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Monday, July 13, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Monday, July 13, 2020

Six feet apart. Kaʻū residents met at Pāhala Community Center today for the COVID-19 update from Mayor
Harry Kim, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, and health care officials. The meeting was organized by Jessie Marques and
Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association. Photo by Julia Neal
                      See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

THE KAʻŪ COVID-19 UPDATE DREW A FULL HOUSE, sitting in chairs distanced six feet apart, with everyone masked, from Lt. Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Harry Kim, to kūpuna looking for answers. The meeting today at Pāhala Community Center addressed a crack in the wall of regulations aimed to block the spread of COVID-19.
     That crack allowed a physician to arrive in the state and go on to Kaʻū Hospital. She was listed as an essential worker, untested for COVID, and under a quarantine that allowed her to go to work. After two days at Kaʻū Hospital Rural Health Clinic, seeing 11 patients, her COVID test came up positive. She retreated to isolation in her accommodations -- far from the hospital campus.
     Kaʻū Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris stood in front of the public to say that she called all the patients and any caregivers with them who saw the infected physician. She offered them free COVID tests and all came up negative. She attributed the negative results to the practices at the hospital. Every person is questioned about health before they enter, with temperatures taken. All patients, doctors and other staff wear masks.
      Harris noted that the infected physician did not enter the long-term wing of the hospital that is home to vulnerable residents. The entire hospital has been operating under a no-visitors policy for months. Harris said that every employee who came into contact with the doctor when she worked in the clinic tested negative. Regional hospital systems manager Dan Brinkman promised follow-up employee testing.
     For the future, Brinkman and Harris said, no new employees -- doctor, nurse, nor anyone else working at Kaʻū, Hilo, and other hospitals in their system -- will be hired without a COVID-19 negative test result. Brinkman also said he plans for testing to go beyond new employees, as he negotiates with the hospital workers union to require testing of employees who come back from out-of-state vacations.
Kaʻū Hospital Administrator Merilyn Harris explains protection from COVID-19 at the hospital and clinic. At right
are Mayor Harry Kim and Lt. Gov. Josh Green. See more in Tuesday's Kaʻū News Briefs.
Photo by Julia Neal
     During the Kaʻū COVID-19 Update, Mayor Harry Kim talked about today's news, the governor's announcement to delay the Aug. 1 date to allow trans-Pacific travelers into the state with negative COVID-19 tests and a waiver for the 14-day quarantine. The mayor said he worked with the three other county mayors to urge Gov. David Ige to delay the influx of visitors until at least Sept. 1, when more reliable testing may be available to catch COVID-19 carriers before they reach here. Kim also pointed to the out-of-control surge in mainland cases and warned local people to think twice about going to the hot spots, and to exercise extreme caution when they travel.
     The mayor said he is proud of Hawaiʻi Island's record of low numbers of COVID-19 cases, without any deaths to date. He said success is only as good as people continuing safe practices and noted there will be setbacks, like the experience at Kaʻū Hospital. He also noted that two of the COVID patients on-island are three and two years of age. He told the public, "You are the best policemen to talk to your family and friends" about social distancing.
     Kim said he is proud that Hawaiʻi County helped initiate a statewide digital system, after the state tasked the county police department with ensuring that incoming visitors and returning residents remain in quarantine. He said initially it took days to receive information on where they were staying. Technology solved the problem. "With this pandemic, we learn every day," said the mayor.
     See more on the Kaʻū COVID-19 Update in Tuesday's Kaʻū News Briefs, including remarks and analysis from  Lt. Gov. Josh Green, physicians, health directors, and the public.

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THE HYBRID MODEL FOR TEACHING has been chosen by Nā‘ālehu Elementary, and Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary. Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary is scheduled to launch classes Tuesday, Aug. 4, Nā‘ālehu Wednesday, Aug. 5.
     Volcano School of Arts and Sciences plans to open are not yet publicly announced. However, the website says VSAS "will be implementing a combination of remote and face-to-face learning that uses an A/B schedule for most students during moderate, minor, and minimal impact levels."
     In the hybrid model for the public schools, young elementary and vulnerable students will attend weekdays, in person. Upper elementary students will learn through a blended rotation model, with distance and classroom learning.
     Middle school at Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary could operate a two-day rotation, alternating face-to-face and online learning, with students reporting to campus twice a week. Another choice for the middle school will be a combination rotation learning, with the school determining the number of days students report to campus for face-to-face education.
     Ka‘ū High School chose a hybrid model, with some students coming to campus for face-to-face instruction, while other students learn at distance. The plan is for very vulnerable students to come to school daily for in-person learning.
     Ka‘ū-Kea‘au-Pāhoa Complex Area Superintendent Chad Keone Farias said he is particularly concerned about students in the most rural areas, with limited access to internet and cell service, when it comes to distance learning.

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NO QUARANTINE-FREE TRANS-PACIFIC TRAVELERS will come into Hawaiʻi until at least Sept. 1, announced Gov. David Ige today. Lifting mandatory quarantine for travelers from out-of-state was scheduled for Aug. 1 for all those with negative COVID-19 test results. The governor said the delay in re-opening was  "not a very easy decision." He pointed to record numbers of new cases on Oʻahu and the anticipation of an uptick in cases when Hawaiʻi schools reopen on Aug. 4.
    He also pointed to uncontrolled outbreaks in mainland states and a shortage in testing supplies, which would make it difficult for visitors to receive their results before arriving here, within 72 hours after testing. "We don't believe that that situation would change significantly by Aug. 1, as we had hoped."
     Ige said that, in numerous meetings over the past week, he and county mayors pondered two difficult options. "On one hand we could continue to move forward and re-open the economy but face an uncontrolled surge in COVID-19 cases. On the other, we can delay the pre-travel testing and risk further damage to the economy."
Out-of-state travelers will still have to quarantine of 14 days through Sept. 1.
     He said the final decision to delay opening will make the state's economic recovery more challenging, and put even more pressure on small businesses, "but we do believe that it is time to continue to protect the health and safety of our community." He asked everyone to take personal responsibility to help win the battle against coronavirus.
     Chris Tatum, president and CEO of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, said, "We want to welcome back our visitors once our state is ready to do so in a safe manner that will hopefully avoid the need to backtrack in the future."
     The governor said state officials still believe the pre-travel testing program will help Hawai‘i stay safe. Progress on the program will be announced in detail by Sept. 1. The program will require a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test at a certified Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment lab at the traveler's expense, within 72 hours before travel. Travelers would be exempt from mandatory 14-day quarantine if testing negative. If results are not available by time of arrival, quarantine would be necessary until test results are received. Ige says the pre-arrival test is one part of a multi-layered screening process which includes arrival temperature checks, completion of the State Travel and Health form, and secondary screening for those with symptoms or temperatures of 100.4 degrees or higher.
     An exception in the rules for August will allow out-of-state university students to return to a "modified bubble quarantine." Students with negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival can participate in the "bubble," attending university activities and otherwise remain in their residences. Students will submit to daily health checks, with questions about symptoms like fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. The modified bubble will last for 14 days, similar to the 14-day quarantine other out-of-state travelers will have to follow in August.

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
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THREE NEW DEATHS FROM COVID-19 are reported today by state Department of Health. The first is an elderly Kaua‘i resident who died in Arizona, where he received months of treatment for underlying medical conditions. The second is a woman, who lived in a care home and died in a hospital Sunday morning. The third is an elderly O‘ahu man with underlying medical issues, who passed away Tuesday.
     Gov. David Ige expressed his condolences for their families: "We continue to have among the lowest fatality rates, but every death is a tragedy."
     State Health Director, Dr. Bruce Anderson, said, "We all extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of these three people. The best tribute to their lives and to the lives of all 22 people who've lost the fight against coronavirus, is getting everyone in Hawai‘i to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them. While the majority of Hawai‘i's residents are using safe practices, clearly there are some who are not, and frankly, unless everyone pays attention, we'll unfortunately continue to see illnesses and deaths associated with COVID-19."
    The governor also showcased the newly revised health dashboard, at https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/.
   
Infographic from the Oregon governor's office.
 
 THE FIRST COVID-19 CASE IN VOLCANO is confirmed in the 96785 zip code. It is the only case reported today on this island. The only detail provided by the state Department of Health is designating it travel-related. Yesterday's case is also travel-related. All ten active cases on-island, as reported by the state, are monitored by DOH.
     Kona Community Hospital confirmed that on Friday, an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The hospital is in the process of contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been in contact with the staff member. No additional employees have tested positive.
     On Hawaiʻi Island, one zip code on the west side has between six and ten active cases. Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 102 cases. This island's other 92 confirmed COVID-19 victims recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died of COVID-19 here. There were four hospitalizations on-island; those patients have been released.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 942 cases, Kauaʻi 43, and Maui County 135. Twenty-one victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Twenty-two people In the state died from COVID-19.
     According to a CNN article today, one in 100 people tested in the U.S. has come up positive for the novel coronavirus. Of all the states, Hawaiʻi has the fewest positive cases per capita, according to data gathered by the New York Times
Civil Defense Director 
Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta described testing for COVID-19. A viral test -- from a swab of the throat or nose, or a saliva sample -- tells whether a person carried the virus at test time. A test Friday with negative results means the person was COVID-19-free on Friday, "but anything can happen after that." Gupta reported the CDC saying someone infected with COVID-19 "could test negative initially one day and then test positive later as the infection develops."
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "It is so important that in traveling to the mainland, or hosting someone from the mainland, that you exercise caution. Know that the conditions in most of the mainland states continue to see a high rate of increases of people being infected by the virus.
     "In moving forward, know that the Coronavirus threat for Hawaiʻi remains and we need to follow preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness. As a reminder wearing of face coverings is mandatory on Hawaiʻi Island. Thank you for listening and thank you for doing your part to help keep Hawaiʻi Island safe. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     In the United States, more than 3,364,547 cases have been confirmed – an increase of over 67,000 in about 24 hours. The death toll is over 135,615.
     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 13.1 million. The death toll is more than 573,288.

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DR. TED SHANEYFELT is running for Mayor of Hawaiʻi Island in a "zero-dollar campaign:" he accepts no donations and spends no money on campaign items to become trash after the election, says his campaign information.
     Shaneyfelt grew up in Leilani Estates. He drives an electric vehicle powered by his own rooftop generated electricity and raises over 100 different kinds of fruits, nuts, spices, and other edible plants for his ʻohana. He told The Kaʻū Calendar he "gave up over $1 million in salary" to move from Honolulu to teach Computer Science and Engineering at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo in 2000, where he has "been mostly teaching since 2000." He has been known for sharing macadamia nuts, bananas, and other fruits with his students at UH-Hilo, where he was the first Computer Science graduate.
     While helping people evacuate during the eruption in Leilani Estates, he said he "saw that many people were prohibited by authorities for weeks from evacuating any of their items or even livestock and other animals – left to burn… this was depriving people of a fundamental constitutional right of security of houses and effects guaranteed by the fourth amendment." Shaneyfelt says Leilani Estates Community Association, where his family were active members in the 1970's and 1980's, had plans for evacuating if lava were to come, "and none of those plans included being prohibited from doing so by county leadership." As a result, he said he decided to run for mayor, "to be sworn in to protect, defend, and preserve the Constitution."
Dr. Ted Shaneyfelt, Hawaiʻi County mayoral candidate.
     In addition to advanced degrees in engineering, Shaneyfelt says he learned much wisdom from his father, Robert "Bob" Shaneyfelt, who taught his son that this country "was founded at its inception on three basic God-given rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness… that the order in which they are listed is important because one must be alive to have liberty, and they must be free to pursue happiness." He also taught his son that "people are individuals, not just members of classes or groups, and as such each should be understood and helped individually by individuals. Government should not get in the way of that."
     Shaneyfelt was told stories by his father about difficult economic times of the Great Depression and how to make wise investments with frugal spending. Shaneyfelt says he intends to combine the knowledge from his father with his degrees and professional training to "make our county more efficient and effective." He also wants to combine his engineering background with a close connection to the land and sustainable way of life. Shaneyfelt says the oath of office "is the most important part of any job. Our leaders must protect the constitutional rights of Hawaiʻi's families and clear away unnecessary regulatory burdens and wasteful government expenses that hinder them from pursuing happiness."
     According to his campaign info, Shaneyfelt advocates for rooftop solar, but opposes clearing land by the utility company for solar farms. He says there is enough rooftop solar, that Hawaiian Electric limits customers' ability to sell their excess power to the grid. "If that is the case, it makes no sense to strip clear valuable land that could be used for farming or kept natural for future generations." He does not advocate for wind power because of "a very short life with high maintenance costs" and because, while operating, "they are notorious for endangering and killing flying wildlife, as well as requiring land below them to be stripped and fenced off where keikis used to roam freely." He also says recycling the parts after they are no longer useful is problematic. Regarding geothermal, he recommends giving up fossil fuel-powered cars "before complaining about pentane used in geothermal operations because gas stations are full of the same chemical mixed with much worse chemicals that get burnt and release dangerous fumes into the air… a few geothermal plants could provide all of our island's electrical grid needs with minimal land use."
     Watch the June 25 mayoral candidate debates at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXE9Jby7yZA&feature=emb_logo for candidates Paul Bryant, Yumi Kawano, Lahi Verschuur, Mike Ruggles, Mikey Glendon, Ted Shaneyfelt, Robert Greenwell, and Wendell Ka‘ehu‘ae‘a, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqTWWn_kPZM&feature=emb_logo for candidates Stacy Higa, Neil Azevedo, Harry Kim, Ikaika Marzo, Tante Urban, Bob Fitzgerald, and Mitch Roth.

Christopher Yuen will continue to
represent Hawaiʻi Island on the state
Board of Land & Natural Resources.
Photo from dlnr.hawaii.gov
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FORMER HAWAIʻI COUNTY PLANNING DIRECTOR CHRISTOPHER YUEN IS REAPPOINTED as Hawaiʻi Island's member of the state Board of Land & Natural Resources. The Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald story on Friday reports a 16-9 confirmation vote by the state Senate in favor of his reappointment. He has held the position for 14 years.
      East Kaʻū Sen. Russell Ruderman spoke in favor of Yuen, whom he said he has known for 30 years. According to the newspaper, Ruderman said: "There are places on the Big Island that have been preserved because of his efforts as a private citizen."
     Tribune-Herald reported Hawaiʻi Island Sen. Lorraine Inouye saying, "I respect my colleagues for their due diligence, but it seems they're holding Chris responsible for decisions made by the majority" and noted that Yuen's record shows several votes in favor of major conservation projects.
     The full Senate declined to follow the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Water & Land, with its Chair Kai Kahele the only Senator from Hawaiʻi Island to oppose the Yuen reappointment.

     According to the Tribune-Herald story, Kahele said, "We need -- we deserve -- a nominee who can bring all of us together, who respects his constitutional obligations, who can resolve conflicts. Mr. Yuen hasn't demonstrated this."
     The story quotes Sen. Kurt Fevella saying Yuen made decisions contrary to the rest of the board, without scientific basis. It reports Sen. Gil Riviere criticizing Yuen's "notorious habit of disregarding staff submittals," and Yuen ignoring or dismissing lengthy research in favor of quick decisions -- decisions which "always seemed to favor developers over residents."
     After Friday's vote, Yuen told the Tribune-Herald, "I've learned a lot now, and I can see where I need to be better in the future. I didn't take offense to anything that was said. I've probably had to vote on 100 controversial things in the last few years. I'm bound to make some people unhappy." He also told the publication he was gratified by the support of his colleagues and of constituents who sent letters supporting his nomination.

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HELP OVER THE PHONE WITH CRITICAL FINANCIAL ISSUES during the pandemic is available through a free Financial Navigators program, announced Mayor Harry Kim today. In partnership with national nonprofit organization the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, Financial Navigators are available as of today, July 13, to provide guidance over the phone to help residents access available programs and services to manage income disruptions and other financial concerns, providing assistance in navigating critical financial issues and making referrals to other appropriate social services and resources. County of Hawaiʻi offers these Financial Navigator services in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union.
     Residents can access these remote services by completing the webform at hawaiifirstfcu.com/community-resource-center or by calling 808-933-6600 to sign up. The Financial Navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across the County can also refer clients directly to a Financial Navigator.
     Kim said, "Helping residents who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 is a critical part of the County's front-line response and recovery efforts. The County is proud to partner with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union in providing this free public service for all residents of the County."
     County of Hawaiʻi launched the Financial Navigators program in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, which provided grant funding along with significant technical assistance and training to launch the program in Hawaiʻi County and other cities and counties across the nation.
     Jonathan Mintz, President and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, said, "Financial distress is a primary part of the COVID-19 crisis, and we're pleased Mayor Kim and his team is making this a priority for Hawaiʻi Island residents. The Financial Navigators program will help Hawaiʻi Island residents assess and prioritize their financial concerns and get connected with the right resources."
     For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

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NURSERY, GREENHOUSE, AND CUT-FLOWER GROWERS are invited to participate in COVID-19 impact survey by Cornell Cooperative Extension. The survey may help them qualify for USDA CFAP financial assistance. Complete the survey online.

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
Survey on "Shovel-Read" Food and Ag Projects is due by Wednesday, July 15 at https://tinyurl.com/y9zm63mw. Information will be used to encourage investment in the sector and inform decision making around federal stimulus, state/county, private, philanthropic, and other funding sources. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Learn more here. See http://plantofarm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Agriculture-Response-and-Recovery-Plan-April-2-2020.pdf. Questions or comments, contact Christine Brammer, Executive and Program Director of Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaiʻi at director@agleaderhi.org.

Attend Miloliʻi Lawaiʻa ʻOhana Camp In-Person or Virtually. The tenth annual event runs through Monday, July 20, feature in-person classes for a limited number of students, and offering classes via Zoom. Receive the knowledge of kūpuna. Sponsors include Kalanihale, Paʻa Pono Miloliʻi, Kua O Ka Lā, Conservation International, Alu Like Inc, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and Hawaiʻi Marine Education and ResearchCenter. See facebook.com/kalanihaleMilolii for more. Register for virtual classes here. Register for in-person attendance here. Contact organizer Kaimi Kaupiko at 937-1310 or kkaupiko@gmail.com with questions.

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."

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 Peace, noon 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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