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Monday, July 06, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, July 6, 2020

PK1, the first main Hawaiian Islands Hawaiian monk seal pup of 2020, born on the island of Kaua‘i. See more below.
 Photo from NOAA Fisheries
See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

REGISTER FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION by Thursday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. Register or confirm mailing address at olvr.hawaii.gov, or mail in registration with postmark by the deadline. Same-day voter registration is available at Voter Service Centers in Kona and Hilo. Ballots can be expected for delivery around Tuesday, July 21, and must be postmarked by Aug. 3. Election Day for counting the votes is Saturday, Aug. 8. Those who believe their ballot will not make the deadline can take them to Nāʻālehu Police Station 24 hours a day, July 27 through Aug. 7, and on Election Day, Aug. 8, through 7 p.m. See elections.hawaii.gov.

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Punaluʻu Beach on Fourth of July, where most people declined to wear masks in the open air and hot sun.
Photo by Julia Neal
HATE WEARING A MASK? TRY WEARING A VENTILATOR. That is the message from physician and Lt. Gov. Josh Green today in a briefing about the uptick in COVID cases. Though Hawaiʻi has the lowest COVID-19 case counts and deaths in the nation, per 100,000 population, the scenario can change quickly. In recent days the statewide total breached 1,000 cases. Gov. David Ige, state Director of Health Bruce Anderson and Green encouraged Hawaiʻi residents to stiffen their guard by becoming more mindful of wearing face masks when in contact with others, wash hands often, and refrain from gathering in close groups of people.
Visitors to Punaluʻu Beach attempt to approach
retailers without wearing masks.
Photo by Julia Neal
     Anderson gave examples of people slipping from these practices and spreading the disease in Hawaiʻi. He said a group of office workers wore masks at work but ate lunch together without masks and gave it to each other. He pointed to a Hawaiian Airlines employee training program to protect passengers and workers. The disease spread among 12 taking the classes.
     The health director said that much of the increase in cases is traced to family gatherings without masks, birthday and beach parties, card games, and funerals, "even Fathers Day parties." Working out at gyms can also be risky, he said, with heavy breathing in an enclosed space.
     He warned that the health care system could be overwhelmed if people don't take care to protect one another.
     Sherry Bracken, of KWXX Radio in Hilo, brought up a Hawaiʻi Island case of a traveler returning home from out of state, infecting a household member who works at a restaurant. Now the Hawaiʻi Island restaurant is closed and its employees out of work and quarantined.
     The health director recommended that those quarantining at home use exclusive bathrooms and bedrooms. He said quarantining people in COVID hotels could be an option to keep them better isolated, but the number of cases would have to justify setting up such a system.
     The governor recommended that people living here stay in the islands and refrain from traveling to the mainland, where there are so many cases. Enjoy staycations in Hawaiʻi, without transpacific travel, he suggested.
     When asked by reporters at the press conference if wearing a mask will be enforced statewide, Ige said he and the mayors talked about it today.
     See more about local business and community practices to keep COVID-19 out of Kaʻū in Tuesday's Kaʻū News Briefs. Also read about suggestions for incoming travelers to be tested within 48 hours of arrival, rather than the 72 hours proposed for the opening of transpacific travel Aug. 1.

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THE ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL FOR HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK went virtual yesterday on Facebook with the opening conch blowing ceremony called ‘Oli Komo. Sounding the pū were Aukai McDaniel, Kamelenani McDaniel, and Kupuno McDaniel.
Wendy Scott-Vance and Leilani Rodrigues participating in the Oli to
 open the first Virtual Cultural Festival in the nearly four decades
  of the annual July event at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
 See the opening ceremonies online.
     The festival, held for nearly four decades, annually draws thousands of people to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes to take part in native Hawaiian cultural practices, listen to music, witness hula, and learn about the Park and its work in conserving native forests and endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. It also showcases work of USGS partners at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Over the years, Volcanoes, a World Heritage Site, has welcomed sister park representatives from as far away as La Reunion island in the Indian Ocean and volcanic national parks in China and Korea.
     Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrated the virtual opening, saying, "Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are unable to gather in order to protect our community, as well as visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners. During these uncertain times, it is important that the learning continues, even if it can't happen in person."
Ranger Kekoa Rosenhill narrates the opening of the online cultural festival
 for Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Join the events online through Saturday
 See the opening ceremonies online.
     Opening ‘Oli Komo launched the festival on Sunday morning. Park staff and ‘ohana blew the pū (conch shell) and chanted ‘Oli Komo together, requesting permission to begin the Virtual Cultural Festival. ‘Oli Komo, expressing intent to learn and do good, was gifted to the park by Hawaiian language and cultural expert Kumu Kepā Maly. The words translated from Hawaiian are:

     Here we are before you,
     Friends of the land seeking good.
     Teach us what there is to be done.

     That land of Honuamea will have
     life. Let us all have life!

     Chanters are: Wendy Scott-Vance, Travis Delimont, Michael Newman, Leilani Rodrigues, Kupono McDaniel, Keoni Kunolo`a`a, Koeko Rosehill, Jay Robinson, and Anne Farahi. At the close of the video, Ka`u native Moses Espaniola provides ukulele music. See the opening ceremonies online.
Sounding the pū were Aukai McDaniel, Kamelenani McDaniel, 
and Kupuno McDaniel. See the ceremony.
     This morning and afternoon, mo‘olelo (stories) of Pele the volcano goddess, Kamapua‘a the pig demigod, and others were posted on the Park's new Moʻolelo web page. This afternoon, the Park launched the new Places page, which shares mana‘o (knowledge) about the wahi pana (sacred places) protected within Hawai‘i VolcanoesNational Park, including Uēkahuna, the sacred bluff near Jaggar Museum.
     Here is the schedule through Saturday:
     Learn to Make a Tī Leaf Lei on Tuesday, July 7 at 8:08 a.m., with Ranger Leilani Rodrigues of the Kahuku Unit. Learn how to select tī leaves, prepare them for lei making, and how to twist them into a beautiful and easy-to-make garland.
     Facebook Watch Party for the documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. At noon on Wednesday, July 8, grab lunch and join the virtual gathering for a free screening of the Emmy-award winning 28-minute documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a. This 2018 film explains the significance of the ‘ōhi‘a tree to the people of Hawai‘i and environment, and the threat that the new disease called "Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death" poses to these values. Park ecologist David Benitez, park botanist Sierra McDaniel, and filmmaker Annie Sullivan will answer questions in real-time in the comments. The documentary was filmed partially in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
     Hawaiian Lua (Martial Arts) with Ranger Michael Newman and Olivia Crabtree on Thursday, July 9 at 8:08 a.m. Bone-breaking maneuvers and war clubs encircled with tiger-shark teeth are probably not the first things to come to mind when one pictures the Hawaiian Islands. The Hawaiian fighting style of lua is a formidable art form that requires skill, specific movement, and a host of deadly weapons. The rangers demonstrate this traditional fighting style.
     Learn to Make a Pūlumi Nī‘au (Hawaiian Broom) with Ranger Dean Gallagher on Friday, July 10 at 8:08 a.m. Get swept up in gathering plant materials and learn to make a pūlumi nī‘au, or authentic Hawaiian broom.
     Closing ‘Oli Mahalo will close the Virtual Cultural Festival on Saturday, July 11 at 8:08 a.m. Park staff and ‘ohana will blow the pū (conch shell) and chant the ‘Oli Mahalo together, requesting departure to close the festival. Gifted to the park by Kepā Maly, the ‘Oli Mahalo expresses gratitude. Ranger Kekoa Rosehill narrates.
     Many areas in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park that provide outdoor experiences like hiking trails, overlooks, and roads, are now open to the public, but services are limited. Visit the Current Conditions page on the park website for a complete list of what's open, and how to prepare for a safe trip to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at nps.gov.

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Hawaiian monk seal RK48 and pup. NPS photo
ENDANGERED HAWAIIAN MONK SEALS' PUPPING SEASON IS UNDERWAY. Since the beginning of the year, 18 monk seals were born in the main Hawaiian Islands: five  on Oʻahu, 11 on Molokaʻi, and one each on Kaua‘i, and Hawaiʻi Island, reports National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries. This follows a record-breaking pupping year in 2019, which saw 48 pups born in the main Hawaiian Islands, including Ni‘ihau.
     Monk seal pups can be born any time of year, with births peaking in spring and summer. Monk seals moms typically nurse their pups for five to seven weeks, feeding them milk rich in fat that will increase their weight from 30 pounds at birth to nearly 200 pounds. Mother loses a great amount of weight and will abruptly wean the pup before departing to sea to forage and regain her strength. The pup will live off of its body fat as it practices foraging. It will venture farther and farther from the sands of its birth beach, eventually departing to forage at sea. Most females return to the beaches on which they were born to birth their own pups.
Hawaiian monk seal RF34's pup was the first born on O‘ahu in 2020. 
Photo from NOAA Fisheries
     The endangered mammal had some setbacks earlier this year: on April 23, one of O‘ahu's most well-known Hawaiian monk seals, R5AY, aka Honey Girl, was found deceased on the windward side of O‘ahu. She was at least 23 years old – and perhaps much older – at the time of her death. On April 25, pregnant adult female R313 was found dead at Hāʻena Beach, Kauaʻi. Hawaiian monk seals are one of only two indigenous Hawaiian mammals. The other is the Hawaiian hoary bat.
     A report from NOAA Fisheries says pupping locations are "usually not disclosed" to "maintain a calm environment with as little disturbance as possible to mom-pup pairs." Monk seals aren't typically considered aggressive but a nursing mom can be very protective. For some mom-pup pairs, this year was quieter than usual, due to the closure of various beach parks between late March and mid-May. Despite a reduced monitoring presence, staff and volunteers continued to perform spot checks, and all pups born during this time weaned successfully, reports NOAA.
     NOAA requests that the public enjoying Hawai‘i shorelines view wildlife responsibly by viewing from a distance, using binoculars or camera zoom for a close-up; not disturbing seals sleeping on the beach; not touching, chasing, or feeding any wild animal; keeping dogs leashed; and to "maintain your distance from monk seals, especially moms and pups, for your safety and their protection." Call 888-256-9840 to report sightings of Hawaiian monk seals or injured marine mammals and sea turtles.
     See fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/endangered-species-conservation/hawaiian-monk-seal-updates for more.
A monk seal at Honuʻapo years ago. Photo by Julia Neal
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JOIN A TELEPHONE TOWN HALL with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday, July 8 at 4 p.m. The meeting – the 15th Gabbard has hosted since the pandemic began  – will be held to update Hawaiʻi residents about COVID-19. Gabbard will be joined by guests Dr. Scott Miscovich, who has been leading testing efforts across the state and has served as a senior adviser to Lt. Gov. Josh Green, and Darin Leong, an unemployment attorney who has worked with Hawaiʻi community leaders to raise awareness about relief programs available to employers and employees.
     Gabbard, Miscovich, and Leong will discuss the surge in COVID-19 cases, Hawaiʻi's testing and tracing capacity, and what can be done to help stop the spread of the virus. They will also discuss federal emergency assistance programs that are still available to help people during the ongoing crisis.
     Sign up on Gabbard's website to receive a phone call to join the event. Or listen online at gabbard.house.gov/live.

Volcano Rotary Club President Paul Field and Rotarian
Jay Robinson give out  Fourth of July food at 
Volcano Art Center.  Photo by Julia Neal
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FOOD FOR THE FOURTH went out during an Independence Day Community Barbecue drive-through at Volcano Art Center's Niʻaulani Campus on Saturday. Fourth of July decorations welcomed the folks, with hot dogs and hamburgers for free, and chicken and ribs plates sold as a fundraiser.
     Sponsors were Volcano Art Center, Volcano Rotary Club, Cooper Center, and Experience Volcano.
     Rotary traditionally sponsors a big food fundraiser at the end of the annual July 4 parade, with floats, classic vehicles, walking groups, and horses and riders. The parade is on pause this year during the pandemic. Learn more about VAC, Rotary, Cooper Center, and Experience Volcano.
     Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Both locations are operating under CDC guidelines and social distancing protocols; face masks are required for entry into buildings, tours, and classes.
     VAC's Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village offers guided nature walks, yoga, in-person and online art classes, and more.
Rotary Club of Volcano held a fundraiser, selling chicken, hamburgers and
ribs plates at VAC, on Saturday. Left to right are Rotarians Mike Nelson,
Jay Robinson, Carol Hamilton, and VAC board member Jeff Davis.
 Photo by Julia Neal
     At the Gallery in the Park, exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby
and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Saturday, Aug. 8. Exhibitions are available online and in person during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The third semi-annual quilt show, Quilts in the Forest – Winds of Change, opens on Friday, July 17 and continues through Aug. 8, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrants of the quilt show are full-time and part-time residents of Hawai‘i Island, whether they are amateur or professional quilters.
     Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book an appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.
     VAC also offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos.
Drive through 4th of July food at the Volcano Art Center's 
Niʻaulani Campus. Photo by Julia Neal
     Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more, and see the Events section, below, for more details.

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APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS with Sen. Brian Schatz's office. Internships for undergrad, graduate, and law students are offered in the Honolulu and Washington D.C. offices. Applications are considered on a rolling basis year-round.
     Non-office internships are open for high school students to advocate in their communities. Applications due Sunday, Sept. 13.
     Schatz may also nominate exceptional students for appointment to the U.S. Service Academies. Applications due Friday, Oct. 23.

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Matt Drayer
Kaʻū Chapter Interim President
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United
KAʻŪ CHAPTER OF HAWAIʻI FARMERS UNION UNITED will next meet this Sunday, July 12 at Wood Valley Ranch mamaki tea farm at 96-02232 South Road. It begins at 1 p.m. and includes a pot luck and tour of the mamaki farm, which is the new home of interim President Matt Dreyer. Among the Kaʻū Farmers Union initiatives are a food hub for Kaʻū, with CSA, and an online store platform to sell locally grown food. 

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DETAILING THE LIFE OF AN ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN is the focus of the latest  Volcano Watch, written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates:
     Tech talk part 2: Schematic diagram of one HVO technician's position
     Last week's Volcano Watch article introduced the role of "technician" at USGS HVO.
     This week, we present the introspective of Steven Fuke's life (schematic diagram) as an "electronics technician" at HVO through his experiences, starting with his introduction to HVO.
     I started working at HVO in the summer of 1994, as a student hire, under the former Minority Participation in Earth Sciences program, while pursuing an associate degree in Electronics Technology at Hawai‘i Community College. The MPES program allowed me and other community college and college students to experience working for a volcano science organization during the summers and winters. I worked for three years, graduated, and in 1997 I became a permanent HVO staff member.
HVO electronics technician Steven Fuke stands 
near a solar panel system that powers a 
volcano-monitoring station. USGS photo
     Within HVO's organizational structure, I'm part of the "Technician Group." There is a total of five technicians within the group, one of them being the supervisory technician. Our core mission is to support monitoring and research efforts, ensuring that data are provided to HVO staff so timely hazards information can be provided to the public. HVO's established volcanic monitoring network consists of over 200 instruments in the field. Sensor data from each remote site is telemetered to their respective collection server. In addition, we add new installations to the network, as determined by scientific and volcanic response needs, and participate in periodic scientific data collection surveys.
     The Technician Group priorities are established through weekly meetings attended by Scientist-in-Charge, Deputy Scientist-in-Charge, disciplinary leads, and the supervisory technician. Once priorities are established, we assemble the components and test the necessary equipment of a field station either to fix or deploy.
     At the onset of my career—having limited practical experience—I eventually faced the realities of field design: "sometimes it works" and "sometimes it doesn't," "nothing lasts forever," and "expect the unexpected." As an example of "nothing lasts forever," I never considered corrosion as a cause leading to the demise of a coaxial cable. This cable is essential for radio frequency transmissions.
     With a volcanic monitoring network of approximately 240 stations, I've learned how daunting of a task it is to help design and maintain the network.  One of my former colleagues coined it "The never-ending job," which became a truism and the mantra for years to follow. Learning about the network, the environmental conditions that surround the network, and the evolution of technology associated with volcanic monitoring instrumentation is a continuous learning process, synonymous to learning about yourself and others.
     Most of our stations rely on 12v battery/solar systems, while others rely on 48v battery/solar systems and a few on 120Vac power. Overall field station infrastructure depends on the type of sensors being installed, radio frequency function, and location of the station. Some stations are only accessible via helicopter while others are accessible by vehicle. Quite a few of our stations are hosted by gracious private entities, land- and homeowners... mahalo! Furthermore, we partner with County, State and Federal government groups to deploy our instruments on their lands to monitor the volcanoes on behalf of the public.
A GPS station that monitors ground deformation on Kīlauea Volcano, one 
of the approximately 240 volcano-monitoring stations that Steven Fuke, 
as part of the HVO Technician Group, designs, installs, 
and maintains. USGS photo
     Data outages are inevitable and can occur at any moment, so priorities can shift from day-to-day in order to bring the data streams back on-line. Problems can run the gamut, from power system failures, corrosion of electrical components and connections, relic or dated "sensors and instrumentation," lighting strikes, and inundation by lava.
     We have installed diagnostic software to monitor the operational status of each station; some of the parameters displayed are battery voltages, GPS status, data gaps, and RF signal strengths. Some stations require weed whacking, fence fixing, solar panel cleaning, and general maintenance that's done multiple times per year. And lastly, stations will eventually become obsolete and require remodeling and/or retrofitting due to sensor and electronic instrumentation upgrades and/or station degradation.
     What continues to impress me about this job is "how one job can offer so much variety" and most importantly, the inspiration that the observatory staff provides—with the implementation of the self-learning, continuous improvement process, done in earnest: "There's a PhD in all of us."
     Volcano Activity Updates
     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.
     Kīlauea monitoring data for the month of June show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u continues to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information on the lake, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit_water_resources.html.
     Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.
     This past week, about 60 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at shallow depths of less than 8 kilometers (~5 miles). Global Positioning System measurements show long-term slowly increasing summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.
     There were 2 events with 3 or more felt reports in the Hawaiian islands during the past week (prior to July 2): a magnitude-3.3 earthquake 15 km (9 mi) SE of Pāhala at 33 km (20 mi) depth on June, 27 at 11:09 p.m., and a magnitude-3.0 earthquake 9 km (5 mi) ENE of Pāhala at 32 km (19 mi) depth on June, 27 at 12:58 p.m.
     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.
     Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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SEVEN NEW COVID-19 CASES IN HAWAIʻI are reported today. Hawaiʻi Isalnd reports one new case. There are seven active cases on-island, reports Department of Health. All active patients are being monitored by DOH. Of those, six cases are travel-related, says a statement from DOH. The origin of today's case is not yet released.
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. DOH map.
     Oʻahu reported 6 new cases today. The state's new case total is 394 in 31 days.
     Hawaiʻi Island recorded its seven active cases over the last two weeks. All other 87 confirmed COVID-19 victims on Hawaiʻi Island recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here. There were three hospitalizations on-island; those patients have been released.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 750 cases, Kauaʻi 40, and Maui County 128. Eighteen victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 1,030 people were confirmed positive for the virus. Nineteen people died.
     The daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno says "The majority of states in our country continue to see an increase of people being infected by the Coronavirus. Hawaiʻi Island remains in a good place and know how important it is for everyone to continue, and even get better, in following the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness. This is a community issue and your help is needed to keep Hawaiʻi safe. Wear your face coverings to keep you and others safe. The County Task Force on prevention remains available, so do call Civil Defense if help is needed. The County's Task Force on disinfection also continues its seven-day-a-week schedule. Thank you for listening and thank you for doing your part in keeping yourself, your family, your friends, and your community safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 2,922,000 cases have been confirmed – an increase of about 48,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 130,248.
     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 11.58 million. The death toll is more than 536,658.

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
Free Virtual Storytime Sessions with Jeff Gere, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday for three weeks, 9:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., starting July 7. Partnered with UH-Mānoa's Outreach College Statewide Cultural Extension Program. To attend each show, email jeffgere1031@gmail.com and csinfo@hawaii.edu, with the subject SCEP : Jeff Gere. In the body of the email, copy & paste in the programs wanted to watch from the list below. An email confirming the reservation will confirm receipt. About 30 minutes before each show starts at 9:30 a.m.csinfo@hawaii.edu will email the Zoom link to the email provided.
     Tuesdays: Little Kids Tales. July 7, Participation Tales. July 14, Silly N' Spooky Tales. July 21, Teaching Tales. Wednesdays: Folktales. July 8Jack & Evil Mountain SpiritOld Rink Rank. July 15Fooling the DevilKing & Goat HeadJuly 22, several Adventurous Tales. Thursdays: "Spooky Hawaiʻi" Tales. July 9PanuiJuly 16Old Mililani GraveyardSensativeJuly 23Pele Tales, true stories of meeting Pele.
     During performances, leave microphones off so everyone can enjoy the show. Share sign-up information with "as many listeners as you like" and watch "as many shows as you like." Tech questions should be directed to summer aides. All attendees will be asked to answer a host and technology questionnaire after each show. Zoom's WEBINAR format does not allow a view of the audience. "We won't be able to see your children. It is not an issue."

Talk Story on Living with Serious Illness, Friday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Virtual event, hosted by Hawaiʻi Care Choices, will feature personal insights on "why accessing healthcare early can boost the quality of life" from former Hawaiʻi County Mayor Billy Kenoi, and Rodney Powell, a licensed clinical social worker and service coordination manager with Hawaiian Helathcare. Host Lani Weigert, Community Manager of Hawaiʻi Care Choices will share how to get help, relief, and support for serious illness through Kupu Palliative Care, Hospice, and Bereavement Care. Register for this Zoom event before Friday, July 10 by emailing LFukushima@hawaiicarechoices.org. See hawaiicarechoices.org, call 808-969-1733, or email care@hawaiicarechoices.org for more.

After-School All-Stars Free Virtual Summer Program runs through Friday, July 17 - register before July 10. For students going into 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Classes offered are cooking, baking, fitness, arts & crafts, sports, gardening, and more. Every activity earns one entry in a prize drawing. All materials provided; pick up on Monday mornings, 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m., in Volcano, Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, or Ocean View. Register at tinyurl.com/KauSummer2020. For more info, contact Chrysa Dacalio, kau@asashawaii.org, 808-561-3710.

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 or refer to this fact sheet for more information.

Zentangle with Lydia Meneses, Saturday, July 1110 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Villagevolcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Virtual 80th Meeting of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Tuesday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. The council will introduce new and returning members; have presentations on advisory council guidelines, sanctuary updates, and discussions on potential council action topics; and address questions from members and the public. Public comment begins about 10:30 a.m. To provide comment, sign up in advance, email cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov or type a comment into the Question box. Register in advance at attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5189333551313546256. Learn more on Facebook; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov; NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, sanctuaries.noaa.gov; State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources, dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar.

Bid on a Cottage with a covered lanai through a closed auction by Habitat for Humanity through July 15 at 5 p.m. The 780 square foot cottage was dismantled and donated to Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island. Starting bid is $15,000 and it will be sold "as is" and with no warranty. Stored in a container in Waimea, it includes lanai, exterior walls, subfloor, windows (missing one), front door, roofing, front stairs, and conceptual plans created by Habitat. To place a bid, send an email to info@habitathawaiiisland.org with name, phone number, and bid amount. Bids accepted in increments of $500. Winner will be contacted July 16. In the case of a tie, the person that submitted the winning bid first will be the winner. To view the dismantled cottage, visit the Waimea ReStore at 65-1259 Kawaihae Road on Wednesday, July 8 between 1 p.m and 4 p.m. Email info@habitathawaiiisland.org with questions.

Free ZOOM Talk on Finding Solutions, Growing Peacenoon to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 16. Non-profit Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center hosts their Brown Bag Lunch Series on the third Thursday of the month. July's speaker, Ilana Stout, M.S., will speak on From Anxiety to Action: Emotional Literacy to Deepen Education. In this talk, attendees can "learn how to support mental and emotional wellness that can serve as a foundation for community action," says the announcement. Register online at freebrownbagtalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Ku‘ikahi Program Coordinator Majidah Lebarre at 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org. Or visit hawaiimediation.org.

Grow Food From Wood: Mushroom Cultivation with Zach Mermel, separate workshops on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Villagevolcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Strategies to Jump-Start Your Writing by Jacquolyn McMurray and Kristin Wolfgang, a virtual workshop via Zoom, will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. "How long has writing been on your bucket list? Are you ready to make 2020 the year you finally get started or restarted? This class is perfect for all writers seeking new inspiration and strategies." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Apply for Grants to Start, Expand, or Improve Rural Cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America. USDA will make $5.8 million in grants available under the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program. USDA encourages applications that will help improve life in rural America. Key strategies include: Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America, Developing the Rural Economy, Harnessing Technological Innovation, Supporting a Rural Workforce, and Improving Quality of Life. Nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education are eligible to apply, to provide technical assistance to individuals and rural businesses. Fiscal year 2019 award recipients who received a grant period extension due to a loss of operations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic are eligible to apply for fiscal year 2020 funding. Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 6 p.m. HST Aug. 3. Additional information is available on page 39870 of the July 2 Federal Register.

Exhibition Mixed Flock: Prints by Margaret Barnaby and Pottery by Emily Herb has been held over through Aug. 8. Also available to view online, view the exhibition in person the Gallery in the Park during normal gallery hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Free. The exhibition features two prominent female artists from Volcano Village "who find deep inspiration in Hawaiʻi's natural environment and specifically the native bird populations found within it." volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Apply for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas through USDA Rural Development through 6 p.m. HST on Aug. 10 at grants.gov. Eligible applicants include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers. USDA defines a socially disadvantaged group as one "whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without regard to their individual qualities."
     Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation. Key strategies include e-connectivity for rural America, developing rural economies, harnessing technological innovation, supporting a rural workforce, and improving quality of life.

ONGOING
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. Nāʻālehu's final ʻOhana Food Drop is Wednesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. until pau – supplies run out – at Nāʻālehu Shopping Center. Go to Volcano's Cooper Center at 19-4030 Wright Road on Wednesday, July 22, 10 a.m. until pau. Ocean View residents can go to The Food Basket's pantry at St. Jude's the last Tuesday of the month, July 28.

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.

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.

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.

Find Resources for LGBTQ+, Loved Ones, and Allies at Sexual and Gender Minority online resource hub. Hawaiʻi Department of Health's first website dedicated to LGBTQ+ resources. Developed by the Sexual and Gender Minoroty Workgroup in partnership with the DOH Harm Reduction Services Branch. Resources: Understanding the Pacific's alternative genders; Pronoun guide; Book lists for children and teens; ʻOhana support; and DOH data. For more information on joining the SGM Workgroup, email Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov. See


Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through the Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The Kahalo Center says database consists of "collections of data pertaining to historically and culturally significant places, events, and documents in Hawaiʻi's history. The purpose of this educational online repository is to increase the community's ability to preserve and perpetuate cultural and historical information and practices." See papakilodatabase.com.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming from two free modules of a virtual training program. Accessible online, additional modules will be added. The course is presented by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday. The Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Virtual Shopping Appointments are offered at Volcano Art Center locations. Via Skype or FaceTime, a VAC associate helps customers browse the selection of artwork up close, and gives personalized tips and recommendations to help customers "find that perfect piece of locally made artwork, wherever you are in the world!" Book an appointment online for $5 and VAC staff will help schedule a date and time at volcanoartcenter.org/shop. Shop the online gallery 24/7. Orders are shipped as regularly scheduled. Free local pickup is available.VAC now offers a Virtual Classroom, which features over 90 videos. Visit volcanoartcenter.org for more.

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

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.

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.

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