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Saturday, July 25, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, July 25, 2020

Hawaiʻi Islands are in the path of Hurricane Douglas, the green and white storm just east of the
island chain. Read below for warnings, expected effects, and closures.
  NOAA STAR GOES image
HURRICANE DOUGLAS WAS CLOSER TO HILO THAN KAʻŪ at 8 p.m. Saturday. Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported the Category One at 202 miles east of Hilo, with a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch in place for this island. Douglas was moving toward the west-northwest near 16 miles per hour. This motion is expected to continue through the next couple of days. Maximum sustained winds are near 90 mph with higher gusts.
     Gradual weakening is expected. Douglas is still forecast to be near hurricane strength when he passes through the island chain, perhaps just north without making landfall. On the forecast track, Douglas passes Hawaiʻi Island late tonight and moves near, or over, northern parts of the state Sunday. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles.
Weather effects for the Hawaiian Islands can come from Hurricane
Douglas while a hurricane and after he weakens to a Tropical Storm
by Monday.
     Central Pacific Hurricane Center urges the public to watch out for high winds on Sunday. Tropical Storm conditions are expected across Hawaiʻi County and Maui County beginning late tonight or Sunday. High surf is expected to build tonight and affect the Hawaiian Islands Sunday into Monday, with storm surge of two to four feet above normal. The large swells and surge will produce life-threatening and potentially destructive surf along exposed shores.
     Starting tonight, heavy rainfall associated with Douglas is expected to affect portions of the main Hawaiian Islands. Douglas could produce two to five inches of rainfall over the northern half of Hawaiʻi Island. A Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for Hawaiʻi Island.
     Civil Defense warns that hurricanes "are erratic and can change speed, direction, and intensity quickly." Public safety measures and recommendations include all eastside ocean and coastal recreation activities be canceled. Boat and aircraft owners are urged to take measures to secure their vessels. Civil Defense recommends owners complete these measures before nightfall.
Kaʻū is forecast to experience little wind effects from Hurricane Douglas.
     More information on hurricane preparedness, conditions and closures can be found at https://tc-douglas-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/.
     "Be prepared as conditions can change rapidly! Do keep yourself informed, stay tuned to your radio for updates and changes in conditions. Thank you for listening. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."
     For Civil Defense updates for the County of Hawai‘i, go to hawaiicounty.gov/active-alerts/.

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HAWAIʻI VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK IS CLOSED until Hurricane Douglas passes and the Park is clear of hazards. Douglas may bring damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and high surf to parts of Hawaiʻi beginning as early as tonight, says an announcement from the Park.
     Park staff prepared for the storm by stowing loose items like garbage cans or sheets of plywood, and securing doors, windows, and screens. Emergency workers on Friday also prepared chainsaws and other tools to respond to any damage caused by the storm, like fallen trees blocking roadways.
     The closure includes Kahuku Unit. Check the park website for updates. Crater Rim Drive to Kīlauea Military Camp will remain open for essential services. 

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GROUNDBREAKING OF VOLCANO SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES KEAKEALANI CAMPUS on Saturday morning received a blessing by Kamu Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe. He chanted, then prayed over the project, first in Hawaiian then English. He blessed each ceremonial shovel-full and ended the ceremony with a prayer.
     VSAS Principal Kalima Kinney thanked all those participating in the creation of the new Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences campus.
     Masked and socially distanced in-person at the dedication ceremony were Rep. Richard Onishi; Joan McDonald, Chair of the VSAS board; other governing board members; some founders of the school; and members of Friends of the Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, including Aubrey Hawk.
     McDonald spoke on the school's history. The original Volcano school building was constructed in 1913 on land donated by Peter Lee -- an immigrant from Norway who owned a hotel in Punaluʻu and played in the early development of tourism in Hawaiʻi. The school expanded in the 1930s, onto land donated by the Kennedy family. The Hawaiʻi public school system ran the school until 1973, when it became an outdoor education center.
     In 2001, the first Volcano School of the Arts & Sciences charter school elementary classes were held, followed by middle school in 2010. In 2016, VSAS became a Hawaiʻi-focused school. The school plans to add ninth and tenth grade classes for the 2020-2021 school year.
Volcano School of Arts & Sciences Principal Kalima Kinney addresses the
small, masked, socially distanced crowd at the groundbreaking and blessing
ceremony for the new Keakealani VSAS campus today. Image from VSAS
     Onishi spoke about VSAS being part of the late Gil Kahele's legacy. He said Kahele was responsible for showing Onishi the importance of VSAS. Onishi said he was first involved, as an elected official, with helping update the school kitchen, which led to the idea of the new campus. "I think it's going to serve for a long time a tremendous range of kids, over a large area,“ said Onishi.
     Via Zoom, Gov. David Ige praised those creating the new campus and said it will provide "a critical function for East Hawaiʻi."
     County Councilwoman Maile David sent a message to mahalo "all the personal contributions and tireless efforts in making this beautiful educational campus a reality."
     The ceremonial shoveling of the earth to start construction was accomplished by Onishi, board members, and Seth Warner, who is instrumental in the design of the campus.
     In-person attendees were treated to a goodie bag, with water, VSAS swag, and a baked good.
Kumu Moses Kahoʻokele Crabbe blesses each shovel-full of dirt during
the groundbreaking ceremony for Keakealani Campus of
Volcano School of Arts & Sciences. Image from VSAS
     According to the school website, Volcano School of Arts & Sciences will build a "much-needed new campus" on the 3.35-acre Keakealani site on Haunani Road, where the middle school is currently housed, on the edge of Volcano Village. The Keakealani Site Plan was designed by Boone Morrison Architects, Inc. and adopted by the Friends of VSAS and the VSAS Governing Board on October 6, 2016.
     Board members spoke about the future campus, also detailed on the school's website, which says, “We are excited about the campus design which reflects our learning village surrounding a center piko courtyard for gathering, outdoor learning, and play. Included in this plan are 16 classrooms including arts and culture classrooms, two STEAM labs, indoor and outdoor 'breakout' spaces for small group learning activities, garden areas, covered walkways, a multi-purpose center large enough for all school assemblies and community events, a commercial kitchen, and an administrative building. 
Architect rendering of the Keakealani Campus. Image from VSAS
     "Reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility and stewardship, the master plan incorporates solar electricity, solar hot water, radiant floor heating, effective use of natural light and airflow, and the employment of local and renewable resources. This campus design provides adequate teaching space, maximizes open play space, and preserves the existing 2-story Keakealani school house."
     Over the last two years, key milestones included: A Special Use Permit approved on December 6, 2018; $12 million in Capital Improvement funds from the Hawaiʻi Legislature, with support from Rep. Richard Onishi, June 2019; General Contractor for initial phase (primarily grubbing and grading of driveway) selected on November 21, 2019; Final Plan Approval from Hawaiʻi County Planning Department granted on December 5, 2019.
     For more information and to get involved, contact friends@volcanoschool.net.

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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 is 11 to 20 
cases. Red (not pictured) is 21 to 50 cases.
Hawaiʻi Department of Health map
SEVENTY-THREE NEW COVID -19 CASES were reported today, the highest since the pandemic began and a big jump from Friday's count of 60. It marks the third day in a row of record-breaking numbers.
     There were five new cases in Maui County and 68 new cases on Oʻahu, with two cases removed due to new information.
      State Health Director Bruce Anderson said, "Thursday's, Friday's, and today's numbers demonstrate the relaxation of safe practices from the Fourth of July, particularly on Oʻahu, may have been one primary reason for these daily new records. We're beginning to see more cases among younger to middle-aged adults; many who relay stories of attending gatherings, parties, events, or socializing at bars."
     State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said, "Multiple household clusters and other clusters are associated with social interactions like Fourth of July gatherings, birthday parties, televised sports events, religious functions, work meetings, and funeral events. Our investigations and contact tracing show in many of these settings people have relaxed their physical distancing and use of facial coverings."
     While the percent of positive coronavirus in the state seems to be stable, the curve is very gradually increasing because of the positivity rate in Honolulu. Park said, "This means the rate of new cases, particularly on Oahu, is greater than the rate of increased testing that is occurring."
     There are as many as nine active cases on this island, with one hospitalization. The patients are being monitored by Department of Health. The state's new case total is 1,620 since the pandemic began. In the last 28 days, one case was reported in Volcano, zip code 96785, It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded in the Ocean  View and Nāʻālehu zip codes. There have been no cases in the Volcano 96718 nor the Pāhala 96777 zip codes.
     One zip code on the west side confirmed between 11 and 19 active cases in the last 28 days. This island's other confirmed COVID-19 victims recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here.
    DOH State Laboratories Division will not be conducting COVID-19 testing on Sunday, due to the approaching storm. Testing is expected to resume late Monday or on Tuesday. DOH has been testing specimens for one of the clinical labs because of a reagent supply shortage.
     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 1,291 cases, Kauaʻi 43, and Maui County 146. Twenty-two victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Twenty-six people in the state died from COVID-19.
     In the United States, more than 4,167,663 cases have been confirmed. The death toll is over 146,299.
     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 15.9 million. The death toll is more than 641,940.

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PURCHASE & DISTRIBUTION OF FARMERS PRODUCE BOXES is supported by a $100,000 grant from Hawaiian Airlines' Bank of Hawaiʻi World Elite Mastercard and Barclays, to the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Foundation. The donation is through the Foundation's Go-Go! Get One, Give One campaign, a statewide initiative to help farmers, ranchers, and fishermen facing hardship amid the pandemic. For every dollar spent by Hawaiian Airlines' Bank of Hawaiʻi World Elite Mastercard cardholders on takeout or delivery from Food-A-Go-Go restaurants, both companies made a matching donation to HAF, reaching the $100,000 threshold.
     Denise Yamaguchi, Hawaiʻi Agriculture Foundations's executive director, said, "This contribution will help us continue to support all local farmers across the state as we move toward the new normal in our ag education and workforce development programs. We're grateful for the contribution from Hawaiian Airlines' Bank of Hawaiʻi World Elite Mastercard and Barclays as this donation will help us sustain our programs for farmers and the community."
     Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, said, "We're honored to work with our partners at HAF to support our state's food producers through their Farmer Assistance Programs during this challenging time."

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INSPECTOR GENERAL MICHALE HOROWITZ WILL INVESTIGATE USE OF FORCE BY DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE on peaceful protesters in Lafayette Square and PortlandOregon, following advocacy from Sen. Mazie Hirono. This follows a June letter Hirono led with 20 Senate Democrats to the Inspector General, asking for an investigation into Attorney General William Barr and the DOJ's roles in directing the use of force against peaceful protesters near Lafayette Square.
     The IG's response letter to Hirono says the investigation will include examination of "the training and instruction that was provided to the DOJ law enforcement personnel; compliance with applicable identification requirements, rules of engagement, and legal authorities; and adherence to DOJ policies regarding the use of less-lethal munitions, chemical agents, and other uses of force."
     Hirono says, "As protesters across the country have peacefully demanded their government address systemic racial inequality and police brutality against Black Americans, they have been met with militarized force and breathtaking violence by federal agents -- some of it just so President Trump could get a photo op and help his reelection campaign. There must be accountability for these acts of violence against Americans, and I welcome this investigation regarding my original requests as well as the events in PortlandOregon."

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CONNECTING JOBS TO WORKERS is the goal of HawaiiIsHiring.com, a new website launched by Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce this week. HCC President and CEO, Sherry Menor-McNamara, says the site is "an exciting new online resource to connect kamaʻaina to job opportunities, training programs, and career navigation.
     The announcement says, "HawaiiIsHiring.com is the state's one-stop online resource that offers a streamlined job board and simple access to training and education tools valued in Hawaiʻi's in-demand and emerging industries. The Chamber is committed to helping Hawaii residents impacted by COVID-19 find new employment and prepare for career paths that align with Hawaiʻi's economy of the future, targeting sectors expected to grow in the coming years. We encourage you to check out this new resource and share it with others. And, we look forward to continuing to work with you to put Hawaiʻi residents back to work and restore our economy."
     Community partners include Workforce Development Council, American Savings Bank, Hawaiʻi Executive Collaborative, UH Community Colleges, Upspring Digital, Library Creative, and Anthology Marketing Group.


Richard Kaiawe and Stance Oyama caught 
2nd place Tusk, at 5 inches. 
Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
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Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year
     This time last year, Kaʻū Multicultural Society's third annual Pig Hunt drew many enthusiasts to Pāhala for the weigh-in. Food booths and a variety of contests were featured, including Over-All Pua‘a prize for heaviest pig; Heaviest Boar/Laho‘ole; Heaviest Sow; Biggest Tusk; and the Smoke Meat Contest.
Kalei Forcum took 3rd place Tusk, 3.5 inches. 
Photo from Kaʻū Multicultural Society
     Overall sow, at 171 lbs., was caught by Kaipo Kaupu. Jason Kaluaʻu caught both the 1st place sow, at 138.8 lbs., and the 3rd place boar, at 151.8 lbs. Clint Mederios caught both the 1st place Tusk, at 5.5 inches, and 3rd place sow, at 93.8 lbs. 2nd place sow, at 94.4 lbs., was caught by Tyrell Mason. First place boar, at 163.4 lbs., was caught by Billy Watan. Second place boar, at 162 lbs., was caught by Rodney Kuahiwinui. Third place Tusk, at 3.5 inches, was caught by Kalei Forcum. Second place tusk, at 5 inches, was caught by Richard Kaiawe and Stance Oyama.
     Organizers are Kalani Vierra, Darlyne Vierra, and Liz Kuluwaimaka. The location for the home base of the event is provided by the Edmund C. Olson Trust. Other sponsors are: Jeff Anderson, Punaluʻu Bakery, Nāʻālehu Ace Hardware, KTA, Costco, Walmart, Pearl's Feed Store, Coca Cola, Kona Reload, Creative Arts, Kona Car Quest, Rambler, Mauka Madness, Alan & Nancy Stafford, Archie & Marlene Hapai, Chris Navarro Jr., Susan Louis, and the Wroblewski ʻOhana.
Kalani Vierra, an organizer of the Kaʻū Multicultural Society's third annual Pig Hunt, out with his dogs
and his big catch. Photo from Kalani Vierra

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
Register and Submit Advance Questions for Webinar The Coming Covid Eviction Crisis and How to Stop It, with Pulitzer Prize-winning sociologist Matthew Desmond on Tuesday, July 28 at 9 a.m. Desmond will be interviewed by Colin Moore, director of University of Hawaiʻi's Public Policy Center. Special guests include Philip Garboden, HCRC Professor in Affordable Housing, and Nalani Fujimori Kaina, executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i. Register and submit advance questions here.

Family Farms Can Apply for $500 One-Time Emergency Relief Payment from Farm Aid. Funds are being administered by the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation and The Kohala CenterApplications are due no later than 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28. Bonafide family farms in Hawai'i who have suffered demonstrable economic loss as a result of COVID-19 may apply. Access to other federally-funded relief efforts (i.e., PPP, EIDL) and sustainable methods practiced on the farm will be considered when awarding relief payments.
     Use of the funds is restricted to household expenses, such as groceries, home utilities, medical bills, or other household expenses not directly related to the commercial operation of the farm or ranch. Funds may not be used for any farm operations, business expenses, or investment. IRS guidelines regarding direct assistance to farm families prevents granting funds to support the farm and its business costs. Acceptance of this grant award signifies recipient's understanding and agreement to these use requirements.
     To apply, email a signed copy of the grant application to Anny Bruch, vice president of Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation, at vicepresident@HFUF.org. Applicants will be contacted via email after July 31. For more information, email vicepresident@HFUF.org.


Virtual Meeting of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Tuesday, July 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend. The council will discuss previous action items, receive sanctuary updates, 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/8466893051952339472. 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. See hawaiihumpbackwahle.noaa.gov.

Attend Webinar on the Cost of the Jones Act Study Wednesday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Hosted by Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, John Dunham, the nationally recognized economic researcher and consultant who was commissioned by the institute to conduct the study, will be available to answer any questions about the report's methodology. The event will feature Rep. Ed Case and U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, Republican from Utah, both of whom have sponsored bills in Congress to update the protectionist federal maritime law, and will be moderated by be Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi Pres. Keliʻi Akina, Ph.D., and executive vice president, Joe Kent, who will field questions from the audience.
     For more information or to register, go to us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zFpcoBdVSyqycUV4gaROqQ, call 808-591-9193 or email info@grassrootinstitute.org. To arrange an interview with Keliʻi Akina, institute president, contact Josh Mason at 918-261-8444 or jmason@grassrootinstitute.org.

Attend a Community Meeting on Reopening Schools, Thursday, July 30 at Pāhala Community Center. Registration at 4:30 p.m., community meeting and talk story run from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Hosted by Kaʻū Rural Health Community Association, invited are Mayor Harry Kim and representatives of the teachers union, school administration, and families of students enrolled in Nāʻālehu Elementary, Pāhala High, Intermediate & Elementary, and Volcano School of the Arts and Sciences. Organizer Jessie Marques said that wearing of masks and social distancing will be required. Seating will be limited and based on first come, first served. Written concerns will be taken during the registration for the event.

Ocean View Community Center Reopens for events Monday, Aug. 3. The library will be open Friday mornings beginning Aug. 7. AdvoCATS, an all-volunteer non-profit organization "dedicated to the well-being of Hawaiʻi Islands's homeless cat population," which often offers spay and neutering services, will be at OV Community Center all day Tuesday, Aug. 11 -- see advocatshawaii.org. To schedule an event, contact Christopher Garske at chrisgarske@gmail.com or 650-996-2790.

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
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. 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.

Receive Help Over the Phone with Critical Financial Issues through Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund Financial Navigators from County of Hawaiʻi, in partnership with Hawaiʻi First Federal Credit Union. Access these remote services by completing the web form 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. For more information, contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019.

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.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers Urged to Use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. U.S. Office for American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Programs is developing a list of Native Hawaiian farmers willing to sell direct to consumers through the On-Farm Market Directory. On-farm markets are managed by a single farm operator that sells products on their farm, or on a property next to their farm. Some on-farm markets may also deliver or ship their goods directly to consumers. Visit the program website for more information and to register.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance for Small Businesses affected by COVID-19 can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. Helen Tien, College of Business and Economics, and her senior retail and distribution management course is offering 1-hour sessions dedicated to helping small business marketing needs. They offer help with moving a business online, finding out more about the businesses' customers, analyzing marketing effectiveness, and providing customer service or website feedback. Visit https://bit.ly/2YvFxsl.

Find Grants and Loans Offered to Farmers and Ranchers at oahuaca.org. The website has a new search feature to help find information that applies to the searcher. To search for statewide grants, hover over "Grants & Loans" and select "For Farmers & Ranchers." Set the Grant/Loan Filter to "Grant" and the Region Filter to "Statewide." Ranney notes that narrowing the search to County will display opportunities specific to that county. Selecting Nationwide or Statewide will display other opportunities searchers may be eligible for and/or want to be aware of for future reference.

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

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.


ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market in Nāʻālehu is open three days per week -- Monday, Wednesday, and 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.
     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.

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