About The Kaʻū Calendar

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Ka‘ū News Briefs, Thursday, October 22, 2020

Missy Powell, of Wood Valley, signed up to be a U.S. census field worker in Pāhala, The census ended last week.
Read, below, about the response and the state going to court.  Photo by Julia Neal


WATCH THE FINAL PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE on PBS.org. See the civil discussion, with moderator NBC's Kristen Welker, managing the contenders. It drew viewership of more than 57 million across the country.

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A KULEANA CAMPAIGN FILM IS BEING PROMOTED TO VISITORS by Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority. Released this week, the video – asking tourists to wear a mask, wash their hands, keep six feet apart, and share aloha with fellow travelers and residents – also shows native Hawaiians surfing, dancing hula and in other cultural practices. See the film at https://vimeo.com/442897954/f79360d1c5
    Among those featured is Sabra Kauka, who narrated the Saving Kaʻū's Coast film, helped lead gatherings of kūpuna leaders to Kaʻū from around the islands, and led youth groups to stay here, explore, and learn more about their culture. 
Sabra Kauka, cultural practitioner, who has worked in Ka’u, is featured 
in the new Kuleana video produced by Hawai’i Tourism Authority. 

    
A statement from Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, now led by Hawaiʻi Island resident John De Fries,  says "Kuleana means responsibility, and it's the personal and collective commitment to the people of Hawaiʻi and the place we call home." HTA and co-sponsor Hawaiʻi Visitor & Convention Bureau sent the video to airlines, hotels, and activity partners to share with their customers within email confirmations, inflight, in-room, and on property, as available. When visitors log in to their Facebook and Instagram accounts, the video will pop up on their feeds while they're in Hawaiʻi through geo-targeting technology, according to HTA.
    "Building on the health and safety messaging of the Kuleana video, in a few weeks, HTA and HVCB will also launch the Mālama Hawaiʻi Campaign in key West Coast source markets. It will encourage potential travelers to Mālama Hawaiʻi – to take care of our Earth, ourselves, and each other. The Mālama Hawaiʻi video will let visitors know that, while now is the time to explore and rejuvenate, it's also a time to learn and to responsibly participate in unique experiences that give back to Hawaiʻi," says the HTA statement. It also says that the message behind the Kuleana video is that "It's more than where you go. It's how you stay."

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THE 2020 CENSUS WRAPPED UP WITH 99.9 PERCENT OF HAWAIʻI HOUSEHOLDS COUNTED, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which made the announcement on Wednesday. Sixty-one percent of Hawaiʻi residents responded to the census by phone, mail, or online. On this island the response rate was 49.7 percent, which is lower than Hawaiʻi County's response in 2010. The rest of the households were counted by on-the-ground census field workers, walking door-to-door, wearing COVID-protection facemaks.
    The Census Bureau announced that nationwide 99.9 percent of households were counted in 49 states. Hawaiʻi was among states demanding that census collecting continue until the end of this month as scheduled. Hawaiʻi and other states went to federal court, claiming that stopping fieldwork on Oct. 15 would prevent a more accurate count. The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could end census-taking Oct. 15.
    The analysis of the 2020 Census data may go into early next year before results are released. The report will help determine districting for election of U.S. House of Representatives members and allotment of federal funds across the country, by income, population, need for economic development, and other reasons determined through census data.
    See more on conclusion of the 2020 census-taking across the country here.

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THE FIRST WEEK OF TRANSPACIFIC PASSENGERS TO THIS ISLAND, with quarantine exemptions, has brought in 5,013 people.
    Wednesday's arrivals were less than Sunday's but more than Tuesday's. On Wednesday, the number arriving at Kona was 552, compared to Honolulu's 3,095, Maui's 1,040, and Kauaʻi's 487. 
    On Tuesday, the number arriving at Kona was fewer than all other counties. The total was 469, compared to Honolulu's 3,078, Maui's 1,068, Kauaʻi's 479.
    The total arrival to the state Monday was 5,105, with 1,650 saying they were here for vacation, 1,071 returning residents, 987 visiting friends and family, 414 airline crew, 185 other business, 164 military or federal government, 164 intended residents, 122 essential workers, 76 "other," 38 on honeymoon, 11 to attend school, seven on incentive trips, seven to "get married," and three for corporate meetings. Transiting passengers totaled 205.

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AN INCREASE IN SYPHILIS CASES IN HAWAIʻI is of concern to the state Department of Health, which released a statement today. DOH reports that cases in newborns and women increased over the last four years. DOH Chief of the Communicable Disease & Public Health Nursing Division, Glenn Wasserman, said, "While we know everyone's current attention is focused on preventing the spread of COVID-19, we must also pay close attention to syphilis because of the potential health effects, especially for developing babies. Syphilis is preventable and easily treatable when diagnosed early."
    DOH notes that adult onset of syphilis is very infections, but can be treated. Later stages can lead to brain, heart, vision and other problems, and lead to an early death.
    Before birth, keiki can receive the disease through the womb from their mothers, leading to death or premature birth with low weight, deformities, anemia, and nervous system, including brain, damage. There are 11 likely cases so far this year in Hawaiʻi, after zero to two confirmed cases each year from 2000 to 2016, and three to four each year in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Syphilis is sexually transmitted between adults and protection comes from using condoms with any type of sex or maintaining a monogamous relationship. It is easily treated in early stages but treatment of its devastating effects and people age with the disease can be very difficult.
    
The health department is alerting health care providers to be vigilant for cases of syphilis in women and during pregnancy, emphasizing recommendations for diagnosing and treating cases, re-emphasizing treatment of partners to prevent re-infection, and providing follow up for patients and infants.
    Information on syphilis infections in Hawai‘i, as well as screening and treatment recommendations are available here.

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OCEAN VIEW COMMUNITY CENTER LIBRARY NEW HOURS as of Saturday, Oct. 31 are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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FREE DRIVE-THRU CANDY GIVEAWAY at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween Day, starting at 3 p.m. Each keiki will receive a bag, and kids in costume "may get a little something extra," says the announcement.

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NEW COVID DEATH TOLL ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND IS 41, including one reported yesterday by Hilo Life Center. The total reported since the pandemic began: seven at Hilo Life Center, one at Kona Community Hospital, six at Hilo Medical Center, and 27 at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home. Hawaiʻi Island's death toll, as reported by the county, is 40 since the pandemic began. Some Hawaiʻi Island deaths are not officially reported by the state. At least 206 people have died in the state, according to state records, three new today, all on Oʻahu. 
    Hawaiʻi County reports 29 new COVID-19 cases today. New cases reported statewide today total 102, with 55 on Oʻahu, and 18 in Maui County, 16 of those on Lanaʻi. 

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

areas have populations less than 1,000. White is zero cases.

Yellow is one to 10 cases. Light orange is 11-50 cases. Dark

orange is 51-200 cases. Department of Health map

    
Since the pandemic began, Hawaiʻi Island reported 1,120 cases. There are at least 13 people hospitalized on Hawaiʻi Island with the virus.
    There have been 14,335 COVID cases in the state. Department of Health reports 11,232 people of those infected have completed isolation. There are about 2,900 active cases in isolation.
    Oʻahu reports 12,669 cases, Maui County 435, and Kauaʻi 60. Fifty victims are residents diagnosed while out-of-state. Statewide, 1,045 people have been hospitalized since the pandemic began.
    No new cases have been reported in the last 28 days for Volcano zip codes 96785 and 96718, and Kaʻū zip code 96772. In the last 28 days, less than ten active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96777, and 96704, which includes Miloliʻi.
    In the last 28 days, 18 active cases have been reported in Kaʻū zip code 96737. In Hilo zip code 96720, 64 cases have been reported in the last 28 days. In Kona zip code 96740, 108 cases have been reported in the last 28 days.
    Hawaiʻi Island police continue enforcement of preventative policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings. While on patrol, police officers will provide face coverings to people they encounter who do not have one.
    See the Hawaiʻi County COVID-19 webpage. Request travel exemptions for critical infrastructure and medical travel here. 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 8,399,689 – about 20 percent of worldwide cases. The death toll is more than 222,940 – about 19.5 percent of worldwide deaths. Worldwide, there are more than 41.56 million COVID-19 cases. The death toll is more than 1,135,229.

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
Live Online Event Hōkūleʻa: The Revival Begins, 1975-1980, Friday, Oct. 23, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Free 13th annual wayfinding talk story session presented by ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and the Ama Olukai Foundation will focus on the history of the Polynesian Voyaging Society's formative years leading up to the iconic voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa. Register for a chance to ask questions of the presenters at imiloahawaii.org.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United Annual Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m. via Zoom, meeting code 450 691 6693. No password. Attend by phone at (669) 900-6833, code 450 691 6693#. Delegates elect HFUU president, and adopt policies and bylaw amendments. Nominations for president due by Friday, Oct. 30 or at meeting; send to Nominations Committee Chair, David S. Case, at casedavids@gmail.com. Policy proposals and bylaw amendments requested from Chapters and individual members; send by e-mail by noon, Sunday, Oct. 25 to HFUU Policy Chair, Saleh Azizi at azizi.saleh@gmail.com and Case. Review and comment on proposals from Friday, Oct. 30. Enjoy world-class educational and musical presentations Nov. 12, 13, and 14. See hfuuhi.org.

Give Input on Hawaiʻi 2050 Sustainability Plan Update by State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning through Oct. 28. Public invited to participate in online sessions to learn about plan and contribute to the revision process. Free; advance registration required. Register online.

Free Drive-Thru Candy Giveaway at Ocean View Community Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, Halloween Day, starting at 3 p.m. Each keiki will receive a bag and kids in costume "may get a little something extra," says the announcement.

Ocean View Community Center Library New Hours as of Saturday, Oct. 31 are Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free Courses and Certifications for Hawaiʻi Residents through Coursera 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 skillsView more.

Give Input of Pandemic on Small Businesses to Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center through Oct. 31. 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. Responses 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. Secure ballot dropbox located in Nāʻālehu Police Station at 95-5355 Māmalahoa Hwy 24 hours a day, until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Election Day. See other locations here. 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 15th year of the festival features 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 Saturday, Nov. 7. The event, held outside from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., helps raise funds for OVCC and benefit local artists and crafters. Booths $8 for a 10' x 10' space, tents not provided. Free admission for attendees. Face masks required for all. Contact organizer Helen McCullough at 808-209-9204 or hmccullough.1@gmail.com.

PETFIX and Hawaiʻi Rainbow Ranger Spay and Neuter Clinic for Dogs Saturday, Nov. 7 in Ocean View. Microchips available. For information and to register, call 808-990-3548 or email petfixbigisland@gmail.com.


Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund Public Cleanup Events Sunday, Nov. 15, cleanup and survey; and Saturday, Dec. 19, cleanup. Groups sizes limited due to COVID-19 precautions and government proclamations. 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.

Veteran Farmers can register for virtual Farmer Veteran Coalition Conference: Veterans Farming through Adversity held Nov. 18 and 19, Wednesday and Thursday. Features education, workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. $45 ($35 for coalition members). Advance registration requiredRegister online.

Hawaiian Islands Challenge Virtual Run through Dec. 31. Registration closes Nov. 30. Individuals or teams can register to traverse some or all of 808 kilometers on six different courses, one on each main island. Register here

ONGOING
Presidential Debates: The first Presidential Debate was held Tuesday, Sept. 29. The single Vice Presidential Debate was held Wednesday, Oct. 7. The second Presidential Debate was canceled. The final Presidential Debate was held Thursday, Oct. 22. Each debate is carried by major news networks, YouTube, Twitter, and more. Listen to the Hawaiʻi Public Radio broadcast on the HPR mobile app or 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.

Virtual Workshops on Hawaiʻi's Legislative Processes through Public Access Room. Sign up by contacting (808) 587-0478 or par@capitol.hawaii.gov. Ask questions and discuss all things legislative in a non-partisan environment. Attend Coffee Hour with PAR: Fridays at 3 p.m. on Zoom, meeting ID 990 4865 9652 or click https://zoom.us/j/99048659652. PAR staff will be available to answer questions and to discuss the legislative process. Anyone wanting to listen in without taking part in discussions is welcome. Learn more at https://lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room.

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. Payments made directly to landlords, property managers, or mortgage lenders. Approved applicants also have access to financial counseling services.
    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. (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. For additional series that feature refreshing wellness tips, follow the Behavioral Health & Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group on Facebook.

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

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.

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. Contact Michelle Galimba, 808-430-4927.

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, questions and feedback, and more. Go to KHPES website for Live WebEx link.

Register for Boys & Girls Club Mobile Outreach and Tutoring Programs here. Registration does not guarantee a spot in the program. A staff member will reach out to eligible families for keiki grades 1-6, 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 or info@bgcbi.org.

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. on Spectrum Channel 53, online at naleo.tv/channel-53/, streaming on Nā Leo's free mobile app, and on-demand at naleo.tv/covid19.

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.

Sign Up for Solid Waste Operations Alerts here for 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. Face coverings required when usher comes to vehicle to pass out 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, here, 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 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. Gallery in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, open Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Virtual Shopping Appointments offered via Skype or FaceTime. Book at volcanoartcenter.org/shop for $5. Shop online gallery 24/7. Orders shipped or free local pickup available. See the VAC 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 Kūpuna808b-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

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.comwww.cafeono.net, 967-7261. For more information go to ehcc.org

Ocean View Community Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays, 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 mandatory. 100-person limit, social distancing required. Gate unlocked for vendors at 5:30 a.m., $15 dollars, no reservations needed. Parking in upper lot only. Vendors must provide own sanitizer. Food vendor permits required. Carpooling encouraged.

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

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.

Choose Aloha for Home is available to families, to provide a healthy way to grow together using neuroscience and positive psychology. Program uses a series of self-guided videos, activities, and "dinner table discussion topics." Sign up here.

ʻOhana Help Desk
 offers online How-To Guides for Chromebooks and iPads here. ʻOhana Help Desk also available by phone, weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ocean View Mobile Learning Lab, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Jude's lower parking lot. 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.

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.

Pāhala and Nāʻālehu Public Libraries,
 open for wifi, pick-up, and other services. Nāʻālehu open Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pāhala open Tuesday, noon to 7 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Schedule a Library Take Out time at picktime.com/hspls. Open for library card account help and reference assistance from the front door. Wifi available to anyone with a library card from each library parking lot. librarieshawaii.org

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 Issuesthrough 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.

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. 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. Programs offer on-the-job training through Dec. 15, with wages starting at $13 to $15 an hour, health care benefits, and mentoring. Two different tracks in innovation or conservation sectors. See https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/blog/20-21/.

Learn About Hawaiʻi's History & Culture through Papakilo Database, papakilodatabase.com.

Read Report on Public Input about Disaster Recovery from damage during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. 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. See funding updates and resources for coffee growers, hawaiicoffeeassoc.org. See complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations at farmers.gov/cfap.

Program to Sell Produce and Meats on Hawaiʻi Island from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. Learn more.

Native Hawaiian Farmers and Ranchers urged to use U.S. Dept. of Ag On-Farm Market Directory. Visit the program website.

Read About Seed Biodiversity for Hawaiʻi's Local Food System in It all Begins...and Ends with Seed, where Education and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Redfeather shares her insights. Read the blog.

Marketing Assistance, for small businesses affected by COVID-19, from Univeristy of Hawaiʻi-Hilo faculty and their senior class at 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. Subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates.

Begin Learning Basics of Organic Farming, via free modules.


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