Ka‘ū News Briefs, Saturday, September 19, 2020

     2019 Youth Rangers celebrated a decade of the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park program in
partnership with Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and more sponsors.
Below, see The Way We Were Last Year. HVNP photo

TRAVEL QUARANTINE EXEMPTIONS APPARENTLY WILL STILL BE ALLOWED for essential workers, exempting them from COVID tests before arriving to Hawaiʻi beginning Oct. 15. The Hawaiʻi COVID Joint Information Task task Force released a statement saying, "In an effort to make the quarantine exemption process easier and more efficient, the State Office of Enterprise Technology Services developed a new web-based form." It went live today.
     "Previously those seeking exemptions, such as critical medical or infrastructure workers, had to communicate with, and provide information to, the State via emails. The new online form and submission system will mean more efficient interactions with exemption seekers, better data gathering, and access for decision-makers.

     "Currently, exempt travelers will still have to provide an e-mail approval documenting exempt status at State airports. Work is already underway to synchronize the exemption digital platform with Hawaiʻi's SafeTravels platform for a more integrated and seamless experience. This applies to trans-Pacific travel and not interisland, as each county has its own exemption rules and process.
     "As a reminder, people who receive approval for the modified quarantine exemption are still required to self-quarantine when they are not performing their approved essential functions. This means they may only break self-quarantine to perform their critical infrastructure duties and not for grocery shopping, outdoor exercise, or anything else outside their self-quarantine location. Beginning Saturday, exemption seekers can fill out their requests online as well as review a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) at travelexemption.hawaii.gov."
     The streamlined exemptions do not mention requirements to take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival here and stay quarantined if test is positive or until negative test results arrive. Learn more here.

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A CLUSTER OF COVID-19 CASES AT HILO TARGET is the subject of a story in this morning's Hawaiʻi Tribune-Herald. Michael Brestovansky writes that "Earlier this week, Target issued a statement that multiple employees tested positive but did not specify how many or when they tested positive."

      An anonymous person claiming to be a Target employee gave the Tribune-Herald a letter saying "infected employees last worked between Sept. 3 and Sept. 9." Brestovansky writes that, "when the employee asked whether they had been in contact with an infected employee, Target management assured them they had not, but gave no further information, according to the letter.

     "Nor did the store close to sanitize, the employee wrote. Instead, the employee claimed, one employee is tasked with repeatedly sanitizing frequently touched areas in the store, which the letter writer thought to be woefully inadequate."

     When asked for more details, Hawaiʻi Civil Defense administrator Talmadge Magno told the writer that "Target is not the only business in the county with employees to test positive. That's why we're doing this widespread testing. We find the people who test positive and we look to see who they've been in contact with and who they've been in contact with to keep it from spreading."
     Magno also said the county "has worked with major outlet stores to educate them about acceptable sanitation practices and social distancing policies for employees and customers," but that Civil Defense "does not know how many COVID-19 cases are tied to Target or when the infections occurred," writes Brestovansky. Read the article here.

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Keola Donaghy, creator of the Hawaiian keyboard
extension for Chrome OS.

A FREE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE KEYBOARD EXTENSION is available for Chromebooks users. The new tool, designed by Keola Donaghy, Assistant Professor of Hawaiian Studies, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikolani, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, will allow Hawaiʻi students to easily type ʻokina and kahakō. Mac and PC users already have access to such extensions, but the distribution of so many Chromebooks to students for distance learning during the pandemic makes the new extension of benefit to instructors, students, and users of Hawaiian language.

     According to an article at hawaiitech.com, Donaghy said, "Given the rapid growth of Chrome OS devices at all levels of education in recent months, this kind of functionality has been desperately needed. I'm hopeful we can convince Google to include this keyboard with all Chrome OS systems as Apple and Microsoft do, so that users won't have to do this manual installation."

     The Hawaiian Keyboard for Chrome operating system is available in Google's Chrome Store. Find instructions at Donaghy's website.

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EXTENDING THE 2020 CENSUS DEADLINE is the goal of legislation introduced by Sen. Brian Schatz, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, Republicans from Alaska. The deadline for the 2020 Census was shortened to Sept. 30 by the Trump administration. The initial deadline was Oct. 31. A similar bill is in the works in the House of Representatives.

     Schatz said, "It's not enough to just be officially for the census. Donald Trump is trying to interfere with the constitutional process here. And without Republicans making serious noise — not just signing a letter, not just even co-sponsoring legislation, but intervening with the White House — we very much run the risk of the period of time during which the census is conducted being cut short."

     If the bill is successful, the U.S. Census Bureau will have more time to tally the country's population and review results, which are used to determine distribution of federal funding and political representation for the next decade. A National Public Radio article says career officials at the Census Bureau have warned that they need more time to "avoid risking serious errors in the count that cannot be fixed under a curtailed timeline."
     Pres. Donald Trump said publicly in April he supported a four-month extension of the Census, which would have moved the deadline to the end of February. In July, he moved the deadline to Sept. 30.

     A lawsuit filed by a coalition led by the National Urban League sues to extend the count back to Oct. 31. California U.S. District Judge Lucy Koh ruled the winding down of the 2020 Census must remain on hold nationwide through Sept. 24 at the latest. Koh placed the Trump administration under a temporary restraining order and directed the bureau to pause wrap-up plans. The order was set to expire Thursday but the hearing "was canceled after Justice Department attorneys missed a deadline for producing a complete record of internal Commerce Department documents for the lawsuit," reported NPR. "The attorneys also told Koh the administration would likely not be able to finish filing other required documents this week."
     Koh said the defendants' failure to comply with the court's Order is "unacceptable," and ordered the administration to file documents by Friday, Sept. 18, for a Tuesday, Sept. 22 hearing. Koh said, "I understand the urgency of the ruling and the gravity of the situation here," and she will do her "utmost to get a ruling out as soon as possible."
     NPR reports a similar federal lawsuit based in Maryland "is gaining steam," with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and Asian Americans Advancing Justice preparing for a hearing on Monday.
     Complete the census at my2020census.gov. For other ways to respond to the Census, such as by phone or mail, see 2020census.gov/en/ways-to-respond.html.

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ARTISTS AND VENDORS can sign up now for the Annual Christmas Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center, which will be held on Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., will help raise funds for the Center, as well as benefit local artists and crafters. Booths are $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Face masks required. Free admission for attendees. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.

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FOUR MORE DEATHS FROM COVID-19 AT THE HILO VETERANS HOME are reported today. Yukio Okustu State Veterans Home has lost 22 veterans. In addition to Veterans Home deaths, there was another death at Hilo Medical Center, bringing the death toll to 24 on Hawaiʻi Island. The official state death toll is 120.

     Since the pandemic began, there have been 11,326 COVID cases in the state, 110 new today. Department of Health reports 4,622 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 6,600 active cases in isolation. Hawaiʻi Island reports seven new cases, Maui County three, and Oʻahu 99. There are 16 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.

     Since the pandemic began, Oʻahu reported 10,218 cases, Hawaiʻi Island 639, Maui County 384, and Kauaʻi 57. Twenty-eight victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 726 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 20 cases. Pale orange is 21 to 50 cases. Medium

orange is 51 to 90 cases. Dark orange (not pictured) is 91 to 150 

cases. Bright red is 151 to 320 cases. Dark red (not pictured)

is 321 to 410 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 their enforcement of the 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 6,764,369 – about 22 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 199,258 – about 21 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 30.66 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 954,905.

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NEW CAMERAS AND NEW VIEWS are in store for U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. Learn about the upgrades in this week's Volcano Watch, a weekly article and activity update written by USGS HVO scientists and affiliates:

Map of the USGS HVO's current camera network coverage. Lava-flow hazard zone one is outlined in yellow.
Color-shaded areas are visible to at least one camera in the current network. We would like to expand the
network so that it covers the grey-shaded areas in zone one as well. If your property has a good view of
unshaded areas in zone one, and you are willing to host a camera, please email HVO at askhvo@usgs.gov.

     HVO camera network reconfiguration and upgrades coming soon!

     Over the past two decades, the USGS HVO has set up a camera network system to monitor visual changes at Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. This network was designed for the volcanic activity of the time and captured the two long-lived eruptions of Kīlauea at the summit and East Rift Zone up close. While this camera network design was ideal for the previous eruption locations on Kīlauea's rift zone and summit, future eruptions could occur elsewhere. We have therefore begun to reconfigure HVO's camera network to cover a wider area and to fill in "blind spots."

     The current camera network consists of about 30 cameras, including seven on Mauna Loa, 21 clustered around Kīlauea summit and Puʻu ʻŌʻō on the middle East Rift Zone, and two along Kīlauea's lower East Rift Zone.    

     On Kīlauea, the new camera network will widen the monitoring coverage to cover visual gaps between Kīlauea summit and Mauna Ulu, between Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the lower East Rift Zone, and Kīlauea's Southwest Rift Zone.  

     Additionally, more cameras are being planned to watch over the lower elevations of Mauna Loa's lower Southwest Rift Zone near the subdivision of Ocean View Estates, and all elevations of Mauna Loa's Northeast Rift Zone. While two web cameras watch over the southern part of Moku‘āweoweo, we will try to improve their transmission to provide images in near real-time, like the rest of the network. Finally, we are planning new cameras to watch over the northern part of Moku‘āweoweo and the radial vents.  

View of Alaʻili from ʻĪʻīlewa Crater on Kīlauea's Lower East Rift Zone. 
USGS webcam image

     The HVO camera network 2.0 is intended to permanently monitor all areas designated as lava-flow hazard zone one, where vents are most likely to open in any eruption, not just the next one. The total camera count will remain around 30 cameras for the permanent network.

     In addition to this first "tier" of permanent cameras, HVO will also leverage two collections of temporary-deployment cameras for a three-tiered camera network approach. While the permanent network is meant to provide the broadest coverage, it may not always provide the close-up details that are of most interest and value to scientists, emergency response agencies, and the public.  

     The second tier will be "campaign cameras." These will be semi-portable webcams for installation in remote locations. They will record and document localized hazard evolution and volcanic processes. They will remain deployed for one to five years as conditions warrant. An existing camera called R3 at Puʻu ʻŌʻō is an example of a campaign camera.

     The third tier will be the "eruption cameras." They are intended for short-term use (the duration of an eruption) as emergency-response cameras for hazard monitoring as well as detailed scientific studies. Their benefit is that they are easily deployed almost anywhere, but their drawbacks include short lifetime operations, frequent maintenance and – as we learned in 2018 – these cameras are more susceptible to theft. The time-lapse cameras that documented ocean entries from Puʻu ʻŌʻō and the cellular game cameras deployed during 2018 are examples of this "eruption response" type of camera.

Thermal image of the hot water lake in Halemaʻumaʻu. 
USGS webcam image

     The outpouring of citizen science during the 2018 eruption of Kīlauea was incredible. Because of that experience, when new geophysical and camera stations were installed rapidly with landowner permission, we would like to try something new with the camera network. If you have a good view of one of the camera network "blind spots" and are willing to host an HVO web camera on your property, please email HVO at askhvo@usgs.gov.

     The cameras are self-contained with their own power and communications. The maximum footprint is 4 ft by 4 ft (slightly larger than 1 m by 1 m) but some systems can be much smaller. We cannot install a camera on every property, but we are interested to meet residents or other landowners who are willing to work with HVO to help grow our monitoring camera network to its full potential.  

     Near real-time images from current monitoring cameras are available on the HVO website, which will also host future monitoring camera images.

     Volcano Activity Updates

     Kīlauea Volcano is not erupting. Its USGS Volcano Alert level remains at NORMAL (https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/vhp/about_alerts.html). Kīlauea updates are issued monthly.

     Kīlauea monitoring data for the past month show variable but typical rates of seismicity and ground deformation, low rates of sulfur dioxide emissions, and only minor geologic changes since the end of eruptive activity in September 2018. The water lake at the bottom of Halema‘uma‘u, nearly 45 meters (about 147 feet) deep, continues to slowly expand and deepen. For the most current information on the lake, see https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/summit_water_resources.html.

Depth of the summit hot water lake in Halemaʻumaʻu over the last year. USGS image

     Mauna Loa is not erupting and remains at Volcano Alert Level ADVISORY. This alert level does not mean that an eruption is imminent or that progression to eruption from current level of unrest is certain. Mauna Loa updates are issued weekly.

     This past week, about 67 small-magnitude earthquakes were recorded beneath the upper-elevations of Mauna Loa; most of these occurred at shallow depths of less than 8 kilometers (about 5 miles). Global Positioning System measurements show long-term slowly increasing summit inflation, consistent with magma supply to the volcano's shallow storage system. Gas concentrations and fumarole temperatures as measured at both Sulphur Cone and the summit remain stable. Webcams show no changes to the landscape. For more information on current monitoring of Mauna Loa Volcano, see: https://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/mauna_loa/monitoring_summary.html.

     There was one event with three or more felt reports in the Hawaiian Islands during the past week: a M2.1 earthquake 2 km (1 mi) WNW of Honoka‘a at -2 km (-1 mi) depth on Sept. 16 at 6:03 p.m.

     HVO continues to closely monitor both Kīlauea and Mauna Loa for any signs of increased activity.

     Visit HVO's website for past Volcano Watch articles, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa updates, volcano photos, maps, recent earthquake info, and more. Email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

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The 2013 Youth Rangers. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park photo

Kaʻū Life: The Way We Were Last Year

The 2018 Youth Rangers. NSP photo

     This time last year, Hawai‘i 

Volcanoes National Park Youth Ranger program celebrated its tenth year. The program started at Kaʻū High School, and expanded over its first decade to train 435 students from ten island high schools in conservation and environmental education disciplines.

      The Youth Ranger Program has required support of partner groups, especially Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association, the National Park Foundation, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
     Many past participants enjoy careers with the National Park Service and in the field of conservation. See the Sept. 15 Kaʻū News Briefs for this year's class, and see how they are handling stewardship during the pandemic.

The inaugural Youth Rangers, with supporters, in front of

Pāhala Plantation House in 2010. HVNP photo

     Structured as a unique work-learn-earn internship program, youth rangers are selected following training and development at the participating schools, during the spring semester. In the summer, these students start entry-level jobs in the Park, where they work and learn along side dedicated Park professionals in a wide variety of career fields.
     Youth rangers work to clear invasive species from thousands of acres within the park, serve tens of thousands of visitors in Park visitor centers, repair popular trails, restore historic buildings, help with scientific studies, and assist with the curation of artifacts.

The 2011 Youth Rangers. HVNP photo

     Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Youth and Volunteer Program Coordinator Kūpono McDaniel said, "These youth create a bridge between the park, our local communities, and the next generation of park stewards. The students learn valuable career skills and gain a better understanding and appreciation for national parks and their place in the surrounding community.
     "The students learn that they can have a powerful influence on the future of our planet while creating positive outcomes in their own lives and careers."
     The capstone of the program each year is a year-end celebration of the youth participants and their mentors, where the students are acknowledged for all of the important work that has been accomplished over the summer season.
     Learn more at nps.gov/havo/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. See more classes at flickr.com/photos/144356245@N06/sets/72157710716758273.

The 2014 Youth Rangers. NSP photo

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

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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