED: Pū‘ohe Demonstration, Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai. The pū‘ohe is a Hawaiian bamboo trumpet with a deep sound somewhat like a conch shell. Like other native instruments, it takes the spirit breath to produce the proper sound. Join rangers and Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association staff as they share their knowledge and help you make your own pū‘ohe. Part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes' ‘Ike Hana No‘eau "Experience the Skillful Work" workshops. nps.gov/havo

CANCELLED: Gone Country Band Live Country Music, Wednesday, March 25, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp's Lava Lounge in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Line dancers will accompany the performance. $5 cover charge. KMC open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com, 967-8365

THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The visitor center is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. Park films, including Born of Fire, Born of the Sea, will not be shown. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will continue to be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the center reopens, and is available online for free download.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
CANCELLED: Stewardship at the Summit, Friday, March 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.

CANCELLED: The Lake at Halemaʻumaʻu Monthly Kahuku Coffee Talk, Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., HVNP Kahuku Unit Visitor Contact Station. Free. nps.gov/havo

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

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

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.

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