Monday, June 22, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, June 22, 2020

Fish, fresh-caught by OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi and others, is distributed to those in need. Kawachi's efforts to
support the community during the pandemic made him a Brawny Giant, with a donation of $10,000 for ʻO Kaʻū Kākou.
Photo by Julia Neal

WAYNE KAWACHI IS A BRAWNY GIANT with $10,000 donated to the ʻO Kaʻū Kākou community organization by the Brawny brand. Brawny, well known for its paper towels, chose Kawachi as one of its community heroes during the pandemic for his efforts in fishing and giving away the catch to kūpuna and others in need of good nutrition. He is also honored for his work with OKK.
OKK Pres. Wayne Kawachi gives away the fish
he caught on his boat. Photo by Julia Neal
     A letter to Kawachi last week from Brawny's representative Andrew Daulton says, "Brawny believes that strength lies in the action we take. In tough times, there are some people who will do nothing, but there are others who step up and go above and beyond to help others. The Brawny Giants Initiative would like to donate $10,000 to ʻO Kaʻū Kākou, as well as two cases (60 rolls) of paper towels."
     As President of OKK, Kawachi led the group to volunteer to help with food distribution by The Food Basket, to provide its own food distribution to neighborhoods around Kaʻū, and to give away fish caught from the boats of Kawachi and others. In addition, OKK reopened and expanded its OKK Market in Nāʻālehu to three days a week to connect farmers and ranchers to the public to sell locally produced food.
     OKK will thank Brawny at its celebration on July Fourth at its OKK Market in Nāʻālehu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., OKK will offer shave ice, hot dogs, and watermelon, free to the public, either grab-and-go or during the event. Attendees must observe social distancing, sanitize hands at the entry, and wear face masks.

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.

TWENTY-ONE SHIPPING CONTAINERS FELL OFF A YOUNG BROTHERS BARGE at about 4:30 a.m. this morning, along the route from Honolulu to Hilo. The tug Hoku Loa and barge Ho Omaka Hou entered Hilo Bay before the crew realized the containers were missing, according to a report from the U.S. Coast Guard.
     According to the Coast Guard statement, Young Brothers is determining the full contents of the missing containers. The shipping company is also working with a salvage team to retrieve as many containers as possible. As of early this afternoon, eight containers were adrift eight miles north of Hilo Harbor, and one was floating in Hilo Bay. A dozen were still missing.
     The containers apparently fell into the ocean during four-foot waves, three-foot swells, sporadic showers, and wind of about 12 miles per hour. The Coast Guard advises those traveling by boat to proceed with caution to avoid the navigational hazard of semi-submerged shipping containers.
The Young Brothers barge Ho Omaka Hou lost at least 21 containers near Hilo Bay in transit from Honolulu today.
Photo by Kai Kahele
     State Senator Kai Kahele, who photographed loose containers on the barge at Hilo Pier today, questioned whether they were stacked too high. He also noted the stress on Hawaiʻi's agricultural producers, with Young Brothers barge schedule to Oʻahu reduced.

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.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FUNDS OF NEARLY A MILLION DOLLARS from a federal Community Block Grant to Hawaiʻi County. The appropriations target public and private non-profit agencies "to prevent, prepare, and respond to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are intended to target public health, housing, and economic recovery needs in Hawaiʻi County that benefit low-and moderate-income persons."
     The recipient of the funding from the federal government is County of Hawaiʻi's Office of Housing and Community Development. This is the second allocation as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
     Projects could include constructing testing, diagnosis, or treatment facilities; supporting new businesses or business expansion to create jobs in response to COVID-19; improving facilities to support social distancing and increased sanitation; and expanding microenterprises that address specific needs during quarantine related to medical assistance, food delivery, cleaning, and other essential services.
     Special preference will be given to proposed projects meeting the urgent needs of low- and moderate-income persons affected by COVID-19 as well as those that aid in stimulating the local economy.
     The proposal forms and federal guidelines covering the eligible activities are available OHCD website hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-housing/. Original proposals with supporting documentation plus two copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. on July 13 at Office of Housing & Community Dev.; 1990 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720 or Office of Housing & Community Dev., 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy; Building B, 2nd Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Applications can also be picked up at these locations.
     For questions regarding the CDBG-CV2 application and submittal process, contact OHCD at 961-8379 or ohcdcdbg@hawaiicounty.gov.

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.

HELP IS NEEDED TO FEED KEIKI in low-income communities during the summer. Schools, public agencies, churches, and private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Summer Food Service Program. Sponsoring organizations receive reimbursements for serving healthy meals and snacks at approved sites to youth who are 18 years old and younger. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, June 30. Contact Daniel Sutcharitkul at 808-587-3600 or daniel.sutcharitkul@k12.hi.us with questions or to apply. Visit the program website for more information.

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.

APPLY FOR SMALL GRANTS to improve access to healthy foods in underserved areas, create and preserve quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities through the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, urges The Kohala Center. Deadline to submit a letter of interest is Friday, July 10. Visit the program website, investinginfood.com/financial-assistance/, or refer to this fact sheet for more information.

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.

SHOULD "HAWAIIAN NATIONAL" BE A PROTECTED CLASS under state anti-discrimination laws? Hawaiian Affairs Caucus invites the public to a virtual forum Wednesday, June 24. Check-in at 5:50 p.m., caucus business from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by Panel on Hawaiian Nationalism. The panel features Leon Siu, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom, and Poka Laenui, Hawaiian Native Rights advocate. Join via Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/hawaiiandemocrats or join via Zoom Meeting link at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7222479739. Toll-free phone number call-in: (669) 900-9128. Meeting ID: 722 247 9739.

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.

FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS ARE SUSPENDED for all Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program loans through Aug. 31, 2020. U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced the extended foreclosure and eviction moratorium. It applies to beginning or completing evictions of persons from properties secured by USDA guaranteed loans, excluding vacant and abandoned properties.
     Questions regarding program policy and this announcement may be directed to the National Office Division at sfhglpServicing@usda.gov or (202) 720-1452.

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.

NO NEW COVID-19 CASES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND are reported today. There are three active cases on this island: Ocean View, Puna, and Kealakekua. The patients are being monitored by Department of Health.
     Oʻahu reported four new cases today. As a result of updated information, two Oʻahu cases were removed from the count. The state's new case total is 178 in 17 days.
Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. White is 
zero cases. Yellow is one to five cases. Light orange (not pictured) 
is six to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 cases. 
Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases. Department of Health map
     Hawaiʻi Island recorded its three active cases in the last week. All other 82 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were two hospitalizations on-island; both patients have been released.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 568 cases, Kauaʻi 29, and Maui County 122. Twelve victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 816 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Seventeen people died.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says, "The recent new cases in all Counties emphasizes the importance of understanding that the virus threat remains and the importance of continuing to follow the policies of prevention as we go forward. Thank you for listening and thank you for doing your part to keep Hawaiʻi safe. Have a safe day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 2,306,247 cases have been confirmed – an increase of over 30,000 in less than 24 hours. The death toll is over 120,384. Worldwide, more than 9 million have contracted COVID-19. The death toll is more than 470,716.

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.

Plastic sheeting, face coverings, and social distancing were observed at Hawaiʻi Public Radio's
Summer Pledge Drive. HPR photo
HAWAIʻI PUBLIC RADIO RAISED more than $215,000 during its recent Summer Pledge Drive. The non-profit radio station is available on HPR-1, 88.7 KHPH for West Kaʻū, and 89.1 KANO for East Kaʻū and Volcano. In three days, from June 9 through 11, over 1,000 individual contributions were received from listeners across the state. The radio station gained 272 new members during the drive.
     The nine-day Spring Pledge Drive, originally planned for April, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The recent Summer campaign was an "acoustic version" of the typical drive, lasting just three days and with fewer hours of on-air pitching. Social distancing measures were implemented throughout the station, including transparent barriers between hosts, cleaning protocols, and physical distancing at phone banks. In order to ensure safety for all, there were no community guests or volunteers at the station for this drive. 
     HPR's $6.4 million operating budget is 95 percent contributed by individuals, families, and businesses in the community. For eight years in a row, HPR has earned a four-star rating (the highest possible) from Charity Navigator, which evaluates nonprofits on financial health, accountability, and transparency. HPR was named one of the top 10 public radio stations in the country by the same organization in 2018.
     Hawaiʻi Public Radio is a private, nonprofit organization which broadcasts classical, jazz, and international music; and in-depth news and informational programming from National Public Radio, American Public Media, Public Radio International, and other local, national, and international program sources, as well as programs produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Charity Navigator, the premier charity evaluator, has awarded HPR eight consecutive four-star ratings for exceptional fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. The station won two National Edward R. Murrow Awards for its news coverage of the 2014 Pāhoa lava flow, and a third National Murrow Award for its series on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
     Although the drive has concluded, contributions are still welcomed and may be made at members.hawaiipublicradio.org, as well as through the free HPR mobile app.

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.

DINE IN OR GRAB-AND-GO AT CRATER RIM CAFÉ IN KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP on Saturday, July 4. Ready-to-Go Family BBQ Special will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes 8 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, 16 pieces of Local Style Fried Chicken, 8 pieces of 6 oz. Corn on the Cob, 2 lbs. of Coleslaw, 2 lbs. of Steamed Rice, and 2 lbs. of Mashed Potatoes, all for $55.95. Individual To-Go Lunches will also be available for purchase at $12.95 per person. Reservations for dine-in and take-out are required, call 967-8356. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply.

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.

EVENTS
Attend a Wildfire Risk for Farms Webinar Wednesday, June 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hawaiʻi Farm Fire Management Webinar, presented by University of Hawaiʻi Cooperative Extension, offers "Assessing and reducing wildfire risk on your farm! Dry season is here and wildfire risk is ramping up. Are you prepared? Join us for an online webinar about how to assess and reduce wildfire risk on your farm." Clay Trauernicht, UH Extension Specialist in Wildfire Science and Management, will speak on planning for fire preparedness, identifying fire-related hazards on the land, and methods to manage vegetation to reduce fire risk. Q&A facilitated by Josh Silva, Extension Agent in Edible Crops. RSVP at eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-farm-fire-management-webinar-tickets-109038286450.
Register for Hawaiʻi Coffee Association Webinar Series. The virtual event will be held Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25. Each session is designed to provide important updates on the effects of the pandemic on the Hawaiʻi coffee industry and on the coffee industry at large, as well as addressing other useful topics to inform coffee professionals of changing trends and regulations. Each session must be registered for individually – go to hawaiicoffeeassoc.org/page-1771697. The sessions will be recorded and later published on the HCA website. To become a sponsor for the webinar, click here.

Feedback from Parents and Guardians of Kaʻū High and Pāhala Elementary School Students is requested by Principal Sharon Beck: "As we plan for the opening of the 2020-21 school year, we would like to gather feedback from our parents/guardians about what that might look like for our students." Deadline is June 30: KHPES Parent Survey: Planning for the 2020-21 School Year.

Enter the RevʻULUtion Student Art Contest by Tuesday, June 30. Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative invites all students residing in Hawaiʻi in PreK through 12th grades to create and submit original artwork that will be featured in an upcoming traveling art exhibit, a 13-month calendar, and across the internet on the cooperative's partners websites and social media. The purpose of the contest is to raise awareness of ʻulu as a "resilient cultural and agricultural resource" that is a "viable option for increasing food security and self-sufficiency across the Hawaiian Islands.
     Each student may submit as many pieces as they wish on 8.5 by 11 paper, in the landscape (horizontal) orientation. Any art medium, except computer graphics and photographs, may be used as long as the artwork is flat and can be scanned. Each entry must be accompanied by a short – 75 words or less – explanation of ʻUlu's Place in Hawaiʻi: Past, Present, and Future, and an entry form.
     Visit eatbreadfruit.com/pages/artcontest for more information and to submit an entry.

Apply for Energy Assistance through June 30 for help to pay energy bills. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Energy Credit Assistance Program assists eligible people with a one-time payment towards their electric or gas bill. See humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap.

Cold Wax Painting Class by Darcy Gray, Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. $65/$60 VAC member. Must wear CDC-recommended face covering, required to use provided cleaning supplies after class. Artists of all levels welcome. Limited to six people, advanced registration required: volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222.

ONGOING
Avocado Growers Survey Open: Help identify opportunities for expanding the local avocado industry, to assist local farmers, buyers, and agencies develop strategies to bolster Hawaiʻi's avocado industry, says Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United. Farmers and farm names will be kept anonymous. Results will be shared publicly. Survey completion gives option to register to win a $200 gift certificate to Home Depot. For a hard copy of the survey, email: info@growfruithawaii.com. Take the survey: surveymonkey.com/r/Hawaiiavosurvey2020.

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture Garden, Mondays, 9:30 a.m. at VolcanoArt Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. No reservations for five or fewer – limited to ten people. Free; donations appreciated. Email programs@volcanoartcenter.org. Garden is open to walk through at one's own pace, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Free. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano ArtCenter Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Free COVID-19 Screenings are at Bay Clinic during business hours, with appointment. Call 333-3600.
     The next drive-thru screening at Nāʻālehu Community Center will be held Wednesday, June 24 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.
     A testing team from Aloha Critical Care in Kona will provide testing at St. Jude's every other Wednesday. The next date is July 1 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 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 provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. The ʻOhana Food Drop program is being phased out. Nāʻālehu's final date is tentatively Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, June 24 or July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Go to Pāhala's Kaʻū District Gym at 96-1149 Kamani Street on Tuesday, June 30, 10 a.m. until pau. There will be no July date.

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.

Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium Closed for Renovation through June 30. 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.

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.


at