Thursday, July 09, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, July 9, 2020

Enjoy photos like this one of a humpback whale breaching, videos, science, and more at Hawaiian Islands
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary's new website. Details below. NOAA photo

THE COUNTY OF HAWAIʻI WILL RECEIVE $80 MILLION ON FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding. The County announced today it is moving quickly "to get these critical dollars into our community to provide financial assistance during the COVID-19 emergency." To help manage financial recovery programs, the County will release a Request for Proposals this Sunday, July 12 at hawaiicounty.gov/cares.
     To answer potential applicant questions, the County will hold a webinar on Monday, July 13 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. To sign up for the webinar, or to submit questions in advance, visit hawaiicounty.gov/cares.
     Non-profits, financial institutions, and other management organizations with the ability to deliver direct services or sub-awards to communities, businesses, and individuals are invited to apply. Applicants can be non-profit or for-profit entities with the capacity to receive grant awards starting from $250,000 to more than $2 million. Funds must be distributed to the community no later than
Dec. 30, 2020. Contractors must comply with all federal and state CARES Act guidelines.
So far, Boys and Girls Club Big Island handed out more than 62,000
hot meals during the pandemic. Photo from BGCBI
     Individuals and individual businesses are ineligible if seeking to address only their own needs. Assistance being sought for this purpose will be addressed through the selected non-profits, financial institutions, or other management organizations awarded contracts through this RFP. Programs addressed in the RFP include:
     Food Assistance - Grants to nonprofits to purchase local farm produce, distribute to restaurants for meal preparation and delivery of meals to vulnerable families and other food need allocations. $3,992,000
     Childcare - Grants to licensed childcare providers to support expansion of operations and incentives for new childcare providers; supplies including sanitation, disinfecting supplies, foggers, UV lights, and temperature scanners. $2,500,000
     Community and Family Resilience – Grants to support new and existing social-related, health and wellness programs that build resilient communities through building capacity, supporting the creation and strengthening of relationships that build social capital and foster cooperation and trust. $4,000,000
     Connectivity Enhancement - Grants for micro-transmitters and tablets to support remote telework, businesses, and education. $1,000,000
     Business and Nonprofit Assistance - Grants to support financial obligations including but not limited to rent, leases, mortgage, vehicle leases, master supply agreements, and non-governmental utilities and reopening costs. $22,000,000
     Individual Grants to Prevent Housing Displacement – Grants to provide unduplicated monetary assistance for rent, leases, mortgages, and non-governmental utilities to households directly impacted by COVID-19. $10,000,000
     For more details on these programs, visit hawaiicounty.gov/cares. Applications for the RFP are due by Tuesday, July 21 at 4:30 p.m. by electronic submission.

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The Hū Honua bioenergy plant is nearly complete, but the PUC ruled that it must compete for a permit
with other renewable energy proposals. Photo from Hū Honua
THE PUC TODAY REJECTED HŪ HONUA'S AGREEMENT TO SELL ELECTRICITY TO HAWAIIAN ELECTRIC. The bioenergy company proposed to create up to 21.5 megawatts that could provide about 14.5 percent of the electrical needs for Hawaiʻi Island and displace some 250,000 barrels of imported oil per year. Its proposal proclaimed many benefits to the environment while opponents objected to burning wood for energy and claimed possible pollution of the ocean.
     In its oceanfront Hāmākua energy plant, Hū Honua would burn wood chips from eucalyptus grown on Kamehameha Schools land around Pāhala and other tree farms around the island. The state Public Utilities Commission ruled that, instead of accepting the Hawaiian Electric contract, it would allow Hū Honua to compete with other proposed renewable energy projects.
     Hū Honua attorneys Dean and Wil Yamamoto responded to the PUC ruling, saying that further delay in opening the biofuel plant threatens more than 50 jobs on this island. "Hū Honua has invested well over $350 million to develop the Project, and the monthly carrying costs are approximately $2.6 million. Accordingly, each month of Project delay results in additional cost impacts and further jeopardizes existing jobs, project financing, and all of Hū Honua's investments."
     The PUC issued Order No. 37205 today that denies Hawaiian Electric's request for a Waiver from Competitive Bidding for the Hū Honua Biomass Project, making its Power Purchase Agreement with Hū Honua void. In its decision, the PUC noted "recent developments," including 30 MW projects with lower prices for renewable energy – from $0.08 per kilowatt hour to $0.12/kWh. Hū Honua pricing for 21.5 MW is estimated at $0.221/kWh.
     Instead of the Hū Honua proposal, the PUC recently approved Hawaiʻi Island projects AES Waikoloa Solar, LLC at $0.08/kWh and Hale Kuawehi Solar, LLC at $0.09/kWh.
     The PUC stated that the main reason Hawaiian Electric requested the Hū Honua competitive bidding waiver was to prevent further delay that would affect receiving a federal Investment Tax Credit, that would make the Hū Honua project "cost effective." The original deadline for the project to produce energy in order to receive the tax credit was in 2018.
 Honua proposed biomass, including eucalyptus grown around Pāhala,
 as one of the renewable energy sources for Hawaiʻi Island. The PUC
 ruled today that it must compete with wind, solar, and
others for permit approvals. Photo from  Honua
     Hū Honua has faced other delays, including the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court vacating the PUC's approval of a purchase agreement with Hawaiian Electric in May of 2019. The case was brought to the court by Life of the Land, and its executive director, which contended that the PUC failed to consider greenhouse gas emissions in determining whether to approve the agreement. Today's PUC ruling, however, stated that the PUC does not make conclusions on the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the project, but whether the project is the best option at this time for affordable energy.
     The PUC said that biomass resources could have a place in Hawaiʻi's renewable energy portfolio. "The Commission is aware that biomass resources offer different considerations than other renewable resources, such as solar and wind, but believes that these distinctions are better weighed and addressed in the context of the Competitive Bidding Framework."
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EXTEND THE 14-DAY QUARANTINE FOR ALL TRAVELERS, says U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. She released a statement this morning asking Mayor Harry Kim, the other three mayors, and Gov. David Ige to stand down from the Aug. 1 tourism launch, which allows visitors to come into the state with only a certificate showing a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival.
     Gabbard wrote, "I strongly urge the governor and mayors of Hawaiʻi counties to continue the 14-day quarantine for trans-Pacific travelers because of the surge of COVID-19 infections occurring across the country, with many states experiencing a higher number of positive COVID-19 cases now than at any point during this pandemic. In addition, we are facing an extreme shortage in testing reagents, personal protective equipment, and medical supplies. We must put the health and lives of the people of Hawaiʻi first and take necessary actions to contain and defeat this virus in our state.
Rule until Aug. 1
     "The travel quarantine must remain in place for the time being as we focus on containing and defeating the virus, massively increasing our testing and tracing capacity, and securing our medical supply chains. These steps are essential to get to a place where the people of Hawaii can be confident that travelers coming to our state will not bring greater risk and COVID-19 infections with them."

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.

THE POSSIBLE DELAY IN OPENING TRANS-PACIFIC TRAVEL to Hawaiʻi, without COVID-19 testing but no quarantine in Hawaiʻi, is on the minds of Mayor Harry Kim, Gov. David Ige, and other Hawaiʻi mayors. The governor issued a statement Thursday, saying, "The mayors and I met yesterday and are meeting again today to assess the current situation and discuss what it might mean for the state, including the planned pre-travel testing program. We are getting input from community leaders as we carefully consider the health and safety of our residents and the financial health of our communities because we know they are interconnected."

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.

FOOD SAFETY RED PLACARDS for COVID-19 violations for food establishments that do not take physical distancing and other guidance seriously are in place. Dept. of Health's Food Safety Branch announced Thursday it will begin to temporarily suspend the operations of restaurants, bars, and other food establishments that don't comply with physical distancing, wearing cloth face masks, and other required guidance. Under existing state law, DOH inspectors can temporarily shut down a food establishment if its practices pose a danger to public health by spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
     Using the familiar color-coded placard system, DOH will issue red placards to these food establishments. DOH Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, "The department is taking these steps now to enforce preventive measures that are known to be effective in preventing the transmission of the disease, especially as we have seen a recent increase in the number of COVID cases and evidence of community spread. Most food establishments in Hawaiʻi are conscientious and trying their best to comply with health guidance. Nevertheless, we feel these steps are necessary to assure all restaurants and other food establishments are doing everything they can to protect the health of the public and their employees."
     DOH's Food Safety Branch Chief Peter Oshiro said, "As Hawaiʻi reopens and moves toward economic recovery, no one wants to see a restaurant temporarily close and miss out on opportunities to serve customers. We recognize many Hawaiʻi food establishment operators are doing their best to protect the health of their employees and customers, and we need all operators to comply with the guidance and take it seriously. This is a critical time for food establishments to tighten their practices instead of becoming lax."
     If a business is found to not be in compliance with physical distancing and mask requirements, it'll first be issued a written warning. If the business is caught violating the rules a second time, it'll be issued a red placard and will have to temporarily close. The food establishment may request a follow-up inspection in order to reopen their business.
The Hawaiian Islands received federal designation as one of  Ameria's Marine Highways in 2018, which could open
up financial support for Young Brothers interisland shipping, according to the Hawaiʻi County Council.
Map from America's Marine Highways
HELP FOR YOUNG BROTHERS COULD COME FROM AMERICA'S MARINE HIGHWAYS PROGRAM, which provides funding for marine transportation the way national programs provide money for highways, roads and bridges. The program entered the discussion Wednesday when the County Council approved a resolution, co-sponsored by  Sue Lee loy and Tim Richards, to support financially strapped Young Brothers by looking to federal resources.
     In July 2018, waters between the Hawaiian Islands were designated the Daniel K. Akaka Marine Highway. Young Bros. suffering a steep declined in revenue during the pandemic, cut its schedule putting "critical" shipping between the islands at risk. Other places that receive funding from the Marine Highways Program include coastal and island communities in southern Alaska and state and communities along the shores of the Great Lakes. Most waters near the coast of the U.S., including the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico are included.
Hawaiʻi County Council passed a resolution Wednesday, asking the
PUC and Young Brothers to seek a wide range of assistance to
help keep the interisland cargo service in operation.
Photo from Young Brothers
Washington
     The resolution addresses Public Utilities Commission's May decision, which allowed Young Bros. to cut expenses by reducing weekly sailings to Hawaiʻi Island and other Neighbor Island harbors. The resolution indirectly refers to the recent event, where 21 containers went overboard just outside of Hilo Harbor, saying fewer sailings "increases the potential for service interruptions due to incidents arising from improper container loads."
     The resolution encourages the Public Utilities Commission and Young Brothers to work with a broad range of possibilities for funding to help the company through the pandemic, which has cut its cargo bookings, and reduced  opportunities for farmers and ranches shipping interisland and for schools, businesses, and non-profits receiving food and other goods.
     Council Chair Aaron Chung said, "The one thing I know for sure is this: we cannot lose Young Brothers. If they ever, by any way, go out of business, we are – no pun intended – sunk."

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RETIRED MT. VIEW ELEMENTARY TEACHER SUSAN HUGHES is the sole Republican running for the District 3 state House of Representatives office, which represents East Kaʻū – Punaluʻu, Pāhala, Wood Valley – and Volcano, into Hilo.
     Hughes, a resident of Volcano for over 50 years, says she knows the people and the island "inside and out." Her campaign information says she "honors our past and present war heroes, our law enforcement, our medics, and leaders who swore to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the United Stated of America."
     She is married to Robert Hughes, has three children and four grandchildren. She attends New Hope Volcano church.
Susan Hughes is running as the Republican candidate for
state House of Representatives, for East Kaʻū, through
Volcano, into Hilo. Photo from choosesusanhughes.com
     Hughes has a Bachelor of Education from UH Mānoa, 1971 and a Masters from California State University, Long Beach, 1997. She taught at Mt. View Elementary School for 23 years. She also launched and maintained several small businesses in the community.
     She is Chairperson of District 3 East Hawaiʻi County Republican Party for 2016-2020, an elected position. She has a lifetime membership with the NRA, and belongs to Hawaiʻi Island Bed and Breakfast Association, Concerned Women of America, Hawaiʻi Federation of Republican Women, and East Hawaiʻi County Republican Party. She volunteers with Pāhoa Food Basket, and won Best Cook for Earth Watch in 1981-83.
     A "staunch believer in the Constitution of the United States, Hughes is "retired and actively seeking political engagement." Hughes' campaign info says she "means business and wants to see a 'balanced' legislature." She wants to "bring vision and balance into" government. She "believes in providing a two-party system that gives voice to those wishing for the traditional values and founding principles. Her campaign site says she "has the ability, the skill sets, the political rigor and stamina required to jump into congress on day one and hit the road running."
     Her campaign information says her focuses include:
     The Economy, Jobs, and Quality of Life: "Democrats have been unable to bring back good-paying jobs to this island since the sugar mills closed in 1994. The current 30-50 percent unemployment is completely unsustainable. The Hawaiʻi State Legislature just voted a 15 percent pay raise to government employees while the whole state is suffering with massive unemployment and businesses which may never reopen. State, country, and federal workers are not feeling your pain. They are still getting paid – at almost /twice as much as non-government workers like you! Is that fair?"
Susan Hughes is running to represent the area of Hawaii Island shown
in green. Map from choosesusanhughes.com
     First Amendment Rights (Freedom of Assembly): "In neither the U.S. nor the Hawaiian Constitution does it explicitly state the prohibition of peaceful assembly. Yet this was enacted, without legislation, during an election year and should never have happened."
     Education: "Under their democrat rule our schools have declined to the point where only one in five students have reached minimally successful standards. As a former teacher of [23] years at MVS I am appalled. This has resulted in only in 1:5 University of Hawaiʻi freshmen getting any kind of a degree. We can't move forward into a future of better jobs with these kinds of results! If we don't change this, we might as well teach our kids one phrase: 'Do you want fries with that?'"
     Community Needs: "Families need Dads back inside. the. home. period. Children need balance. The Homeless problem is not a monolithic problem. It's complicated one and needs an intensive, multifaceted approach."
     See more at choosesuehughes.com.

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LEARN HOW TO JOIN WITH OTHER COMPANIES TO TAKE ON LARGER GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS at a Teaming Agreements and Subcontracts webinar Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register at eventbrite.com/e/dos-and-donts-for-teaming-agreements-subcontracting-webinar-registration-108906253536.
Attend a webinar to learn how to join forces with other businesses to bid on government contracts. Image from Norcal PTAC
     Organized by Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center, Hawaiʻi Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Norcal Procurement Technical Assistance Center, learn a step-by-step process for successfully teaming for a government contract and "take your business to the next level." The webinar will cover: What is a teaming agreement?; Benefits of teaming; Factors to consider when selecting a teaming partner; Considerations when negotiating agreements; 8(a) and Small Business considerations; Introduction to the Mentor-Protégé Program; Differences between subcontracting, teaming, and joint venturing; Tips for success; and Contracting with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
     Christina Jones, Norcal PTAC Sr./Lead Procurement Specialist, will speak during the event. She is an expert business consultant and facilitator with over 20 years of experience in developing process improvement and training programs to position small businesses for government sales. She specializes in 8(a) certification, contract vehicles to include General Services Administration, and proposal writing. "Christina has a proven track record in increasing economic impact through calculated one-on-one counseling of small to medium-sized businesses," says the announcement.
     Monique M. Holmes, Deputy for Small Business Programs with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Honolulu District, will also speak. She was welcomed to USACE as the Small Business Program Analyst representing the Honolulu District on Feb. 18. She brings 30 years of private and public sector experience. As the Small Business Program Analyst, Monique utilizes her skillsets to expand USACE Honolulu Districts small business base through increasing opportunities for small businesses as well as reducing hardships and eliminating restrictive barriers faced by the small business communities most vulnerable categories.

A humpback in Hawaiian waters.
NOAA photo
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NEW WEBSITE FOR HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY launched this week. An announcement from the organization says hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov sports photos, videos, and stories about "one of the world's most important humpback habitats." The website offers science and research, while protection, educational programs, Hawaiian heritage, management of the Sanctuary, how to visit and get involved, information on the Sanctuary Advisory Council, and more. See hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.

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ON ONE FLIGHT, 130 PEOPLE ARRIVED IN KONA from out-of-state on Tuesday, with 13 people relocating to Hawaiʻi Island, 58 residents returning, 51 visitors, one in-transit, and seven crew. Statewide, 2,685 crew, in-transit, relocators, visitors, and residents arrived, on a total of 24 out-of-state flights.

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THIRTY-SIX NEW COVID-19 CASES IN HAWAIʻI are reported today, with one new case on Hawaiʻi Island. There are nine active cases on-island. The patients are being monitored by Department of Health.
     Oʻahu reported 34 new cases today and Kauaʻi one. The state's new case total has increased by nearly 200 in less than ten 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 is six 
to ten cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 11 to 20 
cases. Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
     There are nine active cases on-island, reports DOH. It has been 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū zip code. One zip code on the west side has between six and ten active cases. This island's other 88 confirmed COVID-19 victims 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 842 cases, Kauaʻi 43, and Maui County 130. Eighteen victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 1,130 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 State remains in a good place, as noted by Johns Hopkins University as the best in the country, having the lowest number of people infected by the virus. This is mainly due to your following the preventive policies of wearing face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness. As we go forward, do take care in protecting yourself, your family, your friends, and your community to keep Hawaiʻi safe. Thank you for listening and thank you for your help. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 3,105,315 cases have been confirmed – an increase of nearly 59,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 132,934, almost 1,700 in 24 hours.
     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 12.1 million. The death toll is more than 552,043.

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
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Virtual Cultural Festival runs through July 11 on social media. Hawaiian culture is shared with a wide audience free of charge. Instead of gathering the community and visitors together in person, the Park will share short videos and other mana‘o (knowledge) about Hawaiian culture virtually. #FindYourVirtualPark. Go to facebook.com/hawaiivolcanoesnps/.
     All virtual events will be posted at the listed time, but the content will be available any time afterwards. See the Opening ‘Oli Komo, new Mo‘olelo and Places pages, Learn to Make a Tī Leaf Lei, read comments from the Facebook Watch Party and watch the documentary, Saving ‘Ōhi‘a, or watch a demonstration of Hawaiian Lua (Martial Arts).

LINK!

     Here is the schedule for Friday and Saturday:
     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.

Free Virtual Storytime Sessions with Jeff Gere, Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday for three weeks, 9:30 a.m. to 10:10 a.m., through July 23. 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: Participation Tales. July 14, Silly N' Spooky Tales. July 21, Teaching Tales. Wednesdays: Folktales. July 15Fooling the DevilKing & Goat HeadJuly 22, several Adventurous Tales. Thursdays: "Spooky Hawaiʻi" Tales. July 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

Kaʻū Chapter of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United meets 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.

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 its 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 and worship are posted online on Sundays at stjudeshawaii.org. Join the Aloha Hour via Zoom at 11 a.m. on Sundays,
us02web.zoom.us/j/6843449828?pwd=YW94djVvU0szOGNKaFZ1V0pUL1owUT09, Meeting ID: 684 344 9828, Password: Aloha.

The Food Basket provides food to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org to verify dates and times. 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.

Volcano Friends Feeding Friends, Cooper Center 19-4030 Wright Rd. Served by Friends Feeding Friends Thursday, July 30 – the last Thursday of the month. Call 985-7140 to verify.

On-Call Emergency Box Food Pantry is open at Cooper Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Eligible one time every three months. Call Kehau, 443-4130.

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 health.hawaii.gov/harmreduction/sexual-gender-minority/sexual-and-gender-minorities-sgm-in-hawaii/.


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.

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.


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 Saturday – replacing Friday with Saturday, 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.
     More food vendors are added on Mondays, including Bella's Mexican takeaway hot foods. 
     Lau Lau Man and Flyin' Hawaiian Coffee return to the Market on Wednesdays.
     Saturday will host vendors who have not been able to get space at the Wednesday market. The Saturday Market will feature familiar faces and plenty of new sellers. 

     OKK's Nāʻālehu Market offers 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, on various days. Contact Sue Barnett, OKK Market Manager, at 808-345-9374 (voice or text) or kaufarmer@aol.com for more and to apply to vend. See facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket.

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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