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| Moonset over Mauna Loa by Janice Wei who won a George & Helen Hartzok Award. See more below. NPS photo/Janice Wei |
APPROVAL OF A FREE RAPID COVID TEST FOR ALL ARRIVALS TO THIS ISLAND was granted by Gov. David Ige today. With a pre-travel negative COVID-19 test, people will be able to come to the island without quarantining provided that their rapid test taken here is also negative, said Mayor Harry Kim, who made the proposal. He said the county will cover the cost. The testing begins on Oct. 15 on the grounds of Kona International Airport which is receiving the only trans-Pacific flights. Anyone showing a positive post-arrival test, and those arriving without negative pre-travel test, will be required to quarantine. See more on COVID-19 counts on the island state, country, and planet, below.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHER JANICE WEI WON A GEORGE & HELEN HARTZOK AWARD for her volunteerism and photography in 2019. The Outstanding Individual Volunteer prize goes to Wei, as her "spectacular photos give people who can't see Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park in person a window into the variety of the Park," says a statement from the Park. Wei's photographs often appear in Kaʻū News Briefs and The Kaʻū Calendar newspaper.
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| Volunteer photographer for HVNP Janice Wei. Photo from NPS |
The Park's statement says, "No doubt you've seen Janice's photos on our social media pages, on the park website, and the park brochure. What you've probably never seen is a photo of Janice herself, who prefers to stay behind the lens. Here's a rare photo of the elusive Wei in her natural habitat, and a close-up of her award. The national parks could not fulfill their missions without all of our wonderful volunteers. Mahalo nui loa to all NPS VIPs!"
The George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service recognize the exemplary contributions of National Park Service "Volunteers in Parks," or VIPs. After his retirement, former NPS Director (1964-72), George Hartzog and his wife Helen remembered the volunteer program with a generous donation to the National Park Foundation. This fund has been used to support awards that honor the efforts of exceptional volunteers, groups, and Park VIP programs.
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Janice Wei has covered many volcano events at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. NPS photo by Janice Wei |
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| Hilina Pali Road, repaved, is now open to road vehicles. NPS photo/Janie Wei |
The announcement from the Park says, "Some much-needed rain has decreased wildfire risk in these areas. However, there are other hazards. Hilina Pali Road and Mauna Loa Road are very narrow in areas, and motorists are advised to follow all posted road signs and to share the road with bicyclists and pedestrians. The backcountry trails accessible from the end of Hilina Pali Road are rough and overgrown in areas."
All backcountry overnight use requires a permit. Learn more at the Park's Backcountry web page, https://go.nps.gov/7m4ocr. #RecreateResponsibly when visiting your park. Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of distance between those not in the same household. Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
All backcountry overnight use requires a permit. Learn more at the Park's Backcountry web page, https://go.nps.gov/7m4ocr. #RecreateResponsibly when visiting your park. Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of distance between those not in the same household. Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
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| Hilina Pali Overlook is now accessible by road vehicles. NPS photo/Janie Wei |
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth. If feeling sick, visit another day. Let wildlife be wild. Do not feed nēnē, the Hawaiian goose, and look out for them on roadways and in parking lots.
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.
MOST HAWAIʻI ISLAND STATE PARKS REMAIN FREE TO LOCALS AND VISITORS for entry and parking. The Department of Land & Natural Resources raised entrance and parking prices today in "select" parks around the state.
The only state park in Kaʻū is Mānuka Wayside, where there are hiking, restrooms, parking, and picnic facilities, but no camping. Camping at state parks on this island is allowed at Hāpuna and Kīholo, with Kīholo temporarily closed. Residents pay $20/night for tent campsites. Non-resident pay $30/night. Cabins are available at Hāpuna and Kalōpā State Parks. Rates for locals range from $40 to $70 per night. For non-residents it's $70 to $100. Camping and lodging rates were last increased over a decade ago.
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| ʻĀinapō Cabin above Kapāpala Ranch. DLNR photo |
DLNR's Fish & Wildlife Division also operates two cabins on this island. The one in Kaʻū is ʻĀinapō Cabin, mauka of Hwy 11 between Pāhala and Volcano, with four-wheel drive access by appointment through Kapāpala Ranch. The other is in Waimanu, accessible by trail along the rugged Hāmākua Coast. Both are closed for COVID-19 spread mitigation.
The Gilbert Kahele Recreation Area on Saddle Road was transferred from the state DLNR to the County of Hawaiʻi last year along with its name change from Mauna Kea Recreation Area. It offers restrooms, picnicking areas, a large bunkhouse, and seven cabins to rent. Go to reservations.
Other state parks on the island are Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park; Huluheʻe Palace; Kekaha Kai State Park; Kīholo in Kona; Hāpuna Beach, north of Waikaloa; Lapakahi State Historical Park (closed) and Kohala Historical Sites State Monument in Hawi; Kalōpā, above Honokaʻa; ʻAkaka Falls in Pepeʻekeo; Wailuku River State Park and Wailoa River State Recreation Area (closed) in Hilo; and Lava Tree State Monument and MacKenzie State Recreation Area in Puna.
ʻAkaka Falls entrance fees for out-of-state walk-in is $5 per person, $10 per car, and commercial vehicles are $25 for 1-7 passenger vehicles, $50 for 8-25 passenger vehicles, and $90 for 26 + passenger vehicles. Park visitors have the option to pay for parking using the PayByPhone app (Location #10566) or by using the CallToPark app (Location #125932). To see a digital version of the PayByPhone and CallToPark sign please the following hyperlink: PayByPhone & CallToPark Sign.
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| Mānuka Wayside in Kaʻū offers hiking, restrooms, parking, and picnic facilities. |
The rest of the parks have no entrance fees for anyone.
DLNR Division of State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, "Though the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic reductions in the number of visitors coming to Hawaiʻi, we hope these additional fees will help to offset some of our severe revenue losses incurred by State Parks as Hawaiʻi gradually reopens. Some of our most heavily visited parks will remain closed due to coronavirus concerns. This further hampers revenue generation as we all struggle with the economic impacts of the pandemic."
The higher fees were approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in August. Following a public hearing, the fee schedule was signed into law by Gov. David Ige last week. Hawaiʻi State Park entry fees had not been increased since the turn of the century.
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.
Founded in 1996, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund helps fill the "gaps" in conservation efforts around Hawaiʻi and Maui in order to best protect native wildlife. The Kaʻū leader is Megan Lamson. Contact her at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
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.
REPEALING THE ALIEN ENEMIES ACT OF 1798 is the goal of legislation introduced by Sen. Mazie Hirono and colleagues this week. The proposed legislation is called The Neighbors Not Enemies Act.
The Alien Enemies Act allows the president to target foreign nationals to be "apprehended, restrained, secured and removed" without due process while America is at war. During World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt used it to target, incarcerate, and deport Japanese, German, and Italian Americans. In 2016, Donald Trump referenced the Alien Enemies Act during his campaign as justification for his Muslim Ban.
Hirono said, "Time and again, Donald Trump has demonized immigrants and minorities as the divider-in-chief. Our nation has not always been fair to immigrants and minorities, but we have a rich diversity – and the stories of immigrants and minorities are interwoven in our country's history. The Neighbors Not Enemies Act would repeal an outdated and offensive law and stop any president from ordering a wrongful action that goes against the Bill of Rights."
The legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.): "This outdated and xenophobic law is an offense to our values as a nation, which should stand as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution. It is a perfect example of outdated immigration laws that are being exploited and abused by this Administration. As the President seeks to expand the Muslim Ban, we must close policy loopholes that he can exploit to cause harm to our neighbors, our country and the values that we hold dear. We must learn from historical mistakes built on fear of the other and embrace a fair and just immigration system by repealing the Alien Enemies Act."
David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League said, "It is past time for the
repeal of this antiquated law which has been abused to justify the incarceration of Japanese Americans and more recently the Muslim Ban. As we have seen, the courts have been overly deferential to Presidential claims of necessity due to national security, both in 1944 and 2018. It is up to Congress to place a check on the overreaching power of the President and act where the courts have failed the people."
Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said, "The so-called Alien Enemies Act was wrong when it was passed in 1798 and it's still wrong now. That
antiquated law was used to justify, among other things, discrimination against people in America, particularly Japanese immigrants. It must not be used to support Trump’s misguided Muslim travel ban. We urge Congress to pass the Neighbors Not Enemies Act and remove this vestige of xenophobia from our laws."
The bill is endorsed by the Japanese American Citizens League, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, National Iranian American Council Action, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Minnesota Peace Project, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Defending Rights & Dissent, Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Church World Service, UndocuBlack Network, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment, International Refugee Assistance Project, The Sikh Coalition, National Immigration Law Center, Project South, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, Shoulder to Shoulder, Veterans For Peace chapter 27, Coalition on Human Needs, Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, and the Conference of Presentation Sisters.
Read the bill here.
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.
THE FIRST COVID-19 DEATH IN KONA occurred Monday, Oct. 5 in Kona Community Hospital, which, with another death at Hilo Medical Center, brings Hawaiʻi Island's death toll to 37. According to reporting from multiple outlets, KCH's Marketing and Strategic Planning Director, Judy Donovan, a
The legislation was introduced in the House by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.): "This outdated and xenophobic law is an offense to our values as a nation, which should stand as a refuge for those fleeing violence and persecution. It is a perfect example of outdated immigration laws that are being exploited and abused by this Administration. As the President seeks to expand the Muslim Ban, we must close policy loopholes that he can exploit to cause harm to our neighbors, our country and the values that we hold dear. We must learn from historical mistakes built on fear of the other and embrace a fair and just immigration system by repealing the Alien Enemies Act."
David Inoue, Executive Director of the Japanese American Citizens League said, "It is past time for the
repeal of this antiquated law which has been abused to justify the incarceration of Japanese Americans and more recently the Muslim Ban. As we have seen, the courts have been overly deferential to Presidential claims of necessity due to national security, both in 1944 and 2018. It is up to Congress to place a check on the overreaching power of the President and act where the courts have failed the people."
Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights said, "The so-called Alien Enemies Act was wrong when it was passed in 1798 and it's still wrong now. That
The bill is endorsed by the Japanese American Citizens League, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Black Alliance for Just Immigration, National Iranian American Council Action, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Minnesota Peace Project, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Defending Rights & Dissent, Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Church World Service, UndocuBlack Network, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment, International Refugee Assistance Project, The Sikh Coalition, National Immigration Law Center, Project South, U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, Shoulder to Shoulder, Veterans For Peace chapter 27, Coalition on Human Needs, Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, and the Conference of Presentation Sisters.
Read the bill here.
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.
THE FIRST COVID-19 DEATH IN KONA occurred Monday, Oct. 5 in Kona Community Hospital, which, with another death at Hilo Medical Center, brings Hawaiʻi Island's death toll to 37. According to reporting from multiple outlets, KCH's Marketing and Strategic Planning Director, Judy Donovan, a
Woman in her 40s came to the Emergency Room Monday and later passed away.
At least 166 people have died in the state. At least 20 Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. Hawaiʻi Island's death toll is 37: one reported at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, two at Hilo Life Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. On-island surges are attributed to the University of the Nations Kona campus and Hilo's Life Care home. See more on COVID, below.
FORTY-FIVE NEW COVID-19 CASES TODAY are reported for Hawaiʻi Island. The state reports 155 new cases today, with 108 on Oʻahu and one in an out-of-state resident.
Since the pandemic began, there have been 13,300 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 10,651 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 2,460 active cases in isolation. There are at least nine people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 911 cases, Oʻahu 11,896 cases, Maui County 397, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty-seven victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 911 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases reported in the last 28 days for two Kaʻū zip codes and one in Volcano. 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96785 with Volcano Village; and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, have had no cases in the last 28 days. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, with Ocean View; and 96777, which includes Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date.
In Hilo zip code 96720, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
Hawaiʻi Island police 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 the Hawaiʻi 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 7,662,798 – about 21 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 213,739 – about 20 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 36.79 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,067,060.
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Onset of COVID-19 cases in the last 28
days, by zip code. Gray areas have zero residential
addresses. White is zero cases. Yellow is one to 10 cases. Pale
orange is 11-30 cases. Medium orange is 31-50 cases. Dark orange is 51-100 cases. Bright
red is 101-170 cases. Dark
red is 171-300 cases. Department of Health map |
Since the pandemic began, there have been 13,300 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 10,651 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 2,460 active cases in isolation. There are at least nine people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 911 cases, Oʻahu 11,896 cases, Maui County 397, and Kauaʻi 59. Thirty-seven victims are residents diagnosed while visiting other places. Statewide, 911 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
No new cases reported in the last 28 days for two Kaʻū zip codes and one in Volcano. 96772 with Nāʻālehu, Waiʻōhinu, Green Sands, Mark Twain, Discovery Harbour, and South Point; 96785 with Volcano Village; and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi, have had no cases in the last 28 days. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in zip code 96737, with Ocean View; and 96777, which includes Pāhala, Punaluʻu, and Wood Valley. Zip code 96718, shaded gray on the map, is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has few residents and no cases to date.
In Hilo zip code 96720, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 107 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
Hawaiʻi Island police 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 the Hawaiʻi 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 7,662,798 – about 21 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 213,739 – about 20 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 36.79 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,067,060.
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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. |
Daily, weekly, and monthly recurring Kaʻū and Volcano Events, Meetings, Entertainment, Exercise, Meditation, and more are listed at kaucalendar.com.
EVENTS
Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing at locations around the island. No insurance is necessary to be tested, but bring insurance card if have. No co-pay for the individuals being tested. Be sure to wear a face-covering at all times and observe social distancing. For further information, call Civil Defense at 935-0031. Free testing is at West Hawaiʻi Community Center at 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway in Kona and in South Kohala at the Kamakoa Nui Park in Waikoloa Village on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join in Virtual NAMIWalks Your Way Saturday, Oct. 10, the National Day of Hope, during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Participants take their own walks, using a treadmill or going to their own backyards, neighborhood streets, and local parks. They will share the activity on social media. The focus is also to follow NAMI Hawaiʻi's program with mental health facts. Activities will go beyond walking and running. Hula-hoop and yoga, as well as other choices are on tap. The event normally takes place at Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo with a 5K walk. Some 70 NAMIWalks are held each year around the country, with hundreds of thousands of participants, sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Visit namiwalks.org/bigisland. Any funds raise go to NAMI Big Island's free local mental health family education programs, family support groups, and other services.
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events – with size limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations – are on Monday, Oct. 12, survey; Saturday, Oct. 17, cleanup; Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. HWF says details are forthcoming but will be a blend of hiking, BYO-4wd, and limited HWF carpool options. Contact Megan Lamson-Leatherman at (808) 280-8124 or wild@aloha.net.
Attend College from Home Virtual Workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 13, noon to 1 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Zoom Connection Link: go.hawaii.edu/A9z, Meeting ID: 950 5113 4914 Password: palamanui. The announcement asks, "Want to come back to college but not leave home – or know someone who does? If so, you are invited to the UH Online and Hybrid Degrees workshop presented by the University Center West Hawaiʻi. Come learn about the 60+ UH two year, Bachelors, Graduate, and Certificate programs that you can access here on Hawai'i Island. Online Learning with Local Support. Stay Here… Go FORWARD!" For more information, email Carrie at carriekp@hawaii.edu.
PETFIX Spay and Neuter Clinic for Cats will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14 in Ocean View. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, Florida. The final Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each debate will air from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on. Each debate will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC, among others. All the major news networks will offer a free live stream, as will YouTube and Twitter. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast at 89.1, or stream the audio here, on the HPR mobile app, or on a smart speaker.Attend a Free Conflict Resolution Workshop, Kū I Ke Aloha: Stand Up & Speak Out on Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The interactive session explores examples of individual and community advocacy that resulted in positive change in Hawaiʻi and beyond. Take away some communication skills for the real world – no matter the media – to use with aloha. Register here or RSVP to Majidah at Kuʻikahi Mediation Center, (808) 935-7844 x 3 or majidah@hawaiimediation.org.
Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi Annual Meeting online at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 17. A statement from the nonprofit says, "Over the past seven decades, CCH has been able to protect our native plants, animals and ecosystems across the Hawaiian Islands because of your support, we are extremely grateful and as we navigate our path forward we rely on your support even more than ever." Register here.
Give Input on the Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan Update by the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning from Oct. 13 through 28. The public is invited to participate in online sessions to learn about the strategic plan and contribute to the revision process. Free; advance registration required. Register online.
Take Free Courses and Certifications for Hawaiʻi Residents through Coursera are offered by state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. More than 3,000 options. Registration open until Oct. 31. Recommended courses for picking up technology skills. View more.
Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center. Partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank system, the 2020 Small Business Credit Survey provides vital information to policymakers and lenders who are weighing decisions that affect small businesses. Ten-minute-long survey open to businesses currently in operation, recently closed, or about to launch. Survey closes Oct. 31. Responses are confidential. Complete the survey. Questions? Contact SFFedSmallBusiness@sf.frb.org.
Vote and Register In-Person same day. Locations are in Hilo at 101 Pauahi Street, #1, and Kona, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy. Ballots for registered voters should start to arrive around Oct. 16. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy from Oct. 14, 24 hours a day, until 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, Election Day . See other locations here. is Tuesday, Nov. 3. See tips on helping others to register to vote at nationalvoterregistrationday.org. Find more information at elections.hawaii.gov. Check voter registration status here.
Attend Free Virtual Hawaiʻi Book & Music Festival through Nov. 4 The 15th year of the festival takes off with a special set of in-depth presentations covering a variety of topics deeply impacting the local community. Featuring Hawaiʻi Public Radio's Burt Lum, host of Bytemarks Café, on several panels. More info & schedule.
Artists and Vendors, sign up for the Annual Art & Craft Fair at Ocean View Community Center 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.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
Veteran Farmers are invited to register for the virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Presented by Farmer Veteran Coalition, the sixth annual conference will feature education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. The cost to attend is $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration required. Register online.
ONGOING
Presidential Debates Schedule: The first Presidential Debate was held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 in Miami, Florida. The final Presidential Debate will be held Thursday, Oct. 22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Each debate will air from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC, among others. All the major news networks will offer a free live stream, as will YouTube and Twitter. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast at 89.1, or stream the audio here, on the HPR mobile app, or on a smart speaker.Watch the Oct. 5 Debate between Mayoral Candidates Ikaika Marzo and Mitch Roth on Nā Leo TV, Spectrum Channel 54, online at naleo.tv/channel-54/, or via the free Nā Leo mobile app.
Apply for Expanded Hawaiʻi County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program. RMAP partners encourage Hawaiʻi Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. The previous grant limit was $1,000 per month. RMAP applicants must also have a current annual household income at or below 140 percent of area median income for the number of members in their household – $81,760/yr. for one person, $126,000 for five.
Payments are made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
Hawai‘i Community Lending and Hawai‘i County have modified RMAP to address barriers for applicants, application processing, and how to encourage more residents to apply. Other changes include reimbursement for payments made with personal resources, such as savings, credit cards, personal loans, or assistance from family or friends. In addition, households who entered into a forbearance or payment agreement with their mortgage lender or landlord for payments that were due between March and December 2020 may now be eligible. Residents who previously applied to RMAP and were rejected are encouraged to reapply.
RMAP nonprofit partners are: Hawaiian Community Assets/Hawaiʻi Community Lending, www.HawaiianCommunity.net, 808-934-0801; HOPE Services Hawaiʻi, www.hopeserviceshawaii.org/rmap, 808-935-3050; Hawai‘i First Federal Credit Union, www.hawaiifirstfcu.com/pathways, 808-933-6600; Neighborhood Place of Puna, www.neighborhoodplaceofpuna.org/coronavirus-rent-mortgage-relief, 808-965-5550; Hawai‘i Island Home for Recovery, www.hihrecovery.org/RMAP, 808-640-4443 or 808-934-7852; Habitat for Humanity Hawai‘i Island, www.habitathawaiiisland.org/rmap.html, 808-450-2118.
Coffee Growers are urged to take a survey on how the pandemic is affecting them by Hawaiʻi Coffee Association. Take the survey here.
Micronesian-Language COVID-19 Helpline offered by We Are Oceania. Receive answers to questions about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, quarantine, health insurance, housing, unemployment, and other related questions, for those Micronesians who do not speak English. COVID-19 questions can be asked 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily. Other questions about health insurance, housing, or unemployment, helpline available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WAO helpline: (808) 913-1364. Watch the video here.
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.
Learn How to Practice Self-Care through Big Island Substance Abuse Council's Practice Self-Care Series. In partnership with Hawai‘i Department of Health, the program seeks to "remind the community that now more than ever, it's important to be gentle with yourself. Be present, limit the amount of news and media, listen to your body, and most importantly, ask for help if you need it. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges, please reach out to friends and family for support, and seek professional help for serious or persistent symptoms."
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.
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The State of covidexemption@hawaii.gov 5 days prior to arrival. For a sample request letter visit: https://www.rd.hawaiicounty.gov |
Student Athletes of Kaʻū High interested in participating in athletics during the 2020-2021 school year are encouraged to call Athletic Director Kalei Namohala at 313-4161 to sign up for the Student Athlete Google Classroom.
COVID-19 Talk Story on Nā Leo TV series aims to help deliver accurate and current information to Hawaiʻi Island residents. Airs live Thursdays at 10 a.m. at 10 a.m. on Spectrun Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, and streaming via the Nā Leo's free mobile app. Watch all episodes on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.
Sign Up for ‘Imiloa's Hālau Lamakū Place- and Culture-based Fall Enrichment Program at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo. Held for seven weeks, Oct. 19 through Dec.4, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except holidays.
The program offers "fun, engaging and educational activities, crafts, games, outdoor exploration, and observations grounded in Hawaiian culture, science, math, and art. Explorations from deep ocean to deep space, and everything in between – all from ‘Imiloa's facilities and outdoor gardens. Enrollment limited to seven pods for K-5th grade students with one instructor, one assistant, and up to eight participants, who will remain together for all seven weeks. Participant's required synchronous and asynchronous school distance learning needs will be addressed. Students will bring their own lunch, two snacks, and two bottled water each day.
Cost per member child is $695; registration starts Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 a.m. Non-member cost per child is $995; registration starts Friday, Oct. 2 at 8 a.m. Enrollment open through Oct. 7, first-come, first-served. Scholarship applications are open; proof of financial need required. See imiloahawaii.org/halau-lamaku to register, apply for a scholarship, become a member, and find out more.
Resilience Hub at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji, Monday-Wednesday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Drop-in wifi and laptop access, free meals for participating keiki. Follows all county, state, and federal COVID-19 guidelines. For more info, contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.
Nominate Businesses that Provide Excellent COVID-19 Safety Precautions for a Gold Star. Submit nominations to County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development here. Find help for small businesses here.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, available from Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island 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.
32nd Annual The Trash Show Hawaiʻi: Artists Recycle open through Halloween, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at East Hawaiʻi Cultural Center, 141 Kalakaua St. in Hilo. Features The TrashFace Collection by Volcano Artist Ira Ono. To attend, all visitors are required to wear a face mask, maintain six-foot social distancing, no physical contact when greeting people, a maximum of ten people in the gallery, and encouraging anyone who feels ill to stay home. See more art from Ono at Volcano Garden Arts & Café Ono, 19-3834 Old Volcano Rd., www.volcanogardenarts.com, www.cafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.org.
Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here. 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
One-Time 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.
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
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, ʻO Kaʻū Kākou Market, in Nāʻālehu, open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon . Limit of 50 customers, 25 vendor booths, with 30 feet of space between vendors. Masks and hand sanitizing are required, social distancing 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. facebook.com/OKauKakouMarket
ʻOhana Help Desk offers online How-To Guides fo
Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. O
Apply for Holomua Hawaiʻi Relief Grants for small businesses and nonprofits of up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe on-going and reopening costs, personal protective equipment, and training and technical assistance. The business or nonprofit must employ 50 people or fewer. See the program website.
Free Book Exchanges, at laundromats in Ocean View and Nāʻālehu, provided by Friends of the Kaʻū Libraries. Open to all. Keep the books, pass them on to other readers, or return them. Selection of books 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 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. Complete webform here or call 808-933-6600. Contact Sharon Hirota at 808-961-8019 with questions.
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.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.
Free Job Training for workers displaced by COVID-19 is launched by the state for up to 650 workers. Using $10 million in federal CARES Act funds, Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism matches workers with companies in sectors such as conservation, renewable energy, agriculture, creative arts, aerospace, entrepreneurship, and STEM fields. The programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Eligible people are displaced workers, or recent high school or college graduates. There are two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. To learn more, go to https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.
Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, a resource developed by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs. 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.Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. The project will focus on repairing and/or replacement of critical infrastructure in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, and U.S. Geological Survey-operated facilities and equipment. Comments received are being considered and used for refining a design concept and developing the National Park Service and USGS's proposed action. Once the proposed action is developed, the NPS and USGS will seek additional community input through public scoping prior to the environmental analysis process, tentatively planned for early 2021. View the Civic Engagement and Comment Analysis Report here.
Coffee Farmers and Producers of Other Agricultural Products encouraged to apply to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program through Dec. 11. Coffee included; see funding updates and resources hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.
Local Ag Producers can Sign Up for a Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island. Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, in partnership with County of Hawai‘i and non-profit entities, has developed a program to purchase product from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. The Food Basket and other channels will distribute the products. Learn more.
Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website for more information and to register.
Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System, and the role seed plays in human health and nutrition, is the focus of a recent blog post from Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network. In It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.
Receive Free Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19 from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class. 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.
Find Rangeland Management Resources at globalrangelands.org/state/hawaii. The site offers access to current research, industry news, educational events, and more about rangeland management in Hawaiʻi. The website is maintained by the University of Hawai'i College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Service. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.
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 San Luis Obispo .
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