Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, June 2, 2020

An artist rendering of a Young Brothers tug boat to pull barges with essential goods between the Hawaiian Islands.
Testimony is sought on a plan to provide funding for Young Brothers to continue operating. Photo from Young Bros

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

THE PUBLIC CAN HELP SAVE YOUNG BROTHERS BY SENDING TESTIMONY TO THE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, say supporters of the interisland shipping company. The PUC must approve any funding from the federal and state government, which may provide up to $25 million in CARES ACT funding to the shipping company to prevent its drastic reduction in services and possible closure. The infusion of cash is aimed at keeping Young Bros. operating at least through December. Comments can be emailed to puc@hawaii.gov, referencing the May 26, 2020 Young Brothers and or Consumer Advocate letters, which asked the PUC to approve the aid. Read the letters from Young Brothers and the Consumer Advocate, a statement to the public from Young Bros, and testimony, here.

     The COVID-19 pandemic hit Young Bros. hard, with fewer goods shipped between islands. It announced a loss of nearly $8 million through April and projected losses totaling approximately $25 million by the end of the year.

     The pandemic also led to restrictions on agricultural goods. Kaʻū Coffee farmers can no longer send coffee in Young Bros, mixed shipping containers shared with other customers. Coffee headed to buyers in Honolulu must be on its own pallet, wrapped to keep it from rain, sun, and wind on the deck of the barge, exposing it to temperature variables that can damage the coffee. This means that some farmers are holding back coffee or shipping by air, a much more expensive venture. Shipping of cattle and horses have also been restricted but Young Bros announced it is "establishing special procedures to continue transporting livestock between the islands after June 8, 2020."

     In addition, Young Bros. reduced its schedule to Hilo and Kahului to one day a week in order to save $6 million.

     When questioned by West Hawaiʻi Today in his Monday news conference, Gov. David Ige said he is "working with all of the mayors. We all understand the importance of Young Bros. in connecting our islands and being able to efficiently distribute goods all across the state. So, I'm working with the mayors and the state administration in Department of Commerce & Consumer Affair, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, and other appropriate agencies, to work with Young Brothers and identify what their situation is, and look for various pots of federal money and assistance that we can provide, and state resources if necessary. All of the mayors and all of the elected officials understand that Young Brothers is critical infrastructure that is needed in our community and we are all committed to ensuring that they continue to provide service in a way that allows our communities to function moving forward."

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Kaʻū Voices protest the death of George Floyd, peacefully holding signs at the intersection of Highway 11 
and South Point Road on Sunday. Photo from Kaʻū Voices

KAʻŪ VOICES PROTESTED THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD and Kaʻū legislators and a defender of indigents spoke out. On Sunday, Kaʻū  Voices stood along Kaʻū roads with signs saying, I Can't Breathe; No One is Above the Law, even the Men in Blue; and Silence is Compliance, Speak Up for Justice.

   The  46-year-old black man died on May 25 while handcuffed, lying on the street, when a police officer pressed his knee into Floyd's neck while fellow officers stood by, and bystanders and Floyd begged for his life. Floyd's death sparked protests in front of American embassies around the world and citizen marches in cities across the U.S., to oppose racism and police brutality. Accompanying the protests are opportunists following the peace marches to destroy property and loot businesses, according to police chiefs and mayors. Most officials have established curfews for their cities, to separate the protests from the violent destruction that tends to be at night.

Artists' images of George Lloyd with the words I Can't Breath are painted on walls around the world,
including this one in Berlin, Germany.

     The Minneapolis police department fired the police officer, Derek Chauvin. He is booked on murder and manslaughter charges. The other officers who stood by as Floyd died, are fired and are expected to be charged.  
     In a tweet, Gov. David Ige posted, "We join in mourning the tragic death of #GeorgeFloyd and send our aloha to his family and friends. We understand the sadness, 
disappointment, anger, and fear that so many across our nation live with daily. And we stand with those peacefully protesting long-standing injustices. Diversity is highly valued in #Hawaii, and we believe our residents can show the world how we live together respectfully." Mayor Harry Kim, and the other three mayors in the state, added their names to the statement.

     Sen. Brian Schatz said, "I don't know what 'knelt on' even means but the word is murdered."

     Sen. Mazie Hirono said, "Racism is never far beneath the surface in our country. The brutal murder of George Floyd forces all of us to confront the devaluation and dehumanization of black lives. We must stand together in solidarity for justice. #BlackLivesMatter"

     Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, "Watching George Floyd's death was sickening and heartbreaking. There is no excuse. These officers must be more than just fired - George and his family deserve justice. This is not just an isolated incident. We as a nation must take action to bring systemic change. #GeorgeFloyd

Kaʻū Voices bring visibility in person, along the road, for the
death of George Floyd. Photo from Kaʻū Voices

     Sen. Kai Kahele said, "America is in a profound national crisis. The murder, in broad daylight, of #GeorgeFloyd by a racist police officer is another repulsive and pathetic example of the racial injustices and institutionalized racism that has existed in this country since our founding. Ignoring these deep issues for far too long has brought our country to the brink of social catastrophe and we are now forced to address it. Rioting and violence provide absolutely no solutions to these acute problems and will only embolden the strengthening of the law enforcement establishment and create an aggressive and hostile police environment. Nonviolent resistance has always been the most effective alternative to physical violence. These riots must end. The hatred and bitterness in this country must end. But at the same time, America must change. #BlackLivesMatter"
     Michael Neal, who worked as an intern on Kaʻū Calendar projects in high school and is now an attorney working with indigent criminal defense on the mainland, wrote:
     "In these recorded and indisputable acts of police brutality, we are seeing what the Black community and advocates in the criminal justice system have seen for a very, very long time but were sneered at by judges and prosecutors alike, and never believed by society at large. In one of my first trials, a client swore the police planted drugs in her car. Nobody believed her. Another client was raped by a jail guard, and no one believed him (and in fact the judge threw him in jail for 'lying.') And a young black man had a gun pointed at him on a minor violation of probation, and the judge shrugged and threw him in jail.
     "Those who wield the power to deprive life and liberty, and society at large, must finally take criminal justice seriously and demand an equal, humane, just system. No more alligator tears, empty promises, and feigned outrage from the same perpetrators of injustice. Change now."

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KAI KAHELE'S BID FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is endorsed by Sen. Mazie Hirono. She said, "I look forward to working with him in Congress on education, health care, and other critical issues, as we face unprecedented challenges and look for ways to move our nation and our state forward."

     The campaign for Kahele, who seeks to represent Kaʻū and all of rural Hawaiʻi, shared the endorsement on social media: "We are honored to have her support and endorsement of Kai, along with endorsements from Hawai‘i U.S. Senator Brian Schatz and U.S. Congressman Ed Case. #StrongerTogether #KaheleforCongress"

     Kahele is also endorsed by three former Hawaiʻi governors – John Waiheʻe, Ben Cayetano, and Neil Abercrombie – and dozens of other public figures and organizations.

     See kaikahele.com.

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HALTING CUTS TO THE SNAP PROGRAM is the goal of Hawaiʻi Attorney General Clare Connors. She joined a coalition on Monday that sent a letter to Congress, urging the body to block the Trump administration's attempts to cut "vital food assistance for millions of Americans."

     The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, previously known as "food stamps," is "our country's most important anti-hunger program and a critical part of federal and state efforts to help lift people out of poverty," said a statement from Connors. The program provides people with limited incomes the opportunity to buy nutritious food that they otherwise could not afford. In March alone, said Conners, 40 percent of American households with incomes below $40,000 lost jobs, and from March 15 to May 15 of this year, 40.8 million Americans filed for unemployment.

     The coalition argues that, "especially during this unprecedented time of economic turmoil due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Congress should work to protect and expand our nation's largest anti-hunger program." The changes to SNAP would cut food assistance by making it harder to qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits, reducing State flexibility to continue benefits beyond the three-month limit, and reducing benefit amounts for certain households.

     Connors said, "We should be collectively working towards making sure everyone has access to nutritious food. It is imperative, even more so during a pandemic, that we oppose rules cutting food-assistance to millions of Americans."

     A copy of the letter is available at ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/HEROES-Act-Letter-SNAP-Rules.pdf.

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KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP reopened its snack bar on Monday for people working and living within the Park and KMC campus. A soft reopening of KMC, when Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park gate reopens to the public, is expected on June 16, to include Crater Rim Café, Lava Lounge, 10-Pin Grill, Java Café, accommodations, and other KMC amenities. The reopening date is unsure, however, and depends on HVNP's main gate reopening; that date has yet to be announced.

     Crater Rim Café will offer a special menu for dine-in and take-out meals for Father Day, Sunday, June 21. Reservations to dine in must be made in advance. Call 967-8356.

Kīlauea Military Camp General Store is open for those working and living on the campus. A broader opening
of accommodations, restaurants, and other KMC amenities may happen by May 16. KMC photo

     KMC General Store is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two gasoline pumps are open for use 24 hours a day, with debit or credit card. The store offers household items, curios, souvenirs, food, drinks, toiletries, firewood, and more. The Post Office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Its lobby is open 24 hours a day. Collections times are Monday-Friday at 1 p.m., and Saturday at 8:45 a.m. Neither the store nor post office shut down during the pandemic.

     This evening, Volcano House was taking reservations for Monday, June 8 and beyond. The reservationist said she was unsure of when the restaurant, bar, and stores will reopen. It is also unclear as to when the campsites managed by Volcano House may reopen.

     Kīlauea summit areas and more remain closed at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes. The first part of its phased reopening allows visitors, free of charge, to explore Mauna Loa Road to Kīpukapuaulu by vehicle, bicycle, and by hiking, including Tree Molds and Kīpukapuaulu Trail – picnic area will remain closed; Mauna Loa Road past Kīpukapuaulu by hiking and bicycle to Mauna Loa Overlook at 6,662 feet, but closed to vehicles; Footprints Trail from Highway 11 to the Ka‘ū Desert Trail and Maunaiki Trail junction, including the Footprints shelter (1.9 miles one way); and Escape Road, for bicycles, horseback riding, and hiking to the Mauna Ulu junction. Kahuku Unit is open on Saturday and Sundays only, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no vehicle access past Upper Palm Trail.

     Stay updated at nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and on future Kaʻū News Briefs.

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A TELE-TOWN HALL ON ECONOMIC RELIEF AND MENTAL HEALTH AND RESOURCES will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3. Sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, it will feature Darin Leong, an unemployment attorney who has worked with Hawaiʻi community leaders to raise awareness about relief programs available to employers and employees, as well as Sondra Leiggi-Brandon, APRN, and Anthony P. Guerrero, M.D., from The Queen's Medical Center.

     Leiggi-Brandon is director of systems behavioral health programming for psychiatric/mental health nursing at Queen's. Guerrero is a psychiatrist at Queen's as well as Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Hawaiʻi's John A. Burns School of Medicine.

     They will discuss federal relief efforts to help Hawaiʻi as well as the mental health stress faced by many during this public health crisis and what resources are available to help those in need.

     Sign up on Gabbard's website to receive a phone call to join the event, or listen online at gabbard.house.gov/live.

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Telehealth in action helps vulnerable populations receive healthcare.
Photo from Big Island Video News

TELEHEALTH MEANS MORE HEALTHCARE for vulnerable populations in Hawaiʻi, according to speakers during Monday's state COVID-19 Joint Information meeting. Department of Health reported accelerating adoption of telehealth, especially in Hawaiʻi's community health centers – federally qualified health centers – which service "the state's most vulnerable populations."

     Patients who receive care at these centers pay for their care on a sliding scale discount, depending upon their household incomes. With a combined total of $670,000 from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and federal telehealth grant awards, DOH, in collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi Area Health Education Center and Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center, provided the "necessary policy guidance and technical support" for community health centers to take advantage of new federal telehealth reimbursement policies. This includes weekly webinars on the basics of telehealth for providers.

     Laura Arcibal, the DOH telehealth and health care access coordinator, said, "It has been an intensely busy time and it has been amazing to see our community partners and healthcare providers come together at such a critical time to help Hawaiʻi's families access healthcare services from home."

     Primary care, behavioral health, and COVID-19 screening are services patients can access via telehealth at hawaiicovid19.com/telehealth.

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HIGH SURF ADVISORY is in effect for all Kaʻū shores through tomorrow. The National Weather Service expects surf to rise overnight and peak from 8 to 12 feet. The public is warned of strong breaking waves, shore break, and dangerous currents, which could cause injury or death. Beach-goers, swimmers, and surfers are advised to heed all advice given by ocean safety officials and exercise caution. Boaters and shoreline residents are warned to secure property before impact from the waves.

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FREE COVID-19 TESTING will be provided by a testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3, at St. Jude's, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     Wearing masks is required for everyone. 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.
     To bypass the screening queue, 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.
     For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

There is one reported case of COVID-19 in Kaʻū. White is zero 
cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange is six to ten cases.
Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. Red is 21 to 50 cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map

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NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND. One new case was reported on Oʻahu. All 81 cases on-island since the pandemic began are recovered.

     Since the pandemic began, Oʻhua has reported 422, Kauaʻi 20, and Maui County 120 cases. Statewide, 653 people have been confirmed positive for the virus since the pandemic began. Seventeen people have died – none on this island, where there was only one overnight hospitalization.

     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "An active case is defined as an individual who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and is being monitored by the Department of Health. This format, reporting only active cases status, will be used in the daily update.

     "The Island and State have done very well in minimizing the spread of Coronavirus. This has allowed Hawaiʻi to go forward and has been identified by the Johns Hopkins University as tied with Montana for the lowest per capita infection rate in the Nation. Ongoing forward, know that the virus threat remains and we need to continue to follow the prevention policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. A grateful thank you to the community of Hawaiʻi for doing your part to keep Hawaiʻi safe and together. Thank you for listening. Have a safe day in beautiful Hawaiʻi. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."

     In the United States, more than 1.87 million cases have been confirmed. The death toll is over 108,000. Worldwide, more than 6.19 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is over 376,000.

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 

free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 

Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 

kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 

business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

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.

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 June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
     The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 10 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. 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.

     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.
     For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031.

Ocean View Swap Meet is open at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

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 on weekdays (no holidays) through Friday, July 17. 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 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Food is being delivered on Wednesdays to students in Green Sands, Discovery Harbour, and 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's ʻOhana Food Drop is available once a month at four Kaʻū and Volcano locations. People can receive a multi-day supply of shelf-stable and fresh food, depending on supply. Call The Food Basket at 933-6030 for Pāhala and Volcano or at 322-1418 for Nāʻālehu or Ocean View. Food can be picked up from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at:

     Nāʻālehu's Sacred Heart Church at 95-558 Mamālahoa Hwy was June 1; the July date will be announced later.

     Ocean View's Kahuku Park on Tuesday, June 8.

     Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on  Wednesday, June 24.

     Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, June 30.

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.

Enroll in Kua O Ka Lā's Hīpuʻu Virtual Academy for school year 2020-2021, grades four through eight. The Hawaiian Focused Charter School teaches with an emphasis on Hawaiian language and culture. The blended curriculum is offered through online instruction and community-based projects, with opportunities for face-to-face gatherings (with precautions), in an "Education with Aloha" environment.

     Kua O Ka Lā offers a specialized program that provides students with core curriculum, content area, and electives in-keeping with State of Hawaiʻi requirements. Combined with Native Hawaiian values, culture, and a place-based approach to education, from the early morning wehena – ceremonial school opening – Kua O Ka Lā students are encouraged to walk Ke Ala Pono – the right and balanced path.

     The school's website says Kua O Ka Lā has adopted Ke Ala Pono "to describe our goal of nurturing and developing our youth. We believe that every individual has a unique potential and that it is our responsibility to help our students learn to work together within the local community to create a future that is

pono – right." The school aims to provide students with "the knowledge and skills, through Hawaiian values and place-based educational opportunities, that prepare receptive, responsive, and self-sustaining individuals that live 'ke ala pono.'"
     See kuaokala.org to apply and to learn more about the school. Call 808-981-5866 or 808-825-8811, or email info@kuaokala.org for more.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are Open for Pick-Up Services Only. Nāʻālehu is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons schedule Library Take Out appointment times to pick up their hold item(s) at their favorite libraries by going to HSPLS Library Catalog and placing a hold on any item(s) they want to borrow, or they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. For patrons who placed holds during the closure, their item(s) are ready for pickup after the patron schedules a Library Take Out appointment. For more information, visit librarieshawaii.org.

Free Book Exchanges at the laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu are provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Everyone is invited to take books they want to read. They may keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them to the Book Exchange to make them available to others in the community. The selection of books is replenished weekly at both sites.

Make Reservations for Father's Day at Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp for Sunday, June 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Seating limited due to social distancing. Dinner also available to go. The main course is Prime Rib and Vegetable Alfredo Pasta Bake, with side dishes and dessert, for $27.95 per person. Call 967-8356 for dine-in reservations, to-go orders, and current event information. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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.

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

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.