Ka‘ū News Briefs, Tuesday, July 28, 2020

U.S. Coast Guard rescues a kayaking fisherman, swept out to sea from South Point. USCG photo

THE ONLY FATALITY OF HURRICANE DOUGLAS COULD HAVE BEEN IN KAʻŪ. A fisherman in a kayak was swept six miles out by winds and waves late Sunday. He capsized and recovered but was stranded at sea overnight and became extremely fatigued. He called 911 for help Monday morning. Hawaiʻi Police Dispatch and County Fire Department notified the Coast Guard. Its Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) recovered the fisherman and kayak and transported him to Keauhou Bay. The Coast Guard reported that he suffered no injuries or medical concerns.
     Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Lackey, a Sector Honolulu watchstander, said, "Even the most experienced mariner can find themselves in trouble when out on the ocean and that is especially true following a large storm. The Islands are still feeling the after-effects of Hurricane Douglas and we urge people to exercise caution due to the high surf and strong rip currents caused by the storm."
     At 7:55 a.m. on Monday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from Hawaiʻi County Dispatch concerning the kayaker in distress. Hawaiʻi County Fire Department launched an Air 1 helicopter aircrew in response while Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners, and diverted multiple coast guard assets including the Kimball.

A kayaker swept offshore of South Point as rescuers approach. USCG photo

     The HCF Air 1 helicopter crew arrived on scene, located the kayaker, and remained overhead until the Kimball arrived. Seaman Michael Bassman, a lookout aboard the Kimball, said, "The kayak blended in with the whitecaps created by the strong winds. This made the mission incredibly difficult but also all the more fulfilling with its successful conclusion."
    Because of these difficulties the Coast Guard recommends waterway users wear bright clothing while out on the water to assist search and rescue crews during emergencies.
    The weather on scene was winds of 28 mph and seas up to eight feet.

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PORTS HAVE REOPENED. Young Brothers tugs and barges weathered Hurricane Douglas at sea, and returned to Port of Honolulu Monday. Young Brothers sent a barge to Kawaihae today and a barge is set to leave Wednesday for Hilo, with cargo pick-up on Friday.
     High pressure on the tail of Douglas, which has traveled well past Kauaʻi, brought brisk breezes to many of the islands today, with some wind and small craft advisories.
     In its review, Central Pacific Hurricane Center reported that Douglas came within 30 miles of Oʻahu, the closest a hurricane has passed by that island in 60 years.

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GEOFENCING VISITORS is an idea under review by Hawaiʻi County. It would allow those in quarantine to roam around the properties where they are staying instead of staying only in their rooms. It's the resort bubble idea that keeps victors confined and accessible for COVID-19 management during the 14-day quarantine. 

     Hawaiʻi County Managing Director Roy Takemoto told the County Council that selected resorts could try out the program and "control where the visitors would be allowed to range," according to a story in West Hawaiʻi Today. He noted that many of the cases on this island are related to travel.

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KEEPING STUDENTS AT HOME FOR FULL-TIME DISTANCE LEARNING requires following the Core Team Process, according to the staff of Nāʻālehu Elementary School. Principal Darlene Javar said that parents and guardians of students who want to follow a distance learning track must meet with the school's Core Team to ensure that "the parent is clear of expectations and what is being offered." Javar said distance learning will not include Google Hangout meetings or online instruction from teachers, since all Nāʻālehu Elementary teachers will work full-time instructing students face to face on campus.

Nāʻālehu Elementary Principal Darlene Javar, left,
hands out Chromebooks for students during the
2019-2020 school year, after the pandemic
closed campuses. Photo from Nāʻālehu Elementary

     One plan for students opting for full-time distance is for those with internet access. Another plan is for students without internet.
     Javar said she wants to ensure that families are aware of the kuleana (responsibilities) that come with full-time distance learning, so they can make an informed decision.

     In a Facebook post, Javar wrote that, after the core meeting and plan development for full-time distance learners, the parent or guardian is expected to acknowledge and agree to the following statements: "I am aware of the learning level of my child. I am aware of the grade-level learning expectations for my child. I will follow the learning plan designed for my child.

     "I will be responsible to ensure my child is following his/her Distance Learning (Full Time) Plan. This includes submitting or completing work in a timely manner. I will commit to this Distance Learning (Full Time) Plan for Quarter 1 and agree to participate in follow up Core Meetings as requested by Nāʻālehu Elementary School. I understand that student participation will be reported under 'attendance' on a daily basis.

     "I accept responsibility for picking up and dropping off work and resources for learning at Nāʻālehu Elementary School. I will work with the school to ensure my child is available for required 'on campus' assessments as needed by the school. I understand that the physical school environment is the preferred location for learning if increased adult support is needed. I understand that if my child does not make satisfactory progress I will be encouraged to consider having my child return to campus on the grade level schedule."

     The school administration is contacting families interested in full-time distance learning and those undecided. Anyone not yet contacted may call the main office at 313-4000 to speak to an administrator. "If you call and receive the answering machine, please leave your name, number, and state that you are interested in Distance Learning Full Time. We will call you back," wrote Javar.

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Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths by age as of two days ago. DOH chart (modified)

FORTY-SEVEN NEW COVID-19 CASES were reported in the islands today. This is the sixth day in a row of no new cases for Hawaiʻi Island. One earlier case was removed due to new information. Maui County reported one new case. Oʻahu reported 46 new cases.

     There are four active cases on this island, with one hospitalization. The patients are being monitored by Department of Health. The state's new case total is 1,757 since the pandemic began.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green asks the public to wear masks in public and not
gather in groups of more than ten. Photo from Green's Facebook

     Yesterday, Lt. Gov. Josh Green posted a video update on COVID-19, saying if the rise in cases continues, "We're not going to be able to keep up." He said hospitals are beginning to surge, with one Oʻahu hospital doubling cases in the last week. He said Hawaiʻi will see more fatalities "if we don't get this thing under control… This is the most important advice I can give: No gatherings of more than ten people -- none. Please don't do that. And please wear masks whenever you're out and about with anybody. If we do those two things, we will track and trace all the cases, and we can bring this curve down… Be very careful. Aloha." He said Hawaiʻi's positive rate is 1.47 percent, with 116,387 tested and 1,771 positive (as of yesterday).

     DOH reports that as of July 26, there were 1,688 confirmed COVID-19 cases statewide. In the 19 and younger age group, there were 171 victims with one hospitalization and zero deaths. In the 20 to 39 age group, there were 617 victims with 13 hospitalizations and zero deaths. In the 40 to 59 age group, there were 551 victims with 42 hospitalizations and four deaths. In the 60 and older age group, there were 349 victims with 88 hospitalizations and 21 deaths. Since this information was released, one more death from COVID-19 was reported, and the case count increased by 69.

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

     Of the 46 cases reported today, 41 are adults and six are pediatric. Community-associated infection has been identified in eight of the new cases; two are identified as travel-association. The source of infection for the remaining 37 cases is still under investigation.

     One case was reported in Volcano, zip code 96785, in the last 28 days. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū zip code. In Kona's 96740 zip code, between 6 and 10 active cases were reported in the last 28 days. This island's 112 other confirmed COVID-19 victims recovered. Since the pandemic began, no one died here.

     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 1,419 cases, Kauaʻi 45, and Maui County 154. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Twenty-six people in the state died from COVID-19.

     In the daily message from Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "The number of active Coronavirus cases has increased in 30 states over the past week and be aware that the Coronavirus continues to be a threat on Hawaiʻi Island. You can make a difference by following the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, gatherings, and cleanliness. You should also stay at home if you do not feel well. We need your help to keep our neighbors, friends, and family safe. As a reminder, the wearing of face masks is mandatory on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Thank you for listening and have a safe day. This is your Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency."

     In the United States, more than 4,341,201 cases have been confirmed. The death toll is over 149,052.

     The worldwide COVID-19 case count is more than 16.6 million. The death toll is more than 657,643.

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EXCLUDING SMALL AND MID-SIZED producers from the Farmers to Families Food Box Program during the pandemic led Sen. Mazie Hirono and Sen. Brian Schatz to send a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. They and colleagues charge that large farms with national distribution networks are prioritized over smaller farms with local distribution networks, many of them with beginning farmers, farmers of color, and indigenous farmers.

     The Senators wrote that Farmers to Families Food Box Program's purpose is to support feeding people during the pandemic through local and regional distributors' purchase of produce, dairy, and meat from local farmers. Making the aim more difficult is the voluntary Good Agricultural Practices audit and certificate, commonly obtained by larger farms to broaden market access to retailers that are geographically distant and require additional food safety assurance. The resources required for small and mid-size farms that supply smaller, local markets to obtain voluntary GAP certification are often prohibitive, wrote the Senators.

     The Senators wrote that Farmers to Families Food Box Program “limits the participation of small and mid-size farmers and producers most affected by the pandemic -- those who produce for local and regional markets, farmers markets, farm to school programs, and farm-to-table restaurants.

     "Food safety and food security in our communities can be achieved without requiring suppliers of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program to be GAP audited and certified. We urge you to engage with small, local food suppliers to explore successful models to ensure food safety while increasing access to and creating equity within the Farmers to Families Food Box Program."

     Read the letter here.

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HAWAIʻI RESIDENTS HAVE THE FIFTH HIGHEST MEDIAN CREDIT CARD DEBIT in the U.S., according to a recent WalletHub report. At $2,951, Hawaiʻi is behind Alaska, D.C., Virginia, and Colorado. The states with the lowest median credit card debt are Iowa, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Vermont.

     However, Hawaiʻi residents have the sixth-fastest pay-off for credit card debt. With a median income of $47,582, a cost of interest until payoff at $232, and an average monthly payment of $275, the median expected payoff timeframe for Hawaiʻi residents is 11 months and 18 days. The other states with faster payoff rates are Mississippi, Alabama, Wyoming, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The average interest rate paid by Hawaiʻi residents is 15.78 percent, and the average number of credit cards per person is 3.1.

     These figures do not take into account mortgage debt, which is high compared to other states.

     The financial website says Americans started 2020 off with "over $1 trillion in credit-card debt and projected to have a net increase of $80 billion this year due in part to COVID-19." WalletHub drew upon data from TransUnion, the Federal Reserve, the U.S. Census Bureau, and the WalletHub proprietary credit card payoff calculator to determine the cost and time required to repay the median credit card balance in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
     Read the report at wallethub.com/edu/states-with-the-highest-and-lowest-credit-card-debts/63822/.

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Senate District 2 candidate Ron Ka-ipo
of the Aloha ʻĀina Party

RON KA-IPO is running for state Senate District 2 for his grandchildren, he says. If elected, he would represent East Kaʻū and Volcano, into Puna and Hilo. Incumbent Russell Ruderman is not seeking re-election -- see May 20 Kaʻū News Briefs.
     Ka-ipo belongs to the Aloha ʻĀina Party, Royal Order Kamehameha, Makuʻu Farmers Association, and Keaukaha Aloha Golf Club.

     Ka-ipo was born in 1945 and raised in Hilo. He is a Class of '63 graduate of Hilo High School. He followed that with enrollment in the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged in 1967. In 1968, he began to compose contemporary Hawaiian Music, and he still composes.

     In 1987, he says he received a five-acre farm lot near Pāhoa, where he grows lychee, mango, and avocado. In 1991, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

     Ka-ipo told The Kaʻū Calendar, "My grandchildren are the motivation that's needed for a course adjustment." His focuses are agriculture, food security, affordable housing, and First Responders. If elected, he would work toward garnering more resources for teachers, clinical psychologists, Registered Nurses, and Social Workers. He also wants to add performance bonuses for all teachers statewide.

     "I have no endorsements nor am I looking for (any). I humbly ask for your support in this election cycle of 2020."

Read online at kaucalendar.com. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar 

directory for farms, ranches, takeout. Print edition of The Kaʻū Calendar is 

free, with 7,500 distributed on stands and to all postal addresses throughout 

Kaʻū, from Miloliʻi through Volcano throughout the district. Read online at 

kaucalendar.com and facebook.com/kaucalendar. To advertise your 

business or your social cause, contact kaucalendarads@gmail.com.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.

Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.

EVENTS
Attend 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.

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, Aug. 25.

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.

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.

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.

     See schatz.senate.gov/services.

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.

See our Fresh Food on The Kaʻū Calendar directory for farms, ranches, takeout.

To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.