Ka‘ū News Briefs, Friday, September 18, 2020

Ken Wright, a Kaʻū High graduate in 1982, found Kaʻū during a business trip to Tennessee. He stopped at a Starbucks, 

to discover its Hawaiʻi Kaʻū, Starbucks Reserve,  See story on the Specialty Coffee Association's 
next convention below. Photo from Tim Wright

THE DEATH TODAY OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG, at the age of 87, brought Sen. Mazie Hirono to say, "We are in deep shock and sorrow. She meant so much to millions of people."

     Ginsburg also means a lot to University of Hawaiʻi's William S. Richardson School of Law, where she served as a Jurist-in-Residence in 2017. During her stay in Hawaiʻi, the Justice not only interacted with law students, she met with high school classes. In gratitude, the Law School planted an ʻōhiʻa lehua tree in Ginsburg's name on its campus and gave her a Hawaiian lace jabot. The judicial collar, which she wore over her robes, was made by Associate Dean Ronette M. Kawakami, with 49 pink kahelelani Niʻihau shells. Ginsburg spoke about the judicial lei collar from Hawaiʻi in RBG, the documentary film about her life. 

     As a mark of respect for RBG, Gov. David Ige ordered that the flags of the United States and State of Hawaiʻi shall be flown at half-staff at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard, immediately, until the date of Ginsburg's interment.

     "Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a giant in advocating for justice and equity. Justice Ginsburg visited Hawaiʻi several times, and it was clear that her values were closely aligned with those of our community. Dawn and I celebrate her work and life and mourn her loss," said the governor.

The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a Jurist in Residence 

at Hawaiʻi's William S. Richardson Law School in 2017. 

Photo from U.H. Law School

     Concerning Ginsburg's death leaving the vacancy on the Supreme Court, Hirono said she promises to do everything she can, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, to prevent Ginsburg's replacement before the next President is sworn in. Hirono pointed out that before Ginsburg died, she issued a note through her granddaughter saying, "My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new President is installed."

     With RBG gone, said Hirono, individual rights, union rights, and workers rights are all in peril. Hirono noted that Pres. Donald Trump is busy making lifetime appointments of "right-wing" federal judges around the country. Hirono said the appointments are taking up much time of the Senate where she serves on its Judiciary Committee. Hirono said the Senate should instead be working on legislation on COVID-19 relief. Instead, "all we have been doing is filling every single Judicial vacancy." A successful appointment of a Justice by Trump would lead to a Supreme Court likely to be against abortion and leaning towards narrowing civil rights, Hirono indicated.

     Hirono noted that in February 2016, the year of the last Presidential election, Senate Republicans blocked Pres. Barack Obama's nomination to fill a Supreme Court seat, saying the next President should make the nomination. President Donald Trump did so after swearing in. Today, with the new vacancy, there is another call to wait again for the elected President to make the nomination. Among those senators is Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Murkowski, a Republican, said it would be a "double standard" to put in a new Supreme Court Justice right away.

     Presidential nominee Joe Biden said today, "Voters should pick the President, the President should pick the Justice, for the Senate to consider." Sen. Mitch McConnel, Republican leader of the Senate, said that Trump's nominee will get a vote on the floor of the Senate.

Judicial collar made with Niʻihau shells for Justice Ruth Bader

 Ginsburg by University of Hawaiʻi Law School Associate

 Dean Ronette M. Kawakami.  Photo from U.H. Law School 

     Hirono noted that there are only 46 days before the election. She predicted that if Trump appoints another Supreme Court Justice, "there will be a lot more calls for Supreme Court reform." She said Ginsburg told her she was very concerned about the future of the Supreme Court and that it needs more "united decisions."

     Hirono tweeted today: "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a giant. There are literally not enough words to describe the transformational impact she had on the lives of millions of Americans as an advocate and a jurist.

     "I have a very simple message for Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell tonight. The best and only way to honor the life's work of Justice Ginsburg, a giant of a jurist, is to honor her fervent final wish that she not be replaced until a new president is installed."

     Sen. Brian Schatz tweeted the quote McConnell gave more than four years ago: "The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president. — Mitch McConnell, March 2016."

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard helped pass a
House resolution against anti-Asian
bigotry this week.

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INCREASED BIGOTRY TOWARDS ASIANS is the subject of a resolution that passed Congress on Thursday. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said H.Res.908 is bipartisan and draws attention to increased anti-Asian bigotry, observed during the coronavirus crisis. It calls on the federal government to work with state and local law enforcement to confront and prosecute hate crimes related to the pandemic. She cosponsored the resolution earlier this year to draw attention to at-risk communities as Congress began its work to address the broader fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
     "Unfortunately, too many Asians across the country have become the targets of bigotry, slurs, and even physical attacks due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Especially during this time of crisis, now is the time for our community to come together and care for one another, not tear itself apart," said Gabbard.

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ANYONE FEELING DEPRESSED OR ANXIOUS, or who needs someone to talk to, can call Department of Health's expanded Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S. program at 1-800-753-6879 – the same number previously used by Crisis Line of Hawai‘i. Individuals in crisis can also text ALOHA to 741741, available 24/7.

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.

FREE CHILI AND RICE BOWL DINNERS will be distributed by mayoral candidate Mitch Roth and his team tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Club in Discovery Harbour, Nāʻālehu, https://goo.gl/maps/ej1U5zc5s8ztHwQh7. An announcement from Roth's Facebook says, "During these uncertain times, Mitch Roth and his team are committed to giving back to our Hawaiʻi Island community."

     The chili will be prepared and packaged offsite and provided during a drive-thru at The Club's parking lot. Roth will hand chili bowls through the windows of vehicles passing through. While the Group endorses no candidate, a Facebook post on its page says, "If you've never met Mitch, this is a great opportunity to meet face to face (mask to mask) with him."

     See more and RSVP or comment on Facebook. 

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.

SPECIALTY COFFEE ASSOCIATION'S annual Expo, regularly attended by Kaʻū Coffee farmers, has been postponed until September 2021. CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos made the announcement, explaining it was already canceled for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Next year's Expo was originally set for April 2021 in New Orleans and is rescheduled for Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans.

      SCAA has provided an international stage for Kaʻū Coffee's growth in reputation. 

      Apostolopoulos said, "We're sure this will be disappointing to many, however the [board of directors'] consensus was that a postponement to the fall would be a safer, more prudent option, and allow our community and participating businesses more time to recover from the pandemic."

The SCAA has taken many Kaʻū Coffees to international competition, with local farmers, Willie and Grace

Tabios displaying their awards at the annual Kaʻū Coffee Festival in Pāhala. Photo by Julia Neal

     The Specialty Coffee Expo, which attracts more than 14,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibitors, will include a Launch Party on Sept. 30 followed by the exhibition, educational programs, and competitions Oct. 1-3.

     Registered exhibitors and attendees will receive information via email about the date change. If an email does not arrive, attendees are encouraged to contact Brittney Kushi at BrittneyK@sca.coffee. Exhibitors should send an email to exhibit@sca.coffee.

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KEIKI HEROES CAMPAIGN is launched. The Hawaiʻi STEM Community Care program encourages habits recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and state Department of Health to stay safe and healthy.

     The campaign employs Hawaiʻi Island cousins Kai and Hoku, and animal friends Laulima the Gecko and Ola the Bird, to encourage each child to be a Keiki Hero. They share "easy tips to help stay safe and strong" and "help you keep you and those around you safe from the Coronavirus." They recommend:

     Wear a Mask. "Kumu Ola said that a mask stops germs from going to others. It will keep me safe from germs, too. Ola taught me how to use my mask. She said the mask has to cover my nose and mouth. It is good to wear a mask when not at home. I wear my mask when I meet Hoku. I keep my mask clean – I ask my dad to wash my mask when he does the laundry."

     Wash Your Hands. "Kumu Ola taught us that germs can stick to our hands when we touch things. Washing with soap and water washes off the germs. We wash our hands many times each day. We wash after coming home from school or before we eat. We should wash our hands for 20 seconds to make sure they are clean."

     Respect the Bubble. "Kumu Ola taught us that germs can spread through the air and touch. Someone who is sick can spread germs when they sneeze, cough, and even breathe. Once germs stick to us, we can pass them along to others. Ola said that we cannot get germs if we stay six feet away from people. That is how long a surfboard is. She also said that we should stay away from large groups of people."

     Shaka to Say "Hi."

     Read Kai and Hoku's story at keikiheroes.org. The site includes printable coloring sheets and printable reminder flyers.

     Here is the story: Kai and Hoku are cousins who live on the Big Island. Their moms are sisters. They've spent their entire lives playing together, going to the beach together, and are best friends. Even when they're in separate classes at school, they always talk at lunch and recess. Sometimes, they trade lunches when Hoku's mom packs her famous musubi. No one makes musubi like Kai's Auntie! Whenever Kai or Hoku has a problem, the other one is there to help.
     At the end of the last school year, things changed. Kai and Hoku were supposed to go to visit their other cousin over Spring Break, but their moms canceled the trip. All of a sudden, they weren't allowed to hang out on the weekends. Then school was canceled! At first, they were super excited – no school – this must be what their cousin on the mainland meant when she talked about snow days. But then they had to start taking classes on the computer. It was really hard for them both. And they noticed that their families were really worried and started talking about "Coronavirus," "COVID," and "COVID-19." What was this new "Coronavirus" and why did it mean Kai and Hoku couldn't do all the things they loved, like visiting each other, seeing Tūtū, and going to school and seeing their friends?

     One day, Hoku's mom gave her a mask to wear for when they went to the store. Once Hoku put the mask on, she was no longer just a little girl, but a Keiki Hero. The mask gave her the power to protect herself, her family, and her friends from Coronavirus.

     When Hoku got home, she came across a bird that began speaking to her. The bird was Ola. She was a wise bird, a kumu, who started to share secrets of how to be a Keiki Hero with Hoku.

     Hoku was so excited about her new powers and her new friend Ola. She just had to share these new powers with Kai, so she asked her mom to help her find a mask for Kai. They dropped the mask off at Kai's home and once Kai put on his mask, he also became a Keiki Hero!

     Together Kai and Hoku were now Keiki Heroes. Their mission: help keiki protect themselves, their ʻohana, and all their friends and teachers.

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GET COUNTED IN THE 2020 CENSUS urges Rep. Ed Case. In an email yesterday, Case requests Hawaiʻi residents' "urgent assistance in helping our Hawai‘i reach a 100 percent count on the 2020 Census by the September 30th deadline… Every Census is a crucial undertaking with wide-ranging impacts on fair and equal political representation and federal funding that last for a decade, but this COVID-19 crisis has only made the 2020 Census even more critical.

     "Because Census data is used to allocate over $1.5 trillion in federal funding each year, the recovery and long-term health of Hawaiʻi's communities depend in large part on a fair and accurate count in this year's Census. Already, COVID-19 relief and recovery assistance approved by Congress through the CARES Act has been allocated according to 2010 Census data. Data from the 2020 Census will drive federal dollars for over 300 federal programs as well as assistance for COVID-19 and other emergencies for the next decade."

     Case said that as of Monday, Sept. 14, Hawai‘i ranks third in the nation at 98.4 percent in terms of total count, though the statewide self-response rate remains low at 62.3 percent.

     Case said, "The remaining uncounted households include some of our most vulnerable and hard-to-count populations. We need everyone to be fully counted to ensure a fair and accurate enumeration for our Hawai‘i. I am asking for your special help in making one last great push ahead of the September 30th deadline to your families, friends, and communities on behalf of the 2020 Census. Please urge all you know to respond if they have not already done so and to spread the word among their families, friends, and communities too. There are multiple ways to respond to the 2020 Census, but by far the easiest way is through the online form at https://my2020census.gov. For other ways to respond to the Census, such as by phone or mail, please visit https://2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html.

Rep. Ed Case encourages all residents
to fill out the 2020 Census.

     "For those who are visited personally by a Census taker, please urge them to treat these local community members conducting an essential constitutional responsibility with aloha and answer their quick questions."

     He said that it is important to note, with so many Hawaiʻi residents having English as a second language, that the 2020 Census is the first to feature "significantly expanded" language access, providing language guides in 59 non-English languages. See https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/2020-census/planning-management/language-resources.html.

     "Thank you for your consideration and for all that you can do to help all of us with the 2020 Census. Together, we are setting the best possible foundation for Hawaiʻi's future," said Case.

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VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING WILL BE AVAILABLE SATURDAYS IN KAʻŪ Sept.19 and 26 for expirations in September. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at 95-5355 Mamalahoa Hwy in Nāʻālehu. By appointment only at https://vehicleregistrationlicensing.as.me/driverlicense, no walk-ins.

     Face coverings must be worn, and customers must adhere to the recommended six-foot social distancing at all times. Only those customers receiving services will be allowed inside the lobby, but minors or those needing additional assistance may have one additional person accompany them, if needed.

     Those who have traveled off-island within the past 14 days, have a fever exceeding 100.3 F, are feeling sick, or have taken a COVID-19 test without receiving the results, should not visit offices for services or schedule an in-person appointment.

     Questions? Call 939-2517.

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ONLY TWO OF THE 20 DEATHS FROM COVID-19 ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND ARE UNRELATED TO THE HILO VETERANS HOME. Today, one new death was reported at Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home and one at Hilo Medical Center. The official state death toll is 120, with one new death on Oʻahu today. Six deaths of the 18 at the Veterans Home have not yet been added to the state total, while cause of death is being confirmed.

     Since the pandemic began, there have been 11,217 COVID cases in the state, 114 new today. Department of Health reports 4,394 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 6,700 active cases in isolation. Hawaiʻi Island reports nine new cases, Oʻahu 106. There are 16 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.

     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 10,119 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 632, Maui County 381, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 700 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.

Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28 days, by zip code. Gray

areas have zero or few residential addresses. White is zero cases.

Yellow is one to 10 cases. Pale orange is 11 to 30 cases. Medium

orange is 31 to 70 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 71 to 130 

cases. Bright red is 131 to 220 cases. Dark red (not pictured)

is 221 to 450 cases. Department of Health map

     In the last 28 days, active cases have been reported in zip codes 96704 with Miloliʻi; 96737 with Ocean View; 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96777 with Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley; and 96785 with Volcano Village. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date. Other areas shaded gray have no or very little population and no cases.

     Visitation at Hilo Medical Center has been paused, with the exception of one visitor for OB, pediatrics, and end-of-life patients.

     All beach and shoreline parks on Hawaiʻi Island are closed through Sept. 30. The activities of exercising, fishing, food gathering, use of restroom, shower facilities, and access to the ocean will continue to be allowed. Use of pavilions, barbecues, tents, or other shade devices, tables, hibachis, coolers, picnicking, camping, and commercial operations are all prohibited.

     Hawaiʻi Island Police will continue enforcement of preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. Civil Defense says, "Know that these policies are mandated and will be enforced. While on patrol, Police Officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one. Mahalo for your help."

     Civil Defense says the number of new cases of coronavirus on this Island "reflects the need and importance of continuing testing throughout the Island as the virus remains a threat. With all accepting kuleana, we can stop the spread of the virus to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe. With the community's involvement, we can keep Hawaiʻi Safe." See hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.

     See the Hawai‘i County COVID-19 webpage at coronavirus-response-county-of-hawaii-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel at survey123.arcgis.com/share/e2f4ce19aa854964a8fd60bec7fbe78c. Report violators of COVID-19 safety protocols or quarantine to non-emergency at 935-3311.

     COVID-19 case count in the U.S. is more than 6,723,305 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 198,509 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 30.39 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 950,434.

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

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 a reservation for dine-in or place a grab-and-go order. Face coverings and six feet social distancing are required in common areas. KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees may apply.

PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs will be held Friday, Sept. 25 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.

National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 26 is celebrated at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with free entrance to the Park. The public is urged to celebrate by doing something good for the ‘āina (land), such as: Remove an invasive plant from your property, and replace it with a native plant; Pick up ‘opala (rubbish) from a beach, park or other public land; Write a haiku about your favorite public land. Watch a new Park video. The Park encourages people to post a photo or video of themselves engaged in the activity to their personal social media account, and tag @hawaiivolcanoesnps between Sept. 26 and 30. Haiku writers are encouraged to read their haiku on video. The Park will share the most inspiring posts to its Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Submit Comments and Questions about Hawaiian Electric's Keāhole Battery Storage Project through Saturday, Sept. 26. The utility submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 28 for a first-of-its-kind on-island, 12-megawatt, 12-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System to help stabilize the power grid for the whole island, reducing the likelihood of customer outages. Virtual public meetings on both projects were held earlier this year and video replays of the discussions, along with the PUC applications and project details, can be found at www.hawaiianelectric.com/selfbuildprojects. Comments and questions can be submitted to keaholebess@hawaiianelectric.com and will be included in the application to PUC.

Design the 2021 Ocean Count T-Shirt for Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary by Sept. 30. Designs highlighting humpback whales in Hawaiian waters must be entirely the artist's own creation. To ensure the design looks its best when printed, submit as a high definition PDF, AI, EPS or PNG with a quality of at least 1500 pixels by 1500 pixels and 300 DPI (dots per inch) with dimensions no greater than 11.5 inches by 14 inches. Top finalists' designs will appear on oceancount.org, the winner's design on the back of the shirt. The winner will also receive $500. Email the design and completed registration form to oceancount@marinesancutary.org.

The State of Hawai'i requires a Letter of Exemption for Farm Workers. Requests should be submitted to covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov

ONGOING

Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development at rd.hawaiicounty.gov/economic-development/covid-19-business-resources-and-information/gold-star-businesses. Find help for small businesses at www.hawaiicounty.gov/covidbusinesshelp.

Attend Weekly Virtual Town Meetings, hosted by Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Discussion topics include attendance, best practices, Grab-n-Go meals, school updates, and questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.

Pre-Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach Program in Ocean View here. Completing the form does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families, to complete the registration process. Questions? Contact Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at (808) 961-5536 or email mobiletutoring@bgcbi.org.

Free Tutors for Keiki in Pāhala, for grades one through six, will be available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island soon. Subjects are Homework Help, Social Studies, Reading, Writing, Math, Spelling, Test Taking Strategies, Organizational Skills, and more. Contact Boys & Girls Club at info@bgcbi.org or 961-5536.

Free Wifi Access for Students is available in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu, and Ocean View through Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary.

     In Pāhala, access is limited to ten students at a time at the school gym on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Support is provided by Joshua Ortega.

     In Nāʻālehu, access is limited to 12 students at a time at Nāʻālehu Assembly of God on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind.

     In Ocean View, access is limited to five students at a time at Ocean View Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Support is provided by Carla Lind and Mrs. Marcia Masters. No restrooms available at this location.

     Kaʻū Mobile Learning Hub at St. Jude's lower parking lot is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Instruction and support are provided by Carla Lind, Mrs. VanNewkirk, Mrs. Heather Naboa, Mrs. Marcia Masters, and Mrs. Ebanez.

     All students and staff must wear a mask at all times and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. Each student must bring their device, school materials, and a water bottle. Questions? Call 313-4100.

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/index/482552460607505#/signup. Receive notice via phone or email of site closures, availability of services, hours of operation, special conditions affecting solid waste service (such as road closures, flooding, fires), or special events, such as household hazardous waste collections.

Attend Sunday Drive-In Worship Service at Waiʻōhinu's Kauahaʻao Congregational Church. Parking on the lawn begins at 10 a.m., with Worship Service starting at 10:10 a.m. The only time a face covering is needed is when the usher comes to the vehicle to pass out the worship bulletin and other materials, and at the same time, collect any offering or gifts the individual(s) would like to give, or when leaving vehicles for the restroom. Church provides paper fans to stay cool. Bring water. Catch the live-streamed service at 10:10 a.m. and Praise Jam, which runs from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Service is emailed Sunday afternoon to anyone on the email list. Sign up by emailing atdwongyuen.kauahaaochurch@gmail.com or call 928-8039 or 937-2155.

St. Jude's Episcopal Church 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. Weekly hot meals, hot showers, the computer lab, and in-person services and bible studies are suspended.

One-Time Emergency Food for people is available through Big Island Giving Tree. Emergency food for pets is available through KARES. Call David or Barbara Breskin at 319-8333.

Food Basket Distribution last Tuesday of the month, Sept. 29, provides food at St. Jude's to those in need. Another distribution will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Volcano Village's Cooper Center, from 10 a.m. until pau. See hawaiifoodbasket.org.

Emergency Boxes Available at Cooper Center Tuesday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Call ahead, 967-7800.

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 Garden, Mondays, 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 Market, Cooper Center, Volcano 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 Swap Meet reopens Sept. 5 at Ocean View makai shopping center, near Mālama Market. Hours for patrons are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Vendor set-up time is 5 a.m. Masks are required for all vendors and patrons.

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. 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.

Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together at chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home, using neuroscience and positive psychology, children and parents alike can learn to better understand themselves and each other. The program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics," to teach families "how to manage their emotions, communicate in healthier ways, and create a nurturing environment focused on the things that matter most." Sign up at https://chooselovemovement.org/choose-love-home/.

ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads given out to distance learning students enrolled in Kaʻū public schools. The website is open to the public here. ʻOhana Help Desk is also available to students and parents by phone, Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays and state holidays.

Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. It is open to students of Nāʻālehu Elementary and Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary, to connect to internet for distance learning. Questions? See khpes.org or call 313-4100.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries are open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu is open Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala is open Tuesday from noon to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Library patrons may 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, they may call their favorite library branch to place a hold with the library staff, or they may go in-person to request items, without placing a hold. After receiving a notice that item(s) are ready for pick up, patrons schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Both locations are also open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi is available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot by using their library card and PIN. 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.

Sign Up for Two Women's Health Programs from Kaʻū Women's Collective. Piko focuses on reproductive health; increasing access, respect, cultural competence, education, and choice. Pilina aims to grow membership and establish a culture of collaborative decision-making. Meetings held Sundays on Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, and Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. Follow @kau_womens_health_collective. Contact rootsmedieshawaii@gmail.com. Call 808-450-0498.

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 the 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.

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

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