About The Kaʻū Calendar

Monday, May 11, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, May 11, 2020

Vehicles parked at Volcano Golf Course & County Club, where local residents played, and practiced
putting and hitting, on Mother's Day. The Japanese golf course operators of nearly four decades departed last week.
Photo by Julia Neal

VOLCANO GOLF COURSE & COUNTRY CLUB drew a slew of golfers on Saturday and Sunday, following the departure of the operators of the 18 holes and fairways on Kamehameha School lands.
Children accompanied by parents practiced putting on greens until other groups of players headed their way. Golfers played the entire course, carrying golf club bags or rolling them on wheels, with no golf carts seen.
Learning golf from an adult on the Volcano
course on Mother's Day. Photo by Julia Neal
      The golf course, which opened in 1921, designed by Jack Snyder, was operated by a Tachibana entity beginning in 1982. Everyone knew its female manager, Sunai. Years ago, its clubhouse was full of diners, delivered by tour buses, vans, and rental cars, with locals eating there, too. Its restaurant and bar were the scene of many local events, from wedding parties to club meetings. The golf club hired many local people to take care of the greens, carts, and overall operations. They also hired chefs, cooks, waiters, and cleanup crews.
     Many people live along the fairways of Volcano Golf Course and pay to be members of the Volcano Golf Course & Country Club.
     In another situation where a golf course with homes around it closed in Kaʻū, Discovery Harbour residents took it upon themselves to do as much of the golf course grooming as they are able. They make contributions to hire professionals to mow large swaths. Some living on the edge of the golf course mow sections behind their own homes. Expenses include fuel to run landscaping equipment.
     For Volcano Golf Course & Country Club, Kamehameha Schools plans to determine the best use of the land and perhaps solicit ideas from the broader community, residents of the area, and potential investors or non-profits, to operate the restaurant and golf course designed by Jack Snyder.
      The 156-acre parcel features an 18 hole, par 72, 6,547-yard course. Golfing websites describe it as "one of the world's most unusual courses" due to its proximity to Kīlauea Volcano and its views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea volcanoes. The course is lauded on several sites as being "peacefuloffering ample time for concentration," and as "a truly enjoyable game of golf for players of all abilities."
A family plays together at Volcano Golf Course & County Club on Mothers Day. Photo by Julia Neal
     The mostly flat course has some rolling hills "which can cause uneven lies," according to hawaiiteetimes.com. Most tees and some greens are elevated. The back nine offers "several marvelous holes with one of Hawaii's best par-5's at the 17th Hole," states golfcourseranking.com. "Some say the most difficult hole on the course is #15, a 425-yard, par 4, requiring a tee shot up a dogleg fairway with tall pines guarding the turn. This is a par 72 course that plays to 6,547 yards from the blue tees, 6,190 yards from the whites and 5,567 yards from the red tee boxes."

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WEARING FACE MASKS AT COUNTY RECYCLING & TRANSFER stations is required. County of Hawaiʻi reminded residents in a statement today that also announced reopening Reuse Centers this Wednesday, May 13 and HI-5 Certified Redemption Centers around the island on Saturday, May 23.
In addition to wearing face masks, social distancing of six feet is required.

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OKK Provides Food to the Needy in Pāhala
The nonprofit community group ʻO Kaʻū Kākou gave out hamburger patties, fresh, onions, rice, and saimin today behind
Bank of Hawaiʻi in Pāhala. OKK provided beverage cartons of frozen raw eggs to large families. Photo by Julia Neal

AN OPINION ON OPENING UP TOURISM comes from Hawaiʻi Island resident Bob Johnson. It was posted on Monday's The Kaʻū Calendar Facebook:
     "I do not think I am the only one on this Island that has an abundance of common sense, but I fear that our political system is devoid of this most essential asset. Somewhere economics 101 should have been in our elected officials schooling?
     "If 80 percent of our money is derived from tourism, why are we not focusing on getting testing at all departure gates to the islands? It makes no sense to open anything that is not directly related to this. Drop the 14-day quarantine now and just test at the airports. Those that pass can fly and those that do not stay home until they do. Very simple.
At Home, Praising the Frontliners
At Home, Praising the Frontliners Nancy Kaneshiro, whose daughter and her family,
with "three beautiful granddaughters," sent this image from the eldest girl.
The young lady designed and made the poster to show appreciation to the
frontliners in Kaʻū. They include Kuahiwi Ranch, where her dad and mom
work. Kaneshiro reports that "grandchildren and parents are busy,
with work and at home being creative, during this
time of isolation." Image from Nancy Kaneshiro

     "I read all about the soft opening of shops around the Big Island, but who will want to open with no one to spend money. Last time I checked, the Big Island was not a very wealthy populace and in no way able to support the shops that have been cleared to open. Who in their right mind is going to open up their shop and just stand around looking stupid? If you're on commission you will starve and if you are getting a wage the shopkeeper will go broke, even with the government sending money.
     "The little money in the hands of the local population will be going to feed their families, not buying trinkets in our local shops. Please wake up before there are serious protests in the streets. Believe me when I say that there will be protests as many are being planned as I type this letter.
     "The people will not continue to stand idle while their lives are being destroyed. I hope Mr. (Mayor Harry) Kim at his advanced age can untether himself from Mr. (Gov. David) Ige's lack of intestinal fortitude and in the process show why he is still relevant as a prospective Mayor in the upcoming election."

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NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND were reported today, but two travel-related victims were reported on Oʻahu. An announcement from the governor's office sends out a warning:
No COVID-19 cases so far in the zip code areas of Volcano, 
Pāhala, and Ocean View. White indicates zero cases, light 
yellow indicates one to five cases. The 96772 area in 
Kaʻū has one case recorded. Map from DOH
     "Don't Congregate, No Big-Groups, Masks in Public." During a Monday afternoon news briefing, Gov. David Ige again asked everyone to remain vigilant in order to stay on the right track. He commented, "We'll lose all of our progress and the sacrifices you've all made if we see a surge in COVID-19 cases. All of your work will have been meaningless."
     Hawaiʻi has reported fewer than three new cases each of the past four days, with no new cases reported last Friday. The governor said we have flattened the curve, but the state has received numerous reports of people not following social distancing guidelines and not wearing masks while in close proximity to other people, said the governor's announcement.
     Though there are two new cases on Oʻahu today, no deaths were reported since Sunday, May 3; the state death toll is 17 since the pandemic began.
     On Hawaiʻi Island, of 75 COVID-19 victims, 74 are free from isolation. The one remaining victim is in quarantine at home, monitored by DOH. Only one person stayed in a hospital overnight, and no one died here. Only one case in Kaʻū, in the 96772 zip code, is reported since January.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno thanks Hawaiʻi Food Basket, Hawaiʻi National Guard, and the County Task Force for helping with a food distribution at Kahuku Park, in Ocean View today.
     Magno said, "These are very good numbers for Hawaiʻi Island and Hawaiʻi State, so much gratitude to the health care family for their guidance, hard work, and care. So proud of Hawaiʻi State, being the number one in the nation of testing per capita, and in the top three states of having the lowest active cases identified. These numbers reinforce the importance of following the policies of prevention. We need to continue and get better to keep Hawaiʻi Safe and stop this virus from affecting the beautiful lifestyle of Hawaiʻi.   
Thank you very much for listening, have a safe day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense."
     In the United States, more than 1.38 million cases have been confirmed. The number of confirmed recoveries is about 219,000. The death toll is over 81,289.
     Worldwide, more than 4.17 million COVID-19 cases have been reported. More than 1.45 million recoveries have been reported. The death toll reported is over 285,000. 

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HAWAIʻI COUNTY WILL RECEIVE NEARLY ONE MILLION DOLLARS in additional funding to deal with the pandemic. Sen. Mazie Hirono announced Monday that the state will receive more than $5 million in supplemental Community Development Block Grants coronavirus response funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. This is the second disbursement of CDBG-CV funds from the CARES Act, the third coronavirus relief package Congress passed.
       In addition to Hawaiʻi County receiving  $975,815, Kauaʻi County will receive $261,137, Maui County  $698,280, and the City and County of Honolulu $3,081,677. 
       Funds are intended to target public health, coronavirus, and housing and economic disruption needs, which could include constructing testing, diagnosis, or treatment facilities; supporting new businesses or business expansion to create jobs while responding to infectious disease; and expanding microenterprises that address specific needs during quarantine related to medical, food delivery, cleaning, and other essential assistance.
    The counties are using the first tranche of CDBG-CV funding to prepare and deliver meals, replenish food bank shelves, provide rental and mortgage assistance, and increase access to transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness.
     “The pandemic has exposed the deep divisions and inequality that are present in our nation. This funding will help our state with flexible resources so each county can appropriately address the needs of particularly vulnerable populations. Hawaii, and the nation, will continue to need assistance as we grapple with COVID-19, and I will continue to support funding to address the changing needs of Hawaii residents during the pandemic,” Senator Hirono said.
An HVO field engineer guides the helicopter as it lowers
part of the MultiGAS station down onto the floor
of 
Moku‘āweoweo caldera. USGS photo by T. Elias
     Last month, Hirono announced that Hawaii received $12 million in Department of Housing and Urban Development grants, including nearly $8 million in Community Development Block Grant coronavirus response funds.

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INCREASED MONITORING OF VOLCANIC ACTIVITY AT MAUNA LOA is aided by the recent installation of a MultiGAS station.  It measures gases from within Moku‘āweoweo – Mauna Loa's summit caldera. The new station will transmit information to Hawaiian Volcanoes Observatory.
     The MultiGAS station measures real-time volcanic gas concentrations – such as carbon dioxide, water, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide – from a fumarole (gas vent) on the floor of the caldera. Ratios of concentrations of gases can give information about the depth and degassing history of magma within the volcano. The MultiGAS station also measures fumarole temperature and meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
An HVO gas geochemist assembles components of the
MultiGAS instrument, which is connected to the power
unit on the left via weather-proof wiring.
USGS photo by F. Younger
     The new equipment components are housed in a weather-proof case to protect from extreme conditions at Mauna Loa's summit. At an elevation of 13,681 feet, wind, precipitation, and temperature can damage equipment. The station includes a power package of solar panels and batteries, and an antenna that transmits data to HVO around the clock.
     The installation was performed April 27, with HVO field staff observing social distancing.
     Mauna Loa is at Alert Level/Color Code ADVISORY/YELLOW. This change in status went into effect on July 2, 2019, reflecting an increase in seismicity and summit inflation above background levels. Mauna Loa is not currently erupting, and the network of webcams helps HVO to keep a watchful eye.
     See updates about HVO's work monitoring Mauna Loa at volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/mauna_loa_multimedia_15.html.

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HONORING FALLEN POLICE OFFICERS TODAY while practicing social distancing, Hawaiʻi Police Chief Paul Ferreira lea the annual kickoff ceremony for National Police Week on Facebook Live. The field in front of the memorial for the fallen, which reads Ka Malu Aloha – Peace – is usually crowded for events with attendees from the public. Today, it was sparsely populated by officers in dress uniforms, standing at least six feet apart. Members of the special response team fired a 21-gun salute, followed by the playing of Taps.
Photos of the fallen, in front of the memorial at Hilo Police
Station today. Photo from HPD
     Police Chaplain Renee Godoy gave the invocation. "Jesus said, 'Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.' They displayed the ultimate love… we honor them today." She said it was fitting that Police Week begins by honoring those who sacrificed their lives.  
     During his speech, Ferreira honored officers who fell in the line of duty in Hawaiʻi County, from the 1918 death of Officer Manuel Cadinha, Officer William "Red" Oili in 1936; Officer Ronald "Shige" Jitchaku in 1990; Officer Kenneth Keliʻipio in 1997; Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell in 1999, and the most recent loss, Officer Bronson Kaimana Kaliloa, who was killed by gunshot on July 18, 2018.
     Police Week is a nationally recognized week of activities in support of police work. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day; this year, it falls at the end of National Police Week.
Mia Wheeler and her ʻohana take math and art to 
another level by using shapes and paint to create a stained 
glass window project. Photo from the Wheeler family
     Watch the cast at facebook.com/watch/live/?v=2494827330829579.

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NĀʻĀLEHU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS STAY CONNECTED WITH STUDENTS using technology like video conferencing, applications, email, text, and telephone calls.
     Principal Darlene Javar and Vice-Principal Christina Juan make home visits to students unreachable by phone, in an effort to ensure their wellbeing and that they have what they need to learn online.
     Second-grade teacher, Janice McRoberts, exemplifies teachers, educational assistants, and staff offering tutoring and classes to as many students as possible, through personal learning via Google classroom, virtual lessons, and phone calls.

Second-grader Mia Wheeler, dressed up as a bullfrog, 
acts out the story Hiding in the Pond, as part of her 
language arts lessons. Wheeler's mom shares the 
pictures with Mia's teacher, Janice McRoberts, who 
tutors her over the phone. Photo from the Wheeler family
          McRoberts calls second-grader Mia Wheeler a couple of times a week for one-on-one tutoring, and receives picture updates from the Wheelers via text. Mia's ʻohana is taking advantage of learning time together at home by engaging in crafts, and enhancing lessons by incorporating fun, drama, and art into assignments.

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GRANTS FOR VOCATIONAL AND HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS pursuing degrees or certificates in organic agriculture are offered by California Certified Organic Farmers Foundation. Eligible students from Kaʻū and across the U.S. can apply for an award of up to $2,500 from the Future Organic Farmer Grant program. The application period closes on Monday, June 1. The funds can be used to help with tuition and educational expenses. Prior grantees are welcome to re-apply. Graduate studies are not eligible for grant funding. Applicants' financial need is considered as part of the grant decision process. Refer to the program website for eligibility criteria and to apply. Contact ccoffoundation@ccof.org or 831-423-2263 with questions.

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

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com. However, all non-essential activities are canceled through the end of May.

MOST EVENTS ARE CANCELLED to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state is under a stay-at-home order, with l4 days of quarantine required for anyone coming into the state. Interisland travel is restricted. Those in Hawaiʻi should stay at home unless needing to obtain food or medical care.

ONGOING
Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
     A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Screening will be carried out by Aliʻi Health, with support from County of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Task Force, Premier Medical Group and Pathways Telehealth.
     Wearing masks is required for everyone.
     To bypass the screening queue at community test sites, patients can call ahead to Pathways Telehealth, option 5 at 808-747-8321. The free clinic will also offer on-site screening to meet testing criteria. Physicians qualify those for testing, under the guidance of Center for Disease Control & Prevention and Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 Response Task Force.
     Those visiting screening clinics will be asked to show photo ID, and any health insurance cards – though health insurance is not required to be tested. They are also asked to bring their own pen to fill in forms.
     For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – from 8 a.m. to noon. The goal is no more than 50 customers on the grounds at a time. Vendor booths per day are limited to 25, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required to attend the market. Social distancing will be enforced. A wide selection of fresh vegetables and fruits, prepared take away foods, assorted added value foods, breads and baked goods, honey, cheese, grass-fed beef, fish, vegetable plants, masks, handmade soaps, coffee, and more are offered on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374, for more and to apply to vend.

Volcano Farmers Market at Cooper Center on Wright Road, off of Old Volcano Highway, is open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.

Free Breakfast and Lunch for Anyone Eighteen and Under is available at Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary and at Nāʻālehu Elementary weekdays through May. Each youth must be present to receive a meal. Service is drive-up or walk-up, and social distancing rules (at least six feet away) are observed. Breakfast is served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered to Ocean View.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen is open, with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org.

The Food Basket Food Pantries Distribution, where families can receive 14 days of food per family:
     The Ocean View location for May is Kahuku Park on Monday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Call The Food Basket, 933-6030.
     The Nāʻālehu location Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy, under their Loaves and Fishes program, on Thursday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call 928-8208.
     The Pāhala location is Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street, distributed by the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Pantry, on Tuesday, May 26, 10 a.m. to noon. Call The Food Basket, 933-6030.
     The Volcano location is Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road Wednesday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call Kehau at 443-4130.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Call 967-7800 to confirm.

The Next Learning Packet and Student Resource Distribution for Nāʻālehu Elementary School Students will be Monday, May 11. The packets are designed for learning at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and can be picked up every two weeks. One family member may pick up for several students in the same family. Students need not be present for the learning resources to be retrieved. Please note the grade of each child. Distribution times are organized by the first letter of the student's last name at the site closest to their home. Supplies will be given out simultaneously.
     Everyone is asked to observe social distancing rules, staying 6 feet away from others during pick-up. See the school website, naalehuel.hidoe.us, for more information and updates.
     Distribution at Nāʻālehu Elementary has pick-up from 8 a.m - 8:20 a.m. for A-H; 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Distribution at Discovery Harbour Community Center has pick-up from 8 a.m - 8:20 a.m. for A-H; 8:20 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. for I-P, and 8:40 a.m. - 9 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Distribution at Ocean View Mālama Market has pick-up from 9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. for A-H, 9:50 a.m. - 10:10 a.m. for I-P, and 10:10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for Q-Z.
     Distribution at Ocean View Community Center has pick-up from 5 p.m. - 5:20 p.m. for A-H, 5:20 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. for I-P, and 5:40 p.m. - 6 p.m. for Q-Z.
     Those who come to campus to pick up free student breakfasts are encouraged to also pick up their packets at the same time.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. The Park is closed until further notice due to COVID-19 spread mitigation. A popular seven-and-a-half minute 2018 eruption video will be shown on a television in the exhibits area, once the Park and center reopen, and is available online for free download.

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