Thursday, August 13, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, August 13, 2020

The carbon footprint from planes traveling thousands of miles to haul tourists to this island would be offset by reducing
the amount of food hauled to the island by ship or plane. The concept is to tourism with food self-sufficiency.
See more below. Photo from Palau Bureau of Tourism
HAWAIʻI TEACHERS UNION is asking for distance learning only, without students meeting their teachers face-to-face on campus next week.
     The teachers, represented by Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association, today, threatened to sue the state if students are called into school next week to meet their teachers in person. HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said the union supports the Department of Education's decision to offer only distance
learning for the first quarter of school. He said, "Let's be clear. It is deceptive to say students will be 100-percent distance learning for four weeks, because next week, students will be in classrooms with face-to-face learning. To have teachers be required to meet with students face-to-face in the middle of a raging pandemic is reckless, and will risk the lives of everyone."
     Hawaiʻi state Superintendent of Schools Christine Kishimoto said that despite the threat of a lawsuit, public schools will open on Monday, with students coming to school by appointment to meet their teachers and receive any supplies provided for their distance learning at home. She also said those with problems learning from home will be able to come to the schools for learning. In addition, students will receive free meals from schools.
     "What our keiki deserve is time to train and connect with their teachers, to prepare before we shift to full distance learning for the next few weeks... As previously announced, our school leaders have designed plans to have students return to campus in a coordinated manner next week, as needed, to connect with their teacher, receive training on distance learning platforms if necessary, and address issues with connectivity and access to technology. In many cases, schools have designated one hour a day for certain grade levels to accomplish this, while enforcing safety protocols around social distancing and face coverings," said Kishimoto.

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KAMEHAMEHA SCHOOLS SHUT DOWN ITS CAMPUS FOR CLASSES ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND TODAY. After learning that a student tested positive and recovered from  COVID-19, the school notified students and their families on Wednesday, moving the students into distance learning until at least Sept. 1.
     Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense messaged this morning: "To clarify, the reported case at the Keaʻau campus of Kamehameha Schools is not an active case. The student completed all the Department of Health isolation requirements on August 7th and is symptom-free. Kamehameha Schools should be commended for their abundance of caution and care for their students and faculty."
       The Kamehameha Schools notice said its administration "has been keenly aware of the evolving COVID-19 surge in different parts of our state, and especially those positive cases that hit closer to home affecting our own KS ʻohana. These cases and the situation have caused concern and indicate a larger community spread. While this situation remains fluid, we too need to be adaptive and pivot quickly in response to these changing conditions.
     "We will continue to act with an abundance of caution and care, recognizing the concerns of our ʻohana members, and thus, in the interest of health and safety of haumāna, kumu, and ʻohana, our kula will transition to full distance learning beginning tomorrow, August 13 through at least August 31.
     "Our reopening plans were developed to be responsive to the educational and well-being needs of our haumāna, placing safety as a priority. While our organization still believes that we are at a MODERATE RISK level, this decision to pivot to distance learning acknowledges the impact that current conditions could have on our ʻohana and the communities we serve, erring on the side of caution."
Hawaiʻi Island campus for Kamehameha Schools, where the student body
switched to distance learning today. Photo from KS
     Kamehameha Schools plans to "monitor and assess conditions throughout the month of August to see if the curve could be re-flattened so we could resume on-campus instruction as we had intended. We will continue to share updates and forecasts for where we may be headed in the days ahead."
     Poʻo kumu, the individual teacher guides for each student, will connect with students studying at home to provide resources. "Our intention is to keep campus open for business other than student instruction during this time of Distance Learning unless County or State orders dictate otherwise.
     "We recognize this is an extremely challenging time for all our ʻohana and are grateful for your patience and understanding. The health and safety of our haumāna and kumu are a top priority, and we believe this decision is necessary at this time based on the current surge in COVID-19 cases," said the notice to Kamehameha students.

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PALAU AIMS TO BE THE WORLD'S FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL TOURISM DESTINATION.
A statement from Sustainable Travel International on Wednesday notes that Pacific Island nation of Palau, known for unspoiled natural beauty and dive sites, is regarded as one of the top marine tourism destinations in the world. "But while tourism is the economic lifeblood of Palau, it also contributes to the climate crisis, which is a major threat to the island destination. A substantial amount of carbon emissions are generated as tourists fly thousands of miles to reach the remote islands and consume food that was imported from far overseas."
     A project launched by Palau Bureau of Tourism, Sustainable Travel, and Slow Food aims to "tackle the carbon footprint of tourism in Palau. By reducing fossil fuel consumption and promoting carbon offsetting, this project aims to make Palau the world's first carbon-neutral tourism destination."
     The statement says the project team will work closely with Palauan farmers and fishers to increase the proportion of food that is sourced locally, thus reducing the amount of CO2 generated by imports.
     The project "will develop a first-of-its-kind carbon management platform that will allow visitors to measure and offset the carbon footprint of their entire trip, including their flights to/from Palau. These offset contributions will fund carbon reduction initiatives that protect coastal ecosystems and support sustainable production activities within the region."
     In recent years, Palau initiated restrictions and programs to increase environmental protection and responsible tourism. Like Hawaiʻi, it hosts one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries. Palau created the world's first mandatory eco-pledge called the Palau Pledge that all visitors are required to sign upon entry.
     The Palau Pledge, stamped on the passport of each visitor to the island, says, "Children of Palau, I take this pledge as your guest, to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home. I vow to travel lightly, act kindly, and explore mindfully. I shall not take what is not given. I shall not harm what does not harm me. The only footprints I shall leave are those that wash away."
     The Palau government banned tour operators from utilizing single-use plastics and styrofoam. It also legislated protection of its marine environment by adopting the world's strictest national sunscreen standard. The new initiative partnering farming, fishing, and tourism is endorsed by Palau's Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Tourism; Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs; Ministry of Education; Our Oceans 2020 Organizing Committee; and Office of the President of Palau, Thomas Remengesau Jr.
     See more here, and on the website of Sustainable Travel International. Palau is located some 4,620 miles west of Hawaiʻi.

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FAMILIES CAN SIGN UP FOR FREE CLOTHING FROM OLD NAVY through the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island. Chief Executive Officer Chad Cabral announced today that the 20,0000 garments are ready for distribution. Families can fill out a request on bgcbi.org.
     The 20,000 garments will go to support community keiki in-need throughout Hawaiʻi Island. Families, who can, will be able to pick up their clothes once sorted, packed and ready, or BGCBI will help to get the clothing items to the home location of families that have barriers to transportation access.

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.

Boys & Girls Club will continue its meal
distribution in Kaʻū for September.
Photo from Boys & Girls Club
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB will continue its weekday food service to Kaʻū and beyond through the month of September. Chief Executive Officer Chad Cabral made the announcement yesterday, updating the number of meals to more than 82,000 delivered islandwide to keiki and kupuna during the pandemic.
     "Our Community Support Meals have been made available to those in need for the past five months. And with the rise of COVID cases in the state, our local economy continuing to be significantly impacted, and with the uncertainty of public schools safely reopening to support children with academics and nutrition, the Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island remains committed in our efforts to help bring critical resources direct to the homes and communities of individuals and families experiencing hardship," said Cabral.
Boys & Girls Club has distributed more than 82,000
 meals on this island, during the pandemic.
Photo from Boys & Girls Club
     Volunteers bring the meals to Kaʻū on weekdays and drop them off at Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Elementary Schools, where they are picked up for distribution. Anyone desiring to be on the list of volunteers to pick up meals from the Boys & Girls Club in Hilo by 3 p.m. on weekdays, for delivery to Pāhala and Nāʻālehu, can call 808-961-5536. To donate to Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island, click here.

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THE FIRST VIRTUAL HAWAIʻI CONSERVATION CONFERENCE schedule is published. Themed Ola ka ʻĀina Momona; Managing for Abundance, it takes place Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Thursday, Sept. 3. View the Conference Schedule and Abstracts here
     The annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference usually draws thousands of people to Oʻahu, including presenters from this island. Organizers promise the same level of content this year. Three full days will feature six concurrent sessions of short and long oral presentations, forums, workshops, and symposia, along with virtual exhibit hall and networking times.
     A statement from organizers says, "One great advantage of going virtual is that all content will be recorded and available to registrants on demand for at least three months. That means that even though you will still have to make the tough decisions about which of the 6 concurrent sessions to attend live, you will be able to catch all presentations whenever you have time in your schedule."
     Early bird registration closes this weekend on August 15 at 5 p.m. See hawaiiconservation.org/conference/
Registration fee discounts are available for the virtual Hawaiʻi Conservation
Conference, which usually draws thousands to Oʻahu each year.
See the online schedule and abstracts.
     Presentation and symposium titles include:
     Water Ecosystems and People;
     Application of Water-Budget Models to Evaluate the Effects of Forest Change on Water Resources in Hawaiʻi: Information Needs to Reduce Model Uncertainty, with author Alan Mair;
     Where we are with ʻAlalā: the ups and downs of reintroducing Hawaiʻis only living crow species back to the wild, with author Alison Greggor; and
     Student Scientists Provide Evidence of Successful Community-led Restoration of Hawaiian Bay, with author Mackenzie Leigh Jalnke.

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TROPICAL DEPRESSION TEN-E IS FORECAST TO NOT AFFECT HAWAIʻI. The depression is  expected to turn into a storm over the weekend, the back into a depression early next week, dissipating more than 1,000 miles east-southeast of the islands.
     Disturbance 1 in the Central Pacific has a 20 percent chance of turning into a tropical cyclone in the next 48 hours, but is forecast to continue to move past Hawaiʻi, over 800 miles south of the islands.
     Other disturbances in the Eastern Pacific are more than 3,000 miles from Hawaiʻi and are not forecast to affect the islands.

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.

DOH Disease Investigation Branch Chief
Dr. Emily Roberson
HELP IS HIRED TO MANAGE CONTACT TRACING of COVID-19 at the state Department of Health. Dr. Emily Roberson is the new chief of the Disease Investigation Branch. With coronavirus cases rising quickly on Oʻahu and overwhelming the DOH staff, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sara Park recruited Roberson to take charge of this aspect of the pandemic.
     Department of Health Deputy Director Danette Wong Tomiyasu said, "Dr. Roberson comes to us from Hawai‘i Pacific University, where she served as a professor, instructing public health students in epidemiology and developed the advanced degree programs in public health. She has hit the ground running. We've tasked her with making significant upgrades to the contact tracing program within two weeks. As you can imagine, we are all stretched.
     "Dr. Park is still a part of DOH and will focus on other aspects of the pandemic. There is more than enough to do. We are fortunate that Dr. Park was able to recruit Dr. Roberson to fill this important role."
     During a press conference with Gov. David Ige today, Tomiyasu outlined changes to the contact tracing program, which include automating processes to reduce workload for contact tracers, standing up a call center with support from outside agencies to help with case management, and building in real-time monitoring and rapid-cycle evaluation of procedures and messaging. DOH will have 76 working on contact tracing and investigations, nine additional staff providing supervision and other support, 15 additional contact tracers and case investigation staff working this week on O‘ahu to investigate cases, and 21 additional personnel from Hawai‘i National Guard providing assistance on O‘ahu.
     DOH will bring on 20 new contact tracers from the UH training program this week, and another 20 will begin the onboarding process next week. Additional COVID-19 surge staff from other divisions within DOH, including disease investigators, epidemiologists, nurses, will be available, as will volunteers to assist with contact tracing, data analysis, and other disease response activities via the Medical Reserve Corps, university internship programs, medical residency programs, nursing clinical rotations, and community volunteering partnerships. DOH has procured and equipped additional space, and overtime is being compensated.
     Tomiyasu said contact tracing is a key component of tracking and preventing future COVID-19 cases in the state, but that it's just one tool the department uses. Hawai‘i State Laboratories Division and private labs have combined capacity to process 8,000 tests each day. "Hawai‘i has excellent laboratory services and good testing capacity; however, any nationwide shortages of testing supplies can be a looming threat to our local laboratory capacity. Delays in laboratory reporting can also affect our ability to investigate and trace cases," said Tomiyasu.
     She said DOH continues to investigate new and alternative testing procedures that meet national standards and accuracy requirements. In addition, DOH conducts routine laboratory surveys of state and private capacity to monitor this situation and plan for contingencies.

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A NEW ONE-DAY RECORD OF THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-FIVE COVID-19 CASES is reported today. The state Department of Health reports that most of the cases are on O‘ahu. Kauaʻi has one new case, Hawaiʻi Island four, Maui seven, and Oʻahu 343.
Gov. David Ige
     The deaths of two more O‘ahu men, both over 60, brings the state death total to 40.
     Gov. David Ige held a press conference today to address recent COVID-19-related deaths and record number of cases reported by DOH: "This is a record number of daily cases and it follows several days of triple-digit case numbers. We are saddened by the news that two more of our community members have died from this disease. We are seeing numerous clusters and wide community spread. Clusters are occurring in all areas of the community and common work-place activities like sharing lunch in workrooms and water cooler conversations. These are natural person-to-person contacts that occur every day. We are facing a critical situation that could get out of control very quickly."
     Regarding possible reinstatement of statewide restrictions and the interisland quarantine, Ige said, "We hope that these measures will help control the virus. But if things do not get better, we will have no choice but to look at more restrictions. This could include going back to the stay-at-home orders. It also means that we may have to delay trans-Pacific travel. I know that going backward will cause further harm to our economy, but we may have no choice. Before we can fix our economy, we need to fix our health. I know you're frustrated. Everyone wants our lives to return to normal. You have sacrificed so much, and I am asking you to sacrifice even more. Remember that taking personal responsibility is still the best way to fight COVID-19. You all know what to do. Wash your hands, wear your mask, avoid large gatherings, and stay home if you feel sick."
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
     Lt. Gov. Josh Green addressed the spike in COVID-19 cases: "While our new record daily number of 355 cases is startling, the current trend in new cases and hospitalizations is even more so, particularly for O‘ahu... Today we have more than 150 currently hospitalized for COVID-19, and 258 cumulative to date. Major and acute care hospitals on O‘ahu are already transferring patients and expanding ICU capacity to accommodate the growing number of COVID-19 positive patients. Many are reaching ICU capacity. The biggest takeaway today is that the surge in cases is now seriously threatening to overwhelm our hospitals and it's coming fast. Individuals and our government need to mobilize now to drastically curb the spread of this virus and save lives."
     Statistics include: 137 out of 244 ICU beds, 56 percent, in the state are in use. Of the ICU beds in use, 29 are COVID-19 positive patients. Out of 459 ventilators, 73, 16 percent, are in use. Of the ventilators in use, 22 are COVID-19 positive patients. DOH reports at least 86 newly diagnosed cases are part of an existing cluster at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility. Health investigators say at least 116 cases are attributable to the facility, with 24 staff and 92 inmates having tested positive for COVID-19.
     DOH Deputy Director Danette Wong Tomiyasu also added, "Hawai‘i is at a critical juncture. We are receiving a record number of new positive cases. Clearly, we can do better. Hawai‘i's people deserve better. There is an urgent need to do things differently. We need to turn the tide to protect the health and wellbeing of Hawaiʻi residents and to reopen our state."
     On Oʻahu, the Institute for Human Services Sumner Men's Shelter in Iwilei is being temporarily established as a quarantine and isolation facility.
     Health Director Bruce Anderson, MD said, "With the virus actively being spread throughout the community on O‘ahu, congregate settings like prisons and institutions are at increased risk of introduction and should prepare as the Dept. of Public Safety and IHS have done. These agencies were ready and stepped into action quickly, working with the DOH on control and prevention measures to protect those at risk and the community. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the latest people to succumb to this disease."
Civil Defense Director 
Talmadge Magno.
Photo from Big Island Video News
     There are 13 active cases on Hawaiʻi Island, with a total of 139 since the pandemic began. At least one was recorded recently in Volcano, zip code 96785. No one is hospitalized from the virus. It has been more than 28 days since a case was recorded for a Kaʻū zip code. Since the pandemic began, no one died on this island. The 96740 zip code recorded between six and ten cases during the last 28 days.
     The state's new case total is 4,312 since the pandemic began. Oʻahu reported 3,900 cases, Maui County 198, and Kauaʻi 52. Twenty-three victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Forty people in the state died from COVID-19.
     In his daily message, Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Director Talmadge Magno said, "Do know that the State of Hawaiʻi has reinstated the 14-day quarantine for inter-island travel effective Tuesday, Aug. 11. This change was due to the high percentage of travel-related cases of Coronavirus in the State of Hawaiʻi. Information on the revised inter-island quarantine exemptions are available at the Civil Defense website or by calling Civil Defense at 935-0031. Please understand that there will be some problems with the transition from the State to the County handling the inter-island travel exemptions process. We appreciate your patience while we adjust the system to meet your needs.
     "The high increase of positive cases on Oʻahu have been identified as closely related to people disregarding the policies of gatherings, distancing and face coverings. This demonstrates how easy the virus can spread and the need of your help in following the policies of prevention. Thank you for doing your part to keep our neighbors, friends, family, and community safe. As a reminder, do know 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."
     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 5,236,599 – over 25 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 166,956 – over 22 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 20.73 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 751,887.

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
Writing for Inner Exploration and Life Reflection Workshop with author Tom Peek, Saturday, Aug. 159:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. "Have you ever wondered how the place you come from influenced who you are? Or what memories you carry from your ancestors? Or how your personal history impacts your view of the world? Take a day out of your busy life to explore your deeper self and ponder the life you’ve lived so far." 
volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Attend a Virtual Presentation about ʻAlalā, the endemic, endangered Hawaiian crow via Zoom on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. Register in advance at https://hawaii.zoom.us/…/tJcocuGrrTwiGNDBJcyKZOB8cUqkjkbtN9…
A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent. See alalaproject.org.

Give Input on Proposed Improvements to Miloliʻi Beach Park through Tuesday, Sept. 8. A draft Environmental Assessment is released by County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation, which would update the park to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines; make improvements to the parking lot, boat ramp, walkways, playground, and basketball/volleyball courts; and replace the restrooms, water system, and hālau.

Introduction to Papermaking Workshop with Mary Milelzcik on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This papermaking workshop, using a household blender, will introduce papermaking using recycled papers with various additives, including cotton linters, and local plant materials. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Catalyst Abstract Watercolor Workshop with Patti Pease Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Dine In or Order To Go Oktoberfest Meals from Crater Rim Café in Kīlauea Military Camp on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Menu offers Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Bockwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Tossed Salad, and German Chocolate Cake. $14.95 per person. Call 967-8356 to book reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and 6 feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

ONGOING
Apply for a Crossing Guard Position at Nāʻālehu Elementary, to help keiki cross the street safely before and after school. Apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/countyhawaii or contact Officer Torey Keltner of the Traffic Services Division at 961-2305 for more information.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church Soup Kitchen, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a modified menu and increased health & safety standards. Hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended. Services and worship are posted online 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, last Tuesday of the month, Aug. 25, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

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

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries, open for pick-up services. 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, 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.

Apply for Assistance through U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, August 28. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information.

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 kept anonymous, results 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 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. 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 Minority 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: ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/onfarm.

Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Owners can receive free marketing assistance from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. 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.


Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, from two free modules of a virtual training program by the Organic Farming Research Foundation, the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program, and California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. See https://kohalacenter.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=54bdd67c601f0c0d3ea430053&id=9e1691c22d&e=0e3fe20c1f.

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.

Exhibition Hawaiʻi Nei Invitational: Nā ʻAumākua, runs through Saturday, Sept. 12. 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 is a group exhibition will present works focusing on the theme of Nā ʻAumākua, family gods. VAC will not hold an opening reception on August 8th. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Art Center, Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village, 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 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. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Guided Nature Walks through Nature Trail & Sculpture GardenMondays, 9:30 a.m. at Volcano Art 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

Health and Fitness Website for Kūpuna, 808b-fit.com, contains videos for kūpuna to play and move along with. There are videos for stretching, tai chi, yoga, dancing, dance fitness, bon dance, hula, chair dancing, and chair yoga.

Yoga with Emily Catey Weiss, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Volcano Art Center Niʻaulani Campus in Volcano Village. Advanced registration required; $5 per class. volcanoartcenter.org/events, 967-8222

Volcano Farmers MarketCooper CenterVolcano Village, open on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., with much local produce, island beef, and prepared foods. Call 808-967-7800.
Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays (starting next Wednesday, Aug. 12), 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the corner of Kona Drive and Highway 11, where Thai Grindz is located. New market location for vendors of the recently closed Ocean View Swap Meet. Managed by Mark Cocucci. Masks are mandatory. Limit of people is 100. Social distancing is required. Gate will be unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m. Vendors can show up without a reservation for now, with $15 dollars. Parking is in the upper lot; parking on the side of the road is prohibited. All vendors must provide their own sanitizer. All food vendors must have the permits required for the items that you are selling. Vendors and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 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. 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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